Tremaine Aldon Neverson (born November 28, 1984 in Petersburg, Virginia), better known by his stage name Trey Songz, is a Grammy award nominated American singer, producer and actor. After releasing many mixtapes under the name Prince of Virginia he signed to Atlantic Records in 2005 and released his debut album I Gotta Make It. His second album, Trey Day, was released in 2007 and earned him a Grammy nomination. His latest album, Ready, was released in September 2009 and debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, and his upcoming album Passion, Pain & Pleasure is expected to be released September 14. He also performs under the alias Trigga when he raps and is known as Songz 00711 while performing in the group Ocean’s 7.
Songz was born Tremaine Aldon Neverson on November 28, 1984, in Petersburg, Virginia. Raised a military brat, he recognized his vocal abilities at the age of 14. Reluctant to sing, he began performing with encouragement by friends and family. Record producer Troy Taylor discovered Songz during a talent show, which led him to a record contract with Atlantic Records. After graduating from high school, Songz moved to New Jersey to begin his music career.
2004–2006: I Gotta Make It
While recording his debut album, Songz released mixtapes under the alias Prince of Virginia. He made an “answer track” to R. Kelly’s “Trapped in the Closet”, entitled “Open the Closet”.His debut album, I Gotta Make It was released in July 2005 by Atlantic Records. It debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200, domestically selling over 10,000 copies in its first week of sales.
