As he successfully melds soulful sensuality with the realness of hip hop, Songz is sure to win over fans just as he did legendary Atlantic founder Ahmet Ertegun. Now, with his highly anticipated album anchored by the bounce-heavy lead single featuring Twista, 'Just Gotta Make it,' Songz is well on his way to doing just that. By November 2003, Songz's prodigious ability would land him a deal with Atlantic Records and have him penning tunes for the likes of Patti LaBelle and Kevin Lyttle. Under Taylor's tutelage, Songz sharpened his skills as a singer/songwriter by studying Motown classics and the works of legends like R. 'Singing wasn't a reality for me,' he recalls, 'until other people started noticing I sounded good.' Soon after, Songz was wowing audiences at local talent shows when he caught the attention of producer Troy Taylor (Boyz II Men, B2K). It took an overwhelming amount of encouragement from friends and family to push him into a career in music.

Though blessed with a sensuous tenor, he didn't realize his potential as a vocalist until he was 14. After spending his early childhood living the roving lifestyle of a military brat, the reserved youngster settled into a more or less ordinary upbringing in a town of 33,740 people.

'I want to make history, not be history.' Tremaine Neverson didn't always dream of etching his name in the annals of rhythm and blues. 'People remember when the greats come along,' he says between bites of chutney. Taking a break from the burgeoning demands of his budding career, the Petersburg, Va., native discusses the pressure he feels on dropping his debut, I Just Gotta Make It. I love what I do, and I'm focused on making sure my passion is felt,' says Trey Songz, 24, while enjoying his first taste of Indian food at Manhattan's Bombay Palace.

Trey songz tremaine