Trey Songz on 'MTV Unplugged,' Jay-Z & His New Album

Since the 2009 release of his third album "Ready," R&B singer Trey Songz and his tenor have become ubiquitous. TheBVX caught up with the Virginia native to discuss his upcoming "MTV Unplugged" performance, forthcoming album and whether there's any truth to the Jay-Z, Young Jeezy and Songz super group rumors.

How does it feel to be the biggest male R&B artist out right now?

Trey Songz: There comes a time in everybody's career where they peak and are more relevant than others at the moment. It means a lot to me but I try to live in the moment and make sure it remains factual. As far as pressure, if there wasn't any, it wouldn't be fun.

When did MTV approach you about performing on the "MTV Unplugged" series?

TS: MTV actually approached me while I was on the BP3 tour with Young Jeezy and Jay-Z and they wanted to film the show the day after the tour ended. That was too quick for me because for "Unplugged," I needed time to prepare and make sure that the show was special and different than what I was already doing. Ultimately, I still didn't have much time to get ready but it was a great experience and opportunity.

What made your "Unplugged" performance different than your BP3 tour show?

TS: For the tour, I had a 30 minute set. Since I was touring hip-hop acts, mainly touring in arenas, the tracks had to be hip-hop driven. Even with my R&B songs, we had to make sure they were felt in a different way. But with "Unplugged" [the performance] is mainly acoustic, so I brought along a percussionist, added some violinists and a string section. We brought a baby grande piano too so there were more changes to the music, how I sang the songs and the way the songs felt.

Is the Jay-Jeezy-Trey super group a myth or should we expect something?

TS: We've talked about it. When it will happen? I don't know. I spoke to Jay-Z recently and we had a conversation about it, it's still very much a possibility.

You've said that your next album is slated to drop in September, tell us about it.

TS: I had the opportunity with my last album "Ready" to show my diversity and a lot more of me. With my first two albums, I had a lot of hands in the pot, but "Ready" had a lot more sculpting along from my producer Troy Taylor. The album was mostly our vision so I think with the next album they'll be more of the music I want to make and not so much thinking about what's relevant on the radio. Initially, I played the game to fit in so I could get radio play and made sure I did what was hot in order to be hot. But now I'm at a place where I can decide.

Do you feel you've finally found your voice?

TS: I always knew what I wanted to be. As an artist you just think of new ways to project yourself and get people interested in your brand and your music. As long as the music you're making is good, you're fine, but the extra stuff that comes along with being a celebrity and a musician is hard work.

Other than Drake, whose album are you really anticipating this summer?

TS: I'm looking forward to Nikki Minaj's album. I've been waiting for Jazmine Sullivan to comeback for a long time and I'm eager to see Kanye come back too.


Trey Songz' "Unplugged" performance airs on April 26 on MTV.

(via: http://www.thebvx.com/)