Rigo Luna

Rigo Luna comes from the 'hood that produced gangsta rappers like N.W.A. and The Game, but the Compton-bred R&B singer prefers slow jams over the street hustle. A former member of Nu Flavor, Luna went solo at the end of the '90s and eventually scored a deal with Machete Music. We caught up with the thirthysomething, who is working on the follow-up to his self-titled debut, and asked him about his early days, his influences and the future of R&B.

You were once a member Nu Flavor. What was it like?

It was one of the best times for me. The experience was phenomenal because of all the fan support that we received. I will never forget those times. It was a roller coaster ride! We traveled all over and went to Hawaii 11 times. *NSync actually opened up for us at one of our shows just as they were coming on to the scene.

How have you changed over the years?

I've become stronger as an individual and as an artist since those pop days. I have learned to take this opportunity seriously, because it has given me so much. Besides all the glitz and glamour, it's hard work, especially performing alone. It's made me who I am today: ambitious!

What was it like to go solo?

The transition was so exciting because it was the first time I was making a product and a brand of my own that people could enjoy. It took a little adjusting, since I didn't have the fellas to fall back on, but it has been all worth it at the end.

What artists did you grow up listening to? Which ones do you think have influenced you the most?

Growing up, I listened to artists like Joe, Al B. Sure and Horace Brown. But the most influential group in my career has to be Jodeci. They were that group that set it off for me, and I eventually got to work with them.

How did you hook up with Brown Boy and Don Abusivo?

Before I got signed to Machete, Abusivo was signed already and he had asked me to be on a song. While I was doing shows in Cali, I met up with Brown Boy and we started talking about doing a song together. RikRaf entertainment, my management, eventually hooked up the collabos. I think both of them are great talents!

You describe your style as tender, romantic and "naughty." Can you elaborate?

My style is versatile. As an artist, you need to be innovative and be able to create different moods to set up the occasion. My music has to be tender for the ladies, since they're all delicate pieces of work. Women want to be romanticized by a perfect love song! As for the "naughty" part, I'll keep that between me and the lucky one who gets to know me better!

How do you feel about R&B these days?

R&B is stronger than ever. It's music that keeps fusing every year with new faces and styles that continue to capture the true essence of real R&B. I'm glad to be a part of that growing trend!

What can we expect from you in 2009?

I have a new single and video coming out next year: "Girl," which is produced by The Co-Stars. I am also doing records with Brown Boy and MC Magic. My new album features La La and some names I can't mention just yet. Stay tuned to my MySpace!