 Of all the artists who have emerged from the UK last year, none have exceeded the R&B genius that is Taio Cruz. We first heard from the talented singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist via his debut single ‘I Just Wanna Know.’ The track, released in November 2006, became one of the most played records across radio at the end of the year and has proven to be the driving force behind the young artist’s constant success. Almost a year on and Mr Cruz has seized the music industry firmly by the balls and he is not about to let go just yet. As I type, his new single ‘Moving On’ is reaching its release date and includes a very professional, snazzy colour-tech video. The track is catchy in its own right and if it’s a taster of things yet to come then the album – the title of which is still to be confirmed – is well worth waiting for; right?
“Album wise, it’s an eclectic mix really,” says Taio. It’s more of a producer album so it’s not really defined as me being more of an R&B artist. For those who don’t know I write hip hop, pop and R&B songs.”
No shit T? Since going from writer to singer a few years back, he has already worked with the likes of Usher, Mya, Red Zone and Jazzie Pha. In fact, the song ‘Your Game’, written by Taio for Will Young, not only went multi-platinum, but also won Best British Single at the Brit Awards. Anyways, back to the album.
“Whilst I was working out in Atlanta, I produced and wrote a lot of R&B tracks. My album is well worth the wait. There’s going to be some dance tracks on there as well as some heavy collaborations which I’m not going to mention. I want to surprise the fans. I do have a couple of names I’m thinking about so hopefully I can decide to pick one soon. I’d say that this album is for cool people of all ages.”
Dubbed the new ‘Babyface’ by super hit-maker Dallas Austin, Taio has continued to wow audiences and the numerous industry veterans who’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work alongside him. He has spent the last few years working and living in the States, honing his myriad skills to perfection, where he was also approached by producer Tricky Stewart, to record the track “Umbrella”. Unfortunately for Taio, Def Jam heard the track, scooped it up for Rihanna, and like the man said, the rest is history.
“Basically, what happened with that was Tricky had just finished writing the song for Britney. As soon as I heard it I thought to myself, ‘yeah that’s a smash’ and wanted it. First of all, Tricky didn’t want to give it to me because he was saving it for Britney Spears, however I managed to persuade him that it wasn’t her style and that she wouldn’t sing it what with the ‘eh-eh-eh’s’ and ‘umbrella-ella-ella’s.’ So I done a demo of it and brought it back to London with me and by the time it was taking for the logistics to be done, Jay Z came through - he was like ‘president of the rocks’ - and scooped it for Rhianna.”
But Taio isn’t one to cry over split milk. And why should he? After all, he is a very talented artist and has worked with high profile musicians that others can only dream of working with. Already he is being likened to legends such as Babyface and as I mention this, I couldn’t help but notice the Grinch-like smile plastered explicitly across his face.
“People usually compare me to whoever their favourite is,” says the R&B singer. “Sometimes people would compare me to some weird people like KC and JOJO when I sound nothing like them but I guess it’s because they love KC and JOJO.
So what about Britney?
“I’m writing a smash for her. I don’t want to say anything, it’s all a surprise. I’m currently writing some stuff for Usher and Mya so watch out for that. I was also doing some stuff for Whitney Housto’s album actually but I don’t know what is going on with that project right now.”
Check out www.myspace.com/taiocruzmusic for more info.
Words; Bertan Budak
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hey Taio Cruz i absolutely love your new song moving on i adore you and im your number 1 fan i was just wondering weather you will be doing a concert if so then i will definatly be going and could you please reply to me on my e-mail address please love shannon drummond 
