NEW YORK — Recording a new album for El DeBarge was an emotional experience.
“It’s been such a long time since I’ve done it,” DeBarge said Tuesday. “I cried a little bit because I was so joyful and happy about it.”
It’s been 16 years since DeBarge has released new music. He’s returned with “Second Chance,” his fifth solo album, which is out this week.
The 49-year-old said the tears were a result of him rediscovering his own musical abilities.
“I really wanted to know that I could still do it again and when I heard my voice I was just like, ‘Wow,”’ he said.
DeBarge made his comeback at this year’s BET Awards in June. He’s most-famous as the leader of the R&B clan, DeBarge, which featured his family members.
The performer, who was jailed for two years following a 2008 drug possession arrest, said he knew for a while that he wanted to release new music, but waited until he was clean.
“I just needed to get my willpower back and get off those drugs and get my strength back,” DeBarge said, who had been addicted to drugs for 22 years.
DeBarge wrapped up a national tour with Mary J. Blige in October and said he’s planning his own tour for 2011. He also said he’s getting into acting.
“I’m playing myself in a movie that’s coming out in 2011 called Jumping the Broom and I’m singing,” he said. “So I think it will spring off from there maybe to some acting.”