PRAXTON: Love. Joy. Happiness.

Muzikscribe
Aug 12
5 min read

Having initially started singing in church at the tender age of three, the, now, 18 year old aspiring R&B newcomer, PRAXTON, has officially arrived courtesy of the GMG1/CMORE5 label, in partnership with the SRG-ILS/Virgin Music imprint.

Hailing from The Prairie State, PRAXTON recently unleashed his fresh take on the Teddy Riley produced Hi-Five nineties classic, “I LIKE THE WAY (The Kissing Game).”

Let’s hop into this single, “I LIKE THE WAY (The Kissing Game)” — Tell me about this particular track. How did it come to fruition?

My production team came up with the idea to remix the R&B classic, “I Like the Way (The Kissing Game).” They thought it would be dope to reintroduce it with a fresh twist. So they started building the track, and once I heard it, we hit the studio and laid it down.

Aside from it being a remake, how does “I LIKE THE WAY (The Kissing Game)” differ from or compare to previous PRAXTON entries?

It has a whole new vibe. It’s a modern take that younger generations can vibe to, but it still gives a nod to the original. New beats, fresh sound — it’s a bop for everyone, no matter your age.

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

I’m still learning the art of songwriting, but from what I’ve seen and been taught, it’s all about inspiration and storytelling. You want your music to tell a story that connects with people and carries emotion.

Tell me about your start in music — when did you first become interested, and how did it all begin for PRAXTON?

I got interested in music at 4 years old. My dad inspired me — I used to watch him produce, play piano, sing, and just create. Watching him be a musician made me want to follow in his footsteps.

Where are you from, and who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

I was born and raised in Bellwood, Illinois, and lived there until I was about 12. Coming from the Chicago area, I was inspired by legends like R. Kelly, Kanye West, Common, Chance the Rapper, and, of course, Earth, Wind & Fire. They all had such different sounds, but made music that mattered.

How would you describe the style of music you create and perform?

I make feel-good R&B that blends classic vibes with a modern twist. It’s a mix of smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and meaningful lyrics — something everyone can vibe to.

What led to your current signing with GMG1/CMORE5 in partnership with SRG-ILS/Virgin?

I started working with Trillionaire KB and Q. We developed a sound together and created a lot of music. Eventually, we linked up with Maurice White at GMG1, and through that connection, we met Craig Davis from Music Matters and SRG-ILS. Everything started falling into place from there. It’s been an amazing journey.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Love. Joy. Happiness. In that order. I want to inspire people — the way Michael Jackson inspired us. I want listeners to feel something real and walk away uplifted.

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

Michael Jackson — no question. He’s the GOAT. His music, his performances, the way he impacted the world — it’s unmatched. I’d also love to work with legends like Prince, Luther Vandross, James Brown, Donny Hathaway, New Edition, Chris Brown, Usher, Mario, and Ne-Yo. Their vocal ability, style, and stage presence inspire me.

If you could perform at any venue in the world, which would it be and why?

Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl. These venues are legendary. So many icons have performed there, and it would be a dream to be part of that legacy.

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

Yes and no. I love the new sounds coming out, but I feel like the R&B back in the day had more soul and effort behind it. It was more about quality than quantity. A lot of artists today are sampling older R&B because that era was just so powerful and unforgettable.

What do you think will be the key to your longevity in this industry?

Being authentic, staying true to myself, building a legacy, and spreading positivity. Most importantly, keeping God at the center of everything I do. My goal is to glorify Him through my music.

Do you have any other goals or dreams outside of music?

Yes! I’ve been running track throughout high school, and I’d love to compete in the Olympics one day — represent the USA and bring home some medals!

To date, what’s been your biggest career moment so far?

Reaching over a million streams on my songs, touring with incredible artists, and performing for my fans. Those moments remind me why I love what I do.

What’s an average day like for you?

Creating content, playing games, watching YouTube, writing music, singing — just staying active, learning, and always working on my craft.

How do you interact with and respond to fans?

I love engaging with my fans — whether it’s through social media, responding to their comments, or having conversations about what’s trending. I try to keep it real and stay connected.

What’s your favorite part of this job? Your least favorite?

I love performing and seeing fans sing along to my songs. It’s the best feeling. Honestly, I don’t have a least favorite — I enjoy everything about this journey.

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

Keep God first. Be confident. Be creative. Be consistent. And, most importantly, be patient. Great things take time.

Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

Performing at sold-out stadiums, winning awards, making music that reaches across the world, and continuing to grow into the best version of myself.

As for the immediate future, what’s next for PRAXTON?

Acting, more performances, headlining stadiums, earning major awards, and continuing to be me — growing as an artist and as a person.

Is there anything I left out or forgot to ask?

Just this: I’m next in line to make a major impact on the music industry — in a positive and powerful way!

Lastly, any parting words for our readers?

Believe in God. Be yourself — always. No matter what, stay true to who you are.