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Ginuwine

Originally gaining attention in the rap heyday of the 1990s, Ginuwine swiftly developed into an R&B crooner, his sensitive, sensual vocals finding favour with the mainstream, after striking it big with the single 'Pony' - inventively produced by Timbaland - strongly influenced by his two main heroes, Prince and Michael Jackson. He had, in fact, started out in his early teens as a Michael Jackson tribute act in local bars while also performing with the groups Physical Wonder and hip-hop act Finesse Five. From Washington D.C., he changed his name from Elgin Lumpkin to Ginuwine as his vocal reputation began to gain momentum shortly after leaving college. He was effectively discovered by Jodeci's DeVante Swing, who brought him into his Swing Mob collective and went on to meet top producer Timbaland. This triggered a long-lasting and hugely successful partnership and together they cut the infectious groove that made 'Pony' such a big dance/R&B hit. On the back of it he was subsequently signed by Sony and released his debut album 'Ginuwine... The Bachelor' in 1996, the beginning of a run of major hits, such as 'Tell Me Do You Wanna', 'I'll Do Anything I'm Sorry', 'Holler' and 'Only When Ur Lonely'. His 1998 hit 'Same Ol' G' was featured in the Eddie Murphy movie 'Dr Doolittle' and Ginuwine made his own acting debut shortly afterwards in the TV series 'Martial Law'. His second album '100% Ginuwine' in 1999 produced further major hits with 'So Anxious', 'What's So Different' and 'None of Your Friends' Business', along with a cover of Michael Jackson's 'She's Out of My Life'. In 2001 he changed direction, scoring his biggest crossover hit to date with the ballad 'Differences' from the album 'The Life' and his movie career began to develop as he played an R&B singer in the basketball comedy 'Juwanna Mann'. He went on to record the duet 'I Need a Girl Part 2' with P. Diddy, while continuing a successful recording career in his own right. Brandy, Missy Elliott and Timbaland guested on his 2009 album 'A Man's Thoughts' and he formed the trio TGT, with Tank and Tyrese shortly after. They received a Grammy nomination for their debut album 'Three Kings' with their first single 'Sex Never Felt Better' being released on Valentine's Day 2013.