I’m trying to get up there with the Luther’s, the Teddy’s, the David Ruffin’s and Eddie Kendricks. I like the idea of that, I wouldn’t marinate in it though. Jaheim: That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that term. Singersroom: How do you feel about being dubbed as the originator of “thug R&B?” I felt like it was something that the people needed to hear. Jaheim: I didn’t actually write the song but when I heard it, I felt it. Singersroom: How personal is the debut single, “Never” for you right now? Plus, I’ve always said that I never wanted to bring a child into the world without being married to it’s mother. It takes time to develop a relationship like that so it’s not something that you want to rush into. Jaheim: Yea, my grandparents have been married now for over 50 years so it’s in my genes. Singersroom: Do you anticipate someday getting married and starting a family? Also, I try to give back to the fans and make it something that they want to hear. Like the love I have for my mother and father in heaven. This album is about commitment and ultimate love. Singersroom: Do you think any of this love was portrayed on your new CD? Plus, I don’t depend on man for anything, I depend on God only and I’m patient with him. You know it’s lonely at the top, so it’s always good when you can find someone that you share that common bond with. We both love Jesus and it just developed from there. Jaheim: I wouldn’t actually call it new because we’ve been good friends for years. Singersroom: I hear that you have a new love in your life now and that you are officially off the market? Jaheim: It definitely gave me a new outlook on life and taught me to appreciate life a little more. Singersroom: I understand that you were involved in a car accident shortly before you began working on this CD, how much of an impact do you believe it had on you and the production of the CD? I have now moved on to a better environment and Atlantic is definitely doing their job right now. When the mother and the father aren’t getting along and the kids are affected. Jaheim: It was like being in a dysfunctional home.
Singersroom: What ultimately prompted the move over to Atlantic Records? The disc also features collaborations with R.
The Atlantic Records debut, “The Makings of a Man” features productions from such heavy-hitters as Karma Productions (Jill Scott, Musiq, and Bilal fame), Kay Gee, and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. Having survived a near-fatal car accident without a scratch, Jaheim has re-emerged with a new outlook, a new love, and a new record label. The singer also released two additional albums, “Still Ghetto” and “Ghetto Classics” on the label, both achieving platinum status. R&B singer Jaheim (born Jaheim Hoagland in New Brunswick, New Jersey) emerged on the scene with his 2001 debut, “Ghetto Love” on former Naughty by Nature beat maker Kay Gee’s Devine Mills record label.