Just as the 4th season has recently ended for VH1's Basketball Wives, we had the opportunity of catching up with Patrice Curry. Curry joined the franchise this season, and as most know, is married to former NBA player Eddie Curry. Without a doubt, Patrice is perfect for our magazine and the message we often aim to push within our articles, interviews, and features. As the title suggests, she is defiantly giving us a new reality. With much of reality television today, and definitely the Basketball Wives franchise, there is an endless supply of drama delivered in each gut-punching episode. Clearly, it sells rather well, and there's a large number of people who are interested in that sort of thing. At the same time, there's an equal, if not larger, number of people who are interested in seeing something more. Frankly, the drama, fighting, high school name-calling, and all else becomes a bit tired after a while. I think that's what makes Patrice's story a little different, and a little more enjoyable. Obviously, she's had her own level of drama in her life over the years, but as you can sense in the few episodes we saw her in, along with reading our conversation, she's arrived at a place that doesn't require the negativity. She's in a happy place, and working to build multiple brands that will ultimately elevate her to greater heights. One would think that would be the goal for all parties involved, but that seemingly ends up not being the case most of the time.
Patrice and I had an awesome conversation, and we talked about a variety of things, starting with this season of BBWLA, and leading into the many projects and ventures she and Eddie are tackling. We also talk about her ability to open up to the world about Eddie's infidelity, and how she was able to move forward and rebuild her marriage to what it is today. She gave is her reality, one that while there are other's who experience it, it's still new in the sense that she's bringing it to us with class. Continue scrolling down to read the full exclusive right here at Urban Grandstand Digital!
Urban Grandstand Digital: Thank you so much for your time. It’s nice to be able to catch up with you on so many levels. You’ve got a variety of things happening for you. I truly appreciate you today… There’s so many things I want to cover with you today. I especially want to talk about brand. It only makes sense for us to talk a little about BBW because right now, this is where many of your new fans and followers are seeing you. What we won’t do it get into the fights and things of that nature. We definitely like to stay on a trail of positivity. I think that at this stage of the game, you have a brand that you not only want to push, but more importantly maintain. Not even to knock the show in any way because it definitely has it’s entertainment value, but seeing the past seasons and the level of intensity regarding drama, what prompted you to take part in the series for the 4th season?
Patrice Curry: I honestly just wanted to be the change in what I was seeing. I was hoping that my presence would be enough for me to be there and interact with the ladies, while bringing something different to the show. That was my objective. I really did it because I am working on branding myself, and thought it would be a good platform for me to get started.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I’ve looked at reality television in so many different ways, and my mindset has been the same in a sense. I felt it would be nice to have something different, in a way that deflects from the drama you see, and be that change. On the same token, did you feel people would take to that, or your personality?
Patrice Curry: I think that I was hopeful. I have it to God, and talked to him about it. I felt like if it was supposed to be for me, then it would be for me. I can’t control the way people see me or perceive me, or even how they fell about me. I can only be myself, and hopeful that someone finds appreciation in that. My objective was to help another woman who was in a similar situation as me. I wish I had the help when I was going through it. It’s a tough situation, but I’m not the first woman to go through it, and I won’t be the last until society changes. I don’t know if it ever will. I was just trying to help someone else out by using my story to give them a boost and let them know you can get through anything.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think that’s true, and it’s good. A lot of people appreciate the way you were able to let people into your life and allow them to see your truth, regardless of what it was. The fact that you opened up and shared about the infidelity was major. How difficult was it for you to share it?
Patrice Curry: You know, at this stage in my life it wasn’t difficult to share it at all. There were times that I was filming and talking to the girls about things, and of course this was cut out, but there were times that I was crying in my talks, or feeling my pain on some levels and thinking of where I had come from and where I was. It has its ups and downs, but I knew I was using it to give God the glory and not just to get fame out of it. If someone can take from what I was saying and use it to get to the next level, that was my objective. I had a good response from people, and I feel like I did that. Even if it only touched one person, one is more than none.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I would think it was equally as difficult bring the kids into the light, especially consider Eddie’s son who was obviously conceived through the infidelity. How do you feel this has affected him, and most importantly, do you think that it has helped in any way?
Patrice Curry: The kids weren’t around during the filming process much of the time. That part was showing that we are still a family. It was more fun stuff for them. They don’t deal with adult issues. We try to keep them out of grown folk’s business, so to speak. They are not affected in that way. They are big kids, and they do see television. They do ask questions, although Basketball Wives isn’t a show that I allow them to watch. It didn’t hurt them. They like the spotlight, and they had a good time.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think visibly, people saw that you weren’t involved in every episode. Was that intentional, or how did it play out regarding your involvement.
Patrice Curry: When I started filming, I was supposed to be a full time cast member, and as it went on, my husband decided he didn’t want to do anymore. The show didn’t want me without him, so that’s how that worked out. I guess had I been more active, and more troublesome maybe, they would have felt differently. I feel like I’ve come a long way in life. I used to be a hot head, and I have worked hard to balance the out. I didn’t feel the need to go back. I didn’t really have anyone coming at me for it to be an issue. It’s hard to fight when there’s no-one fighting with you. I would have loved to be on longer to share more, because it’s a lot left out, but it is what it is.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think a lot of people appreciate the direction you came from. I know you’ve seen reality television, and you knew of BBW prior. The drama obviously sells, and a lot of people like it, but there’s an equal amount of people who want to see more than that. They want to see people capitalize the way they should, go to the next level, and build their brands. You’re showing people there’s more to reality TV and they’ve been able to see your true life.
Patrice Curry: Oh, well that’s good. I’m glad to hear that. I was a little worried. Thing would come across in how I was perceived. I know it’s not for everybody. I am in no way promoting that if you’re being cheated on, staying in that relationship and working it out. That’s not what I’m saying, but we were both very young. We were both growing and learning. He was fresh out of high school and into the league. You can’t hold people hostage by their past when they have asked for forgiveness, and they are changed and being a better person. We had a lot of rocky times but we persevered. We got through it, and there were times I hated him and wasn’t bothered with him. We weren’t together going strong the entire time. I hope it didn’t come off the I was just at home twittling my thumbs while he did his thing. It was never that, but the heart wants what it wants. I believe that the fact I had children with this man meant I at least needed to put forth the effort to try and keep them as one, and keep us together. I don’t take marriage lightly. I tried to do what I could do and fight through it. If he were still the same, it would be a different story that you saw.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Now in terms of the show, do you see yourself returning since it has been renewed?
Patrice Curry: I’m not coming back. He definitely does not want to return and I have to respect that. They don’t want me alone, so I won’t be back on the show. I am working on other things. A lot of me got list in the translation as far as the show went. I do a lot of things. I’m a very creative person. I write, and I have a children’s book. I’m currently translating to Spanish so I can market it to the hispanic community, who has a lot of the same issues as a lot of us, as far as losing a loved one. I’m writing another book, and my husband and I are writing a book together. I had a meeting last week with an entertainment company. We’re working on some TV shows that I’ve written. I’m working on getting things going. I’ve been a mother all this time, and my youngest just started attending school this year. I knew that once the show aired, I could hit the pavement running, and not have to worry about my children. That had a lot to do with why I wasn’t doing as much as I could. I felt like my responsibility was to raise my children and not have someone else doing it. My mother is deceased, so it’s not like I had her to help me. We’re in talks of doing our own reality series, being a family show that is something positive. There will be times of course, where the kids are arguing, or we’re arguing. It’s real life, so I’m sure there’s plenty of entertainment, but just not on a level where families can’t watch it together.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s good. You obviously have a few shows like that and are more positive, but there’s a lot of room for more. There’s a lot of people who really want to see it. People will look forward to that.
Patrice Curry: I’m excited about it. I haven’t told the kids yet. You tell them something, and they don’t stop talking about it. I’m excited though, and we’re ready to move forward.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I’m glad you mention your other ventures, because you also do art. You have a lot of beautiful pieces the you’ve been putting on Instagram. Obviously, this is something you love doing and it speaks to you in a particular way, given the fact you don’t sell your artwork. In what way does it help you in relieving stress? Do you see yourself eventually selling them?
Patrice Curry: Well, I sold a few of them. It’s really hard to sell them though. I need to detach myself from them. My brother is a drummer her in LA. He and a friend of his made an album. It’s a 10-LP collection. I’m working on my tenth painting. We’re going to have an artist talk where we sit, invite a small amount of people, let them vibe off the music and talk about it. I like artsy stuff like that. Those images I will sell. I have about 10 that are like my personal ones, and maybe another 5 that I will sell as well. I’m working on it. I like them se much I don’t want to get rid of them, but I will. I just have to move forward with it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It shows the amount of talent you have. People who have seen it really love it. That’s why I questioned you selling them. U can understand and appreciate you not wanting to get rid of them because of how personal they become.
Patrice Curry: Well, it’s time though. The whole point in the exhibit is for me to set the platform and begin selling them. I’m ready. I have one painting left. I sew also. I just went to Jesse Jackson’s birthday celebration last week, and the dress I wore there, I made it. Some of the things I filmed in I made. I like to walk in the room and look different. I don’t like following trends so to speak. We may body scrubs at home, and I do a lot of arts and crafts.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I’m glad people see this side of you. It’s a great way to really step aside from the typical drama we see, and see the depth of you and your career.
Patrice Curry: I agree. It’s going to happen. I’m working on it. I wish I could sing because i would be doing that too (laughing). For now, we’re doing our reality show. You’ll see how i train my daughters, and how I get on the boys about not doing all the things they could do to use their God-given talents to be greater. I definitely am trying to live by example when it comes to them. The point of moving forward with a lot of projects is I see my children are older now and they see me as an example. I’m trying to be a positive example for them and anyone who is looking. I’m looking forward to all of the doors that are opening, and I’m ready.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Where can the world check you out online? Aside from social media, is there a website?
Patrice Curry: No. I need to work on that. My cousin was yelling at me the other day about it. I had one, but nobody was checking for me. I felt like it was a waste of time. I’m going to work on it again. Right now, I’m just on social media. Instagram and Twitter are @thepatricecurry. I’m on Facebook as Patrice Curry. That’s it. I don’t know how to use snapchat, so I can….
Urban Grandstand Digital: Social media has worked extremely well for you though. They serve the purpose for you.
Patrice Curry: I appreciate the people who do check for me. I really do. It has grown since the show. I do a lot of talking about God and sharing what I learn at church for the week. Everyone doesn’t walk with that, But I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there any final comments, or words of encouragement that you want to offer?
Patrice Curry: I just want to tell everyone that God Got It, and don’t give up. What ever is supposed to be is going to be, and just keep pushing.
