If you’ve ever been to a Ginuwine show, you will not leave disappointed. Not only does the multi-Platinum recording artist perform all his hit records, but he always leaves his mark: whether he’s hitting those high notes or nailing those dance moves.
Decades later, his viral smash “Pony” from 1996 remains a fan favorite, with fans singing every lyrics verbatim any time it starts playing. Other records on his all-star catalog include “So Anxious” and “Differences,” both of which are also a favorite among fans.
Hailing from Washington D.C., Ginuwine began his career as a member of Swing Mob in the early 1990’s, a New York-based label founded by DeVante Swing (from Jodeci). But it wasn’t until Ginuwine met Missy Elliott and Timbaland when he finally came into his own as a recording artist. Since then, the show hasn’t stopped, as he continues to shut down stages all around the world.
The Source had the pleasure of catching up with Ginuwine at his show at The Novo in Los Angeles.
How do you prepare for a show?
I prepare for a show by eating first, starting to relax. I like my alone time. When it’s time to go on, get busy.
What are we eating?
Right now, we’ve got some gumbo and some catfish nuggets. Some greens. I’m not going to be able to eat all this stuff, because I don’t want to be too heavy.
Who is the current King and Queen of Hip-Hop?
The King I’d have to say is Usher. Oh you said of Hip-Hop? The King is to me is still Nas. I’m biased. That’s Hip-Hop, I thought you’re talking about R&B. I still got my boy Usher. The queen of Hip-Hop, I’ma say Missy [Elliott].
Best memory from the “I Need A Girl (Pt. 2)” video?
Me, Puff, and Loon on the highway. Shutting down the highway, headed to the club afterwards.
Damn, you shut down the entire highway?
Well Puff shut it down, not me. We’ll take your credit.
What do you miss most about music from the early 2000’s?
Well it was my era, so I’m biased when it comes to that. But I don’t knock what the kids are doing now because everything evolves. This is Hip-Hop the way it is now. I do like some of the stuff that’s out: Drake, J. Cole. I like some of the stuff out, but I’m stuck in my era. The 90’s and early 2000’s.
I miss all of the label situations. The label stuff was so fun at that time. Even though the labels was dogging us, but we didn’t know as youngins. [laughs] We definitely love the way the music and business was being handled, it was more like a family. Especially back then with me, Aaliyah, Timbaland, Missy, Playa, Tweet, and all of us. But for the most part, you continue on. You evolve with the music. People still come out to see the 90’s, so I’m fine.
How’d it feel to have Prince cosign your “When Doves Cry” cover?
It was definitely amazing for me because he was one of my biggest inspirations as I was coming up doing music. Him and Michael Jackson. So for him to check it and say it was good, that made me feel good about doing it while I’m doing shows and everything. Got his stamp of approval, so I’m happy.
Do you make love to your own music?
No. [laughs] Absolutely not.
Favorite song to bump in the bedroom?
I like old school stuff. Marvin Gaye, “What’s Going On.” I like old school stuff. I play Jodeci too.
How many girls have you gotten off “Pony”?
I don’t remember. I’m a good boy now. Back in the days, I was a little crazy. But right now, I don’t remember. It’s been so long. That’s 27 years ago, I don’t remember.
Does body count matter?
Nah. [laughs]
Who’s killing the R&B game right now?
I gotta be honest with you, I don’t even listen to radio right now. I don’t even know. My kids have to tell me who certain people are. They call me and say, “Do you know this person used your music?” Of course, I gotta sign off on it. But I don’t be remembering it. I like Bruno Mars.
Has going viral contributed to your career at all?
Probably. I’m so not involved with it, but nothing has slowed up. Nothing has changed. As long as I’m continuing to move and work and do my thing, continue to make money and be able to travel and see people all over the world, I’m fine with however it’s done.
Can we get one of your dance moves from the Scrappy GDA days?
No, you cannot. Because I can’t do it no more. [laughs] I’m too old to be doing that. That’s something I learned, some things you get too old to do. So now, I’m coolin’. I’m chillin, and that’s what it is.
Do you have a favorite dance move right now?
That I do? Nah, I’m pretty much a slave to the rhythm. Soon as I get up there, I do whatever I do and whatever sticks sticks.
Because everyone that leaves the show is like, “damn, I gotta get my dance moves on!”
[laughs] Well that’s a good thing. As long as they leave the show remembering something, I’m good.
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