How did you first link up with Raphael Saadiq?
Adrian Marcel: I linked up with Raphael through my management. Ray saw something that he liked as far as my passion for music.

Your new tape Weak After Next is hitting pretty well with the ladies out there. How do you feel about the increasing female attention?
Adrian: [Laughs] I’ve never had a problem with female attention. I think I’ve always been sort of a ladies type of guy. I love being around women. It’s what you need to do the type of music that I do. I want to speak to them and even speak for the guys. It hasn’t been a huge change, but I love it all!

What would be the perfect date with the perfect girl?
Adrian: I have this whole thing with a dinner and a movie at the same time, so I would try and have dinner there. That way we can eat and watch a movie and chat at the same time. Either a scary movie or something that might force her to kind of get close, or something funny that might make her laugh her way to my shoulder [laughs]. I might even just act like I’m yawning and put my arm around her. I love to talk and have conversations. I love to get to know you and vibe out. We can walk around, chop it up, and go listen to some music. Maybe around 2 AM [laughs], whatever happens happens.

So where did the ‘Weak’ theme come from for your project titles?
Adrian: Well, I was going for something new. For me, it was just me breaking that barrier and not being afraid to say that I’m weak over the love of a woman or the pain she’s put me through. Whatever it may be, it’s just me being open with my feelings and my emotions. That’s the best way for people to see who you really are, just by being transparent. I wear my emotions on my sleeve, and that’s what weak stands for.

What are your thoughts on the state of genuine R&B today?
Adrian: Honestly, I don’t think it matters what producer produces anything. You can have a trap beat for an R&B type of record. Yes rappers want to sing and singers want to rap now, but it’s all about history repeating itself. There has to be a time where it kind of goes out and we miss it, and then it always comes back. If it’s gone, it’s definitely returning.

One of my favorite songs on your new project is your collab track “Honey” with Kelly Rowland. You guys have really dope chemistry. What was it like working with her?
Adrian: Oh my God, Kelly Rowland. That’s the homegirl. I love Kelly! Anything she needs me to do, I’m down to do. She put me on my first tour and was very welcoming and helpful with all of that as well. Her being a great artist, and coming from one of the biggest girl groups of my generation, Destiny’s Child, it was the ultimate blessing. I’m glad that you said that because it’s one of my favorite records.