The character traits of Keisha on VH1’s Single Ladies probably make you think LisaRaye had little research to do in order to land this role, but she begs to differ.

LisaRaye sat down with TV One at the Essence Music Festival, which premieres Sept.5 @8pm(ET), and discussed upcoming projects, her daughter Kai and VH1’s Single Ladies.

LisaRaye says she had to use her acting expertise for the role of Keisha.

“Keisha has this philosophy that she feels about dating, she’s not gonna’ step up to the plate first,” she says, “LisaRaye doesn’t really feel that way. I’m gonna’ step up to the plate.”

Both women are sassy, authoritative and wealth-driven, but it turns out, they have more differences outside of their choice of wardrobe colors.