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TV's 'Queer' Guy Opts for the Musical Life
By Michael Paoletta
NEW YORK (Billboard) - Jai Rodriguez, the culture maven of Bravo/NBC hit reality series "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," is in the studio recording his debut album.
If initial tracks are any indication, the full-length release will encompass dance ("Love Is Good"), R&B ("Back to L.A.") and pop ("Shining Star"). And don't fret, Rodriguez can sing.
Before joining the Fab 5 on "Queer Eye," he performed on Broadway ("Rent") and off-Broadway ("Zanna, Don't!"). Last March, Arrive at Eleven Productions issued Rodriguez's "Love Is Good." The track became a favorite in New York, prompting a performance by Rodriguez at the Roxy club. Then came "Queer Eye."
"I had been trucking along quite well before 'Queer Eye,"' Rodriguez says. "And while it's been a huge vehicle for me and I love working on it, I want to be known as a performer, not solely as 'the culture guy."'
Rodriguez says he wants to complete the album by June. Until then, he'll continue recording, taping episodes of "Queer Eye" and shopping for a label deal.
"A few years ago, I never would have thought that a 24-year-old gay man could have a chance in the world of music," he says. But the times have changed. Now, anything is possible."
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