“I’m Good” has a romantic, melodic quality. What do you hope listeners feel when they listen to your music?
I’m not Chris Brown or Whitney Houston or Michael Jackson. I say that to say I’m not a powerhouse singer or rapper. I’m mostly known as a music director [and] producer-songwriter.
I’ve been through enough in life [that] my story can relate to others, so that’s my goal. Real messages, real love stories —not to be the best singer or rapper but to tell a story people can relate to. I just want the music to be pure. If the music is pure, people will gravitate to it.
What do you think of the current state of R&B? Is it still at the top of popular music?
R&B is in a good place. It has its ups and downs like rock ‘n’ roll, but it’s as big as it’s ever been. It influences love stories and real life. People will always gravitate to it.
What’s the dream collaboration for you?
Rihanna and Beyoncé. They’re the queens of music culture in this generation.
You’ve spoken it into existence, so you never know.
Actually, I did a few records for [Rihanna]. She has one on hold, and I have my fingers crossed. We’ve been waiting for so long so I don’t know. You never know.
