K. Michelle has never been a star to hide behind a smoke screen. Through all her performances–whether on stage or on reality TV–K has always been transparent, inviting her fans into the good and bad portion of her life. After defying all of the critics’ expectations with her debut LP, Rebellious Soul, the Tennessee-born chanteuse is now focusing on touring and adjusting to New York City life.

We caught up with the “V.S.O.P” singer to talk about the success of her debut album, dining in NYC and why she enlisted Sevyn Streeter for the upcoming tour.

See more after the jump! – Alley Olivier

What were your expectations when releasing Rebellious Soul?
K. Michelle: I just wanted to put out a good body of work. That’s what it was about. I just wanted to make sure that it was a great body of work, great music and that people really got to understand me as a musician.

What was one thing you wanted most for them to understand?
K. Michelle: That I just tell it like it is. I sing about life and I don’t really sugar coat life because life isn’t sugar coated. So I just sing about what’s important to me, what I’m going through and I know a lot of other people go through it. So that was just the biggest thing for them to get the raw reality of real situations.

When you saw that it had hit #2 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on both the Urban Charts and Billboard top R&B/Hip-Hop albums – how did you feel?
K. Michelle: I was very excited. You know, a lot of people did not think [that could happen]. My album was even under-shipped. A lot of people did not think my album was going to sell like that. So my first week would’ve been even bigger. So it was a blessing and it was very shocking to people and to me but it was amazing.

Do you have a favorite track on Rebellious Soul?
K. Michelle: My two favorite songs are “Sometimes” and “Ride Out.”

Why those two?
K. Michelle: “Sometimes” because I wanted to do something old school, something classic that kind’ve had an Etta James feel to it. A little bit of doo-wop, something old to it and I love that record it’s so honest. A lot of emotional feeling went it to that recording. And “Ride Out,” man that record just gets me ready to be like ‘I don’t want to be with you no more.’ I love that record.

You are always very transparent about what you’re going through with your fans through Love and Hip Hop – can we expect the same raw, real K while you’re on tour?
K. Michelle: Oh, that’s even worst. That’s my time to shine. That’s my stage and on my stage it’s my rules. No one can tell me what goes on, on my stage and that tour will be a time for me to get out everything I need to say every night.

So it’s like performance therapy?
K. Michelle: Yes, yes it is.

What’s your relationship like with Sevyn Streeter?
K. Michelle: Sevyn’s a sweetheart. I don’t know a lot about Sevyn, she’s always very pleasant. What I wanted to do – she is my label mate – so I decided that I was going to, when taking someone out, I wanted this first one to just be about me. So I said when I take somebody out I just want this person to be somebody that I actually feel like is musical. So it was a lot of people but she was my label mate and I just wanted to take her because she is a great writer.

Can we look forward to any future collabs?
K. Michelle: We might.

What is your favorite city to perform in? Why?
K. Michelle: Home is always great but I love New York. All my New York shows always sell out. I love performing in New York.

What else can fans expect from you during your performances?

K. Michelle: Just to step it up. I think it’s time to put some order to my stage shows because it’s been all worked on emotions for so long and it will still be some emotional things going on within the tour but they’re just going to see a lot of great musicians and real good music.

What has your transition to living in New York full time been like?

K. Michelle: Some days I feel like I live here, some days I don’t because with moving I haven’t been home, I’ve been on the road. Usually I’m on the road from Thursday till Sunday night or Monday morning and then I’m rushing to go film or do interviews so I haven’t just been in the city yet. Even a week to just do nothing and be in the city. I do know that my place in Manhattan is too small. I’ve only been in there three months and I’m about to move again in two weeks. It’s time to go. I’ll be in Edgewater.

It’s not enough space?

K. Michelle: I love to cook, it’s a gorgeous apartment but I’m Southern and I need a big kitchen for Sunday dinners, you know what I’m saying? A big enough kitchen to move around in so that’s what I was able to find – an apartment with enough space.

So you haven’t had time to explore the city and find a favorite restaurant yet?

K. Michelle: No, look I’ve been asking everybody about restaurants. Everybody doesn’t seem to be able to tell me about good restaurants. My sister took me to my first Mexican spot and I love Mexican. It was Benny’s Burrito but I like hood spots –the Dos Caminos I don’t want this no boogie tacos. I don’t want that stuff. I did have Amy Ruth I do like the chicken but I really need to get into the food.

Is there anything you can say about what we can expect from you on the upcoming season of Love and Hip Hop NY?

K. Michelle: Nothing. The trailer came out and people were so excited saying I was going to take the show but that wasn’t my job. I’m focusing on my own show. I’m here and there. I’m not in every episode.

Any special guys you left behind in Atlanta?

K. Michelle: My son and my family I gotta go back and fourth but that’s it.

Anything else you’d like us to know?

K. Michelle: I’m just grateful, really grateful because my fans are the ones that fight for me. I’m very grateful and humble and happy to have them.