Link: Grown & Sexy

Link

Hailing from the Lone Star State, singer-songwriter Link received his initial “big break” co-penning the smash ‘97 hit, "My Body," which spent seven consecutive weeks at number-one on the US R&B chart and also reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100, for supergroup LSG [Levert. Sweat. Gill]. 

Shortly thereafter, the man born Lincoln Browder scored a major label recording contract for his very own solo debut, Sex Down, which arrived in June 1998. 

Link has also written stand-out selections for the likes of Silk, Tamar Braxton, K-Ci & JoJo, as well as the late, greats Tony Thompson and Gerald Levert.

Let’s hop into this single, “Change Your Mind” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition? 

The track “Change Your Mind” came about when I was listening to tracks from a producer. I liked the track, and chose it as one that I would like to write to.

How then does “Change Your Mind“ either differ and / or compare to previous Link entries?

“Change Your Mind” is different from my other songs because this one is considered grown and sexy. 

As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from? 

I draw inspiration from real life experiences, whether the experiences are mine or someone close to me.

Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Lincoln Browder?   

I’ve been interested in music for as long as I can remember, and it began for me when I walked in the choir room in high school. 

Now you hail from Dallas, TX, correct? So growing up in the ‘Big D,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences? 

Yes, I’m from Dallas. MY strongest musical influence was and still is Donny Hathaway.

That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?

I would describe the music I create as relatable, real, fun, and creative! 

Link

Initially you were a member of a short lived musical collective, Protege — Talk to me about the transition from group-mate to soloist…

Yeah, I never really got the opportunity to come out with my group. The transition was easy for me because I was the lead singer in the group, so I was used to being out front. 

What particular string of events actually led to your then signing to / with Relativity Records?

Relativity actually brought myself and Darrell "Delite" Allamby in to speak with us about producing for H-Town. In doing so, they decided to not only sign me as an artist but to also sign Delite as well.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?    

I would love for people to gain insight from the music that I put out.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?  

If I could collaborate with one artist, it would be the incomparable Donny Hathaway because I think his music was way ahead of his time, and his voice is like no other voice that I have ever heard!     

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?    

I would love to perform at Madison Square Garden because, as they say, if you can make it there you can make it anywhere!

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?

I am not happy with the current state of R’n’B! 

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?        

The key to my longevity is the fact that I’m a versatile songwriter that you can’t put in a box. I can write about any topic, and for anyone! 

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Yes! I would love to go to heaven. I heard it’s a beautiful place! 

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?    

My biggest career moment was when I shared the stage with Patti LaBelle! 

What’s an average day like for you?

Man, I wake up, thank GOD for blessing me with another day. Then I go work out. I may play a round of golf with my guys, and then it’s off to the studio to record or write!

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans... 

I love my fans! I’m always interacting with them on social media every chance I get. 

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why? 

My favorite part about the business is the creative process. Then, it’s watching or seeing the reaction to what I’ve created! My least favorite part about the business is also being on social media. The era that I come from was very private. People didn’t tell all of their business. In this era of music, you have to constantly tell everyone what you’re doing.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Firstly, I would tell them not to try and follow my footsteps. Create your own path. Our GOD first, and never give up!

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?     

5 or 10 years from now, I hope to be helping and watching my daughter London’s career blossom. She’s very talented, and I can’t wait until the world can hear her! 

As for the immediate, what's next for you, Link? 

What’s next for me is to continue putting out good music for as long as I can! 

“Whatcha Gonna Do?” is a bonafide R&B classic — How did this particular selection come about? Who came up with its concept? And, please describe for me the overall studio vibe(s) on that fateful day?

“Whatcha Gone Do” came about after we heard that dope track that Delite came up with. We were recording my first album, so we knew we had to come up with something edgy, as well as catchy, that would be undeniable. The vibes were off the chain, man. When we stumbled upon the hook, we were very excited because we knew we had one.

Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?

My parting words for the readers is this: I thank you guys that have supported me over the years, and those that continue supporting me. I could not and would not do what I do if it weren’t for my fans. My brand new single, “Change Your Mind,” is out on all platforms, so go check it out. If you wanna know what’s going on with me or what city I will be performing in, please follow me on my social media platforms…

IG: Linktheartist 

Facebook: Lincoln Link Browder

Twitter: Linkmusic69

TikTok: Linktheartist69

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