Soul Fixin'

Joy Denalane & Lupe Fiasco Barack The Vote
Isn't it great to see so many hip hop and soul artists embracing and supporting Team Obama? The latest wave of support comes from German born soul singer Joy Denalane and rapper Lupe Fiasco. The duo collaborated on Joy's sophomore album, Born & Raised. The refreshing, soulful, and thought provoking duo traded verses on the track 'Change.' Joy and Lupe have teamed up again to create another video for 'Change.' The latest video includes clips of Obama speeches and rallies and addresses the things that matter in this election. Go Obama!

Soul Fixin'

It's Time For A 'Change'

It's a shame good music is hard to find. Radio has forced us to listen to the likes of Akon, T-Pain & Lil' Wayne over and over and over again. A slew of refreshing,soulful,thought provoking and intelligent artist are being overlooked. One such artist is German-born Joy Denalane. It's safe to say that you've never heard of Joy Denalane, radio and television have yet to fully embrace her music. Joy is a testament to the global influence of black music,born in Germany to a German mother and South African father Joy was influenced by the sounds of soul, R&B and hip hop. A few years ago she embarked on Philadelphia and emerged with a masterpiece, her sophomore project, Born & Raised,a blend of soul, hip hop, and gospel. Rappers Raekwon and Lupe Fiasco and R&B singer Governor make guest appearances. Musical contributions were made by James Poyser and a slew of other renowned musicians. Check out the video for 'Change' featuring MC Lupe Fiasco. Mainstream media needs to take note, it's time for a change.

Soul Fixin'

The 'Queen of German Soul'
On more than one occasion I came across the music video for Joy Denalane's song "Heaven Or Hell" while watching Soul Sessions on BETJ. At the time, Joy Denalane was foreign to me but I instantly fell in love with her voice. Think back to the summer of '05. OK...now let your mind go back to the remix of Common's "Go," the voice heard on the track belongs to Joy. A voice that reminds me of Faith Evans mixed with the rawness of a young Mavis Staples. Joy is a testament to the global influence of black music,born in Germany to a German mother and South African father Joy was influenced by the sounds of soul, R&B and hip hop. Her career began at the age of 16, performing with local soul and reggae bands.Fast forward a couple of years. In 2002 Joy releases her debut album Mamani, a genre bending mix of soul, jazz and Afro-beat. The German language album debuted at #8 on the German charts and spawned four hit singles. A few years later, Joy came to Philly to record her sophomore album, Born & Raised, a blend of soul, hip hop, and gospel. Rappers Raekwon and Lupe Fiasco and R&B singer Governor make guest appearances. Musical contributions were made by James Poyser and a slew of other renowned musicians. Soul music is alive in well in the music of Joy Denalane.Take a listen and experience the soul of Joy Denalane. Check out the video as well.