After parting ways with longtime label home The Inc, R&B singer Lloyd is looking forward to a stellar future with the forthcoming release of his fourth studio album and yet another Hip-Hop infused single (in vein of “You”) titled “Pusha“.
Sitting down with SR shortly after securing a release from The Inc and parting ways with music mogul Irv Gotti, the “You” and “Get It Shawty” singer talks everything from his new single and collaborative works with DJ Khaled to the state of R&B and the ever present formula and love found between Urban Pop/R&B and Hip Hop. Also shedding light on future goals, including an upcoming project with West Coast heavyweight Dr. Dre and other producers, Lloyd believes his new found freedom will open doors he never saw before or even believed were possible.
Singersroom: Now last time we spoke with you, you had “Lessons In Love” out. What has been the biggest change for you since last year?
Lloyd: Within the last month I officially left The INC. Records. Personally, the biggest change⦠I don’t know⦠my chin hair and facial hair (laughter).
Singersroom: Oh okay (laughter). So in terms of The INC, that’s official now?
Lloyd: Yes. I’m going to take the independent route, not for an album, just for a single, which is called “Pusha“.
Singersroom: Okay, so “Pusha” is the official new single?
Lloyd: It’s a great song. I plan on releasing that to create a buzz the exact same way I did with “You.”
Singersroom: Each time I hear you man, you are taking it to the next level, which is good. What’s next for you sound/lyric wise on this fourth album?
Lloyd: As far as direction I think, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”⦠With “Pusha” though, it shows a more mature and more wittier side of me and writing side of me as far as me relating ‘her’ love to a drug. I think that it’s something for both sides. It’s something for the hardcore audience and it’s something for the softer side of women’s ears.
Singersroom: Cool. Now you’ve done the collabs with Lil Wayne, Jibbs and so many others in Hip Hop. Hip Hop and R&B continue to mesh so well. In your opinion, what makes the chemistry between the two so sought afterâ¦. even now?
Lloyd: I think what’s most important is that we not try to mash up one genre and make it sort of like “What the hell is going on..” I think what’s cool about the records we’ve done, me and my fellow artist friends, is that we find a way to show each genre in its respective light. So the R&B meets the rap in a very witty and very clever way. That’s half of it. The other half is just God and leaving your faith in the man upstairs.
Singersroom: Do you think we’ll ever lose that Hip Hop and R&B sound?
Of course not, they’re two of the most influential genres of music in the world, especially right now. Just coming from Europe I had a chance to see how people respond to our music. It was incredible and they love it. They’re out there making beats, making crunk beats, and doing gangsta rap. Sometimes it might not necessarily meet the authenticity we’re looking for. .. like I guess whenever you have too much of one thing, you get too much of one thing, like fake thugs and wanna be gangstas. For the most part, the music helps people. It influences their lives in ways you can’t even imagine.
Singersroom: A far as this new album, who are you working with or have you worked with thus far?
Lloyd: So far I’ve worked with some incredible producers: The Runners, Jim Jonsin, and E(Eric) Hudson but, I’m really looking forward to working with new faces and creating new relationships through music, which is why I went down to Miami and spent two weeks recording with Cool & Dre, (DJ) Khaled, The Runners and Jim Jonsin. I feel that this time in my life is symbolic to building bridges and opening new doors⦠doors that weren’t open before. Going out and working with new people like Pharell and Timbaland or even Dr. Dre, in my dream world, that would be something that would surprise a lot of people.
Singersroom: The Runners did “Pusha,” how did that come about?
Lloyd: Me and Khaled⦠just kicking it from time to time. I’ve known (DJ) Khaled for years now and we first met through Irv, actually through Fat Joe back when I was running with Joe and Terror Squad in Miami. Next thing you know he’s calling out “We The Best”. He’s putting Miami back on the map. There’s just something about that guy that is just entertaining. He’s fun to be around and I wanted to get that in my music. I had to find a way to mix my sound with some Miami hood tracks and make good stuff and I think that’s what we did.
Singersroom: On another note you’ve made our list for Singersroom’s Top 30 Under 30â¦
Lloyd: What about the top 25 under 25. I’m only 23 (laughter). I don’t know if you even have that list but I’m making it up right now (laughter).
Singersroom: I’ll make a note of that one ⦠we don’t have that yet(laughter). Maybe next year, top 25 under 25.
Lloyd: Hey I’ll be 24 so I’ll still be eligible. (laughter)
Singersroom: Cool. So I have to ask, over the years, what words of advice or encouragement have stuck with you and from whom?
Lloyd: Reverend Run once said “remain open.” And he said that being “open” throughout his career is something he’s cherished over the years because a lot of his biggest accomplishments sometime weren’t necessarily his ideas. Being open means allowing ideas to come into your life and being able to ultimately differentiate between what’s good for you and what’s not. You should listen to every idea and be open to at least hear a person out. I think that’s been something that kind of stuck with me.
Singersroom: I respect that. In that vein, what world event has changed your perspective on life or affected your music?
Lloyd: Hurricane Katrina.. Definitely. Born in New Orleans, and yes I rep the “A” (Atlanta) all day but, my family’s there and my history is there. When that happened, it hit close to home and a lot of family members were displaced. I really had to step up and use my blessings for personal reasons. It was like, I got money but, does this mean that I go out and put the rims on the ride or do I hold this and support my family. That’s kind of what it was man.
Lloyd: Did Katrina and its effect on your family affect your music?
Singersroom: Most definitely. When something like that happens it makes you go harder because it’s bigger than you now. I was doing it for everyone in the family and I would hope that, that would reflect in the music. I released “Street Love” (“You,” “Get It Shawty”) shortly after Katrina. I think the fact that I really worked hard on the record and it showed in the response, was just a testament to what me and my family were going through at the time.
Singersroom: Now the ladies still love that hair man, but beyond that, what piece of apparel, jewelry or some type of accessory makes you feel powerful?
Lloyd: Tattoos. You can’t buy them in a store and you can’t change them. I can’t change them with my shirt or with my necklace. You know, I can cut my hair off but, my tattoos will remain the same. That’s also a testament to being comfortable in who you are and knowing who you are. Also not regretting what you’ve become as a person. I think that’s the coolest thing about my tats.
Singersroom: How many tattoos do you have?
Lloyd: I stopped counting really. To be honest, I lost count but last I counted it was 25.
Singersroom: Is there anything you can’t leave the house without?
Lloyd: A big mouth â I have to take it with me everywhere.
Singersroom: Do you mean in a talent and performing sense?
Lloyd: Just a⦠that I don’t give a fu** about what you may think because this is what it is. Just being able to speak on what exactly it is you’re feeling. A lot of people, you know, they don’t have the courage to really just say how they feel.
Singersroom: What item or items are hardest for you to find in stores and how do you get around it?
Lloyd: Sometimes it’s hard to find a good sale â how about that and (finding) everything at a good price.
Singersroom: What about music makes you still want to get up and record, even after releasing three successful albums?
Lloyd: I recently lost my grandfather. He was my greatest inspiration and my biggest fan ever since I was a kid. He believed in his grandson. Just to be able to do something in memory of him and dedicate an act of love to someone is an incredible advantage. I think that if anything, it makes me want to go harder, knowing that if he was here, he’d be going just as hard for me. —— By: Interview By Njai Joszor
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