Trey Songz celebrated his 30th birthday with a private dinner at the Lion in NYC–where Hennessy V.S stepped in with some welcome corporate sponsorship. Trey’s family, friends and NYC’s elite were treated to Hennessy V.S specialty cocktails and a four-course meal including Kale Salad, Halibut & NY Strip. Songz’s had a lot celebrate in that Hennessy “never stop, never settle” spirit, too. That includes the global superstar–who’s sold more than 20 million albums and singles–seeing this year’s Trigga debuting at #1 on the Billboard charts.
The big Trey Songz birthday party also launched the 30/30 Acts of Kindness initiative with the Angels with Hearts Foundation. We sat down with the newly 30 years old to discuss his music, how it feels to turn 30 and more….
COED: How does it feel to turn 30?
Trey: It’s an interesting feeling–you think you’ll be young forever. When you’re young, you look at 30 as old, but to be in the position I’m in, and to have accomplished all that I have, and to see my mother proud of me, its monumental as a man. Where I’m from, not too many people get out, and to see all the people I inspired through my music. Now, with my 30 for 30 Acts Of Kindness, I’m just looking forward to what’s next.
What gave you the confidence to go from rapper to singer?
I was always able to sing along with what was played on the radio. I had raw talent. I just didn’t know what to do with my voice. My career probably would’ve been different if I came up with Just Blaze or Kanye West. No disrespect to rappers, but to sing a song, lay layers of harmonies, and to match vocals, or change the inflection in your voice and put passion behind takes real dedication.
How does it feel to celebrate this night with Hennessy?
Well, I love the brand. I actually drink Hennessy. Also, Hennessy represents something special to me. It represents a grown man mentality. Hennessy is the elite cognac brand, and I wanted to align myself with that.
Contrary to what’s been out there in the past, you and Chris Brown are great friends, right?
Yes we are. But the media wanted us to be enemies. The media wants ads to sell, blog hits and magazine sales, so I expect the media to play that out. Starting out, Chris and I did have tension, but as young men we wanted to establish ourselves in this industry, and we need to do things on our own. Maybe we should’ve done more music then, but we weren’t mentally ready to do that. Now–10 years later–we’re closer than we’ve ever been. It says something to the younger generation as artists and businessman that we can grow and evolve, and because of that, our fans can expect more music for sure soon.
