TREY SONGZ EARNS FIRST ALBUM

TREY SONGZ EARNS FIRST #1 ALBUM WITH “CHAPTER V”

“CHAPTER V,” the highly anticipated new album from Songbook Entertainment/Atlantic recording artist Trey Songz, has debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, making this the first #1 album for the R&B superstar. The album – which features the hit singles, “Heart Attack” and “2 Reasons (feat. T.I.)” – sits atop both the “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” and “Top Digital Albums” charts. Adding to all this excitement, “CHAPTER V” has proven to be an equal success overseas, with a Top 10 debut in countries including the U.K. and the Netherlands. “Simply Amazing,” has debuted in the Top 10 on the UK iTunes overall singles chart, as well. What’s more, the first week debut of “CHAPTER V” becomes Songz’ third consecutive Top 5 debut, joining 2009’s “READY,” which debuted at #3 and 2010’s “PASSION, PAIN & PLEASURE,” which debuted at #2.

“CHAPTER V” features collaborations with the likes of Diddy, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, T.I., Rick Ross and Meek Mill. An exclusive deluxe edition of “CHAPTER V” features bonus songs and content including “Ladies Go Wild,” “Almost Lose It,” and the music videos for “Heart Attack” and “2 Reasons (Feat. T.I.).”

As if all this weren’t enough, the Benny Blanco & Rico Love-produced first single “Heart Attack” has been certified Gold by the RIAA for digital sales of 500,000 units. The Grammy-nominated singer celebrated the release of “CHAPTER V” with a string of high-profiled activities including performances on TODAY Show, VH1’s “The Big Morning Buzz” and BET’s 106^th & Park.

This past weekend, Songz celebrated the winners of his “Trey Fanatic Five” contest in Atlanta, GA. The contest, which launched last month, allowed fans to enter various contests through social media channels including Instagram, Facebook, Social Cam, Storywheel and even an exclusive Trey Songz Mobile App. In addition to this, five lucky international fans won the chance to interview Trey via Google+ Hangout. Following this, Trey performed at Heineken’s Red Star Access concert.

On the heels of the success of “CHAPTER V,” Songz has announced early details of the “Chapter V World Tour,” which will kick off later this year and will run through early 2013. Further information on the “Chapter V World Tour” will be released in the coming weeks.

“CHAPTER V” is the highly-anticipated fifth studio album from R&B superstar Trey Songz and the follow up to his 2010 album “PASSION, PAIN & PLEASURE,” which featured the multi-platinum hit “Bottoms Up (feat. Nicki Minaj)” and the #1 single “Can’t Be Friends,” both of which helped the album to go on to secure RIAA Gold certification.

Songz is a Grammy-nominated, multi-faceted singer-songwriter, rapper, producer and actor who the late Ahmet Ertegun proclaimed to be “among the most promising R&B artists we have had on Atlantic since we started the company 60 years ago.” Songz released his debut album “I GOTTA MAKE IT” in 2005 which featured the hit “Can’t Help But Wait” and was followed by “TREY DAY” in 2007. 2009’s Gold-certified album “READY,” which featured such hits as the club friendly, Fabolous-assisted, “Say Aah” and the sultry “Invented Sex,” proved that Trey wasn’t slowing down anytime soon and solidified his place as a permanent fixture in R&B music.

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.

R and B Heartthrob Trey Songz Previews New Album Chapter Five in San Francisco

R&B Heartthrob Trey Songz Previews New Album Chapter Five in San Francisco

Last week, a small group of media and radio contest winners were invited to San Francisco's Studio Trilogy, where such diverse musicians as Kronos Quartet and Lady Gaga have recorded, for an exclusive listening party to hear Chapter Five, the forthcoming album from R&B star Trey Songz.

Besides letting us hear the new tunes, the evening was meant as an introduction into what was called "the frenzy of Trey Songz," who has completed six tours in the past three years. A short video showing hordes of screaming, tearful fans of all ages and persuasions was screened; one girl thrust a sign that said, "This lesbian loves you!"
We were already quite familiar with the fever for the flavor of this man, especially locally. After having a quickie with him a couple years ago, we last encountered Songz onstage at the 2011 KMEL Summer Jam at Oakland's Oracle Arena. Panties were flying at him from all directions; one girl was kind enough to later tweet an apology for hitting him in the face with hers.
Songz then came into the studio and pulled up the tracks on his iPod, explaining that Chapter Five contains all the best bits of his past work, all the hookiest hooks and most memorable concepts, but this is "a version that's further evolved."
"I get really excited every time I play this," he said, and the way he danced to and really just inhabited his music for the next hour proved that statement true. At times he'd swing his arms like a classical conductor, play fierce air guitar riffs, or punch out staccato drum patterns with his hands. It was fascinating to watch as the bass and melodic elements pulsed through his body.
He spent most of the time facing the contest winners who were watching through a window in the next room, giving them a memorably intimate performance. He warned that he'd be ripping his shirt off right at the first note of the album, but he sadly didn't keep that promise.
Songz often cites Marvin Gaye and R. Kelly as being two of his most prominent musical influences, and his best music can feel like a sharp fusion of the soulfulness of the former and the over-the-top cheekiness of the latter. Tall and chiseled with smoldering almond eyes, he's also grown into a much more potent sex symbol than his predecessors could manage, which often allows him to get away with some pretty outrageous lyrics.
This bears out pretty quickly on Chapter Five, where the aquatic double entendres of "Dive In" flow right into a song called "Panty Wetter," wherein he croons, "Wetter than a fountain, a waterfall off a mountain." Call it the R. Kelly school of subtlety, but it still works.
Before he played the single "2 Reasons," he explained that he'd gotten flack for talking about "bitches and drinks" in the song and had recorded a tamer "ladies and drinks" version. "Everyone says it, but I get in trouble," he mock lamented. "What can you do?"

R. Kelly Embraces Trey Songz

R. Kelly Embraces Trey Songz And Dismisses R&B Beef

'You don't want R&B singers to get into beef; leave that to the rappers,' Kelly tells MTV News of feuding with other singers.

During a memorable appearance on "RapFix Live," The-Dream declared that there wasn't enough "winning" in R&B these days, and R. Kelly, the self-proclaimed Pied Piper of R&B, couldn't agree more.
According to Kells, singers should leave the beefing to rappers and get back to doing what they do best: making music. R. Kelly, who has more than a dozen studio albums in his catalog, has some advice for the new generation of R&B singers, and most of it revolves around staying out of trouble and remaining focused on the music.
"I feel there's a lot of talented guys out there when it comes to R&B, and what I urge guys out there to do, that's coming up under me, [aiming for] longevity, is to stay away from beef," R. Kelly told MTV News. "Stay away from beef, stay true and respectful to music and to the ones that inspired you to do what you do."
A few of the recent R&B beefs that might have been fresh on Kelly's mind: Chris Brown's scathing exchange of words with Brian McKnight, The-Dream and the Weeknd trading jabs on Twitter and, of course, his own beef with Trey Songz. There has been bad blood between the two singers for some time now, but it seems like Kells is ready to move on as he named Trey Songz among a list of artists he listens to regularly (in addition to Jay-Z, Drake, Beyoncé and Kanye West).
The 27-year-old singer took issue with R. Kelly when he remixed his classic single "Trapped in the Closet" from the POV of the man hiding in the closet, and R. Kelly responded by debuting part two of the song and revealing that the man in the closet was gay. Since then, they've traded insults back and forth, with Trey Songz continuing to call out R. Kelly in interviews for using Auto-Tune and not being original, but that's now a thing of the past.
"I think that's going to be the key to having longevity and it's also going to be the key to keeping R&B alive," Kelly said of avoiding conflict between singers. "You don't want R&B singers to get into beef. Leave that to the rappers, let them do that — R&B, be classy. That's for the ladies and having babies and having fun."

 

Trey Songz and Shabba

Trey Songz and Shabba’s return cap electrifying International Night at Sumfest

 

Following a Dancehall Night that’s been hailed as the best ever by industry observers, Reggae Sumfest upped the ante with a wholly captivating International Night for the ages.
On Friday night, a great sense of anticipation filled the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex as fans craved the return of American R&B sensation, Trey Songz to Jamaican soil as well as the homecoming of Dancehall legend, Shabba Ranks after an 11 year absence from the local scene. That anticipation turned to delight as fans in Montego Bay got to witness stellar performances from both artistes as well as a slew of other acts that graced the Sumfest stage in the early hours of Saturday morning.

View slideshow: Reggae Sumfest International Night 1 highlights

International Night featured prominent young and veteran acts that made strong impressions on Reggae Sumfest. One such artiste was Downsound Records artiste, Nature, who validated his rising status within Reggae music with a powerful and energetic set that included delivering his breakthrough hit, World Peace. 
Highly acclaimed Reggae singer, Sophia Brown finally got her opportunity to perform on the Reggae Sumfest stage and seized it with an appeasing performance while veteran songstress, Elise Kelly reminded fans of her singing prowess while also being accompanied on stage by Jamaican radio legend, Barry G.
Prominent Reggae singer, Tessanne Chin had the crowd rocking throughout the night; securing their attention as she vocalized smash hits such as The Reason, Messenger and Hideaway while also taking time out to pay tribute to Jamaica 50 by singing the rocksteady-themed track, Hanging On To Strings, which had the crowd dancing as they enjoyed the old-school vibes on offer.
Keeping with that theme, several Reggae veterans were honored as a Jamaica 50 tribute took music lovers down memory lane while highlighting the evolution of Reggae music during the island’s run as an independent nation. Reggae legends John Holt, Frankie Paul, Pinchers, U-Roy and Dancehall patriarch, Yellow Man were some of the many legends who gave fans chills and thrills with sounds reminiscent of decades past when both of Jamaica’s founding genres began to take shape.
Tarrus Riley was nothing short of entertaining during his set, with a plethora of throwback and current hits dispersed through the performance including She's Royal, Shaka Zulu Pickney, amongst others.
However, the most awaited act of the night, at least for female fans, was Trey Songz, who performed for the second time ever on Jamaican soil. Before the Sex A’int Better Than Love singer even took the Catherine Hall stage, some female patrons applied make up to their faces in the VIP section just to look good for Trey Songz while near-deafening screams could be heard the crowd prior to the entertainer’s entrance.
When Trey Songz finally made it on, he wasted no time in trying to tease his female lovers as he performed several of his hits including Can’t Help But Wait, I Can’t Stop Missing You, Neighbors Know My Name and Dive In You before removing his black t-shirt; sparking a frenzy amongst the crowd as he showed off his six pack.
Meanwhile, as promised, Trey Songz did incorporate some Jamaican flavor to his set by performing a cover of Bob Marley’s classic, Turn Your Lights Down Low, much to the approval of his Jamaican adorers.
Last, but certainly not least, was the ‘Emperor,’ Shabba Ranks, who made his first appearance at Reggae Sumfest since 1994. Shabba had the Montego Bay crowd eating out of his hands for over an hour; performing classics that with surely have fans singing long after Sumfest’s conclusion.
Delivering his typically energetic and eccentric performance style, Shabba dished out many efforts from his catalogue including Ting a Ling, Mr. Loverman, None a Dem and a slew of others. Additionally, he called on Reggae superstar, Cherine Anderson on stage as part of his act.
Following Shabba’s memorable performance was another iconic moment that fans can take away from Reggae Sumfest’s 20th edition as he copped an award in honor of his vast contributions to the Jamaican music industry. After Jamaica’s minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna presented him with the award, an emotional Shabba Ranks thanked Sumfest organizers before bringing his wife, Michelle on stage to share his glory.
Shabba also took time to acknowledge his sons, Rexton and Jahwon Jr., who joined the veteran entertainer and his wife on stage. Shabba even took time to highlight his sons’ achievements in school overseas.
“Rex Jr, political science and law at Boston University and Jahwon, 98% average in chemistry, physics and maths!”Shabba shouted with joy before explaining that his sons were the main reason for his long absence from Jamaican soil.
Shabba Ranks later took time to shout words of encouragement to fellow entertainers before making a statement that truly connected with the entire crowd.
“Not only gunshot can come out of the ghetto, I’m a natural proof of ghetto progress.”

 

Trey Songz promises stellar Sumfest performance

 

Internationally acclaimed R&B singing sensation, Trey Songz insists that his Jamaican fans should expect nothing but the best during his upcoming performance at Reggae Sumfest.
Trey Songz will headline the first of two international nights at the ongoing Reggae Sumfest event in Montego Bay this Friday. The award-winning singer, known for singles such as Heart Attack and Sex A'int Better Than Love will be making his second appearance in Jamaica for a stage show; his first since the summer of 2008 when he performed at Temple Hall Estate in St. Andrew.
His debut showing in Jamaica drew little fanfare, despite showcasing a bill that included Assassin, Leftside and Yung Joc. However, on his second go-around in the island, Trey Songz insists that locals will be treated to a more mature and entertaining performance when he graces the Catherine Hall stage.
In an interview with the Jamaica Gleaner, Trey Songz intimated that, "I've had more experience onstage, I'm more of an international artiste now, I've toured the world, couple albums have dropped since then, a mixtape and I have a lot more new music. I have the same band, I have background singers, so it will be a more lively performance. I think it will be longer."
He added, "I am very much excited about performing on the Sumfest stage. It's a great platform. It's the first international night, so I look forward to representing my country well and very much being accepted by you guys. I love the culture, I love the women, I love the weather, the food, so I look forward to not only performing onstage but just being in Jamaica."
Meanwhile, to help ingratiate himself with Jamaican music lovers, Trey Songz implied that he'll be adding aspects of the island's culture to his performance.
"I am not a Reggae artiste, so it feels good to be called on. I will try my best to incorporate some of your culture into my set. I plan to sing my heart out and leave it onstage and no matter how big the audience is, I plan to make everyone in the building feel special and make it as intimate as possible," he said.
To his credit, Trey Songz does boast some familiarity with Jamaican culture; revealing that he had a Jamaican neighbor during his younger days who would cook him several foods revered in the island such as rice and peas, oxtail as well as curried chicken. The prominent singer also revealed that he had traveled to Jamaica for the first time at 17 years of age.
During this trip to the island, Trey Songz hopes to enjoy many of Jamaica's cultural benefits.
"I don't have anything planned yet. My life is so busy, it's hard to adjust from day to day. But I definitely wanna get into some water. I wanna get some good food and I wanna see some of the culture."
Meanwhile, Trey Songz continues to promote his upcoming studio album, Chapter V, which will be unveiled on August 21 which features a single, Ladies Gone Wild, produced by Dancehall/Reggae hit maker, Teetimus. Teetimus is renowned for producing recent smash hits such as Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley's Affairs of the Heart and Bruk It Down by Mr. Vegas.

Trey Songz and Think Like a Man Sequel

Nephew Tommy on the Essence Music Festival, Trey Songz and Think Like a Man Sequel

Radio star Thomas Miles recaps festival highlights and talks returning to the big screen comedy.

Movie audiences recognize Steve Harvey Morning Show radio co-host Thomas Miles (aka "Nephew Tommy") as Think Like a Man’s house buying character Dominique. But Miles is also known as host of the Essence Music Festival, a three-day music event held in New Orleans. This year’s festival was another star-studded line up that included D’Angelo, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, The Pointer Sisters, Kirk Franklin, Fantasia, Chaka Khan and many more.
BET.com talked the best of the festival’s artists with Miles and got his thoughts on the planned Think Like a Man sequel.
This was your third year hosting the Essence Music Festival. What's the best part about the gig?
I get to wild out, I get to rock 60,000 people and it’s a grown and sexy event. It’s a blast and it’s so much fun.
Who are some of your favorite old school and new school acts that perform?
This year we had the Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin. Even my mama tried to beat me out for those tickets. She was like, “I’m coming Sunday night.” The older performers are ones you don’t want to miss because they’re still doing their thing. As far as new school, Anthony Hamilton has an incredible sound — a great soulful sound that is off the chain. Trey Songz clowned so hard last year to the point where he was back again this year.
At the 2011 Essence Music Festival, didn’t Trey Songz open the festival to a packed house?
I’ve been hosting for three years now and usually I always feel sorry for the first act because they’re almost always performing to an empty house because people haven’t come in yet. But the night Trey Songz performed? Oh my God. They were loaded in there and he was first. And I was like, “This young cat has arrived.” They respect him a whole lot and he was doing his thing. This year was no exception. The new school is in there and they ain’t playing.
Out of all the great performers this year, which act would you most like to share the stage with if you were a musician?
I’m an Anthony Hamilton fan, but if I had to be up there performing it might have to be with Charlie Wilson. He’s incredible — singing and dancing with people that are way younger than him. This guy has been reinvented, revamped and he’s still got it going on. He's still rocking. If you haven’t seen a Charlie Wilson show, trust me you don’t want to miss it. And if you are an artist the main thing you need to do is go on before him, you don’t want to go on after him. It ain’t good for you.
Since you had a scene stealing bit part, what are your thoughts on the sequel to Think Like a Man being greenlit?
Put this on the Internet, tell [producer] Will Packer that Tommy needs a bigger role. But everybody did such a great job [in the original]. Kevin Hart was hilarious. It goes on, Michael Ealy did a great job, Terrence J totally surprised me, he did well. All of the actresses, Gabrielle [Union], Taraji [P. Henson] did fantastic. So I’m excited to see what happens next. But they better give me a bigger role [Laughs].

gay or not gay

gay or not gay

This is a new series that names people who are not publicly gay, but have been shackled by rumors throughout their careers which warrant further discussion.

 The evidence provided has been gleaned from various Gawker sources enamored with this sort of outing process. If you have any evidence proving their gayness or their heterosexuality, please share it in the discussion system. Hooray.
Hearsay evidence of gayness:

• "He looked at my friend in a gay way," says homosexual source (friend had "no comment").
• "Last year, it was reported that Trey, who is allegedly versatile, which means he is a bottom and a top, dated R&B singer Brandon Hines." Oh and Trey and Will Smith probably did gay stuff together, too, this article says. Holla.
• Once responded to a question asking who the "hottest models in the game" were by saying, "female?"
• Lots of shirtless photos. "Looks gay," says heterosexual source.