UB Soul Friday: Celebrating the Gifted Trey Songz

This weeks “UB Soul Friday” spotlights an artist that is celebrating his 20th Anniversary as an artist, Trey Songz.

His debut album “I Gotta Make It” was originally released July 26th, 2005.

“UB Soul Friday,” spotlighting artists, albums, singles and videos that left a mark in R&B and Soul music!

Since making his recording debut in 2005, Trey Songz a.k.a. “Prince of Virginia,” has patiently and artfully crafted some of the most acclaimed and compelling R&B music of the last few decades.

A multi-faceted entertainer, he’s taken over the big screen in blockbusters such as “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D” and “Baggage Claim” and launched his very own line of spirits—SX Liquors.

Born Tremaine Aldon Neverson, Trey was raised as a military brat, with his family eventually settling in Petersburg, Virginia.

Ironically, as a teen he wasn’t particularly interested in singing.

Only after continuous encouragement from his mother, and drawing on his grandmother’s example as a devoted church choir member.

Trey’s mom, April Tucker, had him when she was seventeen-years-old and raised him as a single parent until she married Trey’s step-father when he was seven.

Trey spent most of his earliest years moving from town to town as the family would follow his stepfather who would be stationed to different military bases.

“I went to eight schools before ninth grade. That prepared me for who I am in my life today…,” Trey stated in 2005.

Stability came in high school when Trey moved back to Petersburg, and it was then that he discovered his music talent.

With the sounds of Otis Redding, Donny Hathaway, Prince & Michael Jackson in his head.

Trey entered a local talent show at 14 years old. He won that competition and several more, eventually amassing 19 trophies.

Trey threw himself at every talent show and small club performance, building a name for himself one verse at a time.

At 15, Trey crossed paths with producer Troy Taylor, who’s worked with everyone from Boyz II Men to Lionel Richie, and Taylor immediately recognized Trey’s talent.

After high school, at Taylor‘s invitation Trey moved to New Jersey, where he developed his vocal, writing, and production skills.

UB spoke to Trey Songz in 2007 and asked him then, how it was growing up for him? “Growing up we was poor, but it was cool. I was happy because I had my cousins and my family. I mean I had my mom, aunts, cousins, friends, so it wasn’t really bad. Growing up that way made me who I am, so I wouldn’t change it. I didn’t know early on I was going to be a recording artists, but I’ll say once I did realize it, I never looked back.”

Trey soon found himself driving from the Garden State across the river to New York City.

As he learned to record songs, Trey completed a proverbial musical boot camp, absorbing music by artists like Prince, Marvin Gaye, and Steely Dan during his commute between the two states.

After Songz graduated from high school, he moved to New Jersey to be closer to the music scene in New York.

His primarily musical influence is hip-hop, and as a teenager it was all he would listen to.

As he started spending more time around Taylor in the studio, he was exposed to and developed an appreciation for artists like Steely Dan and Prince.

While Songz opened his mind musically, he also incorporated the key hip-hop marketing tactic of appearing on mix tapes.

On the business end, Trey began his production company, Songbook, in 2004 with Taylor.

The company housed several producers but Trey didn’t want to overstep his boundaries or stunt anyone else’s creative growth. “We’ve been honing Songbook,” Trey stated at the time. “We make sure that we don’t keep people from what they have to do. I don’t want to get the talent if I don’t have a place for it. A lot of people sign artists that they’ll never release, just to have them. I’d rather let you find your own way.”

In July of 2005, Trey‘s Atlantic Records debut, “I Gotta Make It,” debuted at #20 on the Billboard 200.

Atlantic Records founding Chairman Ahmet Ertegun was clearly a believer, saying, “Trey Songz is among the most promising R&B artists we have had on Atlantic since we started the company nearly 60 years ago.”

That statement was especially significant since Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Donny Hathaway and Otis Redding are among the legendary artists who contributed to Atlantic’s R&B history.

The album reached the Billboard Top 10 R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album produced two Billboard Top 40 R&B singles.

In 2007, his follow-up, “Trey Day,” featured the memorable “Can’t Help But Wait,” which was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance Grammy in 2009.

However, while the score for “Trey Day” is fittingly grandiose, the source of its strength was its author.

Trey Songz‘s vocals had never been more mint.

The innovation and lyricism displayed on his sophomore effort belies the then 22 year old. “I’m just taking my music to another level,” he offers with an ‘I’m just doing my job’ tone. “I’m challenging myself vocally, and as a songwriter and an arranger, I’m trying to become an all-around artist.”

The evolution could be witnessed firsthand on the lead single, “Wonder Woman.” Over the heart- pumping drum track and brain-twisting futuristic sounds of Timbaland then protégé Danjahandz.

He opened with a riptide rap verse that could put many an MC to shame, then teams with the album’s A&R director, Nokio of Dru Hill fame, to express his need for that special lady. “My Wonder Woman is just a strong woman,” stated Trey. “The modern day woman is independent, doing her own thing, not depending on a man for anything. So the whole basis is if you’re invincible, let me see.”

“The boy is a star,” praised Nokio of Trey. “Many times he’ll go in [the studio], write a record and record himself. He doesn’t wait for an engineer or anything. His work ethic is crazy and then there’s the feeling he puts behind his singing… it’s just rare to work with an artist that can do it all.”

With production by Bryan-Michael Cox, Trey documented the challenges of monogamy and the complexities of infidelity in one final episode with his female on the side. The song is beautiful. It’s ugly. It’s common. It’s special. It’s human.

While Trey has a gift to express the thoughts and experiences of most, he basks in the opportunity to speak for the fellas.

Trey’s “Store Run” from Dre and Vidal‘s instrument cornucopia, tells the tale of a sex-capade that almost took an irresponsible turn until he came to his senses and raced to the store for prophylactics.

It’s a story for the guys and a message for the world.

Trey also worked with legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and the late great Big Jim Wright on “We Should Be.”

UB spoke to Trey for the release of “Trey Day” and asked him about his experience of working with them; “Like with them, they come with live music and if you like it, you like it. If you don’t, you can ask questions and they will change it.” Trey continued; “Or whatever the case may be. It just feels really good to work with them in the studio. To be honest it kind of reminds of how it was back in the Motown days. With Jimmy and Terry, they would record a demo of the song first, then like the next day or whatever I would go in and record it. I can say working with them was one of the better experiences of my career.”

The creativity on the album didn’t end until the last track does. “Stereo” is a perfect example.

It speaks directly to the tech-age of today. “Imagine Trey’s the stereo and the girl’s just sitting there listening to it,” explained the track’s producer, Troy Taylor. “Trey starts singing to her and the speaker moves as if it’s his mouth.”

Even cyber-fantasies got fulfilled.

“I used ‘I Gotta Make It’ as a staircase to achieve,” Trey stated.

In the wake of the release of his first album, Trey found himself reaching into the mainstream at the same time that the underground was feasting on his mixtape releases.

And Warner Music Group Executive Vice President Kevin Liles took notice. “On the new project, Kevin came in and he really got who I am as an artist,” said Trey. “Kevin always said ‘I don’t see “I Gotta Go” in the clubs. I see “I Gotta Go” on stage and then I see this guy in the clubs, poppin’ bottles and throwing money. It’s not matching.’ So he said the image is gonna match the songs this time.”

The following year, he was nominated for a BET Award for Best Male R&B artist.

His third album, the appropriately titled “Ready,” came in the fall of 2009.

The first single, “I Need A Girl,” debuted at #3 on Billboard, proof that with every venture, Trey struck harder and faster.

It yielded five Billboard Top 10 R&B singles, including “Successful” with Drake, “I Invented Sex” and “Say Aha.”

His album was nominated for a Best Contemporary R&B Album Grammy, and this was also the year Trey toured with Jay-Z on the mogul’s “Blueprint 3” tour.

24-years-old at the time, Trey stated; “This album is very adult, very easygoing and very sexy. It feels cohesive and reflects the changes you see in me physically, with my new haircut, and everything else that represents me evolving into manhood.”

Trey Songz worked with producers Stargate, Johnta Austin, Troy Taylor, Carlos “Los DaMy- stro” McKinney, Eric Hudson and Bryan-Michael Cox on the album.

The featured guests include Drake, Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy Tell’Em.

Collectively, they came up with a slew of tracks that not only reveal Songz‘ maturity but also cater to his female and male fan bases.

“Many people tell me that I don’t get my just due,” stated Trey at the time. “They may know my singles, but between my records, I’ve also released mixtapes like ‘Swagga Like Songz’ and ‘The Ladies Choice.’ Now, ‘Ready’ embodies everything I am as an artist. Everybody can be happy with the album, from the hip-hop to the R&B crowd.”

On the album’s first official single, “I Need A Girl,” Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen) delivered their signature guitar-led production.

The Norwegian-born, NYC-based pair had previously worked on Trey‘s Grammy-nominated “Can’t Help But Wait.”

“With every move you make you have something to prove,” stated Trey. “There’s always room for improvement. I’m growing, as a person, as an artist, and as a man. My clothes fit differently, my braids are missing? I’m changing as a person and the music is the better for it.”

Trey continued; “On this one, we’re breaking down every song, every hook, every chorus, every bridge, and we’re making sure every song is the best song it could be. This album isn’t just going to be a compilation of songs, but a classic body of work.”

To boot, during that time he joined the ranks of iconic recording artists like LL Cool J and Eric Clapton with the release of an MTV “Unplugged” session, which sold out New York’s Roseland Ballroom.

During that era, Trey Songzalso filmed an episode of the ABC series “Lincoln Heights” and he appeared in the film “Preacher’s Kid” alongside LeToya Luckett.

He started a charity, Songz 4 Peace in August 2008, an initiative to combat violence and crime.

Launching the charity with community activist Noonie Ward in Chicago‘s crime-ridden Southside before bringing his message to his native Petersburg.

The youth-centered organization, attracted 500 kids at its opening event, traveled to different cities speaking to teens about the dangers of violence and life’s positive opportunities.

“The violence within the youth is rising at an alarming rate,” stated Trey earnestly. “I get to speak on that, and children listen to me.”

UB was the proud sponsor of the Songz 4 Peace event for the teens at Brooklyn Center High School, in Minnesota in December of 2009.

In 2010, Songz founded the “Angels With Heart Foundation,” which started as a call to arms to engage his fan club, Trey’s Angels, and has since turned into a worldwide movement.

Trey encourages members of Trey’s Angels to give back and have a positive impact in their neighborhood through community service, supporting local charities and random acts of kindness.

In 2010 came the hot album “Passion, Pain & Pleasure, which featured the multi-platinum hit “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicki Minaj and the #1 single “Can’t Be Friends.”

Both of which helped the album to go on to secure RIAA Gold certification.

“CHAPTER V,” was released in 2012, and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart.

Making it the first #1 album for the R&B superstar. The album features the hit singles, “Heart Attack” and “2 Reasons (feat. T.I.).”

Both reached the Billboard “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” and “Top Digital Albums” charts.

“CHAPTER V” proved to be an equal success overseas, with a Top 10 debut in countries including the U.K. and the Netherlands.

“Simply Amazing” debuted in the Top 10 on the UK iTunes overall singles chart, as well.

The first week debut of “CHAPTER V” also marked Trey‘s third consecutive Top 5 debut, joining 2009’s “Ready,” which debuted at #3 and 2010’s “Passion, Pain & Pleasure,” debuted at #2.

The Benny Blanco & Rico Love-produced first single “Heart Attack” was certified Gold.

“TRIGGA” was released in 2014.

With “TRIGGA,” Trey Songz found the true meaning behind his music and prepared one of his most intimate albums.

“NaNa” was TRIGGA’s lead single and pushed its way up to #1 at radio, and 1 million single sales.

The song flipped that classic “oh nana” dancehall refrain into an anthem for the new millennium, a soundtrack for couples everywhere who want to take care of each other.

The following year “Trigga Reloaded” came, with the gold “Slow Motion” and “About You.”

“I love hard,” stated Trey Songz. “When I love you I love you to death, but if I’m not rocking with you then I don’t think you exist in my world…”

It’s that kind of passion that has always fueled the best music.

In 2017, he revealed himself like never before on his seventh album “Tremaine.”

The most poignant, powerful, and personal project to date.

“My real name is Tremaine, so that had to be the title because it’s my most vulnerable body of work,” Trey admitted. “What you’re hearing is where I am in my life. It’s a soundtrack to me figuring it out. I’ve been blessed. I’ve seen the world. I’ve had so much success. Sharing my love is important and I want people to get to know Tremaine.”

In the middle of touring behind “TRIGGA” and “TRIGGA RELOADED,” he took every opportunity to record—often pulling double duty and holing up in the studio after shows until the morning for the better part of two years.

Recording took place everywhere from Miami, New York, and Los Angeles to London, France, and South Africa.

Along the way, he made a conscious decision to strip the sound back to its most basic elements with classic production and no features across the 15 tracks. Inspired by the likes of R&B greats in the past.

“I love soul,” Trey said. “The goal was to do something timeless. It can still be classic with a bounce. The whole process was therapy. Every element mattered from the images to the lyrics.”

Breaking the mold, he introduced the music via an innovative fake “reality show” entitled “Tremaine The Playboy.”

The songs soundtracked “episodes” filled with all kinds of drama and laughs as 20 ladies competed to become the object of his affection.

In just a month, it impressively racked up over 4.7 million streams.

Ultimately, listeners got to know Tremaine after one listen. “I want people to feel like I gave them a piece of me,” he said. “I want you to fall in love with the first song and let it play until the end. That’s who I am. Simply put Tremaine.”

His last album release was “Back Home” in 2020. The title track, featuring Summer Walker, reached #12 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.

ReVisit UB’s 2007 “Trey Day” Interview with Trey Songz.

Trey speaks on his album and the biggest obstacles, he had faced in the industry thus far.

At that time UB would play pass the mic, between scheduled interviews. Have one talent, ask the next talent we’re going to interview a question. T.I. asked Trey Songz a question via UB in this interview.

UrbanBridgez.com: Congratulations on the success of Can’t Help But Wait, it’s getting more adds by the week. What do you think the main appeal is to the song?
Trey Songz: Thanks man, I appreciate that. I think the appeal is it really is a feel good type of record. It has emotion & people can connect to it.

UrbanBridgez.com: Tell me about the new album ?
Trey Songz: October 2nd, Trey Day will be in stores! Well first, it’s a step up from the first album. The first one was basically just an introduction to Trey Songz. Now with this album it just shows my growth. Growth as an artist, songwriter and a man you know? It’s the same when it comes to the quality of the music, like with Can’t Help But Wait. It’s not your typical R&B; song out right now, it has substance. Then I have a list of producers on it, that just makes it all that much better. Like R. Kelly, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Danja, Dre & Vidal, Brian Michael Cox and some more people.

UrbanBridgez.com: Jimmy and Terry are mentors of mine and I’m always pleased when an artist works with them, how was that experience?
Trey Songz: Just the whole process was a great experience. Like with them, they come with live music and if you like it, you like it. If you don’t, you can ask questions and they will change it. Or whatever the case may be. It just feels really good to work with them in the studio. To be honest it kind of reminds of how it was back in the Motown days. With Jimmy and Terry, they would record a demo of the song first, then like the next day or whatever I would go in and record it. I can say working with them was one of the better experiences of my career.

UrbanBridgez.com: We have this R&B; challenge poll going on, on our site between you and J. Holiday. You both drop your albums on October 2nd & because of the 50/Kanye challenge one of our forum members decided to do an R&B; one. Do you believe in friendly competition and what are your thoughts on J. Holiday?
Trey Songz: J. Holiday can sing his ass off! He seems to be a good artist, I actually don’t know much about him or much about his background. But that will change with time I’m sure. I mean he’s doing better then I did on my debut with both of my singles, neither of them were as big as Bed. As for competition, I can’t really see any. I mean he is doing his thing and I’m doing mine.

UrbanBridgez.com: We have a thing on our site called pass the mic, where an artist we’ve interviewed recently will ask another artist we’re going to interview a question. So with that said, T.I. wanted to asked you a question.. His question was, are you worried about the sophomore jinx? And what have you done to assure that you don’t fall victim to it?
Trey Songz: That’s cool he asked that. But I’m not worried! And what have I done to make sure that I don’t fall victim to it? I’m out here staying on my grind and I have been for the last two years. Without even having a single out, I was doing shows and keeping my name out there. So I’m still relevant, I mean my first CD didn’t have a big single like J. Holiday’s or anything. But like this week, my single is rising up the charts and that keeps me as relevant as a Chris Brown or a Ne-Yo.

UrbanBridgez.com: How was it growing up and did you always know you would be a recording artist?
Trey Songz: Growing up we was poor, but it was cool. I was happy because I had my cousins and my family. I mean I had my mom, aunts, cousins, friends, so it wasn’t really bad. Growing up that way made me who I am, so I wouldn’t change it. I didn’t know early on I was going to be a recording artists, but I’ll say once I did realize it, I never looked back.

UrbanBridgez.com: What have been the biggest obstacles you’ve faced as an artist?
Trey Songz: I’ll just say I’ve learned certain situations, call for certain actions. I’m a real dude! I just say what I feel and I’ve learned in this music environment, you can’t always say how you feel. Or better yet, you shouldn’t at some times. People in this industry are very emotional , so I’ve learned not to be so aggressive at times.

UrbanBridgez.com: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Trey Songz: Spending time with my family, honestly that’s what I love to do man whenever I’m not working.

UrbanBridgez.com: You’re obviously addicted to MySpace judging by the number of bulletins you send out, what is it about MySpace that you enjoy the most?
Trey Songz: To talk to the fans and to let them know what I’m up to. You know, just to chat with them about every day stuff going on with me. So that’s really why I like it so much, even those who aren’t diggin me still get informed if they’re on my friends list. I mean it’s like I never got the chance to talk to Marvin Gaye or send R. Kelly an email. You know! So it’s great that there is a tool where my fans can send me notes and things like that & I can communicate with them back. I mean I can’t reply to all of the messages, because I get so many a day. But I do whenever I can and always keep them all updated.

UrbanBridgez.com: Who are some artists and/or producers you have not worked with, that you would like to in the future?
Trey Songz: Man I’ve been blessed early on in my career to work with some great people. I can say one artist I would like to work with is Jay-Z. I was fortunate to work with R. Kelly on this album and he’s been one of my inspirations, so to work with Jay-Z .. would be the best of both words (laughs).

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s next for Trey Songz?
Trey Songz: October 2nd, Trey Day is in stores! Anything after that, we’ll just have to wait and see.

UrbanBridgez.com: Any last words for your fans?
Trey Songz: I love them all! To all the ones that give me their love, I give mines back! Let’s make it happen with Trey Day!

Take A Trip Down Memory Lane with Trey Songz!