Soul Fixin'

Is Kanye The Next Marvin Gaye?
As you may know, Kanye's forthcoming album, 808s & HEARTBREAK, is a far cry from previous releases. Kanye, who has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons lately, is flexing his vocal ability on 808s & HEARTBREAK. One of the best MC's in the game decided to give up on rapping for a minute. The blame lies squarely on T-Pain and the auto-tune craze. Leery fans like myself can listen to the album in its entirety for free on Yeezy's Myspace page. 808s & HEARTBREAK drops tomorrow, November 24.

Video Soul

"because i realized i got
me myself and I
that's all i got in the end"

Soul Fixin'

Slim Offers Up Some 'Good Lovin'

Slim's video for his second single featuring Ryan Leslie and Fabolous, 'Good Lovin', has hit the net. Unfortunately, 112 is no longer a group. Slim's solo debut, Love's Crazy, hit stores on Tuesday. The song and video fit the formula for your typical run of the mill commercial R&B. Needless to say, I'm no big fan of the song or video. On the other hand, you might enjoy it. Watch the clip and let us what you think.

Soul Fixin'

Common Unveils Website & Blog
Common has ventured into new territory, the Chi-Town MC has launched his own website and blog at ThinkCommon.com. A big step for a man who has never been a big fan of the internet. Common joins a laundry list of rappers and soulsters with a blog. Partner in rhyme and fellow blogger and Chi-Town native Kayne West may have been the motivating force. The appealing site has great potential, it includes a blog, tour information, press archives, music videos, and movie trailers. Check it out.

Video Soul

Soul Tracks

Yes, today's Soul Tracks selection comes from a rapper. Can rap music be considered soul music? It sure can. Some define soul music as the output of music from the 60's and 70's. Soul music is not only Aretha and Donny or Stax and Motown. Soul music is Jay-Z, The Clark Sisters, Cassandra Wilson, Talib Kweli, John Mayer, Teena Marie, Shirley Caesar, and Kanye West. Soul music is jazz, blues, gospel, hip-hop, and rock. Soul music is 'forever music.' Common breaks it down for us "music can be forever if you make it from the heart, if you make it from the soul and it’s good. And I look at the music of like Bob Marley or Marvin Gaye or Stevie Wonder or A Tribe Called Quest, that's forever music. And I’m continuing on the quest to make forever music." Common's 'So Far To Go' is definitely forever music. The track is significant for two reasons, one, it was produced by J Dilla, who passed away in 2006, and two, it features missing in action soul brother D'Angelo, who, let's keep our fingers crossed, is working on a new album. The track borrows the love making theme from the composition it samples, The Isley Brothers' 'Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time For Love).' Common isn't your average rapper. Common is a grown ass man who has lived a lifetime of experiences. It is the 'grown ass man' within Common that allows him to rhyme about sexual intercourse without being brash, raunchy, or explicit. The mind stimulating lyrics in 'So Far To Go' are thought provoking, intelligent, and sensual. It takes a few listens before you realize Common is actually rhyming about sex. Common is deep like that. Peep the poetry in motion "let me live inside you...what your mouth don’t say...baby your thighs do...I want us to arrive together...I love it when the weather...is wet and sticky."

Soul Fixin'

Ladies, Watch Out For 'T.O.N.Y'

Solange Knowles has been garnering a fair amount of buzz with her Motown and classic soul inspired album, Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. The black and white video for her latest single 'T.O.N.Y' a/k/a "The Other Night Y???" is available for your viewing pleasure. A ultra swanky New York City block serves as the backdrop for Ms. Knowles melodrama. The video opens with Solange strutting down the block on her way home singing her disdain for 'T.O.N.Y.' Once she arrives at her humble abode, she takes a pregnancy test. The results leave her unborn child's father in a state of shock and confusion. All in all, the video is a great compliment to an interesting song.

Soul Fixin'

Seal Misses The Mark With Latest Vid

Seal is definitely worthy of borrowing James Brown's moniker, 'The Hardest Working Man in Show Business.' The British singer has just released his fourth video for his album Soul, a tribute to soul music. The latest video is for his lackluster cover of Ann Peebles 1973 signature tune 'I Can't Stand The Rain.' The video doesn't fare much better, it's difficult to distinguish it from his previous video. Once again, Seal is shifting around a dark, decrepit room singing his heart out. The presence of Seal's band proves to be the sole difference. It may be time for Seal to slow down and get creative.

Soul Fixin'

What Singers Top Your Greatest List?

As you may know, Rolling Stone magazined has complied a list of the '100 Greatest Singers' of the rock era. The iconic magazine dedicated to music recruited a gang of singers, editors, producers and music-industry insiders, which included Clive Davis, Alicia Keys, Etta James, B.B King & Mavis Staples - to name a few, to compile the list of 100 Greatest Singers. Aretha Franklin came out on top. Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, John Lennon, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder and James Brown all pulled in enough votes to occupy space in the Top 10. The complete list can be viewed here. The message boards over at Rolling Stone are full of dissatisfied critics questioning the mag's picks. Below is a copy of Solomon Burke's handwritten ballot. Burke's ballot included some interesting picks, accommodating the likes of Beyonce, India.Arie, Irma Thomas and Christina Aguilera. Let's assume Rolling Stone sent you a ballot. What singers would top your list? No need to undertake the tedious task of listing 20 singers, drop your top 10 picks in the comments section.

Soul Fixin'

Gym Class Heroes & Estelle 'Guilty As Charged'

Much like Q-Tip, alternative indie/hip hop band Gym Class Heroes has borrowed a page from the Beatsie Boys. The Beatsie Boys video 'Sabotage' serves as inspiration for the groups latest video for 'Guilty As Charged,' along with karate and blaxploitation flicks from the 70's. Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis McCoy takes on the role of the fictitious Lucius Black and guest vocalist Estelle portrays fictional character Foxy Nefertiti in the action packed video. Check it out.

Soul Fixin'

The Making & Magic Of Motown
The latest issue of Vanity Fair celebrates the legacy of Motown Records. The famed label is the showpiece of the mag's annual music issue. Writer Lisa Robinson explores the history of the revolutionary label through the words of Berry Gordy, Stevie Wonder, Smokie Robinson, Suzanne de Passe and other members of the Motown family. The legends of Motown discuss everything from the rumors and scandals to the Dreamgirls controversy to the Jackson 5 to Florence Ballard and Gordy's relationship with Diana Ross. Famed photographer Annie Leibovitz rounded up Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Lionel Richie, Martha Reeves, and other Motown alum for a historic portfolio. Lisa's article, 'It Happened In Hitsville, and Leibovitz portfolio, 'The Monarchs Of Motown' are available on Vanity Fair's website.

{Image Courtesy of Vanity Fair}

Video Soul

"in a time of need, I want to thank you for respecting me
in a time of worry, I want to thank you for calming my troubles
oh, I thank you baby
thank you honey, for loving a common man like me"

Soul Fixin'

Big Daddy Kane's 20th Anniversary
It's been 20 long years since Big Daddy Kane blessed us with his solo debut, Long Live The Kane, a standout album from the golden age of hip hop. Last week the hip hop legend celebrated 20 years in the game at B.B Kings in NYC. Kane took to the legendary stage with a live band and duo of DJ's and performed a memorable set reminiscent of a classic performance at the Palladium. Check out the video clip courtesy of Miss Info.

Soul Fixin'

Q-Tip's 'Renaissance Rap'
Days after releasing his first album since 1999's Amplified, Q- Tip has released another video for the masses. Borrowing a page from the Beatsie Boy's video for 'Sabotage,' Q- Tip and director Rick Cordero created a video for 'Renaissance Rap.' New York City serves as the backdrop for Tip's saga, in which he plays a game of cat and mouse with a group of secret agents. While Q-Tip's latest video won't help usher in a period of renaissance in hip-hop videos, it is worth watching. Take a look and let Public Soul Announcement know what you think.

Soul Fixin'

Thicke's 'Sweetest Love' Video

After raising a few eyebrows by claiming VIBE magazine has a strict policy against having white artists on the cover, Robin Thicke has released a video for his latest single 'Sweetest Love,' the perfect compliment to the sexy slow jam. The low definition black and white video alternate between two scenes, the blue eyed soul crooner singing at the piano and the bedroom featuring a scantily clad Jessica White. The ultra sexy bedroom scenes are made to resemble home a made movie. Needless to say, Thicke and his lady end up making the sweetest love.

Soul Fixin'

'Don't Ever Wonder' In Atlanta

As we all know Maxwell is out on the road doing his thing. The Maxwell Live '08 tour kicked off last month in South Africa and made stops in cities such as Detroit, Oakland, Houston, Boston, and San Diego. Maxwell will wrap things up next week in NY. Tickets are still available for his upcoming shows in Camden, NJ, Baltimore and NYC. If ticket prices are out of reach and you couldn't afford to miss another mortgage payment to see Maxwell's comeback tour, check out the clip below. Maxwell, performing at Atlanta's Civic Center, sings 'Don't Ever Wonder.'

Video Soul

"I'm lost without you
can't help myself
how does it feel?
to know that I love ya baby"

Soul Fixin'

The Sacred Soul Of Al Green
While surfing the net, I came across the video below. This is something you need to see. Recorded in July, this video shows Al Green singing 'How Can You Mend A Broken Heart.' 36 years after recording the Bee Gee's song for his 1972 critically-acclaimed album Let's Stay Together, Al Green is still the ambassador of love's pain and pleasure. Somewhere in between the sacred and secular exist the music of Al Green.

Soul Fixin'

Get Ready For BETJ Awards Show
BET's sister network BETJ, the place to discover real singers and musicians creating alternative soul & mature hip hop, will bring viewers its first ever awards show, The BET J Virtual Awards, slated to premiere on BET J on Tuesday, November 25 at 8:30 p.m. The ceremony, co-hosted by Nia Long, Chris Spencer and Claudia Jordan, will include appearances by Terrance Howard, SWV, En Vogue and Musiq with performances by Chrisette Michelle, The Roots, Robin Thicke, Erykah Badu, and Raheem DeVaughn - to name a few. Categories include Best Underground Artist, Soul Approved, and Live Performer of The Year. Erykah Badu & Alicia Keys lead the pack of nominees that includes Gnarls Barkley, Angie Stone, Jill Scott, Mary Mary, Estelle and others. Check out the BETJ Virtual Awards website to peep the complete list of nominees, watch a few videos and peek at a few flicks.

Soul Fixin'

LaBelle Is On Tour
After reuniting to record their first album in 32 years, LaBelle is hitting the road to bring their one of kind brand of funk, rock & soul to a city near you. The tour, LaBelle's first tour since 1977, kicks off next month at New York's famed Apollo Theater and makes stops in cities such as Detroit, Los Angeles, and Chicago - to name a few. The comeback album, Back To Now, the group's first album since 1976's Chamelon, is in stores now and includes production from Lenny Kravitz and Philly soul architects Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff.

December 2008
19 - New York, NY - Apollo Theater

January 2009
10 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
17 - Atlantic City, NJ - Taj Mahal
18 - Detroit, MI - Fox Theatre
29 - Los Angeles, CA - Nokia Theatre
30 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre

February 2009
13 - Washington, DC - Constitution Hall
14 - Atlanta, GA - Civic Center

Video Soul

"yesterday I saw a B-girl crying
I walked up and asked what’s wrong, she told me that the radio’s been playing the same song all day long"

Soul Fixin'

Deborah Cox Returns With 'Beautiful U R'
Music has seen it's fair share of songs offering encouragement to those with low self-esteem, women in particular. Christina Aguilera's 'Beautiful' and TLC's 'Unpretty' are clear examples of such songs. Deborah Cox is the latest singer to join the fold with her empowering anthem 'Beautiful U R.' A song with a simple and straightforward message: we are beautiful regardless of what others may say. The music video is simple and straight forward as well. Women, of all ages and colors are seen throughout the video embracing. A visibly pregnant Deborah Cox can be seen in her undergarments embracing the natural beauty of pregnancy. Deborah's latest release, her first album since departing Arista and taking the independent route, The Promise, is available now. The Canadian singer's fourth studio album includes production from Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and soul singer John Legend.

Video Soul

"I'm rollin down a lonely highway
asking God to please forgive me
for messing up the blessing he gave to me"

Soul Fixin'

The Soul of Tarsha Hamilton
Who knew Anthony Hamilton's wife was a singer? I, for one, had no idea. Come to find out, Anthony's wife, Tarsha McMillian Hamilton, was featured on the track 'Preacher's Daughter' from Anthony's sophomore studio album. To my surprise, the Cleveland native has released an album, The McMillian Story, available at iTunes and www.tarshamhamilton.com. A trio of tracks from the album can be heard on Tarsha's Myspace Page. If you enjoyed the tracks as much as I did and are interested in catching her live set, a list of upcoming dates are posted on her Myspace page as well.

Soul Fixin'

Get On Board The Love Train

The Love Train is making it's way to PBS. The Sound Of Philly will be invading PBS stations nationwide Thanksgiving weekend. Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia, a concert special, will feature renowned Philly soul acts The O'Jays, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes,Russell Thompkins and The New Stylistics, Jerry Butler and Bunny Sigler along with the 28-piece TSOP Orchestra. A remarkable box set chronicling the soul of Philly, Love Train:The Sound of Philadelphia, from the label founded by Gamble & Huff, Philadelphia International Records, is available on Amazon. With Thanksgiving weekend two weeks away, enjoy this clip from the concert special.

Soul Fixin'

The Latest On Keyshia Cole
The artwork for Keyshia Cole's upcoming release, A Different Me, has surfaced on the net.  According to her official website, all the songs for the December 16 release were written or co-written by Keyshia with production by Ron Fair, Polow Da Don, the Trackmasters, The Runners, Kwame and Neffu. The album's lead single 'Playa Cardz Right' features a posthumous appearance from Tupac. Rappers Kanye West and Nas are also featured on the album. Atlanta native and fellow songstress Monica joins Keyshia for a duet. With 3 albums and a hit reality show under her belt, Keyshia is venturing into the movie business. The 27 year old Oakland native is developing a movie based her life. Am I the only one who thinks the making of a movie is a bit premature?

Video Soul

"if tomorrow is a judgment day
and I'm standing on the front line
and the Lord ask me what I did with my life
I will say I spent it with you..."

Soul Fixin'

Amazing Aretha
After the release of her seventh studio album for Atlantic Records, Spirit In The Dark, Aretha made an appearance on The Flip Wilson Show in support of the new album. The clip below shows a portion of Aretha's appearance. During this time, Aretha embraced a new look, a more natural look. Gone were the gigantic wigs and eyelashes, Lady Soul was rockin' a fro and a free flowing gown inspired by the dress patterns of Africa. Sitting at the piano with Flip at her side, the two entertainers engage in a little chit chat before Aretha starts singing. The obvious choice of song would have been the #1 hit 'Don't Play That Song' or the #3 hit 'Spirit In The Dark.' But Aretha, in the midst of a brand new love affair, decided to sing one of her original tunes from the Spirit In The Dark album, 'You And Me', a simple love ballad full of ecstasy, warmth, affection, and optimism. Effortless. The sole word that is capable of describing Aretha's performance. No wonder Rolling Stone magazine crowned her the 'Greatest Singer of All Time.'

Soul Fixin'

Seal Sings Otis 
The music video for Seal's 'I've Been Loving You Too Long' has hit the net. Seal's latest album, Soul, consists of covers of soul classics including this Otis Redding tune. While Seal is no match for the gritty soul of Otis Redding, he is able to do the song justice with a refreshing sound that doesn't stray too far from the original. The video, simple and direct, captures Seal lighting a match and venturing into a dark lonely basement where he sings his heart out.

Soul Fixin'

TV One Premieres New Music Series
For every major star in the world of black music there are countless other singers who built a loyal black fan base but never achieved cross-over commercial success TV One has unveiled a new series, UnSung, that "profiles some of the most influential, talented yet forgotten R&B, Soul and Gospel artists of the 1970s, '80s and '90s." Season 1 premieres Thanksgiving day and takes a look at the careers and personal lives of Donny Hathaway, DeBarge, The Clark Sisters, and Phyllis Hyman. Check out the preview below.

Video Soul

"we've been kickin' it for quite some time
lots of private parties, where we're wined and dined
tonight I'm in a different mood, just wanna get close to you"

Soul Fixin'

Album Cover Hoax
Here's some good news. The alleged cover of Whitney's upcoming album was a hoax. I, like many others, fell for the okey doke. Who would do such a thing? Could Bobby Brown be the culprit? A rep for Whitney's label cleared the air, "The allegedly 'new' Whitney Houston album cover circulating throughout the Internet is not a legitimate album cover for Ms. Houston's forthcoming Arista disc. Ms. Houston is still recording and we look forward to unveiling new music along with the official album cover in due time." Whitney's comeback album, her first since 2002's Just Whitney, was due to hit stores early fall. No word on an official release date.

Soul Fixin'

The Latest On Anthony Hamilton
While Whitney's album cover was a hoax, the artwork for Anthony Hamilton's upcoming album is the real deal. Anthony's third album, The Point of It All, drops December 16. Anthony's 'Playin' It Cool' tour kicked off last week in Chicago. The soul singer has decided to blog about his experience out on the road. The Playin' It Cool Tour blog features exclusive photos and videos. The blog features very few words from its' author but it is worth checking out.

Soul Fixin'

A. Keys 'Late Show' Performance
The object of my affection, songstress Alicia Keys, stopped by the 'Late Show with David Letterman' to perform one of my personal favorites, 'The Thing About Love.' In case you don't know, A. Keys has re-released her last album. As I Am: The Super Edition includes 3 bonus tracks, 'Saviour,' 'Doncha Know (Sky Is Blue),' and her 007 duet with Jack White, 'Another Way To Die.' A bonus DVD is also included in the set and features a live performance in London.

Soul Fixin'

Aretha Tops Mag's '100 Greatest'Who is the greatest singer of all time? According to Rolling Stone magazine, Aretha Franklin is. The Queen of Soul ranked # 1 in a poll conducted by the iconic magazine dedicated to music. Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding & James Brown pulled in enough votes to occupy space in the Top 10. Rolling Stone recruited a gang of singers, editors, producers and music-industry insiders, which included Clive Davis, Alicia Keys, Etta James, B.B King & Mavis Staples - to name a few, to compile the list of 100 Greatest Singers. Mary J. Blige reflected on Aretha in a testimonial, "she is the reason why women want to sing." The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time issue, which includes four covers, hits newsstands Friday.

Soul Fixin'

Mary J. & Corporate America
Mary's career has skyrocketed with the release of two multi-platinum albums, The Breakthrough & Growing Pains, a slew of awards and accolades, high profile appearances, sold out tours including an outing with Jay-Z, and a multi-million dollar promotional deal with Chevy. The Queen of Hip Hop Soul has now teamed up with financial conglomerate Citibank to help pitch the brand new CitiCard. CitiCard holders are eligible to win an opportunity to take 5 friends to watch MJB record and mix a new album, round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, a spa day, autographed merchandise, and $5,000 spending money. MJB Fans can check out stories.citicards.com to play games with Mary's lyrics and watch behind the scenes interviews.

Video Soul

"my sunshine has come

and I'm all cried out
and there's no more rain in this cloud"

Soul Fixin'

Will.I.Am Declares 'It's A New Day'

Support for President-Elect Barack Obama has come from all corners of the globe and all arenas, from Hollywood to sports to music. The latest wave of support comes from Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.I.Am, who recorded the track 'Yes We Can' earlier this year. In the wake of Obama's historic election, Will.I.Am created a follow-up to 'Yes We Can,' 'It's A New Day.' The video features cameos from noteworthy Obama supporters and footage from Obama's big moment in Chicago. While 'It's A New Day' captures a historic moment in our nation's history, we can not allow ourselves to live in that moment and became complacent. We have to turn that moment into a movement. A movement for CHANGE. A portion of Dr. King's dream manifested itself in the election of Obama. It is now up to us to make sure the rest of his dream becomes a reality.

Soul Fixin'

A Celebration of Soul
In the wake of releasing The Way I See It, an album that pays homage to the sounds of Stax, Motown, Chicago and Philly, Rahpael Saadiq and his band took a trip to BlackVoices.com for a soul infused jam session. Saadiq & crew perform 'Big Easy, 'Just One Kiss,' 'Oh Girl,' & 'Love That Girl,' and an amazing tribute to Shalamar. Raphael Saadiq also sits down for a Q&A session. Check out the video here.

Video Soul

"I remember when I walked out.
I remember when I said I hated you.
but somehow deep inside I'm still loving you.
so sad and lonely..."

Soul Fixin'

Is This A Joke?
Please tell me Bobby Brown is responsible for this cruel joke. Then again, Whitney' has recently collaborated with Akon, so this isn't too hard to fathom. I came across the cover of Whitney Houston's comeback album at Crunk + Disorderly. Has Whitney lost her mind? I can't imagine Clive Davis giving his seal of approval for this foolishness. Why is Whitney dressed up like a super hero with a horrible weave? Hopefully, the historic election of Barack Obama as President will inspire Whitney to make a CHANGE. 

Soul Fixin'

Plies Is The 'Future' According To VIBE
While others have dismissed VIBE as a mere shadow of it's former self I still love the magazine dedicated to urban culture. I took a peek at the cover of the upcoming issue and my side eye reared it's ugly head. I was shocked to discover that VIBE has declared Plies the 'future of rap.' If Piles is the 'future of rap,' T-Pain must be the 'future of rhythm & blues.'  It seems like frequent late night bust it baby action has gotten to VIBE's head. Has Plies released a critically acclaimed debut album? No. Is he at the forefront of a new movement in hip-hop? No. Is he in the process of resurrecting hip-hop? I doubt it. While we all enjoy hearing his commercial, run of the mill music in the club, no one in their right mind would go out and cop a Plies album or consider him to be the 'future of rap.'  What criteria has Plies met to be labeled the 'future of rap'? I'm dying to get my hands on this issue and find out.There was a time when rappers such as Jay-Z, Nas, Scarface, or Common could have easily been described as the 'future of rap.' Plies doesn't fit the mold. VIBE has got some explaining to do.  Am I wrong? Is Plies the 'future of rap.'? Is VIBE becoming a shadow of it's former self? Speak on it.

Soul Fixin'

History In The Making
In the aftermath of a historic election, a Jay-Z track titled ' We Made History' has hit the net thanks to Kanye West. The track is a subtle ode to Barack Obama's victory. On the Kanye produced track Jay spits " Where are you victory? I need you desperately/ Not just for the moment, to make history." "We Made History" is expected to be on Jay's upcoming project The Blueprint 3.

Video Soul

"read more learn more change the globe
ghetto children do your thing
hold your head up little man
your a king
young princess when you
get your wedding ring
your man is saying "She's my queeeen""

Soul Fixin'

A Change Is On The Horizon
While others said 'no we couldn't,' I knew we could. Yes We Can is now Yes We Did!!! Last night was surreal, I couldn't believe it. This morning as I sat at my computer desk and the gospel song 'Never Would Have Made It' bellowed through the speakers and tears streamed down my face the reality of it all began to sink it. I know the ancestors, especially those who built the White House, are rejoicing. I know Medgar Evans has joined hands with others who bled, suffered, and died to give us the right to vote and are singing that old negro spiritual "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Roun'."

Video Soul

"it's been too hard living but I'm afraid to die
cause I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
it's been a long, a long time coming
but I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will..."

Soul Tracks

At the core of Obama's historic campaign is a single word, CHANGE. Obama's run for the nation's highest office has birthed a slew of songs from artists representing a wide range of musical genres. However, hip hop and soul artists are at the front of the Obama movement. But no song embodies the campaign of Obama quite like Sam Cooke's 1963 epic 'A Change Is Gonna Come.' Inspired by Bob Dylan's protest song "Blowing In The Wind," and two life-altering incidents; a conversation with sit-in demonstrators in Durham, North Carolina and the death of his infant son, Cooke composed the highly emotional tune. In the years that followed, "A Change Is Gonna Come" became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. Today's Soul Tracks features Aretha's 1967 reading of the song. Aretha paid homage to her friend and musical icon on her '67 Atlantic debut, I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You, considered to be one the greatest soul albums of all time. Forty one years after Aretha wrapped her gospel drenched vocals around the landmark song, I found myself anxiously anticipating a change. I know it's been a long, a long time coming but I know a CHANGE gonna come.

Soul Fixin'

Celebrating The Legacy of Motown
'Baby Love,' 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine,' 'I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),' 'Tracks of My Tears', and 'My Girl' - to name a few, are all hit songs associated with the sound of Motown. A sound that transformed the musical and racial landscape of America. As the famed label reaches 50, it will be the showpiece of Vanity Fair's annual music issue. Writer Lisa Robinson is given an oral history of life at Motown by those who lived it and she uncovers what really happened with Diana, Mary and Flo. Famed photographer Annie Leibovitz rounded up Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Lionel Richie, Martha Reeves, and other Motown alum for a historic portfolio. Be on the look out for Vanity Fair's December issue. Speaking of Motown's 50th anniversary, planned commemorative projects include a series of compilation albums and a definitive Motown documentary, years in the making by Gordy Suzanne de Passe. Other plans have yet to be finalized. Duke Fakir of The Four Tops said in a Detroit Free Press article "nobody has said what's going to happen, they're just preparing the world for something major."

Soul Fixin'

Tonight Is The Night
A few hours ago I voted for Barack Obama. If you have yet to do so please go and make it happen. We are on the verge of making history and it feels so good to be apart of it. Forty three years after African Americans were given the right to vote, I, a young black male and descendant of Southern slaves, was able to cast my vote for a black man. The feeling was overwhelming. I walked away from the polls with a renewed sense of energy and a tremendous amount of pride. It was obvious that many of my neighbors felt the same way. I can feel it in the air. Barack Obama will be our next president. I hope you mark this poignant moment in history with a celebration. We deserve it.

Video Soul

Soul Fixin'

Barack The Vote!!!
Tomorrow is the big day. A day many have been waiting for since George Bush was elected to a second term. Countless more Americans have been anticipating Tuesday November 4 since Barack Obama announced his run for the White House. As we reach that big day, numerous polls show Obama ahead of the competition. However,now is not the time to become complacent. We've come too far to slow down and give up. We are on the verge of making history, the kind of history that will change the way the world looks at us. The kind of history that will change the way we look at ourselves. We need to act as if Obama is behind in the polls. He needs every single vote. I know it sounds cliche but every vote counts. Please go vote tomorrow and encourage those around you to do the same. Tomorrow may prove to be the ultimate test, some of us may face a few obstacles getting to the polls and once we get there the lines may be much longer than expected. Make preparations now. Stick it out and exercise your right to vote. Tomorrow is a our day. It's a celebration. Let's make it happen. Let's put Barack, Michelle, Malia and Sasha in the White House.

Video Soul

"brown as the sand, you’re soft as the shore
you’re leaving me hungry, I’m crying for more..."

Saturday Soul

Common Talks Politics & Obama [OP]
The Latest On Chrisette Michelle [Brown Sugar]
Check Out Lil Wayne's New Video...Ms. Officer [VIBE]
MJ Won't Be Apart of J5 Reunion [SR]
Levi Stubbs' Grand Farewell [Detroit Free Press]
One Night With Leon Ware [VIBE]