My Inspiration: Ryan Leslie Explains His Inspiration behind “ TRANSITON” which is in stores NOW!!!
The son of a preacher had his 1st musical performance @14yrs old w/ two friends and a small audience. It was after that defining moment he knew the world of music was calling his name. He’s back with his sophomore album "Transition” and at an intimate listening session GG got the scoop of what inspired this genius song by song. Take a look below.
Track 1: ‘Never Gon Break Up’: “ I was dating this girl and I was so into her I couldn’t imagine her being with someone else. My mind started to play tricks on me”
Track 2: ‘Something I Like’: “This is my first full rap record. I wanted to try something different. I played it for other rappers like Fabolous to make sure I wasn’t crazy for doing this and I even got Pusha T from the Clipse on the track”
Track 3: ‘Zodiac’: “ I rap on this record as well and it was inspired by a woman as well. This song just feels good.”
Track 4: ‘Is It Real Love’: “ I wrote this song when I reflected on my relationship and found it crazy how I ended up dating a woman I had already met but ignored cause I had another girlfriend. “
Track 5: ‘Sunday Night’: “I screwed up with my special lady. I messed up dinner plans and ended up spending the night in but I found a way to make it special. I worked out nicely”
Track 6: ‘Not My Girl’: “ The girl I was dating had a boyfriend overseas who was cheating on her. She wanted to show she was respectful so she asked to keep our relationship a secret. So she told me is anyone ask tell them “ I’m not your girl”. I even brought my band into the studio to make sure the same live energy is felt on the album.”
Track 7: ‘To The Top’: “This was simply inspired by my urge to make love . I was ready to take things past friendship. I love this song because its real syrupy and reminds me of good love making.”
Track 8: ‘Nothing’: “ This was inspired by a girl I was dating who loved guitars and I usually stick to keyboards but I used guitars to impress her. It turned out well.”
Track 9: ‘Guardian Angel’: “The Summer begins to wind down and it’s time to let go of the summer fling. Although we may not be together maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Maybe we were just meant to look after one another like guardian angels.”
Track 10: ‘All My Love’: “ My girl at the time went out to the club with her friends and I wanted there to come by the studio. So she told them she was going home and came to see me and this is what I sang to her when she came by.”
Track 11.’Choose You’: “ So I asked my summer girl to come by the studio for one last time to show her I had a change of heart and didn’t want to let go. I wanted her to be more than my friend but she didn’t feel the same. So it ended.”
"I've always written from the heart, Always done the best that I can."- Ryan Leslie