Trey Songz hit the stage as the opening act during the final night of The Essence Music Festival’s 3-Day concert.

If you’re familiar with Essence, most artists start out in the lounges and transition to the big stage. I caught up with Trey backstage where he reiterated how excited he was to perform on the “mainstage” on his first time out.

To go straight to the mainstage first of all is unheard of. To perform on the same stage as Janet Jackson, Jill Scott… it’s surreal! I’m blessed. Ive had a phenomenal year and this is just something to put on top of the year it’s already been.

Trey also spoke about his upcoming “Passion, Pain & Pleasure” tour with Monica and the reaction he received after the BET Awards where he took his mother along as his date.

Video ~ Trey Songz Backstage @ Essence Festival

On What “Passion Pain & Pleasure” Symbolizes to Him:

Passion Pain & Pleasure is the name of the tour. Monica is opening up for me. It’s also the name of my album.

Passion Pain & Pleasure is kind of the sentiment right now.? I’m very passionate about what I do and I’m living my dreams, which is very pleasurable but the PAINS of not being with my family and not being able to live a regular life is very surreal for me right now.

On the reaction to his Mom’s youthful appearance during the BET Awards:

My Momma shut the awards down! She was the hottest thing in there. To hell with my performance…. me winning. She looked great! Just to have her there to experience that with me… it was my first win, my first solo performance… to have her there with me for that moment was the joy for that whole weekend.

CLICK HERE for more photos from the 2010 Essence Festival