X Urban Music Magazine Preview issue Vol 1 | Page 15

GINUWINE
Interview by Wes Flexner

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inuwine’s hits, “Pony” and “In Them Jeans”, have been staples of the American soundtrack for years. Most likely, you know the words to “Pony” whether you were in high school in the late ’90’s or went to the club for your 21st birthday last week. As you read this you will probably say to yourself, “if you are feeling horny, come ride my pony.” And chances are you will probably giggle because it sounds absolutely ridiculous, unless you happen to possess Ginuwine’s great voice and can maintain a Timbaland beat. Think about this. It is currently the year 2013, and Ginuwine is married with kids. I had the opportunity to talk to the R&B legend and discuss how being a parent has affected his creative process.

create music in the manner for which you are known?

Wes Flexner: Ginuwine. We all grew up on “Pony”. It is a classic song. At the same time, the lyrics are pretty raunchy. Has being a “grown-up” and having kids hindered your ability to

Ginuwine: No, not really. I believe in myself as an artist. I have been here for a while. That is just where being creative comes in. You can use metaphors and do a lot of things to make lyrics more tasteful instead of raunchy and explicit. Because I have kids, I am well aware of the effect it can have. I look at the things that I am writing before I put them out. I’m totally aware of that. It’s not hard at all. That’s when the creative process comes in. It’s actually a challenge. It’s a great challenge. To write something explicit is really simple. But to write something that is still tasteful yet says the same thing requires some thinking. And that is what I like to do when I am writing and getting involved in the studio. So I am looking forward to the challenge. Adults like to have fun too. WF: Now that you are married, how do

you reject groupies yet still make them feel loved? You have always been gifted at making women feel special.

G: I have always complimented the young ladies, and I just want to make them feel appreciated as well. But they all know that I am married. So I just try to shrug it off or joke about if they say something crazy. I’ll just be like ‘I can’t do that or whatever, not being mean about it and not being an a-hole. There is finesse to it. And for a lot of people, it takes a few years for them to get the hang of it. It comes with the territory. You just have to let them know in a nice way, in a joking way. When you do, they will appreciate you and love you even more for doing that. So I have no problem saying what needs to be said so that the line of respect is not crossed. It’s all good. As long as they respect that line we can continue to support each other. They support me and I support them. XUMM | Preview Issue 15