Trey Songz
Trey Songz (born Tremaine Aldon Neverson) would appear to have a one-track mind. I Invented Sex, No Clothes On and Ur Behind are just a few racy song names from his previous three albums. Indeed, many compare Songz to R. Kelly.
But with his new album, Passion, Pain & Pleasure, the 25-year-old Virginian is charting a different course that includes introspection, loneliness and intimacy. And, who's kidding whom: much more musical foreplay.
In a phone interview from Los Angeles, the surprisingly soft-spoken R&B artist gets to the bottom of what he does best: "panty-dropping love songs."
How would you describe your state of mind this morning: passion, pain or pleasure?
This morning? I'm happy. So I guess pleasure. We did a great record last night with Puff [producer/artist Sean Combs] We have a Target event later today, and it was a great week.
You wrote or co-wrote all the songs on your new album. How many are based on real-life experiences?
A lot of them are real-life experiences. Others, I've pulled from friends who've been in those situations. I'm taking from my experiences and adding the emotions of others so that I can make [the songs]about something that all people have experienced.
There's a particularly X-rated clip of you online from a recent concert. For anyone who hasn't seen it, you appear to be getting intimate with an imaginary woman. Was that a one-off performance?
I haven't seen the clip but I know about it. I've been doing it every night on tour.
Is there anything that you consider sexually taboo … musically speaking?
It's only important that I stay authentic to myself. If I cross a line, it only means that it's not a genuine representation of who I am.
Explain the photo in the liner notes that shows you in bed with three women.
The illest thing about that shot is if you look closely, you'll see I'm very detached. The fun is over and I'm there and everyone is asleep, and I'm left with a lot on my mind. That's part of the emptiness that sometimes comes with being a star.
What do you want to say to people who think you're trying to dethrone R. Kelly?
If people think I'm trying to dethrone anyone, it's only because I'm only trying to be the best I can be.
Why do you think people enjoy sexy songs?
I think there's just something inside of us that loves them so much and I'm open to giving that. I say the things that most people are thinking.
Do you make a concerted effort to write songs that appeal to men, women or both?
Sometimes it's a thought process and sometimes it's just however the song feels. I think I'm singing to women and I'm a voice for men.
You've collaborated with Drake on a number of occasions. It's almost like you have a bromance going on.
Drake and I have been working together for a while - I think since 2007. We have a chemistry that's natural when we work together; we have a similar ear for harmonies and melodies.
You recently recorded an MTV Unplugged record - was it a good experience?
It was a great. It takes artists to a different stage in their career, and there have been great artists who have done it before me - Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Nirvana. So for me to be included in the group - that was a blessing.
Although the new album doesn't focus on sex exclusively, on one of the tracks, you say, "It wouldn't be me if I didn't get a little nasty." Will Trey Songz always be a little nasty?
It's a part of the music I make, even from the first album. So yes, there will always be some sensual or sexual display on my records.
How do you define your own success?
For me, it's all about what makes that person happy. I don't think it can be determined by what anyone else thinks you've done - record sales or awards - no one can determine success but you. I feel I've been successful for a while; success for me was when I started taking care of my mother.
Is she proud of you?
More than you will ever know.
This interview has been condensed and edited.