Lloyd Talks Flirting and Taking Amy Winehouse To Dinner - page 2

02-06-2007 08:08

The biggest surprise when I collaborated with someone would be when I worked with Andre (3000) for the remix of "You." It’s called I Want You and I say that because I’ve grown up listening to such guys since I was a kid. In the same way that some of my friends have listened to them since they were kids. To know that they appreciate, respect and really enjoy my music is mind-blowing man. To get a verse from Andre, who did it on his own, there wasn’t anything that I could of done is just freaking awesome man. Every time that I collaborate with someone is special because it’s the first time that we’re able to mix and match each other’s sounds. You never really truly really know people but the end is always good. It’s exciting - to be able to work with other people.

As I say I’ve got a lot of big dreams and aspirations. Music, fashion and like Ashanti and Snoop Dogg, acting. But for now it’s all about this.

What was your childhood like

Well I had a hell of childhood. But I wouldn’t say it was a normal child’s childhood. I didn’t really have the roller coaster rides with my friends. I didn’t really have the milkshakes or go to the latest cool spots to eat at or anything like that. I didn’t go to Prom at High School and I missed a lot of class field trips. I didn’t get a chance to really play on the football team or the basketball team for school even though I was really athletic. I was always travelling, touring and in the studio working. I wouldn’t trade it in for anything though. I’m glad I stuck with it man - look at where it’s led me. I’m 21 years old and at the other side of the Atlantic. I call it an accomplishment in its own right.

So you weren’t a teenage tearaway or anything then? Are you still in touch with anybody from your school days

Yeah - the cool thing is that with the MySpace thing, it’s put me back in contact with a lot of my childhood friends. They find me online and stuff. It’s weird sometimes to run into people that you knew as a kid after you’ve done so much as a young man. Sometimes you can’t really share the same experiences, but it’s always good to say "Hey" to an old friend.

What’s your opinion about others who haven’t made the transition from young to adult performers as well as you? Britney Spears for instance say

I’d say that it’s all about hard work and dedication - honestly! If you’re determined it’ll be alright man. No matter what you do it’s never going to be easy, especially if it’s worth having. If it is easy then you shouldn’t want it - you should enjoy the fight and embrace the grind, as I say. Embrace the grind - I’m always saying that and sounding it out to others with Irv (Irv Gotti). It’s taken me 11 years to get where I am today. Of course I would have loved to be where I am before. The one thing about music is that you have to have patience. Sometimes people don’t understand it the first time around, so you have to keep banging it into their heads until they feel comfortable. That’s ok - it all depends on your dedication to the game.

With me - I think if people gave me just a little more time, they’re gonna love it man. You know what people don’t understand change until you prove it to them why it’s necessary. In that case we just have to be the example.

Would you describe yourself as a flirtatious person

For my music - on the stage. In the studio, I’m just kinda like very bold, you know what I mean. I’m very aggressive and assertive and I go after what I want. I can say and do anything to get the girl. It’s almost like I step in the phone booth when I make music and I’m Superman, but when I step out of the studio I’m Clark Kent. I’m just a really shy guy who just wants to meet a nice girl. It’s kind of weird because a lot of people are surprised by that, man.

I’m not a vain person, not at all. My music expresses a certain kind of confidence about myself because I want people to know that I’m here for a reason and I’m here to stay. But other than that I’m just a cool guy who just wants to have a good time.

So you’ve not seeing anybody at the moment then

No I’m just really focusing on my music man. I’m trying to spread - there’s so much more that I want to accomplish. Relationships really take a lot of time so knowing that I’m on this mission I have to set aside the time. Maybe after this year of touring I might have that little bit of time. I could find that special lady over here in the UK. (Laughs)

Who’s your perfect dinner date

Probably after just seeing her - Amy Winehouse. That would be kinda interesting after a few drinks. (Laughs)

What’s the most showbiz thing you’ve ever done

I’ll tell you. When there are big concerts in the States I like to jump into the crowd. I jump on one of my best friends, my security guard’s shoulders. He hoists me up above everyone and carries me right down the middle of the crowd. I shake hands and I take pictures. I really interact with the fans and I take everyone out of the front door with me. It’s crazy.

What other projects have you got coming up - what’s next for Lloyd then

Well I’m actually touring for the rest of the year in the States. I plan on coming back over here in about a month for the Apple Store performance. It’s a special performance. I’m also collaborating with a lot of young artists. I just worked with Camelia who I’m a big fan of and Lil Weezy. I’m just standing in the studio now and trying to come up with new things. I’m actually planning on releasing another album at the end of the year, depending on how this one does. I’ve got a gang of material just waiting to be released so you never know.

Lloyd’s album "Street Love" and the single "You" are available in stores around the UK now. A super-hot remix of the "You" track featuring Andre 3000 and Nas is also available.