From WhuDat.com...

T-Pain played a big role in last night’s BET Awards. The Rick Ross/DJ Khaled portion of the Ringleader act was a front row seat at the circus; the Mad Scientist in Lil Wayne’s act was diabolical! Take away T-Pain’s willingness to be the Ringleader and you’re talking a dip 6 decibels on the ‘excitement’ meter.


I had the chance to speak to T-Pain when he first hit the scene. Asked him what he was going to do when his album drops and people hear his voice without the vocoder effect. The assumption being he couldn’t possibly plan on recording 12 songs straight with a special effect ‘hiding’ his voice.

He didn’t quite know how to answer that question. He simply said people would be stupid not to like him without it. Well T-Pain hasn’t had to test that theory. He has embraced being the Auto-Tune king.
Luckily he backs it up with great hooks (Flo-Rida owes him everything) and with hit seeking artists seemingly jumping on Auto-Tune too, T-Pain has the benefit of being the first to do it; whenever you hear that synthesized warble it’s a sounds like T-Pain thing.

But he has actually gone beyond that.. T-Pain is now a full-fledged character.

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T-Pain poses with his award for best collaboration for "Good Life" backstage at the BET Awards on Tuesday June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

By SANDY COHEN

LOS ANGELES (AP) — T-Pain and Lil Wayne have owned the music scene over the past year: It seems as if T-Pain's voice has accented half the hits on urban radio, while Lil Wayne, another ubiquitous collaborator, has appeared on the rest.

In addition, Lil Wayne just this month scored the year's best-selling album sales debut with 1 million copies sold of his new CD, "Tha Carter III."

So it was appropriate that both artists dominated Tuesday's BET Awards with not only their energetic performances but their presence, despite winning just one trophy each.

"We're blessed to be in this man's presence," Kanye West, one of music's biggest self-promoters, said of T-Pain when the pair accepted their award for best collaboration for "The Good Life," going on to call T-Pain a "genius."

"I'll let y'all know because I'm one of the kings of this game. My opinion counts." West also paid homage to Lil Wayne, calling him "my fiercest competition."

"You scared me man," West said, bringing Lil Wayne onstage when West won the trophy for best hip-hop male. "Congratulations on selling over a million records. And they say hip hop is dead."

Other highlights from the three-hour ceremony included a girl group reunion; a stirring tribute to the Rev. (and soul legend) Al Green; and topless performance by ripped rapper Nelly.

T-Pain, who led the nominees with five nods for his many collaborations — not his own hits — performed with his fellow nominees twice during the three-hour ceremony. He transformed the Shrine Auditorium into a circus with a multi-artist medley that showed his wide-ranging influence during his first appearance.

Wearing a spangled top hat, the rapper-singer shared the stage with fellow nominees Flo Rida, Rick Ross, Ludacris and Big Boi, along with a bevy of big-top freaks, including fire eaters and acrobats.

"This industry is my circus," said T-Pain. "Ride with the ringleader."

Then T-Pain gave a sample of his musical assists over the past year. Double nominee Flo Rida performed his hit with T-Pain, "Low"; a bare-chested Ross flaunted his gut while singing his song with T-Pain, "Boss"; and all joined in on the collaborative "I'm So Hood."

He also joined Lil Wayne for the evening's final and much anticipated performance — a show-closing medley of Lil Wayne's hits including "A Milli" and his No. 1 smash "Lollipop." Lil Wayne showed off his vocal dexterity as he feverishly rapped and sang; though censors muted some of his curses, it let his sexually explicit "Lollipop" fly virtually untouched.

Another name heard frequently throughout the night was that of Barack Obama. Diddy, Alicia Keys and other nominees used their time onstage to urge viewers to vote, and clearly showed their support for the Democratic presumptive presidential nominee, who could become the nation's first black president.

The night's most memorable moments came in performance form. Keys, who was named best female R&B artist, invited SWV, En Vogue and TLC to join her onstage for a medley of their biggest hits. By the time they closed with TLC's "Waterfalls," the crowd was on its feet. Even West was singing along.

After tributes by John Legend, Jill Scott and Maxwell, Lifetime Achievement Award winner Al Green delivered a smash performance of his own, hitting all the high notes on his hits "Let's Stay Together" and "Love and Happiness," as Diddy, Ludacris and the rest of the awards-show audience sang along.

"I'm sorry I didn't sing as well as I could. I got scared," a modest Green, 62, confessed backstage.

Queen Latifah introduced Humanitarian Award recipient Quincy Jones, calling him "an international artist" and "a leader."

"He showed us black entertainment is more than just a hustle," she said. "It's more than just selling albums. It's about inspiration."

The night's most somber moment came when UGK was named best group. Bun B honored his fallen bandmate, Pimp C, who died in December at age 33 from complications of sleep apnea.

"It's hard to do this with my brother not being here," Bun B said, while joined onstage with Pimp C's wife. "We want to thank y'all for supporting UGK all these years. It's still UGK for life... Long live Pimp C."

Usher opened the show pyrotechnics-filled performance as he sang "Love in this Club." Singer (and BET reality star) Keyshia Cole gave a glamorous performance of her ballad "Heaven Sent," descending from the ceiling while wearing a long flowing gown, before a dancer ripped it off, revealing a white top and shorts as she sang her hit "Let It Go" with Lil Kim.

West rapped alongside Young Jeezy in performance that was marked by its omissions — censors omitted so much of their performance that at times there was stretches of silence. Chris Brown, who was seated next to rumored girlfriend Rihanna, won the night's first award: best male R&B artist. Brown was later joined onstage by Ciara for a sizzling performance that showed off each artist's dance skills. A shirtless Nelly unveiled a new song, then was joined by Fergie for their track, "Party People."

Kobe Bryant and Missy Elliott were early winners, but the best male athlete and female hip-hop artist weren't there to collect their awards, nor was the evening's best new artist winner, The-Dream. Other awards were given off camera.

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From Sixshot.com...

Everybody wants to talk about how Hip-Hop took permanent residence down South (particularly in Atlanta). Artists from Young Jeezy to T.I. have shown nothing but Southern Hospitality to their new houseguest.

Outkast (whether they’re together or a part) are still a major factor, while Ludacris cut his braids off and won a Grammy on his way to following Will Smith’s blueprint for success. There’s no question that the Hip-Hop being performed Hot-Lanta will be around for a long time regardless if people approve of it or not.

But while the people of A-Town are “stomping,” “snapping,” and just plain out partying like rock stars—there might be a few inhabitants that may want to slow it down some (believe it or not). So for those that prefer the more mellow and smoother side of things, they can turn their attention to Ray Lavender.

His name will strike you as not having a Hip-Hop edge to it, and that’s because he’s not Hip-Hop, he’s Akon’s newest secret weapon in the world of R&B. The chisel-faced soft-spoken native of Atlanta by way of Louisiana has come a long way since his days of delivering pizzas and singing in the back room where he and co-workers flipped pizza dough. He’s the voice behind the hit single ‘My Girl Gotta Girlfriend’ (AKA every man’s fantasy) and now ‘Stay.’ A chance meeting with Akon ten years ago landed him the present day opportunity to spread is brand of soul to a wider audience. And with his debut album, X-Rayted set to be released this summer, it’ll probably be the first time that Atlanta had a leisurely tempo that’s still able to get fast time results.

So how did you first get into singing? Do you come from a musical background?

You know what’s funny? I’m the only person in my family that sings. I’m the only one that sings like this. They found out when I was about 4-years-old, and my mom put me in a [church] choir. So it all started from there, and I just felt like I wanted to be the next guy.

Speaking about being the next guy, how do you feel about the R&B talent pool? Do you think its pretty deep or shallow?

To me R&B hasn’t gone anywhere, and we’re still here. It’s just that we’re trying to innovate it a little bit. R&B is one of those things that can’t be changed too much. We’re still here—we got the “Chris Brown’s,” we got the “J. Holiday’s,” and the “Trey Songz.” I can even go to Tank, he’s one of the older ones, but he still got the soulful feel and also Jaheim. It’s just that Hip-Hop is coming and taking the world by storm a little bit, but I feel like R&B is well occupied.

How did you first hook up with Akon?

I met Akon back in 1997. I was working at this local Pizza Hut as the delivery driver, and I was always singing while working. So one of the guys that worked with me heard me singing and he was like, “Yo you can sing man!” Then he asked if I was doing anything with it, and I told him that I was trying, but it’s really hard. Then he told me he knew a guy that was a producer, and he gave me his number. Then I called the guy up, and when he answered the phone, he told me to meet him at this certain studio.

So when I went to the studio, I knocked on the door, and Akon opened the door. But back then, it was just regular old “Akon,” nobody knew who he was. Then he let me hear some of his tracks, and I fell in love with the tracks and then I sang for him. He was like, “Yo!” “You’re the next one!” And this was back in ’97, so that goes to show you how long I’ve been going at it. So I stayed loyal to Akon, and I just stayed down with him. And we’ve been working with each other ever since.

What are some of the things you’ve learned from him?

When I learnt from ‘Kon is to keep things simple; you know what I’m saying? Don’t try to do too much on a song, and make sure the songs that you do are really catchy. He also taught me to make sure that my hooks are great—if you have a great hook, then you have a great song. Also that when I’m on the road to play it safe, and don’t try to rough up anybody that comes on stage. Just to take it safe.

Do you feel any pressure to perform well since you have someone like Akon backing you?

You know what? Not to brag or feel extra confident, but I know where we come from and the caliber of music we produce. So they’re expecting great things out of me, because I work and he’s one of the people that I study. So you’re going to get if not the same, then better music, because I’m always trying to out do the last song that I did. Just like the first record I did, ‘My Girl Gotta A Girlfriend’ and now I have ‘Stay.’ That was such an incredible experience, and you wouldn’t know that it’s the same guy who sang ‘My Girl Gotta Girlfriend.’ I do that just to keep myself innovative because I want to be compared to the greatest. I’m going to try my best to produce great music. So no, it doesn’t bother me to be signed under a great artist, because that makes me want to get better.

But I’ve heard a lot of artists say that they won’t sign under another artist, because they won’t be the focal point. So how do you know if Konvict Muzik will be a good fit for you?

To the guys that don’t want to sign under another artist, I feel your pain. I understand where they’re coming from. Their dilemma is that the artist is going to sign you, then that artist is going to get busy and go out on the road, and he’s going to forget about you, and you’re going to be sitting up on the shelf. That’s totally false. Lets just say I put out a record label tomorrow, and I call it ‘Lavender Boy Music’ or whatever and I sign you. If I go out on the road and I get busy, my artist is not to be sitting still. Even if didn’t give you orders to go to the studio; you still need to be up in the studio. Akon does not tell me when to go to the studio, because he already knows that I’m a workhorse. So I’m going to go to the studio anyway without them even scheduling studio time for me.

You have to take it upon yourself to do these things; like taking the initiative to go to the studios and do your own tours. That’s why I’m not scared of being signed under ‘Kon because I already know that I’m working. It’s not bad that I’m using the name, because that’s what I’m supposed to do, “Konvict Muzik.” When people ask about my situation, I say I’m signed to Konvict Muzik because that’s my stamp. When I say, “I’m Ray Lavender, and I’m signed to Konvict Muzik” people listen. I think it’s kind of cool to get with somebody that’s out already, because it opens up another door for you. So don’t be scared to sign under another artist, if you can do it, go ahead and sign with somebody.

Every year, new artists come out talk about how they’re going to change the game. Do you have any expectations for yourself?

I’m not going to tell you I’m going to change the game, I’m not going to change the game. There’s going to be a new face in the game though. Along with the new face, there’s going to be some talent with that new face. You’re going to hear some different things out of me, because I mix R&B with Hip-Hop and I do popular music as well; so there’s another great artist that’s about to appear into the music world. I’m not saying I’m going to change the game, because nobody is going to change the game, music innovates itself.

Like when T-Pain came in the electronic voice and it sounded like Zapp & Roger—it wasn’t anything new to us, we were always familiar with that type of voice. But it was a new face mixed in with a little bit of Hip-Hop and some T-Pain in it. So I’m not going to change the game, but I’m going to give you the sexiest look I can, and try to produce some great music.

As the release date for your album X-Rayted comes into view, what are your feelings towards it? Are you nervous or anxious?

I feel like when R. Kelly’s CD 12 Play came out, I couldn’t wait to get that album. I feel like that with my album, I can’t wait to get my own album. I’ve sung the music, and I know what it sounds like, and I can’t wait to go buy a copy of my first album. I don’t have the jitterbugs or none of that. I had a great time recording my album, I had fun and I know what the album sounds like. I know the album is good, so I’m not even worried about that part. I’m not worried about the people receiving me, because for some reason they love me. I’m giving them all I got, and they’re receiving it well. My thing is that I just can’t wait until it comes out. I’m not nervous at all.

So how does “Ray Lavender” remain relevant in the music business where it’s built off short-term memory? What do you want people to take away from your music?

Awe man that is a wonderful question! “What do I want you to take from my music?” First I want you to have fun with the CD. Because like I said, I had fun making it. I want you to dance, groove, and make good love. I made some great music for love on this CD. I want a baby boom to happen off my album. There are a lot of slow sexy songs on there designed for you when you’re with your girl in the car, in the house, or on the patio. I want y’all to cuddle up and make good love, and travel to this music. I just want you to get all the good out of it…

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Akon is a shrewd businessman who has been busy putting together a talented team

Written by Saba, Ink

Who in the world is Ray Lavender and what does AKON have to do with him?

Well, let’s just say that if you have not heard about this brotha outta Louisiana, you better ask somebody!!

Mr. Lavender is not only being tagged as AKON’s Protégé, he is now the face of KONVICT (AKON’s label) Clothing. As if that were not enough, he informed me that he is preparing to go on tour with Michael Jackson – yes folks, the “gloved one” has caught Lavender Fever.

So what makes this young star so hot? Perhaps it is his soulful sounds coupled with raw sexual lyrics and appeal.

Ray says that “Sam Cooke and R. Kelly are two big inspirations.” By listening to cuts from his upcoming album, “My Girl Got A Girlfriend,” “Put It Down,” “Checkin’ My Phone,” “Work It (Doing, Doing),” “Donkey Kong” and of course “Stay” – we can certainly see how these two artists have influenced him.

Talking to Ray a few days ago, I had a chance to learn a little bit more about this “hot new property.” So, join in and check out our conversation, which went a little something like this:

Jamati: You’ve definitely got some hot joints going on there. I describe it as an album for fantasy sex. You’ve got a little something for the men with “Girl Gotta Girlfriend” and then you’re checking for the women with songs like “Stay.”

Ray Lavender: (laughing) thank you. I try, I try. I’ll take that description – I appreciate it.

Jamati: So, tell me how you went from head model with KONVICT to recording star.

Ray Lavender: Well, it was actually the opposite. I was doing the music and “KON” mentioned to me that I should try to branch out and do some modeling- this was before his clothing line. I was like yeah, ‘cause I’m thinking that modeling is for girls – you know. But I’m doing this thing and people like seeing my face – they actually think I look good (laughing). I don’t know what’s going on, but I did it, they like it and I love it.

Jamati: Tell me about your motivations and how you got into this whole game.

Ray Lavender: It was mainly my Mom and Dad. They stuck by me and always told me that I should do what I wanted to do. Growing up, R& B was all around me. I even remember the vinyls, they were everywhere - we even had 8 tracks. Sam Cooke, Al Greene, Commodores - all the timeless hits, that’s where I get my truly authentic R&B sultry sounds from. When I was coming up, I listened to New Edition, Troop, Ready for The World, Guy, Blackstreet but my Dad wanted to make sure I listened to the classics. But when R. Kelly came out, this man moved my soul; and it takes a real man to say that another man moves his soul – but that dude, he did it. I’d listen to him and say, Are you serious you can say bump and grind on the radio? He went against the grain…and when my Dad heard him he was like, this the dude you need to listen to. He’d say he reminded him of Sam Cooke. I studied him so much that people used to think I was R. Kelly. When I’d sing his songs, people would think I was R. Kelly. I felt like if he could do it and be that great, I could do it too.

Jamati: You’re being described as AKON’s protégé, and recently there was some controversy over whether AKON went to jail or not. What are your thoughts on this, does jail time really make you a man?

Ray Lavender: The whole jail thing, I don’t do - I’m not built for jail (laughing). I’ve been to jail before, but I don’t have no big rap sheet or nothing. The biggest thing I have is the fact that I did not change my insurance over on my car. But I think when they describe me as his protégé, they’re putting two and two together and looking at my music/style. People are looking and saying, this guy can sing, he can move the crowd, and is working with AKON and T-Pain . It’s like they’re sayin that I’m the next big thing - And they are not wrong!.

Jamati: So talk to me about the new song “Stay.” What is that about? Is it relational and based on experience?

Ray Lavender: “Stay,” well, you know how guys are? They gotta girl already and then another beautiful girl come at them and they want to…

Jamati: Try out the buffet service?

Ray Lavender: (laughing), You’re absolutely right! Great way to put it. We want to try out the buffet service. So, with “Stay” I took the option of eating at the buffet. And what happens is my girl finds out and wants to know why I would do that when I have all of this good stuff at home- so my girl says, I’m cooking, cleaning and doing everything you need me to do and she decides to leave. I tell her fine go on and I’ll just get another girl. When I get the other girl, she does NOTHING like my baby used to do. Men tend to realize what they’ve lost at the latter part of the relationship. So we are out and I see my first girl with her new boyfriend sitting on his lap (the way we used to do) and I really start to miss her and realize what I have done - Tank and I got together on this song.

Jamati: It is definitely a good apology song.

Ray Lavender: Yeah you know, I sang it at a wedding recently and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Jamati: So tell me about working with T-Pain.

Ray Lavender: You know what, T-Pain needs to be in movies. He is so funny…people don’t believe me when I say he could be like the next Chris Tucker. He is one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met. He thinks outside the box and collaborating with a guy like that, you will always stay in the club or on the radio. But you remember I said it here first..that T-Pain will be a movie star.

Jamati: Tell me something about Ray Lavender that the world doesn’t know- that you can afford to share.

Ray Lavender: Well, I used to be a Pizza delivery driver and I loved it. It was great for me- I would do it again if I had to. I loved driving and I would listen to a lot of music while I was driving. It got me away from the building and I got to meet a lot of people. A lot of the girls would request me to come deliver their pizza.

Jamati: So what was your sexiest delivery?

Ray Lavender: (laughing) Every house is a different episode you know. Now, this ONE woman, she called in all sexy requesting me and I was like yeah….it’s about to pop off. She needed a meat lovers, and I was like I’ll be right over – let’s just say when I got there, her voice did not match what was at the door and she had her shirt off. She wanted me to come in and put the pizza on the table and I was like nah, we can’t come it people’s house.

Jamati: So what can we look for from you before the album comes out?

Ray Lavender: Well, The KONVICT Clothing line coming out. It is going to be in Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Richies and all the major stores. So every time you see the clothing line, you’ll see my face. Got some movies coming out- AKON’s got a movie called “Cocaine Cowboys”. – oh and we have a big Tour coming up with AKON & Michael Jackson. How big is that?

Jamati: WOW…that is huge!!

Ray Lavender: Yeah, I call AKON everyday and ask him if he is for real. But you know he did 6 or 7 new songs on Michael Jackson’s new album, so it’s very realistic.

Jamati: So, some words of encouragement for the people before we leave?

Ray Lavender: This is what I live by. No matter how bad things get, no matter how hard things get, no matter who leaves you or dies – you still got hope and you can still achieve what you want. Never give up, because if you do, you not only lose but you lose people that believed in you – Always, believe in you and what you do and you will WIN!

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