How many of you guys caught the first season of FOX’s The Four? Well if you are familiar with it, then you know that the winner of the singing competition was Memphis’ own Evvie McKinney. She did her thang. However, the main star of the show was the silky and oh so smooth Brooklyn-bred Saeed Renaud. He was pretty much the fan favorite.

Well, we recently had the pleasure of dining with the lovable teddy bear himself. After we greeted the Grammy award-winning songwriter with a warm and snuggly hug, he sat down with us to discuss everything that was on his mind; one of them being his new album which is being released some time this month. Saeed started off the convo talking about his solid upbringing.

As we walked into The Kitchen, a comfy and cozy dining spot in the pocket of L.A off Sunset Blvd., my sister and I were pretty excited to meet the King Of The Four. Well….at least that’s who he is in our minds.

Saeed greeted us with the most cuddliest and warmest hug ever. All we could think of was “wow”, he feels the same way we imagined.

We also felt badly at the same time because Saeed was so sick with allergies. Between the runny nose, sneezing, and trying to breathe, he was still the perfect host and gentleman.

He shared everything—from his upbringing in Brooklyn, to the moment that changed his life forever.

Growing up, Saeed says he was an extremely hard-headed child and very difficult to discipline. However, music had always been his saving grace.

Saeed’s Mom, who he swears can sing anybody under the table, is his biggest musical inspiration….along with his maternal grandfather who was a gifted saxophonist. Being the child of a Trinidadian father and an American Mother has given Saeed so much more of an “it” factor.

The Four original has 21 brothers and sisters (thanks to his Pops), but he claims that he is the “Michael” of the siblings. He’s always been the lead singer.

Saeed lists some of his main musical influences as being Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Aretha Franklin, and the incomparable Whitney Houston. Y’all remember The Four performance when Saeed slayed “Run To You,” right? Take a listen.

That voice man!

Saeed also said that singer Joe is another entertainer who has impacted his career. He’s totally obsessed with his voice. We can definitely hear the resemblance, can’t you all?

Gospel music has always been a mainstay in his household too. The Clark Sisters, Be Be And Ce Ce Winans, and Commission are the artists who stick out in his mind. Saeed swears that Fred Hammond is “one smooth dude” vocally.

Many folks don’t know that Saeed has written and even sang background for one of the Clark Sisters, Dorinda Clark-Cole. He’s also won a Grammy Award for writing on the Lalah Hathaway Live album.

This was before being a part of The Four. The singing competition fell in Saeed’s lap after “someone” sent him a message on Instagram asking him to come audition. He didn’t respond until a week later.

Saeed says that The Four was an amazing experience. Since appearing on the show, he’s gained a LOT of vanilla fans. “People just come up to me and hug me and tell me how much they love me!” Although The Four was an awesome opportunity, Saeed says he did not want it to be the only outlet for him. He wants more, which means he rarely has any days off to himself. We asked him if he ever gets burned out. His answer was simply “yes.” However, this is his passion and this is what he has chosen to do with his life.

Well. It’s obvious that he loves singing and songwriting. But we had to ask Mr. Renaud. If he wasn’t in the entertainment industry, what would he be doing? Guess what he said y’all. He would be a chef. The brotha can throw DOWN in the kitchen and loves cooking Soul food, Caribbean foods, and Asian as well. We’re trying to convince him to apply for Food Network’s Chopped. Right now he doesn’t have time, but he says maybe later. The sky is the limit.

Saeed gives us some good advice about achieving our goals in life too. He admitted to us that he would have definitely sang more than just writing for everyone else all of these years. In this day and age, its important to put yourself out there for everyone to see. People like to believe they “know” you, rather they do or not.

Saeed shared some of his future hopes and dreams with us too. One of them is to go on tour with his Four Family. His Four Family is basically the singers who started out with him like Candice Boyd, Zhavia, Lex Lu, Ash Minor, and a few more who he’s grown close to. He swears this would be THE IDEAL TOUR. Well. We’re certainly here for it. Can we make this happen ASAP or what?!

Oh. But we’re sure that this is what you guys really wanted to know. Does the chocolate teddy bear have a girlfriend? Saeed simply says this, “I stopped looking. The ladies in the past weren’t able to accept my busy work schedule.” He says he would love to have a family one day though, but right now he’s happy with just being a hands-on uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

So. What’s Mr. Renaud’s future endeavors?

Well Saeed still sings around L.A. during open mic sessions whenever he has time. He likes to stay connected to his audience that way. His favorite places to entertain are Soul Spot and Xen Lounge.

In December, he will be performing on a Carnival cruise. Really? How lucky can you be?!

In July, he will start filming for a faith-based movie, and he is also showing interest in recording a Christmas album. How cool is that? Take a listen at  Saeed’s Christmas caroling first hand. Here’s a crossover of Mariah Carey’s “Oh Holy Night.”

Our brotha kilt it, right?

Howeva! The main project Saeed is looking forward to is his new album (yet to be named) coming out this month. Although he’s still undecided about the title, the new single is called “Queen.” And let us tell ya. This song is awesome because it is dedicated to US.

He gave us a snippet to hear and we decided to share it with you guys. Let us know what you think.

QUEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNN……….

Did y’all know that Saeed could sing that high? We are so ready for this new album.

There’s also a special guest on the album too, but Saeed wanted to keep that bit of info to himself for a while. He wants it to be a surprise for all of his fans. One thing’s for sure. Whoever this special guest is, he or she is sure to bring fire to the entire project.

But this is what Saeed brings to music these days. He brings excitement, diversity, raw talent, and ol’ school charisma. These are qualities that we so desperately need right now.

Don’t forget to go cop Saeed’s new album this month. And be on the look out for this smoking new single called “Queen.”

And now….you guys are officially in the know.