HiphopRnbSoul.com

Spending the last fifteen years as an R&B/soul notable, and uber-crafter of babymaking tracks, Brian McKnight has also proven himself to be an undeniably long-lasting talent. His latest release, 10, sees him step out on faith with new label Warner Brothers, as he tackles subjects such as dating, relationships and war.

So far, it seems the move from Motown was the right decision.

"The day that my album was released I went inside the NY office [at Warner] for 10 minutes and the entire staff was there to do a champagne toast just to thank me for being there... my entire career, I've never had anything like that happen."

The Grammy-nominated crooner/songwriter/producer recently signed on as a host for Los Angeles smooth jazz radio station KTWV (The Wave). Starting January 15, "The Brian McKnight Morning Show" will run 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. everyday.

"The Wave is one of my favorite radio stations, so to be joining the station is incredibly exciting," McKnight told industry trade magazine Radio & Records. "I can't wait to get started."

The veteran artist also told us who's at the top of his list for up-and-coming R&B talent.

"I really don't listen to a lot of music to be honest with you," he confessed. "I watch a lot of television and it's mostly sports. But definitely Ne-Yo and Chris Brown would be at the top of that list." 

In a recent conversation with me, (hear his shoutout), McKnight chatted candidly about his new album, lovelife, future collaboration plans, and the scandalous truth behind his new single "Used To Be My Girl."

AUDIO INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN MCKNIGHT

 
1. HiphopRnbSoul.com: How has Warner Brothers proven to you so far that they're the right label for you?

Brian McKnight: "The day that my album was released I went inside the NY office for 10 minutes and the entire staff was there to do a champagne toast just to thank me for being there... my entire career, I've never had anything like that happen." Listen

2. HRS: You've got a pretty good mix on 10; everything from quiet storm, to country patriotism to big dawg swagger. Happy with the results? Listen

3. HRS: The song "Used To Be My Girl"... true story? 

BM: "This girl wasn't necessarily my girlfriend.. had told this guy that she used to be with me... but she never thought we'd all be in the same place at the same time..."  Listen

4. HRS: "Red White and Blue" is a great song. Why Rascal Flatts? Are there any other plans to collaborate with artists outside of R&B?  Listen

5. HRS: Ok, I know you don't ever plan to team up with a ton of artists, but tell us who might possibly be your next collaborator.

BM: "Gene Simmons. From K.I.S.S." Listen

6. HRS: After 15 years in the game, how do you stay fresh? Listen 

7. HRS: What are your thoughts on today's R&B scene? Listen

8. HRS: Give us the scoop on your recent scoring work with Tyler Perry. Listen

9. HRS: Ok, Brian, what's really going on in your lovelife? Are you dating? 

BM: "Dating, yes. Relationship, no... I cannot be had." Listen

10. HRS: Any veteran advice to the young upcoming artists out there? Listen

11. What last words would you like to share with the HRS audience? Listen
 

Click for more Rap/hip-hop and R&B/soul interviews and features