24: First and foremost, thank you for sitting down with 24hourhiphop for this Exclusive interview.

Thank you for having me!

24: So the people want to know what’s up with Ginuwine, I’m sure you have been putting in a lot of work behind the scenes but the fans want to hear it from you. Exactly what’s been going on with you the last few years?

Well last year I put out my 6th album “A Mans Thoughts” which did fairly well under the circumstances. We were #1 and the single went # 2 prior to that. I hadn’t been out for about 4 years so for me to come back and be welcomed with open arms like that, it was a pleasure and an honor. I’ve been in this game for a while as you know and to see the fans still appreciate my music and appreciate what I’ve done for R&B and what I will continue doing is a blessing. I’ve been working on a lot of new things; a few sitcom ideas, a book which I think is going to be a helpful tool for others. Every artist that’s get to the point where I am in my career, they have a lot to say and a lot to tell.  I think the book is going to be quite good for the younger generation of artist’s who are just coming up in this industry. I’ve been staying busy doing all the things I can to generate awareness. I believe as an artist and a business man you have to do that to be successful in this industry

24: Tell me about your new album “Elgin” which is set to be released on Valentines Day. Who are some of the people you are working with on this project and what can the fans expect?

I’ve always felt like if it’s not broken don’t fix it.  When I started this project, I actually went back to those that helped in the last project like Oat, Sleppy and Teddy Riley! Sleepy is a new producer, he is very talented. I also worked with Brian Michael-Cox. He is the one who actually gave me the single “My last Chance”. He worked with me a lot on the last project as well .Coming back from a 4 year layoff is not as easy as it might seem so I needed that chemistry. Him being the beast that he is with the beats it jelled and worked pretty nicely. He helped me come back strong and really just gave me some confidence in knowing that it was mines for the taking so to go out there and take it. The album is sounding and looking great. It’s all coming together!

24: This is going to be your 7th studio album how do you feel this album differs from you other albums?

I’ve been here for a while and now I approach life and situations in a different perspective I’m no longer that young spark that would things and live in the fast lane  I’m a grown man now and I’m more aware and I’m no longer as care free and spontaneous as I once was. I’m now more aware and knowledgeable of what I put out there and how it can affect others and effect me in the future. I feel as if my legacy is already cemented I think my time and what I did in my career they remember and they give me my respect without having to prove myself  it’s not even about  being the best i think it’s more about me maintaining what I already have achieved and keep putting out great music. My strength has always been in the slow songs so I’m going to always continue to take care of my fans and make sure there taking care of at the end of the day.

24: Who are some of the artist that have inspired you along your music career past or present?

Absolutely, In the past the one and only Michael Jackson, Prince, Marvin Gaye ,Patti La belle, Anita Baker, Mariah Carey Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown New Edition and the list goes on. Me, I like performers, show stoppers, I like people who entertain. I don’t like people who will just walk back n fourth with a mic. I like Hammer. I believe Hammer is one of the best I have ever seen in my life. Treach from Naughty by Nature, Busta Rhymes I like all around entertainers! When people come to show they want to see you perform. When people come to my shows, I try to give them acting, singing, modeling, dancing everything they can probably want to see in a show and that’s what I try to give them.

24: If you had to choose one song out of your whole catalogue that has the most meaning to you and why?

I’d have to say “Differences” because when I wrote that record, it was at a point in my life  that I could have been here or not been here. It was not only a song but it was a song that was a healing process for me it was a self medicating type process for me as well. It was for my wife who was always there for me throughout my life and career.

24: Besides the new album coming out I’m aware you recently became the spokesperson for a new Vodka called “Adult Chocolate Milk” that actually taste like chocolate milk tell me a bit about what caught your attention with this product and how that is unfolding.

What happen with that was I was in the back at The BET gifting lounge, they were offering me  me shots so I go over to taste it and I was surprised it was good and it tasted like just like advertised, just like chocolate milk. Me being a business man, my first reaction was to look around to see the bottle. When I check the bottle there was no face on the bottle so I asked them if they would be interested in putting a face to their brand and if they were open to it and they said yes!  It’s still relatively new. We just signed the contract. I’m very happy and looking forward to the opportunity and looking forward to the things we are planning for the near future with the cross marketing we will be doing with “Elgin” when released. I’m just looking forward to all the positive things coming.

24: Tell me about the impact the song Pony had on your career

Pony is what put me on the map. That record was what led and helped me create awareness of the new sound that was coming out. As you know, I came up with Missy, Timbaland and Aaliyah. Our sound at the time helped change the game. Our direction was different and our sound was new. That record definitely helped me to achieve what I have today!

24: Before we conclude this exclusive interview any last words you would like to say to your fans and the readers online around the world!

 First off you can follow me on twitter@Ginuwine09 I want to say I love you to all the fans all for the support you have given me thus far! It’s been 15 years and counting. I’m on my 7th CD and I appreciate all of you! Stay on the lookout for a new social network which I will be launching soon and make sure you go pick up your copy “Elgin” when it comes out!  Love you all!!!