Trey Songz 'Ready' album

“READY,” the new album from Songbook Entertainment/Atlantic recording artist Trey Songz, has made a phenomenal chart debut, entering Billboard’s “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” tally at #2. The album – which includes the hits “I Need A Girl,” “LOL :-) (Feat. Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em),” and “Successful (Drake & Trey Songz)” – also exploded into the #3 spot on the overall SoundScan/Billboard 200.

What’s more, “READY” is proving a digital blockbuster, debuting at #2 on this week’s SoundScan “Digital Albums” chart. The “Deluxe Version” and the standard edition of “READY” are currently standing tall at #1 and #2 respectively on iTunes’ “Top R&B/Soul Albums” chart. In addition, the album’s “Deluxe Version” is ranked at #11 on iTunes’ comprehensive “Top Albums” tally.

Hailed by the late, great Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun as “among the most promising R&B artists we have had on Atlantic since we started the company 60 years ago,” “READY” officially establishes Trey Songz among the pantheon of R&B greats. The album – which follows 2007’s breakthrough sophomore set, “TREY DAY” – sees the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter teaming with an array of accomplished collaborators, including Eric Hudson, Bryan-Michael Cox, Johnta Austin, Carlos “Los DaMystro” McKinney, and Trey’s longtime producer, Songbook Entertainment founder Troy Taylor. From the player’s anthem, “Neighbors Know My Name,” to the Mary J. Blige-inspired “One Love,” Trey draws on a range of styles to craft an extraordinary album guaranteed to thrill his already fervent fanbase while happily surprising all newcomers.

“READY” is highlighted by Trey’s top 5 rap smash, “Successful (Drake & Trey Songz).” Originally found on Drake’s hit mixtape, “SO FAR GONE,” the track now includes a brand new verse from Trey and is first available for purchase on “READY.” A companion video is currently in rotation at BET, FUSE, and all MTV properties, including MTV, MTV2, MTV Jams, MTV Hits, MTV Tr3s, and VH1 Soul.

“LOL :-),” the album’s most recent single, is blowing up now at Urban Mainstream radio outlets nationwide. The track follows Trey’s recent smash single, “I Need A Girl.” Produced by the Grammy Award-winning team, Stargate (Flo Rida, Ne-Yo, Beyoncé), the track was a top 5 Urban Mainstream hit earlier this year. The “I Need A Girl” companion video was recently added at MTV, while remaining in major rotation at MTV2, MTV Jams, MTV Hits, and MTV Tr3s. The clip is also a top 5 video at VH1 Soul, where it is currently in “Power” rotation.

Recently named the “Hottest R&B Singer In The Game Right Now” by BallerStatus.com, Trey celebrated last week’s arrival of “READY” with an intimate performance at New York City’s Highline Ballroom. “Trey Songz transfixes like no other R&B singer of the day,” declared the New York Times’ Jon Caramanica in his rave review of the show, further praising Trey as “dapper, charming and utterly confident.” The superstar singer is now poised to hit the road as headliner on the upcoming “BET Live! 106 & Park Tour.” The coast-to-coast trek – which also features Mario, Day26, and Sean Garrett – will launch on September 29th at Los Angeles’ House of Blues and then travel the country through mid-November (see attached itinerary).

As if all that weren’t enough, Trey will be among the luminaries performing at the upcoming VH1 Hip-Hop Honors 2009, slated to tape later this month at the Brooklyn Academy of Music Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. The star-studded event – which this year commemorates the 25th anniversary of Def Jam Records – will then premiere on VH1 on Tuesday, October 13 at 9PM ET/PT (check local listings).

Trey Songz tour dates
All Dates w/BET Live! 106 & Park Tour Feat. Mario, Day26, and Sean Garrett
SEPTEMBER
29          Los Angeles, CA        House of Blues
30          Anaheim, CA               House of Blues

OCTOBER
2 Las Vegas, NV            TBD
5            Houston, TX                 House of Blues
6            Dallas, TX                     House of Blues
8            New Orleans, LA        House of Blues
9            Atlanta, GA                  Tabernacle
11          Myrtle Beach, SC        TBD
12          Charlotte, NC              Fillmore
13          Baltimore, MD             TBD
15          Kansas City, MO         TBD
16          St Louis, MO                The Pageant
18          Detroit, MI                    TBD
19          Chicago, IL                   House of Blues
20          Cleveland, OH             House of Blues
21          Indianapolis, IN          Egyptian Room at Murat
29          Orlando, FL                     TBD

NOVEMBER
11          Washington, DC         TBD
12          Boston, MA                   TBD

Trey Songz biography
Since making his recording debut in 2005, Trey Songz has patiently and artfully crafted some of the most acclaimed and compelling R&B music of the decade. His first two Songbook Entertainment/Atlantic albums, “I GOTTA MAKE IT” (2005) and “TREY DAY” (2007), yielded a trio of top ten singles, “Girl Tonight,” “Last Time,” and “Can’t Help But Wait.” And when the latter song garnered Trey a coveted Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, it marked the validation of the faith shown in Trey by the late Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who hailed him as one of “the most promising R&B artists we have had since we started the company 60 years ago.” Now, with the 2009 release of “READY,” Trey Songz is more than ready to claim his place in the pantheon of R&B greats.

“Many people tell me that I don’t get my just due,” says Trey. “They may know my singles, but between my records, I’ve also released mixtapes like ‘Swagga Like Songz’ and ‘The Ladies Choice.’ Now, ‘READY’ embodies everything I am as an artist. Everybody can be happy with the album, from the hip-hop to the R&B crowd.”

"READY" draws music and lyrics from such accomplished producers and songwriters as Eric Hudson, Sean Garrett, Stargate, Bryan-Michael Cox, Soul Keys, Jermaine Dupri, Soundz, and long-time collaborator Troy Taylor.

On the album’s first official single, “I Need A Girl,” Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen) deliver their signature guitar-led production. The Norwegian-born, NYC-based pair previously worked on Trey’s Grammy-nominated “Can’t Help But Wait,” and decided to revisit their magic on “READY.”

From the street single, “Brand New,” to his self-described male version of Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You” in “One Love,” the Virginian draws on a range of influences to craft an album that will thrill his longtime fans and happily surprise all newcomers to the Trey Songz story. Indeed, with its blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop – exemplified by tracks like “Black Roses,” where Trey croons over a distorted guitar – "READY" demonstrates his growth on every front. The third time around, Trey displays a new vocal maturity combined with his renowned ability to twist notes and keys effortlessly, while presenting an increasing breadth of subject matter.

“With every move you make you have something to prove,” says Trey. “There’s always room for improvement. I’m growing, as a person, as an artist, and as a man. My clothes fit differently, my braids are missing… I’m changing as a person and the music is the better for it.”

Born Tremaine Aldon Neverson, Trey was raised as a military brat, with his family eventually settling in Petersburg, Virginia. Ironically, as a teen he wasn’t particularly interested in singing. Only after continuous encouragement from his mother, and drawing on his grandmother’s example as a devoted church choir member, Trey entered a local talent show at 14 years old. He won that competition and several more, eventually amassing 19 trophies. At 15, Trey crossed paths with producer Troy Taylor, who’s worked with everyone from Boyz II Men to Lionel Richie, and Taylor immediately recognized Trey’s talent.

After high school, at Taylor’s invitation Trey moved to New Jersey, where he developed his vocal, writing, and production skills. Trey soon found himself driving from the Garden State across the river to New York City. As he learned to record songs, Trey completed a proverbial musical boot camp, absorbing music by artists like Prince, Marvin Gaye, and Steely Dan during his commute between the two states. To earn his keep, the Virginian worked as Taylor’s vocal production assistant and transformed that experience into his debut album, “I GOTTA MAKE IT,” after signing with Atlantic Records in 2003.

On the business end, Trey began his production company, Songbook, in 2004 with Taylor. The company houses several producers but Trey doesn’t want to overstep his boundaries or stunt anyone else’s creative growth. “We’ve been honing Songbook,” says Trey carefully. “We make sure that we don’t keep people from what they have to do. I don’t want to get the talent if I don’t have a place for it. A lot of people sign artists that they’ll never release, just to have them. I’d rather let you find your own way.”

Among Trey’s numerous activities, he – along with fellow Atlantic artist Flo Rida – wrote and produced a street-smart rendition of “Jingle Bells” especially for clothing giant GAP, which proved to be a sensation during the 2008 Christmas season.

In August 2008, Trey added the philanthropic organization Songz For Peace to his repertoire, launching the charity with community activist Noonie Ward in Chicago's crime-ridden Southside before bringing his message to his native Petersburg. The youth-centered organization, which attracted 500 kids at its opening event, travels to different cities speaking to teens about the dangers of violence and life's positive opportunities. Songz for Peace is scheduled to visit several more cities across America this year, including Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Baltimore. "The violence within the youth is rising at an alarming rate," says Trey earnestly. "I get to speak on that, and children listen to me."

Deftly balancing and separating his roles as artist, businessman, and philanthropist, Trey has delivered his best work to date with “READY.” “I’ve always been the underdog of my class,” says Trey. “But this time nothing can stop me from achieving all that I want.”

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