The US R&B star Lloyd speaks about his latest smash hit and his forthcoming return to Abu Dhabi's Etoiles on Friday night. <b>You are a return visitor to UAE and Etoiles now. You were in the club last year for Formula One.</b> Ah yes! I have been blessed to be invited here more than once. Unfortunately that last time I couldn't stay long. I had a lot of fun, though. <b>Do you ever get a chance to holiday in the UAE in your previous visits?</b> I had memorable experiences. I made some good friends. I always take time to go out and see the cities, shopping at the local markets and support the people and their business. I also had a chance to eat some interesting food out there, visit Emirates Palace and see the sights. It was nice. <b>And how is 2012 treating you so far?<br/></b> It has been a very busy period generally. I released a new album, toured with Lil' Wayne last summer and also Trey Songz. I had the opportunity to visit my friends over in Europe, England and Australia recently and <i>Dedication to My Ex </i> is really popular. So yes, a great time. <b><i>Dedication to My Ex</i> is a huge hit in the US and Australia. Were you surprised by the reaction?</b> Well you know if it feels good but you never know whats going to happen. So yeah, that song definitely surprised me. <b>Why do you think people and the radio immediately latched on to it?<br/></b> I think it's dangerous, risky and people like to take a chance. <b>Your career has seen up and downs. You changed record labels after you felt like you were sidelined. Did you ever think to give up and try something else?<br/><br/></b> I don't really know what giving up means. I never heard those two words spoken together till just now. I can't comprehend the phrase. I think challenges are what makes experiences memorable and the way you deal with them builds character. I embrace the challenge...this is life. <b>You are in your mid twenties and have already released four solo albums. Do you already feel like a veteran?<br/></b> Hmmm, when do you feel like a veteran? I guess I've been in the game for a while now but I do feel like I have a lot to learn. To me, it still feels like the first time. <b>But has the industry changed since that first time?<br/></b> The game is always changing, then again so is the world. The game is just a reflection of the times. Music is now more integrated than it has ever been. There are kids in Abu Dhabi hearing Lloyd music, so I think it's a beautiful thing. <b>You were involved in a lot of hits as a feature guest for other artists. Do you feel the success of your last album<i> King of Hearts </i>now have people viewing you as a solo artist in your own right?<br/></b> We worked really hard on the album. I don't know what people think or what they drew from it. I really don't really think that deep into it, I just do my thing and hope it can be accepted. As far as people acknowledging me or how they see me now, I really can't understand. I guess you would just have to talk to the people. <b>What should the crowd at Etoiles expect from Friday night's show?<br/></b> You will have to come see and it for yourself in action. We added more live music, I have drums all the time now, so it is more. <b>Bringing Down The House featuring Lloyd at Etoiles, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. on Friday. 11.30pm. For more details go <a href="www.etoilesuae.com">www.etoilesuae.com</a>.<br/></b>
