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Sound of the Summer

Two network television debuts, two days in a row:

They caught me off guard at interview time in this clip - I was completely consumed in studio work and rushed downtown from Harlem with my fitted backwards and my shades. The MTV news microphone is a powerful symbol, and in the middle of Times Square it wields great influence over tourists and passers-by. There were quite a few times that we were stopped by young people who jumped behind the camera to say “hi mom” and other random outbursts. Regardless, this few seconds represents my first speaking appearance on MTV and I am very happy about it.







88 Responses to “Sound of the Summer”

  1. G:

    Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn this is really serious . Im literally amazed by the transformation.. all i can say is wow . It’s really real..

  2. Scorpgemrising:

    R-Les you are the MAN!!! People need to recognize when you walk in a room, your not ordinary people, its a Star in their presence!!! BTW I put your Banner on my myspace page,,,, its Official OH BOY!!!! HAHA

  3. Playa Phi Playa:

    YOOOOOOO!!!

    I watched it live on MTV and I was proud of you man! The NextSelection movement is really moving! We’ll be seeing you get the props you deserve as a SOLO artist here in the States in no time player!!

    Keep it moving straight to the top!

    1

  4. Daniel W. Maxwell:

    Yo. Ryan.
    - I remember I first heard Cassie’s track Me & U, in the club & on the radio. I searched, and I searched, for the girl who made this track because her voice was sooooooo alluring and the incredible uptempo vibe was just amazing. I could never find her. Until I went to someone’s page here on myspace and saw the profile music box playing her song. Ahhh.. and I found her music page! I remember I left her my first comment and told her that she resembles Aaliyah in so many surreal ways, it spooked me. And then found out she modeled for Missy. Woah the only thing I can say is Everything Happens For A Reason. Now, it is the time for Aaliyah’s legacy to live on through Cassie in her own creative original way. Not just Cassie but many people that were influenced by Aaliyah. And that makes me so thankful that you discovered her. - You my man, and Diddy are doing great profound and might I add discerning work. Wow!- I’m speechless.- DANI3L

  5. kareem:

    keep doin it big family

  6. Nancy Aguilar:

    I can not believe how big you guys are getting in such little time doors keep opening for you and Cassie…im so happy for your start up career…I wish you the best in the future and hope everything goes well…Cassie needs to perform in Orange County soon…i know she has a lot of fans out here that are dying to see her perform. God Bless you Ryan…and keep up the good work….

    love you guys…

  7. garbz:

    feeling it so much

    come and support me, ryan and cassie at

    www.cassiefan.com

    www.myspace.com/garbz

    http://www.pjbutta.com/content/music/share/

    garbz

  8. luv4music:

    well, looks like this is it. the video and the publicity, that track in the clip sounds cool. hope the album comes out before my birthday! (August 14) can’t wait…

  9. Don:

    I LOVE it, Cassie, I hope you give us a FULL length (14 track) album, “Long Way To Go” is that HEAT! 2nd hit in the making! Get it, girl!

  10. Chi:

    Haha.. Nothing but the best for the NextSelection…

    Nice Interview.

  11. anonymous:

    like almost 2 years after hearing the Me&U track for the first time it’s now really gonna blow up. The new summer smash like in da club your heard world wide in every club bangin multiple times a night. But I have a mixt feeling about it, this meens it’s gonna be mainstream and “we” the supporters since the beginning of NextSelection have to share this with the mass. I can see it allready, people saying like “damn you heard that song Me&U” and I be like “yea..”.

    If wish Cassie & the NextSelection crew all the succes in the world. But it’s hard to see the lifestyle going mass what makes me feel like i’m not part of a unique fanbase anymore..

    1L

    anonymous

  12. Vince:

    THATS HOTT>>>>CONGRATS

  13. pomai:

    dayum. I love u cassie. and ryan. hahaha!

  14. Jamminjosie:

    Keep it going! Congrats on the MTV plug! Looking forward for more!

  15. Nzaonline.Com:

    Next selection is blossoming nicely!

    2006 Limited edition jackets retailing soon.

    www.nzaonline.com

  16. Paddy:

    Congratulations Ryan. There u have it, the MTV Mic, HA!
    Congratulations to the WHOLE NextSelection Family, u all did so much promo work etc. I wish u all the best. Nice to see that the soundcheck in Hamburg “kiss me”, is in the Vid 2!
    Btw, nice shirt Ryan and “It’s about time” sounds hot.

    Ryan Leslie is the Future.

  17. Karlito:

    WICKED NEWS - Congrats Guys.
    You’ve Worked So Hard.
    Need you Both in the UK NOW

    Lito - UK

  18. stephanie:

    Right on!! Congrats on all the beautiful news!
    I go rollerskating every Wednesday nite here in Seattle (Adult R&B nite) and the DJ BUMPS “Me & U” every week….the crowd goes crazy. The beat is just sick!! :)

    Don’t stop the magic!

    Peace & blessings,
    stephanie

  19. Keshia:

    I remember watching TRL yesterday and after Chris Brown performed I was walking away from my tv. But then I heard Cassie and ran back over to tape this. I’m soooo proud of you guys. It’s really weird watching you all on TV because I’m so used to seeing you on YouTUBE or on here. lol. Keep up the good work Ryan. In the future I plan on working with you.

  20. Denise Nicole:

    I remember when I first saw you in a delias magazine back in 2002 and somehting then told me that you were going to do something big. Something about you stood out in that magazine and that told me you are going to go beyond just modeling.It was funny because I told my mother to watch out for you and then I started seeing you in JcPenny’s, Target, and Respect M.E ads andthen when I saw ther video I told myself this is it. You right now are my role model because all my life I have wanted to be a singer, dancer, and actress and you show me thatdrive will really get you there. I am a good singer and maybe we could come out with a song together but, keep doing what you are doing. I remember seeing MTV News about a couple of months before Chris Brown came out on him and look how big of a star he is now. Thanks for reading this and stay blessed.
    Denise Nicole
    Superstar

  21. Kof:

    Ryan,

    Congrats on the success, bro. I’ve been following your blog periodically after Taj and Lex told me about you making serious moves and staying disciplined your music dreams. Now, they’re here. I’m very, very happy for you, man. This has been 8 or 9 years in the making since those days down in North House, so enjoy your success. . .cats are pulling for you. . .

    Kof

  22. Angel.K:

    the realty of it all has really set in. this time last year ya’ll were planning everything, in the process of what is now coming into place. it kind of gives me hope that i can do what i want to do…but also that i have a very long way to go. i wish the both of you and next selection the best of luck. i’ll say the same thing i told ya’ll months and months ago: i wanna see ya do t big! except this time, you’re already there! so i wanna see ya’ll do it bigger and bigger everyday!

  23. Meekaschocolate:

    Ryan you made me feeli like I was there every step of the way. God’s timing is impossible to beat. Much success due to the grind of R.Les & Nextselection. But I hold on Ryan I get next. lol (I’m a writer) *wink* I submittted something 2 ya

  24. afrodisian:

    i can understand what means anonymous but he gotta realise he been part of cassie spreading word process like domino and to realise that’s why me and you has been created to hopefully spreadaway …
    well Ryan ” the talented Mr. leslie” and rasheed richmond you pushed it from online to media line and it’s going to the top i love this mtv clip even though i’m not into original me and u but into special princess to our ears
    stay tuned

  25. Clifton Futch:

    How are things going Ryan Leslie well i was in Virgin Records the other day with my artist Brian Gibbs and saw a list of the top 15 producers out there right now and your name happen to be number 10 your not to well know out in the public around the U.S but to the people it counts to you are so good work hope to meet up with you one day.

  26. masayah:

    I had no doubt. Next Selection is going to be big. Everybody with a good ear for great music knows the tracks you produce are just quality.

    The time arrives that the big public gets to know the Next Selection movement. I’m glad that in the future I don’t have to explain who you are and how hot your tracks are. I sort of promoted you when I talked to people about good music. On the other hand it’s a pity that the exclusivity of you tracks will be lost. But I wish you all the succes.

    Just one thing, the fucus is a little bit on cassie but when is your album coming out in the Netherlands?

  27. maria:

    her video to me was very boring and she cannot sing live.

  28. RaChael R.:

    cassies video is great. Very good song and I love the beat.
    Hit me up when the next video is being produced I would love to come by and see the production go down, especially in MIAMI, let me know what goes down. And Cassie story of her rise to the top is inspirational, I saw it yesterday on MTV. Good luck.Check out my myspace page and Holla at ya girl.
    One Love,
    RachaElR. (MusIc Video Director in the Making!)

  29. Julia:

    We knew, we all knew it was goin down!!!!
    Ride that wave and never fall off!!!
    We love you and will be there for it all.

    You are a star that shines so brightly and beautifully!!

    Love yall,

    Julz

  30. Ama:

    You big show-offs!

    Lol, congratulations on all the hard work paying off. Here’s hoping that Cassie is just the start of the NextSelection hit parade!

  31. jorge aka caboloo:

    That Was Hot I am Verry happy for her!!!!!!!!!!

    Can wait till August Ryan U Did It

    We Won’ty stop Can’t Stop

    Nexseletion/BadBoy

  32. Honey:

    R-Les! I’ve been following you for a while now and I just wanna say congratulations - all the hard work is paying off! Things just keep getting better and better for you!
    Just one request - please come to the UK like now!
    H xx

  33. Jade:

    Helllo you guys! just wanted to say i’m proud of ya all. I am a personal friend of Rhapsody(the choreographer) and she was telling me how dedicated Cassie is in everything she does. Keep up the hard work and stay dedicated to the game. Its only going to get harder. Much love and keep ya heads up

  34. R e g i n a:

    Oh so humble. Keep on going.

  35. Silvia:

    Congradulations you guys! You’re really blowing up, and im happy that all your hard work is payin off, and you loookin good too!
    i wish you luck in everything you do!!!

  36. k:

    r-les blowin up!!!! all blessings to you congrats…. It has to feel good to reep the rewards of hard work. the four d’s . Hope to see you more . your the best producer in the world. - K

  37. Yamill:

    Congrats! Im happy to see that Next Selection now is on the next level! Keep it up!

  38. Ace:

    my heart goes out to you and cassie…..
    next selection is goin to be big…

    Ace

  39. Christina:

    Congrats on your sucsess!! Keep it HoT!!!
    YOur talented and DesErve it with more 2 CoME!!
    Good Luck wit everything
    Chrissy

  40. Nzaonline.Com:

    *******************************************
    *
    * NZAONLINE.COM - Hottest Urban Wear Label
    *
    * Keep it up Cassie! Next Selection is buzzin nicely
    *
    *Nza Clothing retailing limited edition jackets soon. I thank you *all for the support! Check us out on BET soon also.
    *
    *
    *
    ********************************************

  41. Ghetto Proper:

    I knew it was gonna happen.

  42. DeShawn Hill:

    dude i must give it to you bru you every where much respect and high five to make it out here you have to put in the hard work so i see that you are your going far i can tell as well as milloins of others it dont come easy let me tell you but any who keep up the great work always keep God first and you already know the rest i can see that when doors get closed you dont kick them down you create them thats my lil thing right therelol but have fun at it and look to see and hear more of your work stay soulful ya boy deshawn

  43. megan:

    watz realli good i liek everythign that ur doin ur very slick…im tryin to do a little sumthing if u know wat i mean..i can do a little bti of everythign i got wat it takes….i can sign a littlebtu i main thign iz rappin and i was wouderin if u could help me out wit a little sumthing..cause to me itz not all about tha money i want to be famuos plz get back @ me

    ya gurl Megan

  44. KnockKnox:

    Whats up Ryan my name is Jamal Knox.I am a musician/producer and I play four istruments. I can produce any kind of music, I think I could be a great intern. I work for an inie record label and I know a lot about the music busniness. My email is blackrockcity01@aol.com. Than you

  45. Conzider:

    THAT’S JUST AMAZING HOW CERTIN THINGS HAPPEN TO CERTIN PEOPLE…..I HOE IT’S THAT SWEET WHEN IT’S MY TURN

  46. Latina:

    Hey,

    First and foremost you are doin ya thing. I was singin ya song in the store yesterday and everyones like yo i like that song whos dat im like if you dont kno thats a shame but its cassie. I think u know a fellow artist of mine that works in the same studio as I named Brenda. Or atleast thats what I heard. I hop you gain much more success and cant wait to see u on top. Oh and we will do a single together one day lol. Comin to you from BK by way of that D.C.

    Latina
    Get back if possible

  47. Latina:

    oooohh wait soory. For some reason I just posted to Cassie. I apoligize but I just did my research and see that you did most of the songs that I am in love with. I always said that I would work with whoever did the Hot2Nite track. You are a genius.

    Latina

  48. Jae:

    www.myspace.com/emceejae go there and listen!! feedback is all i ask for, nothing more nothing less..more would be appreciated but not expected. thanks.

  49. SHAQUANA MCKNIGHT:

    I LOVE CASSIE SONG.I LOOK AT HER LIKE A ROLE MODEL.HER SONG ME&U IZ MY FAVORITE AND EVERYONE ON MY BLOCK LIKES HER AND THE BOYS GO CRAZY.

  50. Shaz:

    Hey hey… much love and success for Ryan and Cassie.. keep it up!! If u require any male artist in the making and theres a killa track to be produced.. hey u can count on me… lol. I wanna rock the world with style… u know what im sayin.. k man.. peace out.. holla!

  51. Ryan Rucker:

    Any blogs coming up? I’m excited about the whole movement, especially the august 8th CD drop for Cassie. I can’t wait to hear the production on it, with songs like “me & you” and “long way 2 go” I have a feeling the rest is gonna be incredible. Let me know if you guys need any help out here on the west coast as far as a street team goes. Peace.

  52. PDG Ent.:

    just wanna say as soon as i heard that cassie track, I was like yup, her album is gona be crazy…can’t wait on anotther note i do hope ur review boards get a chance to hear the tracks i sent them and i also emailed ur team about internships with ns4life.

    Nice to see the talented people do things.

    Tori Wine

  53. geeta:

    This is a comment on television Sound of the summer.

    :)

  54. Germany:

    Best regards from Germany, Ryan you are the best, your productions are boom…

    peace

  55. Sultan Yad:

    Hi ryan, how are you?

    Is there any possibility taht you send your beats to Germany?

    I am rapping too and i would like to have a beat that is made by you.
    I would be happy if you contact me as soon as you can ….

    Thank you
    See ya …..

  56. devon:

    hey ryan im a rapper im from boston u have a record deals with me

  57. Nastyboy:

    Hey Ryan !!! I love ya website, I love ya team, I love … Well
    I would like you visit my website… http://www.urbanfusion.fr

    It’s in french but I’m sure you understand it… lol

    There is also a board 4 powered some artists and show the brand nex song.

    It’s a new step ….

    Check it …

    CONTACT ME :

    nastyboy95@hotmail.com

    PS: I LOVE CASSIE

  58. GenGen:

    I like this song, I am going to buy it off i tunes.
    I live in atlanta, and i like the beatz.

  59. Kaz:

    Hey Ryan, mate you’re a genius. Keep it up bro, you’ll get there, you’re living my dream man. I hope to follow in your footsteps.

  60. Stinga:

    Hi Ryan.Man you on fire. I love all your beats and all the songs i have heard so far.My fav is spend the night……played it for my babe and now she is my baby mama.Devante has been my fav producer of all time,but you hold the crown now.Thanx for been on the net and showing us all your lil tricks.Cassie is hot too.Am just a bedroom beat maker and am just working to put all the equipment together…i hope one day you feel some of my beats too.
    Keep up the good work

  61. DJ:

    After about 2 months of request, we finally got Cassie on the radio herre in St. Louis. It’s on the regular now. There a few more radio stations we have to hit up but it doesn’t matter. They’ll play her. Keep up the good work Ryan

  62. David Lopez:

    Hey Cassie. I just met ya the other day in Sacramento. Im so mad cuz I took a pic with you but my camera erased it, im so sad. I was writing you because I have a clothing line and I made you a special item from the line and I wanted to give it to ya. I was wondering if there was a address I could send it to you or something. Hit me up on myspace.com/billionaire_in_training or on my e-mail address.

    PS Cant wait til Tues, that cds gonna be fire

  63. TIKA:

    I wish you nothing but the best girl! Your truely an inspiartion n even though things get hard like you I will never give up! I’m loven the album n look forward to meeting you one day! Take care hun!

  64. gilde flores:

    lookin to be discovered! Please hear my stuff I know that I got that Indusrty Style Sound that you are lookin for! I have that dream and no connections!!! I have the DDDD you were talkin about man! Please hear my stuff and let me music Speak for me! thanks and look forward to hearin from you or anyone on your team! thanks

  65. ihatecassie:

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  66. ihatecassie:

    cassie can’t sing at all , how did she get a deal and she’s a ho just watch this video of her on youtube.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D6921pbJBo

  67. ashley:

    cassie cant sing she lip syncs and shes a ho just watch this video of her http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D6921pbJBo

  68. cassiefan..............not:

    watch this cassie video

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D6921pbJBo

  69. CASSIE IS A HO:

    cassie cant sing she lip synce

    watch this video of her

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D6921pbJBo

  70. CASSIE IS A HO AND CANT SING:

    cassie is a ho and vcant siing why does she have a record deal?

    WATCH THIS VIDEO OF CASSIE BEING A HO

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D6921pbJBo

  71. CASSIE IS A HO AND CANT SING:

    CASSIE IS THE HO FOR CELEBS

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D6921pbJBo

  72. Janelle:

    OMG!!!! Cassie… you have came along way from our Stonington Sharks indoor soccer team… Wow… I am sooooo proud and happy for you girl… When my mom and I saw you in the Delia’s magazine, I was like do you remember her, and we saw you #1 on TRL…. You are doing it real big, Cassie… Big up to you and Next Selection… Keep doing it the way you are…

  73. Luca Molnar:

    Hi,

    Cassie is a amazing artist! And the Me and You is a really good song :)
    Well, i’m a really good graphic designer. If somebody can help that my CV send for menagment of Cassie, please send me a email!

    Thanks,
    Luca Molnar

  74. Jacques:

    It’s been a long time that we didn’t see an artist like Cassie. U are Unique. Keep going Peace and Love

    One of Ur Fan
    Jacques De Paris

  75. Gene:

    im sorry but cassie cant sing

  76. Mike:

    Cassie can sing and does it really matter, as long as you can lay down a track that can bang in the club and your voice sounds crisp and clean on it, you will have a hit… But being that Cassie can sing it went straight to #1… no one has the right to be hatin’ on R-Les or Cassie… They are musical pioneers and it’s time to bring some flavor back to hip-hop rather than just this simple “snap yo fingaz” type stuff… remember the group called “A Tribe Called Quest” that was hip-hop at it’s best…

  77. Mike:

    and now with musical geniuses such as R-Les, Pharrell, and Kanye it’s going back to it’s glory days

  78. Siedah:

    OMG!I truely remember u as just a beautiful faced model 4 Target,I never knew u would make a chart-topping hit like Me+U.

  79. Gene:

    mike shut up cassie can’t sing she sounds good on the record but live she sounds bad my cat sounds better then her i mean how hard is it to sing me&you…..cassie is just another pretty face who can’t sing or dance

    case closed

  80. MR.Entertainment:

    RYAN! RYAN! RYAN! LOL NEXTSELCTION! That’s what it is!!!

  81. A.M.:

    I found this Blog kinda late but just wanted to throw up a comment about Cassie and the Crew at next selection.

    Ryan, I e-mailed you this and I’ll say it again…Yous are an inspiration for those whose only means of promotion is the internet and it shows, anyone can make it if you have the love & devotion for what you do. It will fall into place in time.

    You can’t knock Cassie and wonder her success when you have machine made recording artists such as Britney & J-lo…

    Cassie comes across to me as the new Aaliyah, Soft voice with dancing skills. Even got that hair falling over the eye look the same lol

    When I say that I don’t mean it as you are another one but you are on the level of being the new breed of what music needs. Quality music you can enjoy yourself to and not have to punch a wall cuz the beat made you want to lol.

    And on a final note, these guys are the perfect example of how ” Real Artists & Producers should be ” You can see they don’t take a minute for granted. She even brought her camera with her to record the crowd.

    Ryan even threw on a shirt and hat and headed quickly over to MTV just to say 1 line.

    That shows you how appreciative they are with thier success.

    All the Best and Best of luck to yous…

    - A.M.

  82. A.M.:

    1 More thing…

    You will have the ” Haters ” regardless of your status. Everyone that is in the limelight will have them. So cassie, don’t even let it get to you…

    While your smiling on the beaches of some Island I can’t pronounce with hit records on the radio, those same haters are buying, :-)

  83. danial speed:

    hey! how are you doing? me im ok i just wanted to ask you if you can do somthing for me. I know you dont know me yet but i really need to ask you for a favor. Do you know anyone that can hear my songs or read my lyrics. I would really appreaiate it if you can help me. thanks for your time and efforts. By the way i’m only one year younger than you im 18. thanks again.

    signed Danial

  84. jonathan loves cassie:

    hey cassie “I LOVE YOU

  85. jonathan loves cassie:

    i WANT A DATE

  86. jonathan loves cassie:

    AND SHES NOT A HO I LOVE HER SO WHAT DO YOU GOT TO
    SAY

  87. jonathan loves cassie:

    AND ASHLEYYOUR A HO

  88. Drummah Boyz Production Group:

    Drummah Boyz Production Group & I can relate to that exact situation. In our case we didn’t find good representation. I clearly see the Ryan Leslie is a mentor of a mentor. NextSelection is the Movement & bess bet that is a shout out. What? Who else doin it?…..?…………………?.K.

    Drummah Boyz Production Group
    info@drummahboyz.com



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