Soul Fixin'

...and may I never die

In this day and age, social networking sites such as Twitter have become something like personal diaries. Glancing at Teena Marie's Twitter page you can't help but notice one tweet in particular. Lady T, tweeted on Christmas day a line from a Sarah Vaughn song, "may you never grow old, and may I never die." The following day, Teena Marie passed away at the seasoned age of 54, 31 years after mesmerizing millions with her Motown Records debut. Teena's body was discovered by her daughter who celebrated her birth date the prior day. I couldn't image the days of speaking of Lady T in past tense would arrive so suddenly.


Teena entered the lives of many through her unforgettable music. The world became familiar with Lady T thanks to her '79 debut, Wild and Peaceful and the accompanying hit single "I'm A Sucker For Your Love." No one could imagine that the voice behind the music belonged to a white woman. When Teena's true identity was discovered it didn't matter, Teena Marie could sing SANG! and that's all that mattered. Teena Marie has remained a constant in our lives and musical soundtracks not because she was a white woman who was capable of "talkin' our talk' and walkin' our walk" but because she possessed raw natural talent as a multi-talented producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. and she held a God-given gift, a voice full of soul that touched countless individuals in more ways than one. She verbalized through song our trials and tribulations, joy and sadness, heartache and pain, and losses and gains. And she sang the greatest duet of all time.


My introduction to Mary Christine Brockert came courtesy of the aforementioned duet and The Quiet Storm. 'Fire and Desire' is a staple of the Quiet Storm radio format. It was far more than just a song, it was a song, testimony, pleading confession, and love letter wrapped in pure musical perfection. 'Fire and Desire,'a song like no other, pain, heartache, pleasure, and deep sadness were on display not only for the world to hear but to also feel. Teena Marie and Rick James were a match made in heaven. Six years after Rick's death Teena Marie has joined her lover/best friend/musical collaborator/partner-in-crime in heaven.


In a recent interview, Teena was asked “When you get to heaven, what is the DJ playing?” and she responded, "I’m sure it’s Aretha Franklin. I’m sure it’s something off the Amazing Grace album. Probably, Aretha Franklin “Wholy Holy.” I hope when Rick James went to heaven they played Aretha Franklin “Wholy Holy” too. He loved her as much as I did. I have a lot of beautiful moments riding around with him in his Rolls, me and him just playing Aretha all day."


The clip below is from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation 2008 Pioneer Awards Ceremony. Teena Marie was one of the honorees.

Soul Heaven

a life full of fire & desire.

Trusted news source CNN has confirmed the untimely death of R&B icon Teena Marie. Words can't begin to describe the loss of Lady Tee. I'll have much more to say tomorrow.

Soul Fixin'

tammi terrell unsung.

Fans of TV One's wildly popular doc series, Unsung, are in for a special treat on 9.20. Famed Motown vocalist Tammi Terrell's life story becomes the series latest focal point. Adored and admired for her timeless duets with Marvin Gaye, Tammi's life ended at the tender age of 24 but she left behind a great body of music and a story that has yet to be told. Producers of Unsung came across a delightful acapella version of 'If This World Were Mine' featured in the video above. Check it out and tune in to TV One on September 20th.

Soul Fixin'

maxwell + winter = new album.

While Maxwell promised to drop the second installment of BLACKsummers'night this summer, you'll have to wait a handful of months before it hits a record store near you. Disappointed? Don't fret, I find it much easier to believe Maxwell than D'Angelo. A few days ago Maxwell hit up Twitter while mixing songs in the studio and informed his followers that a new album is set to drop this winter. Maxwell described the album's aura as only he could, "tried to bottle the summer and save it for winter... pray she feels like late june when its cold this december..." Sounds like its' well worth the wait.

Soul Fixin'

welcome to monica's atlanta.
Watch Atlanta native and Public Soul Announcement fave Monica as she gives us a guided tour through Atlanta for VEVO’s “Area Codes” series. The tour kicks off at Dallas Austin's DARP studio, the place where Monica got her start alongside the likes of Atlanta transplants TLC and Usher. Next stop up, Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park, a fave spot for Monica's boys. A trip to Atlanta is complete without a stop to one of Atlanta's many soul food spots. Monica's soul food joint of choice is no other than the Busy Bee Cafe. Monica sums up Atlanta's mass appeal, "real Southern hospitality, some good food, some nice people, and a lot of talent. We got it all here in Atlanta.”

Soul Tracks

Aretha's 1976 collaboration with Curtis Mayfield, Sparkle, marked somewhat of a triumphant return to the music charts for the preacher's daughter from Detroit. Prior releases, With Everything I Feel In Me and You, marked the start of declining record sales for Aretha. The combination of Aretha, a chick from Detroit, and Curtis, a cat from Chicago, proved to be magic. The 8 track album is sexy, groovy, passionate, sensual and eye-opening, one of ReRe's finest and sexiest releases. Aretha wrapped her voice around the lyrics of Curtis Mayfield and her seasoned instrument rose to familiar heights, bone chilling wails, spectacular leaps and down-right painful cries. Aretha was back! Surprisingly, adult contemporary radio has yet to embrace Sparkle, 'Something You Can Feel' hits the airwaves once in a while. The title track is rarely heard on radio stations, so here it is for your listening pleasure. Peep Aretha serenade Canada back in '78 with 'Sparkle.'

Soul Fixin'

prince's new album cover.
The artwork for Prince's upcoming release, 20Ten, has surfaced. No, your eyes aren't fooling you. The album cover looks familiar because it was depicted on the blouse Prince donned at the 20Ten BET Awards. Brazen self promotion? No, just Prince being Prince. Peep the tracklisting below.

1. Compassion
2. Endlessly Beginning
3. Future Soul Song
4. Sticky Like Glue
5. Lavaux
6. Act Of God
7. Walk In Sand
8. Sea Of Everything
9. Everybody Loves Me
10. Untitled Bonus Track

Sounds interesting. Let's keep our fingers crossed in hopes the album is released stateside.

Soul Fixin'

he speaks, finally!
It's been 10 years since D'Angelo released an album of new material. It's been 9 years since he granted the press an interview. Nine years later, the reclusive artist who has been making headlines for criminal activity and so-called comebacks decided to speak with The Urban Daily. I wouldn't file this particular interview under 'the one interview we've all been waiting for' but it is worthy of a read. D'Angelo touches on a few things including his discovery of the 70's black rock band Black Merda, his affinity for Rick James & The Bar-Keys, and the musical and cultural movement known as Afro-Punk. D'Angelo ends the interview by stating, " I just want them to know that I’m coming. That’s all. I’m in the kitchen and I’m cooking up something real nice." My side-eye is in full effect. My faith in D'Angelo has come to a painful demise, I'll believe his colorful tales of "cooking up" new music when it comes in the form of a compact disc on store shelves with a $9.99 price tag affixed to it. Click here for the complete interview.

Soul Events

hello brooklyn.

It's that time of the year, the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival is days away. Kicking off on July 5, the five day festival is a celebration of hip hop, culture, education, family and of course, Brooklyn. Check out the official Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival website for all the fun details.

A Conscious Mind

georgia on my mind.
This tends to happen seldom, I come across an article that touches my spirit, forcefully pulling at my soul as I read each and every word. A very recent New York Times article, Displaced Black Landowners Fight to Reclaim Georgia Home, is one such article as it chronicles the story of Harris Neck, Georgia. In the United States and throughout the world, the words 'black' and 'displaced' have become synonymous. The bitter story of Harris Neck, Georgia and it's natives are a clear example. Harris Neck, situated 50 miles south of Savannah and seated in McIntosh County, is one of nature's jewels, a bastion of pristine and untouched salt marshes and tidal waterways. Now, a federal wildlife refuge managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harris Neck was once home to a vibrant self-sufficient African-American community of 75 families.Some local whites were in a rage over the relatively successful independence that grew in Harris Neck. As a result, white county politicians led federal officials in search of Air Force base site to Harris Neck, bypassing countless acres of uninhabited land. In 1942, the U.S government took possession of Harris Neck and ordered the families to leave. The U.S government provided no provisions regarding new land or future living arrangements. 63 years later, descendants of Harris Neck started a new movement to regain Harris Neck. The movement is ongoing. They need our support, go to the official website of The Harris Neck Land Trust and make a donation.

Artful Thinking

50 years and counting.
After checking out Smokey Robinson's twitter page, I came across these amazing prints. Yes, Smokey Robinson is on Twitter but back to the subject at hand. The legendary singer/songwriter/producer/music executive contacted Shepard Fairey to create a portrait to celebrate 50 years in the music biz. (Fairey is the artist, graphic designer, and illustrator behind the well-known Barack Obama 'HOPE' posters.) Fairey created two illustrations for 'America's Greatest Living Poet', one reflects a 1970's Smokey with a Black Power centered fashion sense and the other one showcases an early 90's Smokey. Prints can be purchased on eBay.

Soul Fixin'

bittersweet memories.

Fantasia's latest video came across my desk a few days ago. Initially, I hesitated to watch. Days later, I have finally given in. I'm not much of a 'Tasia fan. Let me explain, Fantasia is a talented vocalist, head & shoulders above most of her contemporaries, but she has yet to find her stride. The material presented to her fails to match her extraordinary vocals. 'When I See U' was her last great effort, the video was as equally impressive as the song. 'Bittersweet' is a bit different. The song is everything but a hit song but the video is surprisingly attractive. Fantasia turns it up a notch and adds a touch of grace to the video. Sit back and watch Fantasia's visual flashback to a bittersweet relationship, the type of relationship that goes sour but you can't help thinking about the other person.

Soul Fixin'

a purple invasion.
Three days later I am still a tad bit disappointed with Prince. Why? The Purple One failed to perform at the BET Awards. Now, Prince fans across the country have another reason to be upset. In a move that is sure to delight European fans, Prince has decided to release his latest album, 20Ten, as a freebie with various European publications. Prince has joined forces with England's Daily Mirror and sister publication The Daily Record to giveaway more than 2.5 million copies of 20Ten on July 10. The rare deal will also include a milestone exclusive interview, considering Prince has refused British interviews for more than a decade. Fans in Germany and Belgium are just as lucky. Germany's edition of Rolling Stone magazine will also include the new album in its' August issue. Legions of Prince fans who plan on catching the Purple One at Belgium's Werchter Festival are in for an extra treat. The Belgium paper, Het Nieuwblad, will include copies of 20Ten on July 10, the same day as the festival.
Free giveaways are nothing new to Prince. In 2007, his album Planet Earth was distributed with copies of U.K's Mail publication. No word yet on if, how and when 20Ten will be released stateside. No need to fret, our European friends will more than likely share the goodies. In the meantime, enjoy BET's tribute to Prince in its' entirety.

Soul Fixin'

let's get 'closer'.
Allow yourself the opportunity to get a bit 'Closer' to Corrine Bailey Rae. A visual treat accompanies the equally infectious and seductive single 'Closer.' The video proves to be a delicate mixture of style, substance and sexiness. Sit back, relax, press play and enjoy the next three minutes and forty three seconds. Be sure to check out Corrine's live performance of 'Closer.'

Soul Fixin

talk of the town.

Chris Brown's BET Awards performance ranks as one of the year's must-see TV moments. Three days later, people are still talking about his tribute to The King of Pop. A few people, who had the pleasure to witness Chris Breezy's performance in person, spoke directly to Rap-Up.com and expressed their thoughts on the emotional performance. Peep what Keri Hilson, Mario, Tia Mowry, Melody Thornton, Wale, BET's Stephen Hill & others had to say. What do you have to say? Drop a few words in the comments box.

Soul Fixin'

philly soul chick.
After a brief retreat from the spotlight, R&B newcomer Jazmine Sullivan has been busy applying the finishing touches on her as-yet-untitled sophomore album. The Philly native supplied a few details via Twitter. Check out her tweets below & listen to her lastest single, the Missy Elliott produced 'Hold You Down.'

Soul Fixin'

and then there was soul.
While cruising the net I ran into the video below. The video, titled 'A Brief History of Soul Music,' takes a visually compelling look at a handful of men that have provided their artistry to the genre of soul music.Take a quick thirty three seconds out of your busy Wednesday and press play.

Soul Tracks

After receiving word that Prince would receive BET's Lifetime Achievement Award I was hoping Raheem DeVaughn would be apart of the festivities. One listen to Raheem's rendition of Prince's 'I Would Die 4 U' would leave the listener feeling the same way. In typical Prince fashion, the tribute featured an all female line up, that included Janelle Monae, Esperanza Spalding, Alicia Keys and Patti LaBelle. (Side note: where the hell was Shelia E?) Prince appeared to be pleased with all those who paid tribute to him, I'm sure he would have been equally pleased if Raheem performed in his honor. Give Raheem's version of 'I Would Die 4 U' a listen and let us know what you think. Is it a worthy cover? Or is it lackluster?

Soul Fixin'

from new ark to israel.
NPR radio has undertaken the painstaking task of selecting fifty voices to include in their 50 Great Voices series of awe-inspiring stories chronicling voices from around the globe and across time. Reclusive musical genius Lauryn Hill is one of the chosen few. NPR journalist Zoe Chace had the rare opportunity to interview L. Boogie after a even more rare performance at the Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa, California. (Peep the video below.) Listen to the commentary and interview below. Click here to hear more from the interview including Lauryn on her creative experience & being both a rapper and singer.

Soul Fixin'

her music.her pain.her tragedy.
Let's go back to October of 2008. On Chicago's South Side there was news of a triple homicide. A woman, her son & grandson lay dead. It wouldn't be long before word surfaced that American Idol alum & Oscar winning actress Jennifer Hudson was in the middle of the tragic event. The deceased woman was her mother, the man her brother and the young boy her beloved nephew. For the first time since the brutal triple murder, the actress and songstress speaks candidly about the tragic events. Next Monday, VH1's rock-doc 'Behind The Music' is focusing squarely on Jennifer Hudson. According to J. Hud the October '08 tragedy was "all a blur, it was surreal. It was like I was outside of myself." Jennifer also reveals that for "almost two weeks straight . . . [I was] inside one room with just family and friends coming in and out. I prayed when I'd get up in the morning and prayed before I lay down at night." Without a doubt, her prayers have been answered. Check the teaser below.

Soul Fixin'

i feel a song.
"I'm not fool enough to ever think/That I could be the master of my fate/But it's up to me to choose my roads in life/Rocky may well be the ones I take..." read the lyrics to a 1974 song recorded by Gladys Knight & The Pips. 'The Need To Be', a poignant song of self affirmation, is included on the group's third Buddah Records release I Feel A Song. Gladys & The Pips made the switch to Buddah after leaving Detroit and Motown Records. A turn of events that is somewhat reflected in the aforementioned lyrics. Pure coincidence or deliberate intentions? Who knows. What is known is that Gladys Knight chose the right road. There have been a few bumps along the way,including the loss of a child & gambling addictions, but as the lyrics in 'The Need To Be' read, "There's the need to be something more than/Just a reflection of a man/I can't survive in someone's shadow/I need my own spot to stand..."

Soul Fixin'

the great debate.
Jermaine Jackson appeared at the BET Awards as an ambassador of the legacy of his late brother. He was also there to introduce the world to the "one tribute performance we've yet to see." Less than 24 hours later, the internet is abuzz with skepticism surrounding that "one tribute performance." The man behind the tribute was R&B heartthrob Chris Brown. On one side of the fence you have those who believe Chris' performance was a genuine display of raw emotion, the other side of the fence is full of people who believe the performance was a well orchestrated PR stunt. As a Mass Communications grad, I too detect Brown's tribute was a well orchestrated public relations stunt. His once bright career has been at a dangerous standstill since headlines across the world chronicled the unfortunate incident between Brown and then-girlfriend Rihanna. Chris Brown was set to perform in tribute to MJ during 2009's BET Award, BET execs had a change of heart at the last minute. That performance was to be the performance that put Chris Brown back on the map. One year later, Chris Brown had to do more than just perform. He had to pull a stunt that would leave viewers speechless, garner old and new fans alike, & be the talk of media outlets around the globe. He did just that. Kudos to his PR team. However, I believe Chris Breezy could have easily garnered a similar reaction without the tear-filled emotional breakdown. Clearly, as seen in the video below, his vocals aren't on par to sing certain MJ songs but he is a great dancer capable of fantastic MJ dance tribute. Plenty of performers are overcame with emotion but a true professional would sing and dance through any sea of emotions. Needless to say, Chris Brown is officially back.

Soul Fixin'

a king-sized disappointment.
While one high yellow brother who rose to popularity in the 80's delighted the masses last night, another one left us all a bit disappointed. A consummate performer and entertainer, Prince walked on stage and accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award without performing. What a disappointment! I reassured myself that BET would shake things up a bit and allow Prince to close the show. (That would have been a genius move.) I was wrong. There would be no performance by Prince. In my mind, Prince was to be the highlight of the show. The artist who will forever be known as Prince is an innovator, icon, legend, the list goes on and on. Why wouldn't he perform? BET's young audience was in need of a brief history listen, a storied history that stretches back to the 70's. They needed to witness the definition of an entertainer/musician/singer/performer. Prince is the quintessential embodiment of the aforementioned. I was hoping to post his performance but Alicia Keys' rendition of 'Adore' is a worthy substitution. Enjoy!

Soul Fixin'

what a surprise!
BET CEO Debra Lee warned viewers of a "comeback surprise" on the red carpet. Who had any idea that surprise would come in the form of Detroit native & Motown alum Eldra Patrick "El" DeBarge? The sultry falsetto soul singer, minus his famous siblings, appeared on-stage without introduction. Moments later, the figure dressed in black turned to the audience and began singing, "I've had some problems....." The falsetto was instantly recognizable. Legal troubles, drugs & prison behind him, El DeBarge pleased the BET audience with a medley of DeBarge faves including 'All This Love,' 'I Like It' & 'Rhythm of The Night.' Without a doubt, one of the night's highlights. Check it out and drop a few words in the comments section.

Soul Fixin'

something to soothe.
Let's start the workweek on a good note. How does a FREE Jill Scott mixtape sound? Courtesy of DJ Phaze & SoulBounce this mixtape is sure to provide some well-needed relief from a hot & hazy summer. Check out the tracklisting below and a teaser video for Jill's upcoming album.

TRACKS Free (Intro)..One Is The Magic #..Love Rain (Coffee Shop Mix) feat. Mos Def..Slide feat. Jeff Bradshaw..Breathe..Whenever You're Around..Insomnia..8 Minutes To Sunrise feat. Common..Hate On Me...Exclusively..Warm Up..Real Thing..He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)..Gimme..Whatever (Scott Wozniak Mix)..Street Life (Scott Wozniak Mix)..The Real Thing..How's It Make You Feel..Only You..Said Enough feat. The Isley Brothers..Good Morning Heartache feat. Chris Botti..42nd Street Happenstance (Can't Explain)..Honey Molasses..My Love

download.

Soul Events

Soul Fixin'

a taste of chicago.
I guess I'm a day late and a dollar short when it comes to the music of BJ The Chicago Kid. I came across his videos on Vimeo and I'm quite impressed with the young cat from Chi-Town. According to his Vimeo page, he has worked with artists such as Mary Mary, Musiq Soulchild, Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Usher, Mario, Mary J. Blige, and Jamie Foxx. An impressive array of artist, to say the least. Thanks to Google, I came across one of his mixtapes, A Taste Of Chicago. Click here to download A Taste of Chicago. In the meantime, check the videos below as BJ takes on classics from the likes of The Isley Brothers & Marvin Gaye.

Soul Tracks

I was introduced to Baby Huey and The Babysitters a few days ago after discovering John Legend & The Roots have released a cover of the band's Curtis Mayfield penned 'Hard Times.' I had to dig a little deeper. Surprisingly, the short-lived band was signed to Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Records, thanks largely to Donny Hathaway. The band's 400 pound front-man James Ramey, also known as Baby Huey, died of a heart attack shortly before the release of the band's debut album, The Baby Huey Story: The Living Legend, which somehow slipped through the cracks of soul music. (After Ramey's death, The Babysitters briefly employed a young Chaka Khan as their lead singer before disbanding). Following in the footsteps of Sly & The Family Stone, the band's sound was rooted in psychedelic soul. Baby Huey possessed a howling, wailing, voice that was as tender & sentimental as it was rough. The Baby Huey Story: The Living Legend featured several Curtis Mayfield compositions, as well as a brilliant cover of Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come.' Baby Huey & The Babysitters turned Cooke's enduring anthem into a psychedelic fueled soul sermon that combined rock, soul & gospel. Nine minutes and thirty one seconds later, Baby Huey & The Babysitters turn you into a believer.

Soul Fixin'

it's a shame.
Raphael Saadiq can do no wrong in my eyes. His last album, The Way I See It, is living proof. The Soul Man recently paired up with Levi's Pioneer Sessions, an effort to allow contemporary artist to record the songs that inspired their sounds. It's no surprise Mr. Saadiq picked the Stevie Wonder penned, Spinners' classic 'It's A Shame.' Raphael Saadiq fails to disappoint with this remake. It's not easy remaking a classic but Mr. Saadiq proved his self once again. Check out the remake below, it would be a shame not to.

Soul Events

never can say goodbye.

Celebrating MJ

DJ SPINNA

Spinning All MJ Exclusives, Covers, Samples, Remixes, etc…

&

A Special Screening Of The Film

"The Michael Jackson Show"

THE BK STUDIO LOFTS

525 Waverly Avenue

Brooklyn, NY

Soul Fixin'

blame it on the boogie.
The good folks at SoulBounce have cooked up some good ish in honor of the beloved Michael Jackson. The mixtape above, is the first in an SoulBounce exclusive series of MJ mixes. Summer of Michael Jackson, Vol 1: Sunshine takes a deep look at MJ's early Motown career as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a young, very young solo artist. Hurry up & download this gem.

Tracklisting:

Jackson 5 - ABC

//Michael Jackson - We're Almost There (DJ Spinna Remix)//

Jackson 5 Chained

//Michael Jackson - People Make the World Go Round//

Michael Jackson - Buttercup

//Michael Jackson - Rockin' Robin (Grant Phabao Remix)//

Michael Jackson - Rockin' Robin

//Jackson 5 - I Want To Take You Higher (Live)//

Jackson 5 - Can't Get Ready For Losing You//

//Michael Jackson - All the Things You Are//

Jackson 5 - It's Too Late To Change The Time

//Jackson 5 - Don't Know Why I Love You//

Jackson 5 - Don't Let Your Baby Catch You

//Jackson 5 - It's Great To Be Here//

Jackson 5 - Get It Together

//Jackson 5 - The Mirrors of My Mind//

Jackson 5 - Love Is the Thing You Need

//Jackson 5 - Who's Lovin' You (Live)//

download.

Soul Fixin'

remembering katherine & joe's son.
Are you in need of a MJ mixtape that spans a large portion of his illustrious, amazing career and features reworks, remixes and original MJ jams? Look no further, Lil' Dave of Philly's Ill Vibe Collective has created the perfect MJ mixtape. Download it and enjoy the sheer brilliance of Michael Joseph Jackson.

TRACKS/ Jackson 5 - I Want You Back (Ken Kobayashi intro)/ Jackson 5 - I'll Be There (Small Circle of Friends remix)/ Cro-Magnon - Never Can Say Goodbye/ Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye (Beatnick & K-Salaam remix)/ Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye (Neptunes remix)/ Jackson 5 - Dear Darling (DJ Muro remix)/ Zed Bias - I Can't Help It (Unreleased)/ Jackson 5 - I Wanna Be Where You Are (Dallas Austin remix)/ Grooveman Spot - Jelly Beans (Billie Jean)/ Jackson 5 - It's Great To Be Here (Kenny Dope remix)/ Jackson 5 - Get It Together (Umbo remix)/ Jackson 5 - Hum Along and Dance (United Future Organization remix)/ Jackson 5 - Life of the Party (Ian Saint Laurent Dub)/ Michael Jackson - Get On The Floor (Holy Ghost edit)/ Michael Jackson - Bad (The Captain remix)/ Michael Jackson - Rock With You (Ezel Remix)/ Michael Jackson - Rock With You (Masters At Work Remix)/ Michael Jackson - Lady In My Life (Timmy Regisford & Quentin Harris Remix)/ The Jacksons - Things I Do For You (Da Wiesel remix)/ Michael Jackson - Sunset Driver/ Michael Jackson - You Can't Win (The Wiz)/ Michael Jackson - Got the Hots/ Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Demo Version)/ Michael Jackson - Shake You Body (Demo Version)/ The Jacksons - Surprise Song/ Michael Jackson - Love Never Felt So Good (Demo Version)

download.

Soul Fixin'

one year later.
Today marks one year. June 25, 2009 will always be remembered as the day Michael Jackson died. Losing Micheal has been, in a real sense, like losing a close relative. We all grew up alongside the music of MJ. His music transcended generational gaps. My 52 year older mother grew up listening to the soulful sounds of Michael and his brothers. She even dreamed of one day marrying Mike. Born six years after the release of Off The Wall and two years prior to Bad, the timeless music of Michael Jackson played throughout the soundtrack of my life, the life a child growing up in inner-city New York during the 90's.
Michael epitomized everything that was cool. There was a time when we all, boys & girls, wanted to be MJ. We wanted the black penny loafers, the black leather jacket, the glove, and the jeri curl! We can all remember our very first introduction to MJ and how we spent countless hours trying to imitate his signature dance moves. We can all remember when someone, having just discovered MJ's music, came to the playground and tried his or her best to duplicate MJ's dance moves, body and facial movements and vocal magic. Within a few minutes, a battle would ensue as everyone on the playground was trying to be just like Mike.

Believe it or not, the entire world speaks the same language, the enduring music of Michael Jackson.

Soul Fixin'

wake up everybody!

In case you don't already know, John Legend & The Roots have collaborated on a 60's & 70's soul inspired project. Wake Up, set to be released September 21, features 11 covers of soul's social & political anthems such as 'Wholly Holy' & 'Little Ghetto Boy.' Unfortunately, these songs are still relevant and in need of a new audience. Big up to John & The Roots crew for making it happen. Check out the video below, a live studio performance of Baby Huey and the Babysitters' 'Hard Times.'

Rapper's Delight

how we got over!

In case you haven't heard, The Roots are set to drop their 11th studio album, How I Got Over, next week. In anticipation of the new release, the band has hit us with this promo video. Sit back & take a look back with the help of Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and others who helped us get over!

Rapper's Delight

happy born day!
“My mama always used to tell me: 'If you can't find somethin' to live for, you best find somethin' to die for.” -Tupac Shakur

Soul Fixin'

motown mixed up.

download

Check out DJ Expo's live Motown Tribute mix.

Random Sh*t

truth be told.
"They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. They also said the earth was flat. "THEY" say all type of sh*t!" -Erykah Badu

Soul Heaven

one of motown's finest.
Detroit native & former lead singer of the Temptations died yesterday. He was 58.

Former Temptation Dies [Detroit News]

Soul Fixin'

subway soul.

Believe it or not, some of NYC's best undiscovered, raw & uncut talent can be found hidden underground. I've had the pleasure of witnessing the man known as the 'Singing Dragon' do what he does best, sing in NYC's subway. Born Mitchell Hughes in South Carolina, the 'Singing Dragon' has been singing for NYC strap-hangers for years. With a voice reminiscent of soul legends such as Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett and Johnny Taylor, Mitchell Hughes possesses one of the subway's best voices. I've run into Mitchell on two separate Sunday nights at the 42nd Street/Port Authority station. He can also been seen & heard at the 59th Street/Columbus Circle station.

Soul Fixin'

will they do the 'un-thinkable'?

Below is A.Key's latest video for 'Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready).' The video is quite a surprise. Starting in the 1950's, Alicia, the product of an interracial love affair, tells the story of an unthinkable love. A love between Black female and White male, an unthinkable relationship in 1950's America. Sit back & enjoy as A.Keys unearths a touchy subject.

Soul Heaven

the definition of beauty.
Trailblazing performer & activist Lena Horne died yesterday. She was 92.

Lena Horne, Sultry Singer & Actress, Dies at 92 [New York Times]
President Obama's Letter of Condolence [New York Times]

Soul Fixin'

just 'wright' for tonight.
Twilite Tone gathered a bundle of love songs and prepared this mix for the upcoming release of Just Wright, a love story featuring fellow rapper/actors Queen Latifah & Common.

Tracks Settle For My Love/Patrice Rushen There’s Nothing Like This/Omar You’re Always On My Mind/SWV Guilty(Featuring Barry Gibb/Barbra Streisand Promise Me/Luther Vandross Someday/George Duke Making Love In The Rain/Herb Albert That Day/Muhsinah Daylight/Ramp I Still Love You/702 Inspiration Information/Shuggie Otis Uno Esta/Bobbi Humphries One On One/Hall & Oates When Will The Day Come/Rasa The Makings Of You (Live)/Curtis Mayfield Nothing Even Matters(featuring D’Angelo)/Lauryn Hill Light My Fire/Jose Feliciano Paperchase/Clara Hill Meets Vivkter Duplaix Tomorrow/Quincy Jones & Tevin Campbell

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Soul Tracks

Anita Baker. The 'Queen of The Quiet Storm.' Once again, Anita is making headlines in the music world, the sultry songstress is set to start recording new material for an upcoming album. In the meantime, let's take a trip back to 1986. Anita Baker's debut album, Songstress, failed to put Anita Baker on the map. Anita's sophomore album, Rapture, became a smash hit. Refined, sensual, soothing and stylish, Rapture catapulted Anita Baker to the forefront of the R&B scene and she became a mainstay on 'The Quiet Storm.' Included on Rapture is 'Been So Long' a gentle song that is as sultry and seductive as the voice behind it.

Soul Fixin'

sharon jones & the dap-kings.
Retro-soul group Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings made a recent appearance on The Colbert Report to perform 'She Ain't A Child No More.' The band recently released I Learned The Hard Way, courtesy of Daptone Records, an old-school Brooklyn based soul music label. Stephen Colbert introduced Sharon & company by stating, "Children of America, one of the most important dynamic voices in the nation, Miss Sharon Jones." Hit play & enjoy.

www.colbertnation.com

Soul Tracks

1973's The Payback stands as one of James Brown's greatest albums. It was also quite ambitious, James Brown & crew made an 8 track album that extends to nearly 73 minutes, unearthing new possibilities within the James Brown sound. Included on the '73 release is one of my favorite Brown tracks, 'Doing The Best I Can.' The aforementioned track & 'Forever Suffering' included far less of James' trademark funk and a lot more soul, straight-up gut-bucket soul. 'Doing The Best I Can' is so revealing that it comes across as autobiographical. James begs, pleads, and attempts to make amends, "just a man doing the best he can." It's hard not to sympathize with Mr. Brown and it's nearly impossible not to think back on failed relationships. Pure brilliance.

Soul Fixin'

keep on pushin'.
The music of the late Curtis Mayfield cuts deep. Mayfield vocal ability may pale in comparison to other soul brothers of the 60's & 70's but there was always a message in his music. Mayfield's poignant and politically astute messages can make one shout, scream, rebel, and/or cry. More importantly, the music of Curtis Mayfield made so many individuals proud to be Black. Earlier this year, The Black Rock Coalition Orchestra paid tribute to the civil rights songbook of Curtis Mayfield. Performers included Sophia Ramos, Dean Bowman, Maya Azucena, Gordon Chambers, V. Jeffrey Smith of The Family Stand and others. Check out a few highlights from that spectacular January night.