24: Let’s start this off by you introducing yourself…
I go by the name of AJ “The R&B General”
24: Is there a meaning behind the name “R&B General”?
I feel like I’m the boss at what I do and everyone salutes the general! I put that concept towards my music career and it has proven itself thus far!
24: What’s your first memory of R&B?
Listening to Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight on the radio! I loved it.
24: Was singing something you were taught or did it come naturally?
It came naturally, I’ve never had training. I recently worked three or four times with Betty Wright, but nothing else my whole life.
24: Tell us about your latest single “Ape Sex”.
“Ape Sex” is a certified banger! As they say, sex sells! When you have a witty concept and metaphoric lyrics behind it, along with a beat by Phat Boy Beats, it’s unstoppable. Not to mention a feature from one of the hottest rappers in Miami, Ballgreezy. It’s taking the streets, clubs, etc. by storm!
24: How did you hook up with Ball Greezy for the song?
I’ve known him for a while now. We use to perform at open mics together a long time ago. I had my manager contact his manager and we made it happen.
24: How did the 106 & Park situation come about?
The 1st time I went, it was on a song with 1 Trigga. They sent it to BET and we were accepted to audition and picked. Then we went on the show and won! The second time I went to the PPR 101 conference with Chiq Diva and was picked by the scout from 106 and park that was there! I went on the show and sang That Feelin’ and won over 50% of the voted out of 3 people! It was the best feeling ever!!!!!
24: Aside from the album, what else have you been working on? Guest appearances, compilations, etc.
I’ve been doing a lot of features with many different artists. I have also been writing and referencing with cp Hollywood, Phat Boy Beats and other producers for major artists.
24: So tell me about this project your working on, what’s different about this compared to anything you’ve done in the past?
In the past, I’ve done mixtapes, this is a street album. All original beats, professionally done, great music!
24: So your happy with the way everything turned out with this new album?
Yes, I feel really good about it and I know everybody is going to love it!
24: What about guests/producers have you worked with and like to work with in the future?
I’ve worked with CP Hollywood, Gorilla Tek, 2-Side, Big J, G4 music, TD (Raw Block), my boy Phat Boy Beats, and the list goes on! I would like to work with any producer with great music. Big names are great, but to me big music means more.
24: How does it feel to be partly responsible for people’s moods?
Its feels great! I make music for all moods and I see it in action! I’ve seen people cry to my love songs, laugh at my lyrical songs, dance to y clubs songs etc. people have ever told me that they have kids because of me lol! It’s a great feeling.
24: What are your thoughts on the current world of R&B?
I feel its lost a lot of its meaning! Real love songs barely exist, real singers barely exist! The market is filled with singers that survive on technology! Even real singers are venturing off into using these technologies! It takes away from the realness! I want to bring it back to how it used to be.
24: If you could go on a romantic date with any celebrity, who would you take out and why?
I kinda got a thing for Keri Hilson lol… shes not only sexy but she seems very cool and like someone I would like to get to know.
24: What do you think is the biggest misconception of you?
People mistake me for a rapper until I open my mouth and the voice comes out! My image is quite urban.
24: Do you ever put on your own record to get girls in the mood?
Hey hey hey (laughs) I have but its not a habit of mine.
24: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
I want to be a very successful business man.
24: Any last words?
I appreciate 24hourhiphop.com and everybody that supports me! Shouts out to Serious Swag Inc, Slide Or Die Inc, Millions Clothing Co, and my brothers Cyrus and Chris! I love y’all!!!
Keep up with me at these sites:
www.twitter.com/ajrnbgeneral
www.facebook.com/ajrnbgeneral
www.myspace.com/ajrnbgeneral
www.youtube.com/rnbgeneraltv
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