| Full Name | Elgin Baylor Lumpkin |
| Birthday | October 15, 1970 |
| Birth Place | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Age | 52 Years |
| Height | 6′ 2′′ (1.88 m) |
| Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
| Relationship Status | Married to Solé |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
Ginuwine is an American R&B singer, dancer and actor who became one of the key players in the 90s urban music scene. With his signature smooth vocals and charismatic persona, he helped define the R&B sound of the era with hits like "Pony" and "Differences".
Early Musical Influences
Born Elgin Baylor Lumpkin in 1970 in Washington D.C., Ginuwine entered the world of music at a young age. He sang in church choirs during his childhood, developing his vocal talents. In the late 80s, he became a member of Swing Mob, a hip hop/R&B group founded by Jodeci member DeVante Swing. This opportunity opened the door for Ginuwine to hone is skills and eventually get noticed by industry executives.
Trademark Style and Persona
Under producer Timbaland‘s mentorship, Ginuwine broke through with his debut single "Pony" in 1996, announcing the arrival of something fresh and exciting. The song‘s hypnotic beats, seductive lyrics and Ginuwine‘s smooth-as-velvet vocals made it a smash hit. Fans couldn‘t get enough of this charismatic newcomer who exuded swagger and sensuality.
Throughout his career, Ginuwine has consistently delivered baby-making slow jams like "So Anxious", "In Those Jeans", and "Last Chance" while also showing his versatility on more upbeat tracks. His dynamic voice – able to switch seamlessly from sultry whispers to soulful wails – came to define the lush, experimental R&B of the 90s and 2000s.
Collaborations and Partnerships
While Timbaland‘s innovative production style was crucial to Ginuwine‘s success, he also benefited from partnerships with Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, and R&B group 112. Collaborations like "I‘ll Do Anything/I‘m Sorry" and "Love You More" with 112 and "One in a Million (Remix)" with Aaliyah expanded his audience and showed his chemistry as a collaborator.
Ginuwine‘s work with Timbaland and Missy Elliot is considered one of the most groundbreaking artist-producer partnerships of the era. Timbaland shaped Ginuwine‘s brash, stuttering musical palette while Missy helped flesh out his sexy, bold image.
Legacy and Influence on R&B
With multi-Platinum albums and radio staples like "Differences", Ginuwine left an indelible mark on R&B music. His work merged R&B melody and sensuality with hip hop edge, paving the way for the urban music stars of today like Usher, Trey Songz and Chris Brown.
Though he gets less attention than bigger stars like R.Kelly, Ginuwine‘s impact on the growth and evolution of R&B in the 90s cannot be understated. His collaborations with Timbaland brought experimental beats to the mainstream while his smooth vocals inspired the coming generation.
Nearly 30 years into his career, Ginuwine‘s status as a pioneer of contemporary R&B is undisputed. As a longtime fan, I will always appreciate the joy and passion he brought to music in his prime years. Though the hits may have dried up, the classic jams like "Pony" and "Differences" will live forever. Ginuwine‘s velvet voice and charisma made him one the most captivating R&B stars of my childhood.