Introducing: Ray Laveneder

I had the chance to talk with the rising R&B star, Ray Lavender last week. Luckily, you get to read about the conversation that I had with Ray! Akon signed him to Konvict Muzik not too long ago. If you do not already know who he is, you may have heard is song, "My Girl Got a Girlfriend" which is where the interview began.

So was "My Girl Got a Girlfriend" always going to be put out as a single?
Actually it was just a song I went in the studio, made, and didn’t expect it to be a single. I went in the studio and talked about my life and it just so happened to be that part of my life which has happened to a lot of people. It just stuck. Akon heard it and he said it should be a single. I put it on Myspace and the people loved it and the label went with it. It’s a great single to me.

Your debut album is titled "X-Rayted?"
It’s self titled, "Ray Lavender" and we are going to put out a mix tape with the title, "X-Rayted."

Speaking of name changes, you have had a lot of name changes for your stage name. So tell me, what makes a stage name so important?
I went through a lot of names. When people say your stage name, it has to roll off right, it has to be a household name. They can’t chuckle every time they say your name, you know? It has to be a name that is going to be legendary. You want a name that someone will always remember and that‘s different and creative as well. I went through Ray Earl, Earl Ray, Ray L, all types of names. We simplified it. My real name is Earl Ray Lavender so we chopped it in half. I think it’s very me - it’s my name and when you think of Ray Lavender you think of R&B. You think something sexy is about to happen.

What are you going to do to stay in the industry and not become a new artist who only gets 15 minutes of fame?
I’m going to stay consistent and keep the hits coming. I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. This is what I love to do and I’m going to make sure you hear a lot from me. I’m going to make sure to stay consistent with the times. I’m a cool guy, I like to stay trendy and real. I think that’s what keeps you around.

Did you always know that you wanted to sing R&B music or were you open to other genres?
I actually grew up listening to a lot of popular music like Wham! and that song "Wake Me Up Before You Go." I fell in love with rock and roll and all of that like Van Halen. I grew up watching MTV so I was open to other genres of music but I love R&B. It was played around my house a lot. My dad loved Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Sam Cook so that kind of stuck with me.

So is there anybody people might be surprised to learn that you want to sing a duet with?
Yeah, I want to do a song with Bono. I would love to do a song with him. Also, Coldplay, I love Coldplay. One of my favorite songs is “Clocks.”

The track that became “Donkey Kong” was originally made for Madonna, so how did you end up getting it?
Akon was doing the track and I walked in and I said “Wait a minute, we’re giving too many hits away.” So I asked Akon if I could write something and he was like, “No man, this for Madonna.” So I asked to just attempt to do something on the track and he said “Alright Ray, I’m going to give you a chance.” As soon as he gave me a chance, I let loose on it. I came up with a catchy melody and Akon joined in and that was it! It was fun! I took a record away from Madonna.

Not many people can say that.
Not many people can say that.

Not taking credit away from Akon, but do you ever get tired of people saying you are his protégé and wanting people to see you as your own individual artist?
No not at all. Akon took me under his wing and I am forever grateful for that. I am a family oriented guy, I take nothing personal. I wouldn’t want to be under anyone else’s wing than this guy. He is incredible, he is very creative. I can’t wait to make him proud of me as his protégé. It is actually just an honor to be put in the same sentence as Akon.

What did you learn from Gwen Stefani's 2007 summer tour with Akon?
I learned to be very creative with your show. Let it all loose, let everyone know who you are. Gwen Stefani and Akon, that combination in itself is incredible. Watching them do shows, their stage presence was great. I learned to open up, be who I am.

You do not smoke or drink, so I want to know what you have to say to all of the young men out there who try to live the hip hop lifestyle and are not responsible.
First, stop being a follower and start being a leader. Get a positive goal and stick to it and never give up. I found something positive, I stuck to it, I never gave up, and here I am. Do not give up and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. If you believe you can do it, the sky is the limit.

How is being a model for Konvict Clothing?
It is going great. I’m getting in a lot of magazines so that is always good. At first I thought that was kind of soft to be a model but it’s kind of cool. I get to see myself in a lot of different clothes and I actually look alright in them. I look like I know what I’m doing.

For the future, as far as getting into acting goes, what kind of roles would you like to play?
I want to play someone like an attorney. I also like parodies, comedy sketches, I’d love to be a funny cop in a movie.

On the album, what would you say is your favorite song and why?
I co-wrote all of the songs so I love them all but I would have to say this track, “Your Body” featuring Tank. It takes you back to when R&B was so great, the early 90s type of R&B. The reason why I love it so much is because the melody is so great and on top of that it reminds you of a type of song R Kelly might of made in the early 90s. It’s catchy and sexy.

Why should people pick up the album?
If you want real authentic R&B music, I took it back. I’m going to make you cry, I’m going to make you laugh, and I’m going to make you feel really good at the same time. I put all of those elements into my album, stirred it up, and I promise you it’s one of the greatest album I’ve ever heard. I’m not just saying that because it’s me, I poured my life into it and it really shows.

When can everyone get the album?
Early first quarter, beginning of 2009 - I won‘t let you down. It gives me time to promote the next single that I’m about to drop called “Shawty Got Me” featuring Yung Joc. It’s incredible.