It happens every time he enters a room. It’s not just the expected whiplash inspired by the average celebrity sighting. It’s as if the temperature of the room changes. Girls don’t just gasp — they hold their breath. They don’t just stare, they stake him out. Posture improves. Backs arch. Tresses are tossed. Giggles climb an octave or two.
Trey Songz doesn’t make a dramatic entrance, though. He saunters into the Williamsburg studio quietly, fully aware of his affect on the xx population. His presence is more enigmatic than engaging. He knows you’re watching so he doesn’t need to flirt or fawn for attention. When he does offer you his palm, he looks directly into your eyes and commands your gaze until you bless him with a familiar blush.
And of course, you devour the tiny morsel of affection like it’s a five-course meal.
He’s a small dude. Not obnoxiously handsome or physically dazzling. His signature “I’m-too-sexy” pout seems a bit forced. And the 25-year-old is built more like a wrestler then a linebacker.
And still, there’s something about Trey…
Nope. We won’t do it. We refuse to utter The S-word as a lazy explanation for his “It-factor.” Instead, we conducted a careful case study and concluded that it comes down to three things: His mojo, his mystique, and his music.
I. MOJO
If you could jar pheromones and produce cologne from their essence, Trey would be doused in the stuff. Mojo is a charm so powerful that it’s considered magical.
Even though Trey is on his best behavior in light of the fallout from our last interview, he reeks of it. Even though his publicist chaperons this time around and promptly shuts down any sexy-time talk, Trey’s mojo hangs thick and heavy in the air. And yes, he insists on playing Sade as mood music for our interview in the telly suite…
Why do women love you?
I’m a lovable guy. You don’t think so? I’m confident. That exudes. Women like men who are confident. I’m humble and I was raised by women so I know what women like.
Confident yet humble?
Yes. Can you not be confident and humble at the same time?
Yes, but not arrogant. You don’t think you have any arrogance about you?
Most definitely. There has to be a sense of arrogance.
So you have a sense of arrogance, but are also very humble?
Yeah, well it exudes. I think that people see that.
The humility or the arrogance?
I think they see the humble as well. My fans see that.
Well, you definitely seem very confident in the “I Invented Sex” video…
I did a write up about it on my blog that explains where I got the concept. There’s a banned Calvin Klein commercial with a man with two women — a little more risqué, a little more raunchy — and there’s also an Eva Mendes Calvin Klein commercial; I kind of brought the two together. I knew Drake wasn’t going to be on this version, so I took that time to get sensual, to talk to the woman and make a new conversation piece. From here on out, with videos, with song structure, with everything — I’m trying to make it more like an event, more so than a motion, because everything in the music business usually moves clockwork. You got to do this, this way; this should be done, this way. I’m trying to think outside of the box with everything I do and make sure things are done in an innovative way that makes people look like ‘Ohhh… that’s different.’
Of all the guys in R&B you seem to be the sex symbol, clearly. We’ve even compared you to D’Angelo at his prime. What do you think of the comparison?
A comparison to D’Angelo?
Think about his “Untitled” video.
That’s the moment he became a sex symbol. Do we know the moment I became a sex symbol? No. There’s no significant moment where that happened for me. And there’s nothing that I really… maybe when I cut my hair, I don’t know. But for me, it’s never been something we chased after. The album cover was just showing the new me, showing that I’ve been working out, showing my hair is cut. If you look inside the packaging it’s showing the other side of the evolution where my suits are tailored, where — things of that nature — so, I don’t know if I would compare myself to D’Angelo in that way. But I definitely feel it. I definitely feel the sex symbol status.
So there was no point of climax for you? No “I’m grown” moment? Even if it just looks that way from where we stand?
There’s never a moment that takes you from a kid to a man. It happens over time. I’m a young man now and I’ll still learn more as I grow about how to be a man. I am a man, I am an adult, but you know, it’s life. Life changes, there are things you go through — on a personal and business level — that make that change evident.
II. MYSTIQUE
Trey knows when to work his mouth and when to slip out of the hot seat. He’s not a tease but he gives just enough to keep you whet. He doesn’t want you leaving completely satisfied so he straddles the line of full-disclosure and mystery. It’s his way of ensuring a chance to give a repeat performance. He’ll definitely keep you guessing; wondering if the things “they say” are true…
What is your biggest fault?
I wouldn’t tell my biggest fault.
Really?
Why would I tell my biggest fault? That’s like telling my weakness. Why would I?
To open yourself up to your fans…
I do, but I can’t give my whole life to my fans. Then the mystique is gone. If you know everything about someone, why would you continue to pursue that person?
The mystique — do you think that’s apart of it too?
Most definitely, that’s a part of any artistry. There has to be a mystique. In order for women to want me and kids to think I’m the coolest and men to want to be me, there has to be something about me that’s ‘wow.’ If you get rid of the ‘wow’ who cares?
What do you think of Twitter? I know you have a twitter account, but is it you actually twittering?
Yeah.
All the promo stuff is you?
Yeah. Most of the time it’s my ideas.
Ok, so do you use Twitter as a way to share your life or as a promotional vehicle for your fans? To keep them updated.
As an artist, I feel as though, I share a lot of my life anyway.
What do you mean?
Interviews, TV, Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, Ustream. As an artist, if I tweet right now I would be tweeting ‘Doing an interview, about to go to BET.” After BET I will be tweeting ‘I’m about going to a meeting.’ If I tweet things like that, it becomes promotional so I make sure that sometimes I mix and mingle the two. In a lot of ways, that’s what got me to where I am — as far as this album is concerned — because nobody expected me to sell the records. I did. It wasn’t calculated for. I didn’t have a record big enough to draw that many people, which is generally the way labels and the industry calculate how many records a person is going to sell. But for me, that can’t be calculated because I’ve done so much Internet stuff; the mixtapes, the Ustreams, the SayNow. The social networking is actually a way to get my fans closer to me and for them to have a relationship with me. While giving them, what sometimes is promotional, it’s only right that they get a piece of me. Why? Because it’s me that’s giving it. It’s not a label; it’s not a flier. It’s me promoting myself.
Craziest tweet from a fan?
Oh, man. TwitPics. I get the craziest TwitPics. Bathtubs and suds, all types of stuff — I follow a lot of my fans so my direct message inbox is always filled.
You do follow a lot of people. Isn’t it noisy — your timeline?
I generally don’t see my timeline. If I do check, it’s about 200 or 300 new messages. There’s really no way for me to follow anyone, but my fans like it when I follow them. I’m doing this thing on Ustream now — every Thursday in December, I’m giving away 500 dollars to the 25th caller who sings a Christmas song. A lot of the callers on the way to 25 want me to follow them on twitter.
III. MUSIC
Ready opens with: “This right here’s a panty-dropper.”
But after a Trey show, the stage is littered with as many panties as pacifiers. JK! But you have to admit, he does have a unique ability to appeal to grown-ass women with tracks like “Neighbors Know My Name” and “Say Ahh” (really?!) without alienating the 106th & Parkers who aren’t old enough to purchase a post-coital stogie. (As gag-worthy as it looks on the track-listing, “LOL Smiley Face” is a genius title.) With chest-pumping declarations like “I Invented Sex,” Honey recommends picking up some prophylactic as soon as you add Ready to your playlist…
How would you define this moment in your career? You had your debut [I Gotta Make It], your sophomore album [Trey Day] — of course, you were younger, kind of establishing yourself. Where would you say you are three albums in with Ready?
I’m still establishing myself, I would say. I’m opening myself up to a fanbase that never knew me so while my first album was the original introduction; the second album was probably a step further into introducing myself. I feel this album is still an introduction because it’s more people coming on board.
What do you mean?
I mean, there’s so much further it can go. No matter how much of a success this album is or how big the records are, I feel as though I’m scratching the surface of my potential with this album because the vision I had for myself is much bigger than that.
Where do you see yourself going after this?
It’s all forward progression. It’s only forward for me. If forward is bigger, better records — most definitely that. But, within moving forward, I plan to further establish my non-profit organization, Songz For Peace and touch people more. Do something with what I’ve taken in with my popularity, with my celebrity, as well as make records that touch people. I’ve got everyone’s attention now. There’s more people watching now.
When comparing yourself to other guys in R&B, who do you consider your competition?
I’m my own competition.
Who would you consider your peers in this game?
I wouldn’t.
Who’s the closest to where you are? Do you think you’re at a disadvantage at all, because you don’t dance?
No.
Have you ever feel pressured to be that? Because everyone else is?
I think that’s what makes me different. If you think back to the days when Marvin Gaye was out and the Temptations were out; they had choreography and Marvin had whatever he was doing, but it wasn’t choreographed moves. It was vibes. If you see one of my shows, I channel another energy that replaces what dancing would. I do plan to grow my show — not to say choreography or dancing will be apart of it — although that’s something I feel I can do, it’s not something I really wanted to do. It’s been mentioned before, but that’s not the man I am.
How do you bring the energy?
I mean it’s through the passion I put into it — from when I step on stage, to the faces I make to get the notes out, to my band, to the way the crowd feels. It’s almost as if I am acting out on a lot of the records and I urge myself to get better at it. I am a showman and I hope to display better showmanship as I grow. Pressure to dance? No.
There’s been a trend in R&B, like with The-Dream and Jeremih — their music and production emulates R. Kelly’s legacy. But I’m noticing with yours; it’s actually the quality of your voice that is reminiscent of R Kelly. How do you take those comparisons?
That comes from me listening to so much R. Kelly. Before I was even thinking to pursue music I would only listen to R. Kelly. That comes from me studying his music. Sometimes our tones are similar and sometimes the inflections I make with my voice is something that he would do, just because it’s my subconscious. And that’s not something that I try to do, it’s just something that is just there. To be compared to who I feel is the King of R&B has never been an insult. I’ve been compared to R. Kelly since my first album.
Have you heard his latest one? What do you think of it?
I think it’s good. I don’t think it’s great. I don’t think it’s amazing. It’s better than the last few albums he’s put out. He has some great records on there. I know I like six off top that I know all the words to right now.
Would you do a collaboration with him?
Most definitely.
Now that would be a track worth 12 plays. Not sure if there is enough room for Trey, Kellz, and his mojo, though …
Photography by Eric Ray Davidson
Designed by Mike DiGiacomo
Styling by Rebecca Alexis
Grooming by Sacha Harford for The Artist Loft
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GIRLTALK
“Shaunie O'Neal is no longer a basketball wife. Do you think she'll soon be on the prowl like Joumana?”
8 hours ago by Jamie
Sick Lede, I bet backs do arch when trey comes around. Another great piece by the Boss Bitch. HBIC ROCKS!
“When he does offer you his palm, he looks directly into your eyes and commands your gaze until you bless him with a familiar blush….” Boy, oh boy is this TRUE! All of those personal attributes he claims to exude (humility, arrogance, confidence, etc) are all also evident in that dark brown stare. Trey’s melody is almost effortless like a canary…and that’s what keeps us all coming back **and NEVER disappointed**
WOW. Really good interview. Mister Songz looks really Handsome =)
Yeap this is a great interview of my Role model Trey Song…
Me being 16 1/2 knows alot about what he is talking about from
watching him grow as i did for these years….
Great Interview! Looking V.Hot in the photoshoots! Please follow me back on twitter…
damn that pics rock on amaaaaazing shoot. yeah he is a sexy man and respect that he goes to the titel cover Love the shoots.
this is a great interview. not sayin the first was bad, this one just shows the man ivegotten to know and love. this interveiw embodies all that i try to explain to ppl why i love trey. ppl r quick to call you a groupie, when all you love is the man’s artistry. then to actually get to meet him and know him, its the icing on the cake. fan forever. great job honeymag
Again – how many times are y’all going to interview him?
As long as he is talented…which has been fOREvEr, thus far. So #bAgbAck and #sItbAckaNdEnjOytHeRidE ….
i was very intrigued with this interview from start to finish..Trey is a very intriging person and this interview just drew me in futher..good job to the interviewer..and trey..those pics are a good look too. follow me on twitter @FabBarbieBritt
Niiiiiiiiice. Gotta Love Trey
Handz down Trey Songz is the sexiest man alive
Great interview..i absolutely LOVE Trey!!!
[http://mochasista.blogspot.com]
i THINK TREY IS ARROGANT. BORDER LINE CONCEIDED . THATS WHY HE’S APPEALING. GIRLS LIKE BAD BOYS.
ITS ALL ENTERTAINMENT.
GREAT Article. He is a WONDERFUL Entertainer and his Vocals alone exude that “WOW” factor, everything else is just as added bonus for his fans. Glad he is getting his due recognition and shine. The rest of the World is FINALLY opening up to what some of his day 1 fans have known ALL ALONG! Congrats on the Grammy Trey.
Great interview. I think one of the things that is so endearing about Trey is that there is this arrogance there, but under all of that, I see humility. It’s a crazy thing, but I get it. Maybe it’s the baby face singing about screaming his name. Don’t know, but I certainly get it.
Great business strategy…aligned with this interview…Great look!!!
Ok now I have to go back and read the interview…I was too busy drooling over the pics.
Trey Songz is really sensual and to tell you the trutyh I feel like he has grown into a man, he has matured! Love this interview, he is a mystery!
I love this interview, the best one yet…I think you’re right Trey, there will NOT be enough room for YOU, him and his ego…
YUUUP!!!!! That’s what I’m talking about. The Treyappeal is definitely flawless. U gotta love this dude he’s a man that every woman will love to be with. He knows what to say, how to make u feel good, respectful, and SEXY!!!
YUUUP!!! Trey keep ur Treyswag going I love all the photos uv done.
Happy Holidays ♥♥♥
I wanna know why there were so many typos in this article. I couldn’t really follow it at times either. It just didnt flow. However, the questions she asked let me know a few more things about Mr. Neverson that i probably never would have known without reading this interview. Thanks!
I AM GOING TO MARRY YOU!!
seriously with the typos. peachescobbla90 was right. cute guy but why he tryin so hard to be sammie davis jr. him and ryan leslie look like twins, betta yet a couple.
how long is trey gonna ride R Kelly’s dick?
he is no where near R Kelly’s level.
move on.
elephants (R Kelly) don’t swat flies (trey)
REAL TALK, Anyone can see that Trey is not “riding” R. Kelly. he always gave Kells his props. just because someone is not afraid to give props to those who, in some way, paved the way for newcomers doesn’t make them “dick riders.” I know there are some bitter, angry R. Kelly fans who felt Trey was disrespecting him on the “DOA” mixtape song, Trey was just saying what ALOT of us were saying & felling about Kelly’s recent work–it didn’t sound like ORIGINAL R. Kelly music. Trey was just showing respect to the man while giving a little constructive criticism at the same time. I’m a huge R. Kelly fan myself & I totally agreed with what he (Trey) was saying–alot of Kelly fans agreed as well, that’s why record sells from his last couple of albums weren’t what they used to be…WE WEREN’T FEELIN’ THEM!! so if the “Elephant” (R.) steps his game up & get back to [his] basics (90’s R. Kelly), then we’ll notice “the elephant in the room” & cop his future albums. We’re waiting for the king to reclaim his throne…
REAL TALK, Anyone can see that Trey is not “riding” R. Kelly. he always gave Kells his props, he was giving Kell’s respect by doing so. just because someone is not afraid to give props to those who, in some way, paved the way for newcomers doesn’t make them “dick riders.” I know there are some bitter, angry R. Kelly fans who felt Trey was disrespecting him on the “DOA” mixtape song, Trey was just saying what ALOT of us were saying & feeling about Kelly’s recent work–it didn’t sound like ORIGINAL R. Kelly music. Trey was just showing respect to the man while giving a little constructive criticism at the same time. I’m a huge R. Kelly fan myself & I totally agreed with what he (Trey) was saying–alot of Kelly fans agreed as well, that’s why record sells from his last couple of albums weren’t what they used to be…WE WEREN’T FEELIN’ THEM!! so if the “Elephant” (R.) steps his game up & get back to [his] basics (think 90’s-early millenium years R. Kelly), then we’ll notice “the elephant in the room” & cop his future albums. We’re waiting for the R&B king to reclaim his throne…there’s always room for each of them to earn their individual crowns.
there’s room for every “R&B king” to earn their own throne, don’t you agree?
Shanel, I wanna write just like you when i grow up.
♥,
shelbz
umm they can interview trey how many times they want. you don’t like it don’t read it!
love this man and I don’t care that he don’t dance!!!!!! he has other ways of entertaining****and i will always B behind him!!!! love you trey
damn boy u is sexy
forreal this was a great interview because it helped put things into perspective. i was not a trey songz fan. i mean he has talent, but i couldnt bring myself to jump on the bandwagon. and i’m still not his #1 fan, but i do get him and what he’s saying. i respect him for it and wish him nothin but great success
keep ‘em coming, Honey!
this interview was great!!! trey is bringing r&b back… luv him live. the 3 things u mentioned… described this man well. mojo=swag tho LOL
LOVING THE PICS TREY…WELL SPOKEN YOUNG MAN! KEEP UP THE WONDERFUL MISUC AND REACH FOR THE STARS AND DONT LET ANYONE OR ANYTHING GET IN YOUR WAY
I love you so much because bottom my heart thank you.
I love you so much trey songz okay beacuse you so sexyboy okay.
emmmmmmmmmmmmm love love love this guy
I love Tremaine. He os too sexi and I want to meet Him so bad because he is my favorite artist out now and he can’t b topped. I can’t wait till the Grammy’s 2morrow cuz he is winning the grammy for the album READY!!!! It is a xtremely hott album and if you do not have it SHAME ON U!!! U’ll luv the wonderful music and see his talent. Oh, and my favorite part… the pics of his muscular bod!!!!!! WHOAAAAAAAA. CALL ME TREY AND I’LL SEND YOU A LOL
BABE!!!!!!!
I love Tremaine. He is too sexi and I want to meet Him so bad because he is my favorite artist out now and he can’t b topped. I can’t wait till the Grammy’s 2morrow cuz he is winning the grammy for the album READY!!!! It is a xtremely hott album and if you do not have it SHAME ON U!!! U’ll luv the wonderful music and see his talent. Oh, and my favorite part… the pics of his muscular bod!!!!!! WHOAAAAAAAA. CALL ME TREY AND I’LL SEND YOU A LOL
BABE!!!!!!!
Hands down he is the fineest brother alive other than Reggie bush im 14 now but in about 5 years holla at me trey and from day one ive been ur #1 fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TREY SONGZ IS SEXIEST FINE ASS YOUNG MAN ON THIS PLANT