That singer/songwriter Joe been able to maintain and sustain the changes of the music industry for 15 years and still be current speaks volumes for his longevity and appeal. For his sixth album, Joe delivers Ain’t Nothin’ Like Me (in stores April 24) - a 14-song set that was introduced with the street single “Where You At” (featuring rapper Papoose) - a dramatic piece that finds him desperately trying to reconcile with his woman after his doctor tells him he only has a short time left to live. That led to his official first single, “If I Was Your Man,” which taps that same tender space Mario did with “Let Me Love You.” Though Joe has plenty more from where that came (he is a disciple of Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass), he still has a taste of Big Mack in him on sizzlers such as “Like to Kick It,” Run it Back” and “Like Me.” Joe collaborated with super producers Sean Garrett and Tim & Bob, but also saved one for his ace writing partner, guitarist Joshua Thompson, that is among the CD’s high points.

“I’ve been pretty consistent in my career,” Joe shares. “My thing is making music of quality instead of things that are trendy. That’s always set me apart. Chris Brown, NE-YO and Omarion come out doing all the dancing. That’s cool. Then you’ve got me on the other side representing for the men...and have the women thinking, ‘Wow, here’s a real man doing his thing.’”

Q: Your music is always quality, but when it comes to video, performing and interviews, has it been more challenging for you being that your personality is so low-key and laidback?
A: I have to admit sometimes I kind of get lost because people want me to be more animated or step more out of character. I don’t mind. The longer I do this the more I learn that this is all about entertainment. It’s not for me. It’s for the listeners. They want to know that you’re into what you’re doing. They want to feel your energy.

Q: You’re going on the road with Brian McKnight. Do you two have anything special planned?
A: Brian and I have been friends for years. Our artistries are very complimentary. We both sing, write and play several instruments, so it will be a different feel from all the young guys out here singing and dancing.

Q: Since he plays guitar and piano and you play bass and drums, it would be fun to see you two jamming together on stage.
A: That’s a great idea. You don’t see that anymore and people are really missing that aspect of performing. There would have to be a theme behind it, but it could be phenomenal.

Q: The last time we talked you had just done a Valentine’s Day show in Chicago and this year you did a private show in L.A. It seems you’re always working on that lovers’ holiday.
A: That’s the day they always want me! It’s appropriate, though. My song “All The Things” really connected with the ladies...especially women who may be going through something with their man or breaking up. They come out with their girls to the show and really need to hear something warm and reassuring. It’s all about the ladies, man. In relationships, sometimes you end up with something good that you can appreciate. Sometimes you wind up longing for somebody else.

Q: Which new song most reveals where Joe is in his love life right now?
A: “The Life of The Party,” which I did with Joshua Thompson. It’s about me always going out of my way to make sure everybody has a good time. People think everything is all good for me, but deep down inside I’m torn apart. True story: my girl left me...she used to go on tour with me. At this stage in my life, I never thought that could happen to me. That relationship taught me that I needed to focus on what I’m really here for. Music is the most important thing now. I’ve got time for marriage. I’m not rushing. I’ll let it happen naturally.

Q: You’ve stepped up to start a clothing line and a Tequila brand.
A: It’s important to take advantage of opportunities. When you’re hot people throw a lot of ideas at you. You’ve got to be smart, start a corporation and get things going. Jay Z and Diddy have been very successful. It’s quite inspirational to see how they’ve become classier guys taking their images to a whole `nother level. The way I look at it, I’m always in venues where fashion and alcohol are big. So I should take part in that some way.

I’m doing a full clothing line called J.Thomas London for men with shoes, belts, ties, shirts, suits, jeans, hoodies, sweaters, whatever - a whole collection. It will be in a European style as far as class - not too baggy, not too tight. Everybody is trying to do urban wear. My style is a bit more unique and couture level - like a mix of Dolce & Gabana and Gucci. I’m working with a couple of Korean guys of out of New York City and some designers from Turkey, France and Italy. The fabrics and patterns we’re using are really different. It’s very today but edgier. If my name is going on it, it has to be fly. We’re launching in 0-7, hopefully by late summer or fall.

My tequila is called Agojo So-Jo. Tequila was the most sensible liquor to me. It’s not getting that many looks right now. Most people just do shots and that’s about it. I want to make it more of a mixer. I looked at cognacs and vodkas and there’s already a ton of those. I wanted to do something different - have my own tequila being poured in the clubs where I perform.

Q: In closing, please reflect on the memory of your peer Mr. Gerald Levert.
A: Gerald was a genius. He put everything into his music and did what he had to do regardless of anyone else’s opinion. He wrote records that made a big impact on people’s lives. I got a chance to work with him for my second album, All That I Am, on a song called “How Soon.” We worked together at his studio in Cleveland with his production partner Tony Nicholas. Gerald directed me, lending his production concept to the song and was right there at the recording booth for moral support. He was giving me his vibe and feeding off of mine, so it was a great atmosphere. Plus I did shows with him on different islands. We had great, “real talk” conversations. He was always that genuine, everyday guy who just happened to have this awesome talent. When he was on stage, he gave 110%...every time.