What exactly is success for Trey Songz?
Success is in your heart. Success is not what other people view you as. I think in this world, we’re so worried about things — I think we get so wrapped up in that we don’t realize that [success] is what you set out for yourself. Success for one man might be that he has enough money to support his [family], for the next man it may be perfecting that jump shot. Whatever it is to you is what it is.
How cool are you and Drake and Wayne?
I’ve actually known Drake longer than Wayne; I’ve known Drake since about 2006. We did a record, ‘Replacement Girl,’ together. It grew from a working relationship to a friendship through that process. I came to Toronto and we’d chop it up and I brought him on the tour with NeYo. That’s my homie and that’s one of the people I can say is a real friend in this game. I’ve known Wayne for about a year and a half now and he jumped on a remix for me when he was scorching hot — for no cost. I respect his work ethic and he motivated me. It’s much love between Wayne and me.
How do you feel about the AutoTunes controversy?
I feel like if you can sing, don’t taint that talent. It’s a fun asset, but for the most part I feel that you should let that talent be heard. For rappers who want to be melodious, I feel it’s cool. It’s cool for certain people.
Why did you start Songz For Peace — your charitable organization?
… Look at the murder rate and the people committing the murders and the people being murdered— the ages are getting [younger] and [younger]. We want to get them grants, get them … academic scholarships. We have panels to teach the kids … where they can go if they walk a straight path — and where they can go if they don’t.
