Ray Lavender: AKON "KONVICTED"

Who in the world is Ray Lavender and what does AKON have to do with him?

Well, let's just say that if you have not heard about this brotha outta Louisiana, you better ask somebody!!

Mr. Lavender is not only being tagged as AKON's Protégé, he is now the face of KONVICT (AKON's label) Clothing. As if that were not enough, he informed me that he is preparing to go on tour with Michael Jackson - yes folks, the "gloved one" has caught Lavender Fever. 

So what makes this young star so hot? Perhaps it is his soulful sounds coupled with raw sexual lyrics and appeal.

Ray says that "Sam Cooke and R. Kelly are two big inspirations." By listening to cuts from his upcoming album, "My Girl Got A Girlfriend," "Put It Down,""Checkin' MyPhone," "Work It (Doing, Doing)," "Donkey Kong" and of course "Stay" - we can certainly see how these two artists have influenced him.

Talking to Ray a few days ago, I had a chance to learn a little bit more about this "hot new property." So, join in and check out our conversation, which went a little something like this:

Saba, Ink: You've definitely got some hot joints going on there. I describe it as an album for fantasy sex. You've got a little something for the men with "Girl Gotta Girlfriend" and then you're checking for the women with songs like "Stay."

Ray Lavender: (laughing) thank you. I try, I try. I'll take that description - I appreciate it.

Saba, Ink: So, tell me how you went from head model with KONVICT to recording star.

Ray Lavender: Well, it was actually the opposite. I was doing the music and "KON" mentioned to me that I should try to branch out and do some modeling- this was before his clothing line. I was like yeah, 'cause I'm thinking that modeling is for girls - you know. But I'm doing this thing and people like seeing my face - they actually think I look good (laughing). I don't know what's going on, but I did it, they like it and I love it.

Saba, Ink: Tell me about your motivations and how you got into this whole game.