Recently, you received a nomination in the Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance category for "You've Got the Love that I Need" featuring Al Green. What life events led the two of you to collaborate with one another?
James Poyser was working on Lay it Down with Al Green and we had already worked together in the past. He knew I was a fan of Al Green's music and Al Green was a fan of my music. They knew my voice and thought it made sense for us to work together. You can't take Al Green and work with any ol' soul/R&B singer.
Having grown up listening to Al Green, when you look upon his legacy, what about Al Green do you most admire?
He has a great body of work. He is an inspiration. I grew up listening to him. He sounded like someone I knew, was familiar with and that is what music is all about...connecting with people.
In your mind, which Al Green track reigns supreme?
"How Can You Mend a Broken Heart."
During the 2008 BET Awards, you covered "Tired of Being Alone" in a tribute to Green's career. What intrigues you most about that song?
I actually didn't choose to sing that song. If I had a choice I would have sang "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart."
In the liner notes of The Point of It All, you wrote a special thanks to your father, who you are glad to have back in your life. What were the ups and downs of that relationship and how did that help you in your own relationship with your children?
He wasn't around like he should have been. I remember him but he wasn't there for me and what-not. Sometimes I had to keep asking him myself because he made me feel like he didn't want to do it. Now, it showed me that a kid without a father there is a lonely spot in your life. After a while I learned to cover that up. I found love through an uncle or an older man from the church or wherever that gave me that father energy. It's just allowed me to see that that's not how I want my kids to feel.
One of my favorite movies happens to be Daddy's Little Girls, largely because it's one of the few movies that has a positive black father figure. On the soundtrack, you make a contribution on a song entitled "Struggle No More." As a father of three kids, what do you think has been your ultimate struggle?
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