By Jenna Talavera
With hit singles on the radio and new album releases approaching, Atlantic Records artists Trey Songz, Pleasure P and Young Steff showcased their talent at New York's Joe's Pub Wednesday night for Vibe magazine's VSessions LIVE! concert series.
R&B singer Songz, dressed in a black dress shirt and pants with a white blazer, opened his set with "Can't Help But Wait," from his last album, Trey Day. He went further back to his debut album for "Gotta Go," only to fast forward and sample "Brand New" off his upcoming LP Ready, scheduled to be released in June. Songz rocked the venue and connected with the crowd through his voice and charming personality. He was so into the performance, he had to take off his blazer before bringing down the house with his new single, "I Need a Girl," which received a standing ovation and request for an encore.
In an interview after the show, MTV News asked Songz what fans can expect from his third album. "It has a different sound," he replied. "It has diversity. I really test myself collectively, and it embodies all I do."
In June, former Pretty Ricky lead singer Pleasure P is set to release his solo debut, The Introduction of Marcus Cooper, but he knew how to please the crowd with PR hits "Grind With Me," "Your Body" and "On the Hotline." The lights dimmed while P sang Usher's "Nice & Slow," which set the mood for his own singles "I Did You Wrong" and "Boyfriend #2." If this performance is any indication, P has grown up and is following his own direction and making classier music.
Already considered a veteran in the game at age 20, Young Steff opened the show to Jay-Z's "Show Me What You Got," which seemed appropriate, considering Jay-Z and Damon Dash signed him to Roc-A-Fella music at age 12. He performed "Professional," the first single off his forthcoming album, Jump It, followed by "Take It or Leave It" (for which he had some precise choreography). The R&B/hip-hop/pop singer, who was dressed in all black, closed with "Slow Jukin," but didn't leave the stage without mentioning that this time in his life "is a blessing, a major stepping stone and a learning experience."