Singer-songwriter, The Dream, nee Terius Youngdell Nash—signed to Warner Chappell Music Publishing—quickly began making a name for himself penning songs for B2K, Britney Spears, Madonna, and, his ex-wife/baby mama, Nivea, but it wasn't until he hit complete pay dirt with Rihanna's multi-platinum, chart-topper, "Umbrella," that things really began to take off. The Dream, and his production partner, Tricky Stewart, have since gone on to write huge compositions for the likes of Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Usher, J. Holiday, and Jesse McCartney, to name a few, and last year even unleashed his very own, gold-selling solo debut, Love Hate.

Urban Network recently spoke to BET's 2008 Best New Artist award winner, while he was holed up in the lab putting in much work on his highly anticipated sophomore effort, Love vs. Money, to be released on his brand new imprint, Radio Killa Records, through Island Def Jam.

What's up, Dream? Curious about the album, Love Hate, are you still, or will you be, actively working another new single and video?
We are currently on the last single "I Luv Your Girl." We were going with "Fast Car," but I have over 2.5 million bootlegs in the street, and it has affected the release of a fourth single in such a way that I have to go to the next LP, Love vs. Money.

So, since you've obviously already begun work on your forthcoming second solo project, thus far what can be divulged or revealed about Love vs. Money?
The follow up is just as dynamic as the first, by my standard. The consumer has figured out who I am as a writer, and, therefore, I have to step way up on this album. Before, I wasn't the guy who wrote "Umbrella," "Just Fine," "Bed," "Suffocate" (and) "Touch My Body," I was just Dream. Now, I'm a movement I've heard. I have a lot more responsibility to the world and my new fans, and I will see if they are really music lovers or not. I'm giving them Love Hate times two.

How do you feel that Love vs. Money will either differ and/or compare to that of your debut?
I'm blessed that I made an album the first time with no fear. (I'm) not a ring-tone artist, they bought me. They trust me to deliver and elevate.

In terms of songwriting, you've worked with a who's who of super-talented artists — What's coming up for you in terms of other outside collaborations?
Beyoncé, Ciara, and my label Radio Killa's new acquisition Electrik Red. Electrik Red's debut album is amazing! I mean it. You'll see! Remember, I said it.

When working on a song, how much input do you actually have regarding the whole musical element? Is it usually a collaborative situation, or do you let the producer do his own thing?
I am a producer, so at times my input matters. Nothing comes out without a "Yeah" from me and Tricky Stewart, collectively.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration(s) from?
I don't sit down with a pen and paper. I haven't for at least five years now. The ideas are gifts from my maker. Somehow I manage to either imagine things the way that I see them in a little amount of time, which allows me to write songs so quickly. I just do what I do and I don't know where it comes from. I'm just thankful that it comes.

How do you determine which songs you kept for your own album versus the ones you decide to farm out to others?
It used to be different, what I would keep for me no one would want. Now, everyone wants something I would do, and it's a blessing and also flattering.

On a personal note, what's going on between you and Chris Brown? Is that whole controversy now behind you all?
I sat with Ri-Ri [Rihanna] and Chris at L.A.'s [Reid] Grammy party this year, and we are
fine. This business is like a high school, it takes a while for you to find out who is cool and who's not. I think everyone can see that I'm kinda cool. We're cool because I don't entertain negativity.

On a more serious note, would it be fair to say that you are happy with the current state of "Urban" music? And, what are your thoughts on your contemporaries, Ne-Yo, Alicia Keys and others in the marketplace?
(Lil') Wayne just sold one million records. The people are basically saying you have to do a lot more in order for me to buy your shit. He did! He sold, and if anyone wants to sell records you better go back a few years when Wayne started putting beat downs on all the other rappers with his work ethic. A large amount of work ethic, combined with talent, is unbeatable.

Now that we are in this "computer age," what are your thoughts on the internet, leaking music, digital downloads, etc.?
It sucks when you are a songwriter, there's no money for those downloads. As an artist, you can survive because the fame is still there, so sharing could actually help. But, there are people that hurt because of it, and a part of me is one of them.

To date, what has been the biggest highlight of your career?
The BET win for best new artist is the best so far. Thanks to BET for recognizing my work as a whole.

As for the immediate future what's next for you?
Clothing! Millionaire Love Affair is the brand that's underway. That's what's next!

I know you are featured on current radio jams from Plies, LL Cool J and Gym Class Heroes, but anything else to look out for from you soon?
Other than a record I did with T.I., there's so much I've been paid for. I don't wanna speak on it, but I'm sure by the time you print this you'll know exactly what I'm on.

Is there anyone in the business that you haven't worked with already that you'd definitely like to, futuristically speaking?
Prince!

Do you have any parting words? 
Thank you.