With his unmistakable rasp, street-suffused songs, and trusted guitar, Lyfe Jennings continues to breath new life into R&B some 11 years since his debut.

Packing a poetic punch into his biggest hits (see:  “Hypothetically,” “Must Be Nice,” “Busy,” and more), Jennings has always been an anomaly on the Urban scene, daring to offer lyrics of depth even since his beginnings at the height of the “crunk movement.”  And, as his newest offering ‘Tree of Lyfe’ (due June 23rd) shows, the singer/songwriter has no intentions of abandoning his tried and true sonic or lyrical formula anytime soon.

That Grape Juice was honored to chat with Jennings recently where he discussed his new music and so much more.  It all awaits below:

TGJ:  We are making away to the ‘Tree of Lyfe,’ your new album, on June 23rd.  What’s the inspiration behind the project?

Lyfe:  I always say – it’s my life experience.  It’s the truth behind what’s really going on with me. It’s simple as that.

TGJ:  In telling your “truth,” what would you say makes ‘Tree of Lyfe’ different from the albums before it?

Lyfe:  I don’t think it’s anything different about the truth.  No matter how many times you tell it, it’s going to be the same thing.  

TGJ:  We see you’ve given us a taste of what to expect via the album’s lead single ‘Pretty Is.’ Why did you feel this track was the best way to kick off the album?

Lyfe:  It represents me – it’s a taste of the “old Lyfe” and the “new Lyfe.”   It addresses the stripping epidemic going on right now.  Truthfully, I just want to lift the young ladies up.

TGJ:  That’s a good look!  We look forward to learning about some of the collabos on the album too as we recently read you were interested in working with Chris Brown and Common.  We’re keen to know what female singers are on your “wish list.”

Lyfe:  I would love to do a song with Erykah Badu.  She is really one of the main reasons why I’m even doing this.  She’s a friend of mine, but with her schedule, it’s hard to work it out.

TGJ:  That would be so awesome!  While we keep our fingers crossed on that, we’re curious to know when are you hitting the road?

Lyfe:  Soon, actually.  We’re still finalizing some stuff.  It’s definitely a different kind of tour, but I don’t want to give away too much right now.

TGJ:  We will keep our eyes and ears open for that.  Now, to bring it all home, you’ve been in the game for over a decade.  You’ve had a very accomplished career, but at this stage, what’s something you’ve yet to achieve that you have your eyes set on?

Lyfe:  To be honest, I’d like to win an award.

I know the pop world may not recognize me as a big artist, but I believe what I put out is substantial.  I take a chance with putting out music that’s so positive and have a message because some people either don’t get it or just aren’t here for it.  I feel like that’s my lane.

I would like to be recognized for my investments.

Interview by: Rashad (That Grape Juice US)

(@rashadtaylor517)

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