Pastor Troy

Born Micah Levar Troy in College Park, GA, Troy, 24, was the son of a drill sergeant-turned-pastor who laid down strict household rules and made sure his son was introduced to the church at an early age. But like most kids on his block, the young Troy was also exposed to street life. It is that dichotomy, that contradiction of influences that continues to be reflected in his music today: the respectful preacher's kid who knows better but can't resist indulging his naughty side; the gentlemanly boy next door who seems oblivious to the wiles of his street corner friends but, in actuality, is far craftier than they could ever be.

With representation by much-touted producers Timbaland (Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Missy Elliot) and Jazze Pha (Toni Braxton, Nappy Roots, Eightball and MJG), "Universal Soldier" finds Troy mixing it up with a new crop of music makers. But the sound is still recognizable, still true to the renown get-crunk-represent-the-dirty-south style that he introduced with his 1999 debut "We Ready-I Declare War" and 2001's "Face Off," his first release for Universal Records. I just wanted people with the biggest sound," Troy says of the producers he selected. And he says he thinks his fans will be pleased with his choices. "I keep it real," he says emphatically. "I'm not worried about my fans' reaction ... I just wanted to go and capture everybody and bring them back to what I specialize in. I wanted to go and make it more radio accessible. I want everybody to hear it and then once they get the CD, they'll know what Pastor Troy is all about. It's just about covering more ground."