Everybody wants to talk about how Hip-Hop took permanent residence down South (particularly in Atlanta). Artists from Young Jeezy to T.I. have shown nothing but Southern Hospitality to their new houseguest.

Outkast (whether they’re together or a part) are still a major factor, while Ludacris cut his braids off and won a Grammy on his way to following Will Smith’s blueprint for success. There’s no question that the Hip-Hop being performed Hot-Lanta will be around for a long time regardless if people approve of it or not.

But while the people of A-Town are “stomping,” “snapping,” and just plain out partying like rock stars—there might be a few inhabitants that may want to slow it down some (believe it or not). So for those that prefer the more mellow and smoother side of things, they can turn their attention to Ray Lavender.

His name will strike you as not having a Hip-Hop edge to it, and that’s because he’s not Hip-Hop, he’s Akon’s newest secret weapon in the world of R&B. The chisel-faced soft-spoken native of Atlanta by way of Louisiana has come a long way since his days of delivering pizzas and singing in the back room where he and co-workers flipped pizza dough. He’s the voice behind the hit single ‘My Girl Gotta Girlfriend’ (AKA every man’s fantasy) and now ‘Stay.’ A chance meeting with Akon ten years ago landed him the present day opportunity to spread is brand of soul to a wider audience. And with his debut album, X-Rayted set to be released this summer, it’ll probably be the first time that Atlanta had a leisurely tempo that’s still able to get fast time results.

 So how did you first get into singing? Do you come from a musical background?

You know what’s funny? I’m the only person in my family that sings. I’m the only one that sings like this. They found out when I was about 4-years-old, and my mom put me in a [church] choir. So it all started from there, and I just felt like I wanted to be the next guy.

Speaking about being the next guy, how do you feel about the R&B talent pool? Do you think its pretty deep or shallow?

To me R&B hasn’t gone anywhere, and we’re still here. It’s just that we’re trying to innovate it a little bit. R&B is one of those things that can’t be changed too much. We’re still here—we got the “Chris Brown’s,” we got the “J. Holiday’s,” and the “Trey Songz.” I can even go to Tank, he’s one of the older ones, but he still got the soulful feel and also Jaheim. It’s just that Hip-Hop is coming and taking the world by storm a little bit, but I feel like R&B is well occupied.   

How did you first hook up with Akon?

I met Akon back in 1997. I was working at this local Pizza Hut as the delivery driver, and I was always singing while working. So one of the guys that worked with me heard me singing and he was like, “Yo you can sing man!” Then he asked if I was doing anything with it, and I told him that I was trying, but it’s really hard. Then he told me he knew a guy that was a producer, and he gave me his number. Then I called the guy up, and when he answered the phone, he told me to meet him at this certain studio.

So when I went to the studio, I knocked on the door, and Akon opened the door. But back then, it was just regular old “Akon,” nobody knew who he was. Then he let me hear some of his tracks, and I fell in love with the tracks and then I sang for him. He was like, “Yo!” “You’re the next one!” And this was back in ’97, so that goes to show you how long I’ve been going at it. So I stayed loyal to Akon, and I just stayed down with him. And we’ve been working with each other ever since.  

What are some of the things you’ve learned from him?

When I learnt from ‘Kon is to keep things simple; you know what I’m saying? Don’t try to do too much on a song, and make sure the songs that you do are really catchy. He also taught me to make sure that my hooks are great—if you have a great hook, then you have a great song. Also that when I’m on the road to play it safe, and don’t try to rough up anybody that comes on stage. Just to take it safe.

Do you feel any pressure to perform well since you have someone like Akon backing you?

You know what? Not to brag or feel extra confident, but I know where we come from and the caliber of music we produce. So they’re expecting great things out of me, because I work and he’s one of the people that I study. So you’re going to get if not the same, then better music, because I’m always trying to out do the last song that I did. Just like the first record I did, ‘My Girl Gotta A Girlfriend’ and now I have ‘Stay.’ That was such an incredible experience, and you wouldn’t know that it’s the same guy who sang ‘My Girl Gotta Girlfriend.’ I do that just to keep myself innovative because I want to be compared to the greatest. I’m going to try my best to produce great music. So no, it doesn’t bother me to be signed under a great artist, because that makes me want to get better.

But I’ve heard a lot of artists say that they won’t sign under another artist, because they won’t be the focal point. So how do you know if Konvict Muzik will be a good fit for you?

To the guys that don’t want to sign under another artist, I feel your pain. I understand where they’re coming from. Their dilemma is that the artist is going to sign you, then that artist is going to get busy and go out on the road, and he’s going to forget about you, and you’re going to be sitting up on the shelf. That’s totally false. Lets just say I put out a record label tomorrow, and I call it ‘Lavender Boy Music’ or whatever and I sign you. If I go out on the road and I get busy, my artist is not to be sitting still. Even if didn’t give you orders to go to the studio; you still need to be up in the studio. Akon does not tell me when to go to the studio, because he already knows that I’m a workhorse. So I’m going to go to the studio anyway without them even scheduling studio time for me.

You have to take it upon yourself to do these things; like taking the initiative to go to the studios and do your own tours. That’s why I’m not scared of being signed under ‘Kon because I already know that I’m working. It’s not bad that I’m using the name, because that’s what I’m supposed to do, “Konvict Muzik.” When people ask about my situation, I say I’m signed to Konvict Muzik because that’s my stamp. When I say, “I’m Ray Lavender, and I’m signed to Konvict Muzik” people listen. I think it’s kind of cool to get with somebody that’s out already, because it opens up another door for you. So don’t be scared to sign under another artist, if you can do it, go ahead and sign with somebody.       

Every year, new artists come out talk about how they’re going to change the game. Do you have any expectations for yourself?

I’m not going to tell you I’m going to change the game, I’m not going to change the game. There’s going to be a new face in the game though. Along with the new face, there’s going to be some talent with that new face. You’re going to hear some different things out of me, because I mix R&B with Hip-Hop and I do popular music as well; so there’s another great artist that’s about to appear into the music world. I’m not saying I’m going to change the game, because nobody is going to change the game, music innovates itself.

Like when T-Pain came in the electronic voice and it sounded like Zapp & Roger—it wasn’t anything new to us, we were always familiar with that type of voice. But it was a new face mixed in with a little bit of Hip-Hop and some T-Pain in it. So I’m not going to change the game, but I’m going to give you the sexiest look I can, and try to produce some great music. 

As the release date for your album X-Rayted comes into view, what are your feelings towards it? Are you nervous or anxious?

I feel like when R. Kelly’s CD 12 Play came out, I couldn’t wait to get that album. I feel like that with my album, I can’t wait to get my own album. I’ve sung the music, and I know what it sounds like, and I can’t wait to go buy a copy of my first album. I don’t have the jitterbugs or none of that. I had a great time recording my album, I had fun and I know what the album sounds like. I know the album is good, so I’m not even worried about that part. I’m not worried about the people receiving me, because for some reason they love me. I’m giving them all I got, and they’re receiving it well. My thing is that I just can’t wait until it comes out. I’m not nervous at all.    

So how does “Ray Lavender” remain relevant in the music business where it’s built off short-term memory? What do you want people to take away from your music?

Awe man that is a wonderful question! “What do I want you to take from my music?” First I want you to have fun with the CD. Because like I said, I had fun making it. I want you to dance, groove, and make good love. I made some great music for love on this CD. I want a baby boom to happen off my album. There are a lot of slow sexy songs on there designed for you when you’re with your girl in the car, in the house, or on the patio. I want y’all to cuddle up and make good love, and travel to this music. I just want you to get all the good out of it…