R&B star, Ginuwine, gets genuine, shows gentle side

After a four year hiatus, one of R&B's sexiest male artists, Ginuwine, is back on the scene. Ever since his first album, "The Bachelor" (1993), the DC native has been making hits, going platinum and he has no plans of throwing in the towel.This time around, he's a "gentleman" and gives fans insight into "A Man's Thoughts," his new album which drops June 2. As the gossip already begins to spread, Ginuwine stays focused and ignores feeding into it. The Washington "gentleman" chatted with The District Chronicles about his new project, conflicts with previous his record label, group TGT and his plans for the future.

Q: I'm happy you're back out. I just listened to your new single, "Last Chance," that you just shot the video for. Could you tell us about the single and the video?

A: "Last Chance" is a song that describes what a guy or a woman would do. I would like to call it a universal song because it's one of those songs that a lot of people can relate to. The situation is your woman is fed up and if this is your last chance, what would you do? And these are the things that I am describing that I would do and the scenario of how we even got there. So, pretty much it's about your last chance with your significant other.

Q: What's the plot of the video?

A: The video is following what the record is saying but giving it a twist.I am a cop along with my boy Tyrese and we are undercover detectives, and there is one situation that happens in the video where there's me chasing some bad guys and I end up getting shot. The funny part is that it is a dream and the last thing that I remember is walking out the house arguing with my wife played by Lisa Raye. And that's not the last thing you want to have on your mind when something like that happens to you. It's going to be really touching to people once they look at because its one of those videos that makes you start thinking. I have seen people talk to their mothers in bad tones.I've seen fellas talk to their girls in bad tones and leave.And you never know.That could be the last time they see you or you see them. You never wanna' leave on that note.I get the opportunity to make it right.

Q: Sounds good. So, that's the first single off the album. What other songs can we look forward to off this new album?

A: You can look forward to R&B at its best.Me as an artist, I have been out for 12 years now and throughout my 12 years, I've stuck to my guns and delivered straight R&B and I've been successful. That's what I wanted to continue to do on this project deliver real R&B and you can expect what R&B has been known for: love, everyday experiences.

Q: Are we going to see the same ol' G?

A: It's a more mature side versus raunchy. You know back in the days I was a little non-caring about what I said or how I did it or the way that I did it. Now I am more aware of the effects that it could have on others and kids . I am older now so I want to be viewed in the way that I want to be viewed and that's a gentleman and a person that is dignified. I just want to be that wholesome dude.

Q: Do you feel like it would be harder for you this time around since R&B has taken more of a pop feel?

A: Well you know, I think real, true R&B touches everybody in a way. I feel that as long as I'm doing that then it will always sell. R&B right now is really lost and I think that people are craving real R&B because the people that bought my CD when I was out are older now, too, and they miss that and they don't too much care for what's going on now.

Q: What about the younger generation?

A: You still have to be relevant in these days and times and move with the time.I touched on things that are going on today but I still didn't interrupt my base and I think that is what's most important. I definitely grasp the people who really remember what R&B was and what Ginuwine was about. I think the CD as a whole is current but still letting the younger generation in on what true R&B is and not what they thought it was.

Q: But you appeal to both, right?

A: It's a great situation for me because they don't view me as too old and they don't view as too young. They view me in that grey area and that's great for me because I'm not looked at as an AC (adult contemporary artist) but I'm also not looked at as an adolescent, hip-hop type artist.

Q: You have done a lot. Is there anything else you haven't done that you would really like to do?

A: Oh yeah. I want to get some Grammys. I want to headline my own tours. If I don't I'll be happy but I'll be happier if I get to do those things.