About My Site

This is my REAL space on the net. Since it’s actually me, Ryan Leslie – I’ve decided to use Facebook as a way to make sure you’re really you (support for MySpace is coming soon). Signing in with your Facebook profile means you stand behind any comment you leave and makes the experience better for everyone.  This is for my friends, family and extended family all around the world.  I’ve organized the site by categories and I update as much and as often as humanly possible. Here’s a description:

Music
I have a great deal of songs that have never been officially released so you can expect to get them in this category. I’ll include lyrics, a description of what inspired the song, where I made it, and why it’s still a favorite.

Video
From the moment I started writing songs, I could always see visual interpretations in my mind. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some talented directors, both on Cassie’s project and my own. At NextSelection, I’ve also sponsored my own projects and developed emerging talent from around the globe. Posts in this category will showcase the work we’ve done together.

Studio
In my opinion, the recording studio and the rehearsal studio go hand in hand. Here you’ll find a window into my creative process as I write and produce for myself and for others. You’ll also catch special moments in my rehearsals where the magic of many talented musicians playing together creates an amazing chemistry.

Live
I’ve been performing ever since I can remember. From church plays as a youth to sold-out concerts overseas as a pro – I always get a rush when it’s time to rock a show. In this category, you’ll get a taste of my life on the road – backstage, on-stage and partying with all of you.

Style
I was introduced to custom clothing as a young man when my mother would sew pieces for me and my sister to wear to church and to school. Many nights I’d fall asleep to the sound of her sewing machine. Regardless, I learned early on that it’s not the clothes you wear, it’s the attitude you exude! This category is about all of the elements of my personal style – clothes, furniture, technology, cars, travel, food, gifts (given and received), and everything in between.

Press
Even in the digital age, there’s nothing like the printed page. A physical photograph or a letter always seems to mean that much more! That said, it’s just as nice to show up on-line! This category is dedicated to the excitement of seeing your name in print – newspapers, magazines, blogs and anywhere else someone thinks I’m doing something worth writing about.

Radio
Playing songs for friends like I do here is great. Hearing your song on the radio is even better because it means that your music is being broadcast to an audience far greater. I’m always honored by the support that DJ’s give my artistry, and I am grateful to have the chance to visit them and thank them personally. You find my favorite radio moments in this category.

TV
Being on TV is like being beamed into everyone’s house at once. This category is dedicated to my experience on Television. BET gave me my first televised performance, and since then I’ve been excited every time I get the opportunity to be on your box, flat screen, projector, slingbox, or any other way you watch TV.

Film
I made my first short film based on a concept inspired by my song “Diamond Girl”. That process is addictive, and I’ve since launched NextSelection Pictures with my team of video mavericks. This category chronicles our process as we foray into the exciting world of making movies.

Insight
I get calls and e-mails everyday from people who are looking for advice on how to “make it” in the entertainment industry. I’ll share my experience with you in this category in hopes that you can take something applicable and meaningful away from having a clear view of my challenges and victories. You can find my personal responses to questions and rumours in this category as well.

Inspiration
From time to time I’ll get introduced to some content that really moves me. Perhaps it’s a song, a photograph, a quote, a book, a movie, a performance, a news article – the list goes on. I’m taking the chance that it will move someone else by sharing, reblogging, and promoting it in this category.