Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kenny Lattimore is known for his silky smooth vocals, chiseled good looks and suave style of dress, but through all the sex appeal and soul the 20-year solo veteran wants to show another side of his artistry and himself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogiUzF6dU9I?start=1084&end=1338

In an intimate phone conversation, Kenny Lattimore talks with entertainment reporter Bobby Pen about his mission as an artist, finding his footing in the music industry as a Christian crooner and his latest release, A Kenny Lattimore Christmas— out today.

This 11-track project is Kenny Lattimore’s first-ever Inspirational / Gospel album, even though that’s where he had hoped to begin his career. During the interview, Kenny shared that he was initially inspired by BeBe & Cece Winans, but the lane never quite opened up for him in that way.

In an effort to carve his own space, Kenny says he creates music “to sing to the hearts of women and the minds of men to encourage them in love,” and believes that John Legend best represents this spirit in R&B today— “R&B is not dead. We just have to look for it,” Kenny said.

When asked why he took such a long break between albums, the father and ex-husband of R&B Diva Chante Moore, announced that he took time to father his son, Kenny Lattimore, Jr. The 44-year-old singer is quite proud to have been there for his son and his son’s classmates in an effort to show another version of the black male to his community.

Furthermore, as the primary caregiver for his growing son, once old enough, Kenny would take his mini-me with him to work from international performances to Hollywood film sets. This dedication opened the door for Kenny Lattimore, Jr. to be cast in his first film by the late Tommy Ford.

Listen to the entire conversation above for more on how fans can better support artists, how Kenny feels about being a “Christian Sex Symbol,” his upcoming Holiday tour and what he hopes to leave as his legacy.