Songz was born Tremaine Aldon Neverson on November 28, 1984, in Petersburg, Virginia.[1] Raised a military brat, he recognized his vocal abilities at the age of 14.[2] 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.[2] After graduating from high school, Songz moved to New Jersey to begin his music career.In 2009, "Can't Help but Wait" earned Songz a nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards ceremony.[7] He announced the upcoming release of his third album, Ready, was released in September 2009. Prior to the release of Ready, Songz released a mixtape titled Anticipation in June 2009 through his blog.[8] This mixtape is the second mixtape released by Trey Songz in 2009, with the first being titled Genesis. Genesis was a collection of Trey Songz first recordings when he was fifteen years old and was released to show his fans the dedication that he had to making a record when he was young.[9] Ready is preceded by the first single, "I Need a Girl". The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, selling 131,000 copies in its first week.[10]
The lead single from Ready, the Johnta Austin-penned, "I Need a Girl" which was a hit on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, peaking at number five, and so far peaked at number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single, "Successful", featuring Canadian entertainer Drake, has peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has given Songz his second top 20 hit. The album is in talks for the 52nd Grammy Awards, for Best Contemporary R&B Album, as well as other nominations. It is indeed nominated for Contemporary R&B Album.
