Elgin Baylor Lumpkin, popularly known as Ginuwine, was born on October 15, 1970. Ginuwine was one of R.&.B.’s top love interests during the 1990s peak of hip-hop soul. When R.&.B. singer Ginuwine collaborated with hip-hop producer Timbaland on the popular songs ‘Pony’ (1996), ‘What’s So Different,’ and other tracks in the 1990s, he established himself as a creamy-smooth, seductive singer. Ginuwine’s sensual, seductive crooning gave him a sizable female fan base and allowed him to remain on the R.&.B. charts even after the more organic, retro-leaning neo-soul movement overtook the futuristic production he preferred.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Elgin Baylor Lumpkin
Nickname:
Ginuwine
Birth date:
October 15, 1970
Age:
54
Zodiac Sign:
Libra
Height:
6' 1"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$1.5 million
Background
Elgin Baylor Lumpkin, popularly known as Ginuwine, was born on October 15, 1970, in Washington, D.C. When he was a young child, he was first drawn to the music of Prince and Michael Jackson, especially the latter’s iconic moonwalk performance on the Motown 25th anniversary special. Ginuwine started performing with the neighborhood hip-hop group the Finesse Five at parties and bars when he was just 12 years old. Later, he performed as a Michael Jackson impersonator and also performed with Physical Wonder, a local band. In the meantime, he graduated with a paralegal degree from a nearby community college just in case music wasn’t his calling. In 1996, he changed his name to Ginuwine, and Jodeci, an American R.&.B. quartet, was the one who first made him well-known.
Timbaland, a rookie producer, and Ginuwine worked on the song ‘Pony,’ whose halting beat and passionate vocals helped Ginuwine gain a deal with Sony’s 550 Music division. The stunningly inventive Timbaland oversaw the creation of Ginuwine’s debut album, “Ginuwine…The Bachelor,” which was then released. In the end, the album was certified double platinum, and on the R.&.B. charts, ‘Pony’ peaked at number one and six on the pop charts. He then generated numerous R.&.B. hits throughout the following year, including ‘Tell Me Do U Wanna,’ ‘I’ll Do Anything/I’m Sorry,’ ‘Holler,’ and ‘Only When Ur Lonely,’ as well as a tribute to one of Ginuwine’s main influences in the shape of a cover of Prince’s ‘When Doves Cry.’
Following the album’s popularity, demand for Timbaland’s production talents skyrocketed, and Ginuwine established himself as a legitimate icon. He did a lot of touring in support of “The Bachelor,” and in 1998, his famous song ‘Same Ol’ G,’ which was included on the soundtrack of “Eddie Murphy’s Dr. Doolittle,” kept him in the public eye. He also made his acting debut in a “Martial Law” episode for C.B.S. later that year. In early 1999, Ginuwine released his second album, “100 Percent Ginuwine.” It was once more produced by Timbaland, peaked at number five on the pop charts, spawned ‘So Anxious,’ another big crossover success, and was certified platinum. R.&.B. radio also enjoyed success with ‘What’s So Different?’ and ‘None of Ur Friends Business,’ and there was another version of a Ginuwine favorite, Michael Jackson’s ‘She’s Out of My Life.’ Despite dealing with the loss of both his parents in the same year, he released his album, “The Life,” in the spring of 2001.
It was his first album that was produced by someone other than Timbaland. Nevertheless, it was still another hit, debuting at number three and earning platinum status. Later that year, the ballad ‘Differences,’ the second single from the album to be released following “There It Is,” became Ginuwine’s biggest mainstream hit to date, peaking at number four. In the gender-bending basketball comedy “Juwant to Mann from 2002,” Ginuwine made his acting debut as a suave R.&.B. artist. Ginuwine returned to the Top 10 that summer because of his work on “I Need a Girl, Pt. 2” with P. Diddy. In a peculiar incident that same year, Minnesota police detained a man who had been stealing money from business partners while posing as the singer for several years. Despite not having as much success on the singles charts, his albums “The Senior” (2003) and “Back II da Basics” (2005) both reached the Top Five of the R.&.B./Hip-Hop Albums chart. In 2007, even a bootleg, “I Apologize,” had a negligible impact. Later, the artist left the Sony corporation and signed a distribution deal with Warner Bros.
On the song ‘Get Involved,’ from the 2009 album “A Man’s Thoughts,” Timbaland made a triumphant return. His seventh album, “Elgin,” was preceded by the dance cut ‘Batteries,’ which he collaborated on with Trina. For “Three Kings,” released in 2013, he later collaborated with Tank and Tyrese.
Career timeline
Ginuwine starts performing with the neighborhood hip-hop group, The Finesse Five, at parties and bars.
Ginuwine collaborates with the teenage producer Timbaland on the song ‘Pony,’ whose stuttering beat and passionate vocals help Ginuwine secure a deal with Sony's 550 Music brand.
Ginuwine's famous song ‘Same Ol' G’ is included on the soundtrack of “Eddie Murphy's Dr. Doolittle.”
Ginuwine releases his second album, “100 Percent Ginuwine.”
In the gender-bending basketball comedy “Juwant to Mann from 2002,” Ginuwine makes his acting debut as a suave R.&.B. artist.
Why We Love Ginuwine
He an ambitious person
From a young age, both his talent and his aspirations were clear to see. He wasn't happy when his group finished second in a talent competition at Suitland High School. He says that “there is no room for second place; we must be number one.”
He has strong principles
Despite his success and large fan base, Ginuwine does not think he is better than anyone else. He believes that you should maintain your modesty and avoid buying into marketing hype.
He supports a charity
Ginuwine is a supporter of Special People Requiring Unique Care Equally (S.P.R.U.C). They assist those who are mentally and physically challenged.
5 Surprising Facts
He’s named after an N.B.A. Legend
His birth name was inspired by Elgin Baylor, a resident of Washington and inductee into the National Basketball Association Hall of Fame.
He lost both of his parents
In one year, he lost both his parents; his mother passed away from cancer, and his father committed suicide.
He does sit-ups before his performances
Ginuwine is known for flashing abdominal muscles developed by doing 500 situps before each performance.
He wrote a song for his parents
“The Life” features a song called ‘Two Reasons I Cry,’ which is dedicated to his parents.
His musical influence
His musical influence has always been Michael Jackson.
Ginuwine FAQs
Is Ginuwine still married?
No. He got divorced in July 2015.
Where does Ginuwine live?
Property records show that Ginuwine’s primary residence is still Prince George’s estate.
Why did Sole and Ginuwine break up?
Ginuwine blamed the split on his “poor choices and actions over many years.”
Ginuwine’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | October 15 | Wednesday |
2026 | October 15 | Thursday |
2027 | October 15 | Friday |
2028 | October 15 | Sunday |
2029 | October 15 | Monday |