UB Anniversary ReVisit: 20th Anniversary of Lloyd’s Debut | Rollout Interview

Over the next year, we’ll be spotlighting features from our e-zines from the last 25 years. T M H Entertainment, T M Hxone and Urban Bridgez.

As the longest running website for R&B online, since 1999 – We’ve been able to conduct some amazing interviews with R&B Royalty, as well Hip Hop Legends.

UB has also been blessed to speak with some of black cultures, biggest icons, in film, television and literature.

As a child, Lloyd Polite Jr. fell in love with performing. As a student at the prestigious Atlanta-based DeKalb School of the Arts, it was clear he’d found his calling.

Lloyd was discovered by Joyce Irby in 1996 and at the age of 14 was in the pre-teen group N-Toon, alongside younger brother Chuckie.

The group won Nickelodeon‘s show “Double Dare” 2000 against No Authority, and the group was signed to DreamWorks Records. Although two singles were released (“Ready” and “Shoulda Been My Girl”), their debut album “Toon Time” went unnoticed due to a lack of promotion from the label.

The group eventually disbanded, and Lloyd began shopping around for a solo deal. He was soon signed to MCA Records with his first single to be “Young Girl.” Unfortunately, as MCA Records dissolved into its parent company, Geffen Records, many of the artists on its roster were let go, including Lloyd.

However, using “Young Girl” as a demo, he landed a new recording contract with Irv Gotti at The Inc./Def Jam Records.

“Southside“, a duet with label mate Ashanti, became Lloyd‘s debut single and an R&B hit. The video was #1 on BET’s 106 & Park, where Lloyd and Ashanti performed the song live.

The follow-up single was “Hey Young Girl“, which featured his childhood friend Ciara in the video, and he is in the video of her hit “1, 2 Step.”

After that, Lloyd appeared singing hooks on singles for label mate Ja Rule on “Caught Up” as well as on rapper Tango Redd‘s “Let’s Cheat.” He also made an appearance in Sammie‘s video “You Should Be My Girl.”

In the years that have followed, he’s proven himself as a legitimate industry player, generating hits like 2006’s chart–topping “You” and the infectious “Get It Shawty.” The latter was spawned from his gold–selling sophomore disc, “Street Love.”

Lloyd’s performing arts education not only helped him hone his natural–born talent but also gave him an important outlet to express himself that has stuck with him throughout his career.

His energetic performances on the Scream Tours proved his ability to command a crowd.

Lloyd aspires to be successful behind the scenes as well; He’s launched his own label, Young Goldie Music. He travels to speak to kids across the country with producer and musical mentor Dallas Austin, that builds recording studios in area public schools. All of this encompasses Lloyd the person.

In early July 2004, emerging artist Lloyd spoke to UB‘s Aries for our then e-zine T M H. The new comer speaks about releasing his debut album “Southside,” her favorite song from the album and why.

Plus Lloyd talks bout his experience working with Ashanti, his reasons for signing with Murder Inc, and his experience in N-Toon.

Lloyd also shares his love for Joyce Fenderella Irby and Coldplay, plus he talks acting and more.

UrbanBridgez.com: What makes you different from other R&B; male singers currently on the airwaves?
Lloyd: The fact that I’m young. I’m the newest member of The Inc. and the only male R&B; singer of The Inc. I’m a writer, I’m straight out of high school. I’ve been in this game 7/8 years. I feel like once I hit that stage, it’s all over! I got a lot more work to do, no doubt, but I’m here.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s your favorite track from your debut CD?
Lloyd: “My Life,” reason being is it’s about where I’m from. My journey from when I was born in New Orleans to being raised in Atlanta. Just a lot of shit and problems in my family, from losing my father at age two to growing up early. I didn’t really have a childhood, you know. I had to put in work and pay bills at age 15. Those are the type of songs I like to do, songs that have a meaning and are based on something real.

UrbanBridgez.com: You & Ashanti go well together on “Southside,” who would you like to duet with in the future?
Lloyd: Lloyd: I’m not gonna lie, I did not even want to do that song at first. When I first did it my homegirl Tonya was on it, then Irv put Ashanti on it. Irv really believed in the song and knew it was hot with me and Ashanti. It took some time to grow on me, but it’s doing good and I’m happy. Plus it’s currently moving up on 106 & Park also. As for who else I would like to work with, Outkast no doubt. I recently met Big Boi & he said he likes “Southside” and would like to hook up on something in the future.

UrbanBridgez.com: What made you sign with Irv and The Inc.?
Lloyd: The fact that I have new energy behind me. It’s original and we all work as a team at The Inc. I feel my time has come and now it’s just time to see what’s ahead. Irv believes in me 100% and is real passionate about my talents, that’s the best thing.

UrbanBridgez.com: If you were not a singer, what would you really be doing?
Lloyd: Acting a fool in the streets (laughs). Man I could honestly never see me working a 9-5. Even when I was younger, it’s just not anything I could see myself doing. I like to do things my way and not be held down to anything. I’m very hard headed if you can’t tell (laughs).

UrbanBridgez.com: Are you still in contact with Joyce Fenderella Irby of Klymaxx who discovered you?
Lloyd: Of course, that’s my heart. I love Joyce and she will always be in my life. I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for her, she’s very important to me.

UrbanBridgez.com: Do you think the N-Toon experience helped you prepare for what is ahead?
Lloyd: You know man the whole N-Toon thing was a good and bad thing. It was a learning experience no doubt and I am very thankful for that. I mean from being on the road, meeting people, performing, all of that. In the same breathe, I was always skeptical about that situation. It was like I had to follow a guideline & I wasn’t with that. I was like 12 and I was like fuck that I’m tired of this. I’m grown, even before I was grown I thought I was grown. It taught me in the end, so I’m thankful.

UrbanBridgez.com: I know you’re a Coldplay fan, Brandy made me one. What do you think it is about them that attracts such a wide range of fans and do you plan to use that formula to do the same?
Lloyd: Music expands my mind, I listen to all types of music for real. I listen to classical and anything else that makes me feel good. No matter what it is, who is singing it, if it’s good music then I am going to play it. I honestly thank Dallas Austin for that, he opened the doors for me to welcome and appreciate other genres of music and talent. Man I got all type of niggas liking Coldplay (laughs). I will put it on and they will look at me crazy for a minute, but after awhile, they will always get into it. I’m talking bout thug niggas now going out and buying Coldplay. I would like to hope I have that same effect on people once they give me a listen.

UrbanBridgez.com: Any acting in your future?
Lloyd: Most def. I don’t want to talk too much about it now, but yes I will be doing some acting without a doubt. I don’t want to spread too much out here at a time. I also plan to start a label, just a lot of stuff in the future.

UrbanBridgez.com: Any last words for your fans?
Lloyd: Buy the CD on July 20th. I’m just happy and thankful to be here. I’ve been in this business 8 years and I have a lot more to do and I have a lot of things to accomplish. I’m strong and I plan to keep growing, just know that I am trying to get to the next level of the game. Always believe in yourself, if you don’t, nobody else will.