Robin Thicke is a mentor on the new ABC singing series “Duets,” but the R&B crooner could find himself partnering on a song with his 2-year-old son, or wife, actress Paula Patton.Lenny Kravitz has too much going on.
The 47-year-old multiplatinum rocker is hitting the road to promote his ninth album, “Black and White America,” which was released last year.
He’s also spending time in the studio working on his next one, “Negrophilia,” and he also has a major part in the film adaptation of “The Hunger Games,” out next month.
“That’s three things I’m doing,” he says, when we catch up with him during a quick breather in New York. “There’s a lot more.”
Q. You said we only mentioned three things you have going on. What else are you up to?
A. I’m designing a hotel in Miami. I’m doing furniture. I’m doing a photography show next year. I’m being creative and enjoying it.
Q. You turn 50 in three years. Do you still feel like you have to prove yourself?
A. No. That’s the beautiful thing. I have nothing to prove to anyone except myself. I’m at a place where I’m really free. I just keep challenging myself. My best work is ahead of me.
Q. You recorded “Black and White America” while living in a trailer in the Bahamas. Do material possessions mean less when you can have anything you want?
A. I’ve always felt like that. The simplicity works for me. Being there that long put me at a place of peace and allowed me to focus on my art. That was really incredible.
Q. There’s a childhood photo of you on the cover of “Black and White America.” It doesn’t look like you’ve aged a day – all you need is the face paint.
A. You’re being nice.
Q. Not really, I just want to know your anti-aging secret.
A. I have good genes in the family.
Q. You’ve said the only time you were ever drunk was at a Hanukkah party when you were 7. How have you amused yourself for the past 20 years?
A. Of course, I’ve been into all kinds of stuff. Being happy, being loose, yes, but I’ve never been drunk to the point of being out of control. That one time was enough.
Q. You were recently cast in the film adaptation of “The Hunger Games,” you were in “Precious” and you acted as a kid. Why didn’t you get back into it sooner?
A. I was just completely into music. That was it. It’s interesting it’s come back to me now.
Q. What’s your proudest moment in all this?
A. It’s all good. Every piece of art is its own piece. I’m fortunate 22 years after my first album came out to be sitting here talking to you. It’s quite extraordinary.
