Two-time Grammy-nominated R&B singer Tremaine Neverson, known as Trey Songz, thinks being called a “fan” of Jay-Z is an “understatement.”
“I’m extremely influenced by him, both as an artist and especially from a business standpoint,” said Neverson, who in 2004 co-launched the production company Songbook.
So it’s no wonder the 25-year-old was floored when Jay-Z, the self-proclaimed “God MC” who has more No. 1 records than Elvis Presley, asked Neverson to be the opening act on the BP3 Tour.
“[Getting the tour offer] was a surreal feeling,” Neverson said. “There were a couple of other tour offers on the table, but we turned them down after that one.”
And for good reason. The Jay-Z-led nationwide venture, which kicked off Feb. 20 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., hits 23 major venues in a two-month span. Trey Songz, Jay-Z and rapper Young Jeezy will perform at Verizon Center in Washington tonight.
Neverson, known for his smooth-yet-raunchy club joints such as “I Invented Sex” and “Say Aah,” gets about 35 minutes to perform before Hova takes the stage with a 10-piece band and a repertoire including 11 solo albums. It’s a tough act to support, but the laid-back Songz said he isn’t concerned about winning over the hard-core hip-hop heads who may dominate the audience and be much more eager to see a rap legend than a poppy singer who seems to cater to teenage girls.
“The thing about me is I won’t go out of my way to appeal to anyone,” said Neverson, who also performs with a live band. “If you want to step into my world, you can step into my world. I’m just here to do me.”
But that doesn’t mean Neverson doesn’t want to break out some surprises to keep the crowd engaged. For instance, he said he debuted the video for his new single, “Neighbors Know My Name,” off his certified-gold third album Ready, on-stage at the tour opener. And Neverson promised he’ll fill his set with fan-favorite singles such as “Can’t Help But Wait.”
“It’s all about the bangers,” Neverson said.
Neverson knows what it takes to craft a hit — he’s been singing, writing and producing songs since he was a teenager. The sharp-dressed, corn-rowed ladies’ man released his debut album, I Gotta Make It, on Atlantic Records in 2005.
And Neverson knows how to deal with life on the road — he comes from a military family.For most of his childhood and adolescence, he said, he’s never lived in the same place for more than two years.
“I’ve gone to a different school every year in my life, except high school,” Neverson said.
But Neverson claims Petersburg, Va., as his hometown — he even crowned himself “the Prince of Virginia.” He plans to entertain his family and friends at the upcoming show in Washington, which is about two and a half hours away from Petersburg.
“My family and friends will be in abundance,” Neverson said enthusiastically.
Neverson said he’s also excited to see fans react to his music.
“Just seeing the records I make get a response from people, to see [the audience] singing the songs, it’s an amazing feeling,” Neverson said.
Neverson made a name for himself with his soothing, high-range voice, but when asked if he will attempt to dazzle his fans by rapping (his hobby and occasional recording project), he chuckled and said, “I’m an R&B singer — I just rap for fun.”
But when asked if he could hold his own rhyming with Jay-Z and the husky-voiced Young Jeezy, Neverson responded, “I think I could.”
Neverson said he picked up a few performing tips from watching Jay-Z live, though judging from that comment, he may have picked up some swagger as well.
Trey Songz will perform as part of the BP3 Tour at Verizon Center in Washington tonight. Tickets range from $62 to $122.
rush@umdbk.com