Soul Fixin'

Hip Hop's Jazz Singer
Described by many as the jazz crooner for the hip hop generation, Jose James, is gaining plenty of buzz with his debut, The Dreamer. I don't much about Jose but the music, a combination of jazz, urban blues, soul & hip hop, speaks for itself, take a listen. Be sure to check out his website.

Payin' Homage

In the late 70's, the Harlem bred Angela Bofill debuted with an elegant sound that mixed the elements of jazz and soul with a touch of Latin flavor to create a blend of genre bending music. At a time when music trends were changing and disco was the craze, Angie's music was salvation for those looking for the soul of days gone by. Being of Cuban and Puerto Rican ancestry and growing up in Harlem, Angie was influenced by the sounds of Motown, James Brown, Aretha and Latin music. At the tender age of 18, Angie was an accomplished singer and songwriter, working with legends Cannonball Adderdely, Herbie Hancock, Nat Adderley Jr. and Dizzy Gillespie. Angie's solo recording career started in '78 with the release of her self tittled classic debut, Angie. She went on to record a string of classic albums and gave us hit song after hit song, "I Try," "Angel of The Night," "Break It To Me Gently," "This Time I'll Be Sweeter," "I Wanna Love Somebody," to name a few.

After recovering from a 2006 stroke, Angela suffered another massive stroke on July 10,2007 and was in critical condition for some time. She remains at a nursing home in California. According to her website, Angie's speech and mobility are continuing to improve and it is only a matter of time before she returns home.

Head over to her website, all proceeds go to support Angie's recovery.

Soul Fixin'

Let Aretha Back In Your Life
Atlantic Records has reissued Aretha's 1974 LP, Let Me In Your Life. Released in the aftermath of the Quincy Jones produced Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of The Sky), and prior to the Mayfield produced Sparkle, Let Me In Your Life found Aretha working with legendary team of Wexler-Mardin-Dowd for the last time. This was the first album in which Aretha received co producing credit. The highlight of Let Me In Your Life is Aretha's amazing voice, a voice that isn't overshadowed by the songs, arrangements or sounds. Let Me In Your Life displays some of Aretha's finest vocal performances. The Stevie Wonder penned "Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" is included on this set and turned out to be a #1 hit for Aretha. "I'm In Love," written by Bobby Womack after he married Sam Cooke's widow, topped the R&B charts as well. Testimony to Aretha's interpretative genius, she also scored a hit with Marvin & Tammi's "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing." Aretha came up short on Leon Russell's "A Song For You." Don't get me wrong, Aretha's version is great, but "A Song For You" belongs to Donny Hathaway. Unlike previous recordings, Aretha sang a few ballads, "Oh Baby," "With Pen In Hand," "Eight Days On The Road," and "If You Don't Think." Bill Withers' " Let Me In Your Life," "The Masquerade is Over," and "Every Natural Thing" are also included on the album. Let Me In Your Life began to mark the decline of Aretha's illustrious career with Atlantic Records. Disco was the new craze, Aretha tried to adapt to the new trends but failed with releases such as La Diva and You.

Under The Covers

"Betcha By Golly Wow" written by Linda Creed and producer/songwriter Thom Bell, was first recorded in 1970 by trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and featured on The Best of Freddie Hubbard. Creed and Bell composed many other Philly soul classics, including "You Are Everything," "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)," "Ghetto Child," and "The Rubberband Man." Intelligent lyrics, superb arrangements, lush production and the falsetto of lead singer Russell Thompkins Jr turned "Betcha By Golly Wow" into a hit for The Stylistics. Recorded for their debut album, The Stylistics, "Betcha By Golly Wow" became a #2 R&B hit and reached #3 on the Pop charts. Six years later Phyllis Hyman wrapped her bittersweet romantic vocals around the Creed/Bell composition and created a brilliant slowed down remake. Hyman's version is featured on the Norman Conners album, You Are My Starship. Not as popular as The Stylistics' version, "Betcha By Golly Wow" is considered to be one of Hyman's finest recordings.

Soul Fixin'

New Music Drop
Live In Washington, DC Patti LaBelle

The Carter III Lil' Wayne

Maximum Strength KRS-One

Like A Fire Solomon Burke

Black Rose Hil. St. Soul
Let Me In Your Life Aretha Franklin (reissue)
Aretha Arrives Aretha Franklin (reissue)

Loverly Cassandra Wilson

Coltrane Live at Birdland John Coltrane (remastered)

A Love Supreme John Coltrane (remastered)

Love Man Otis Redding (reissue)

Love The Woman Chante Moore

Experience Gospel: The Essence of Rev. James Cleveland Rev. James Cleveland

Soul Fixin'

The Trials & Tribulations of Robert Kelly

Here's the latest on the R. Kelly trial.

Two days and 12 witnesses later, R. Kelly's defense team rested their case on Monday. The self proclaimed 'King Of R&B'...oh wait...that's Bobby Brown...the self proclaimed 'Pied Piper of R&B' did not take the stand in the child pornography case.

The defense called three relatives of Roshana Landfair, the alleged victim in the infamous sex tape, who testified they did not recognize the young girl in the video. The prosecution's witnesses included childhood friends and relatives of Landfair, who identified her in the video.

Grant Fredericks, one of the prosecutions rebuttal witnesses, will be called to the stand today to counter the testimony of defense witness Charles Palmer, who testified he didn't see the infamous mole. Mole?...R.Kelly's defense claims the man in the sex tape doesn't have a mole on his back much like the mole R. Kelly has had since childhood. The prosecution is expected to recall Atlanta prosecutor Robert Wolf, who's expected to testify that the fiance of the prosecution's star witness Lisa Van Allen was not offered a deal in exchange for Van Allen's testimony. Closing arguments will begin Thursday.

Robert Kelly is charged with 14 counts of child pornography. If convicted he faces up to 15 years in prison. If he is convicted, I think it is only right that Micheal Jackson be forced to join him in prison.

Video Soul

Nas Debuts "Be A Nigger Too" Video

Nas has released the first official video for his upcoming untitled 9th studio album.Directed by Rick Cordero, the video was inspired by old Spike Lee films. Clocking in at over 8 minutes, the video includes clips of Nas looking at his reflection through a mirror and rapping about racism, politics and religion and what appears to be a white slave owner pointing a gun at a black male slave. You may or may not agree with Nas' use of the N-word, either way take a look.

Soul Fixin'

Happy 35th Birthday Faith Evans!!!!

35 years ago, the woman we would all come to know as Faith Evans entered the world.It's been 3 long years since she blessed us with The First Lady. We all are in desperate need of some new Faith Evans music!!! Faith, if you are reading this, I think it is time to make some changes. You may be in need of new management. You are one of the finest vocalists of our time, its a shame you haven't achieved the success of Mary or Alicia, you are more than capable. Mary has reached the height of her career in her mid 30's, the same is possible for you. I came across your website and MySpace page looking for any news of new music to no avail. I believe I speak for many when I say, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU VERY SOON!!!!!

Young, Gifted, Black and Dead!!!

A picture is worth a thousand words...







These photographs were all taken in 2006 at various sidewalk makeshift memorials, prayer vigils, wakes, funerals, and burials in the city of Philadelphia. The deceased were all young African Americans murdered by fellow African Americans. This is not a Philadelphia problem. Black on black violence is a national problem. It's my problem. It's your problem. It's our problem. When will we solve it? The statistics are alarming; according to a 2005 Justice Department report blacks, who make up 13% of the US population, accounted for 50% of the nations murder victims, 93% of these victims were killed by fellow African Americans.

Young, Gifted, Black and Dead!!!: Previous Posts

Soul Fixin'

In the midst of the violence that has besieged Philadelphia and earned it the nickname 'Killadelphia,' STAY TRUE came to life. STAY TRUE "is a non-profit organization based in Philadelphia dedicated to offering under-privileged, at-risk youth the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become powerful agents of social/political change in their communities." Philadelphia school teacher Nir Saar started the organization because he was "struck by the utter helplessness my students expressed about the socioeconomic conditions they faced each day. While the students yearned for progress and change, they did not have the information, skills, or confidence needed to become actively engaged in a process of social advancement. These observations have led to the founding of STAY TRUE, an organization truly inspired by those students who, despite their environments, have decided to dedicate their lives to helping others." Check out the STAY TRUE site, if you can make a donation please do so.

Soul Fixin'

A Message From ?uestlove

?uestlove lets us in on why he is throwing his support behind Obama. Listen to ?uestlove as he breaks down three vital reasons he is voting for Barack in November. If you aren't a registered voter, head over to Rock the Vote and make it happen.

Soul Fixin'

Anita Is On Tour

The 'Queen of the Quiet Storm' is hitting the road for the first time in a decade. The sultry songstress took a hiatus from recording to focus on her family life. She returned in 2004 and released My Everything and made various spot appearances. More recently,Anita Baker released a Christmas album, Christmas Fantasy, in 2005.

TOUR DATES

June 13 - Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap Filene Center

June 20 - Aspen, CO - Rio Grande Park

June 21 - Primm, NV - Star of the Desert Arena

July 12 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre

July 24 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live

July 31 - Rama, Ontario - Casino Rama

August 15 - Baltimore, MD - Pier Six Concert Pavilion

August 16 - Portsmouth, VA - nTelos Wireless Pavilion

August 18 - Atlantic City, NY - Trump Taj Mahal

September 26 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre

Check out Anita performing "Sweet Love" at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival

Soul Fixin'

Apple Gets In The Groove
President Bush doesn't get credit for much but he does get a soul clap for delcaring June 2008 as Black Music Month.Celebrate Black Music Month with Apple, throughout the month of June, Apple is hosting an array of live performances at various Apple Retail Store locations across the country. Talib Kweli, Wyclef Jean,Goapele, Anthony David, MC Lyte, Marvin Sapp, Dwele and others are scheduled to perform.

Apple's Black Music Month: Hometown Heroes Complete Lineup

Video Soul

Marvin Gaye performing "Lets Get It On" back in '76
THANK GOD FOR YouTube!!!!!


The making of Marvin, a biopic covering the life of Marvin Gaye, is in the works. According to Variety the film will be directed by F. Gary Gray and produced by Davis Foster and Duncan McGillvray. Foster and McGillvray plan on shopping the film to studios and financiers this week. The film has rights to Marvin's entire music catalog.

The James Gandolfini produced Sexual Healing is also in the works. The movie, starring Jesse L. Martin, acquired the rights to Marvin's post- Motown catalog, forcing the film to focus on Marvin's life after Motown.

Payin' Homage

In the spring of 1970, the sweet voice of Tammi Terrell was silenced forever. Terrell, with such a promising career ahead of her, passed away on March 16, 1970 at the tender age of 24. Born Thomasina Winifred Montgomery on April 29, 1945 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Tammi is best known for her sensual duets with Marvin Gaye. However, Tammi's career started long before she signed to Motown Records. At the age of 13, Tammi was the opening act for Gary "U.S" Bonds and Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles. She would go on to record with various labels. She garnered a little attention with the 1963 single "I Cried", released on James Brown's Try Me record label. After joining the Motown family, Tammi released the album Irresistible. In a genius move, Motown paired Tammi with Marvin Gaye. The chemistry was undeniable and the two went on to sing some of the greatest love songs of the soul music era. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was a Top 20 hit, the duo found success atop the R&B charts with "Your Precious Love," "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing," and "You're All I Need To Get By." During a 1967 concert, Tammi collapsed in Marvin's arms and was later diagnosed with a brain tumor. Tammi could no longer perform live but she continued to record with Marvin. After 8 operations, loss of memory, and partial paralysis, 24 year old Tammi Terrell died in Philadelphia. Devastated by her untimely death, Marvin took a 3 year hiatus from performing and went into self isolation. Marvin would emerge from a state of depression with the landmark album What's Going On.

Sunday Soul

Saturday Soul

Joy Denalane [Myspace Page]
Al Green's Soul Revival [Rolling Stone]
Nas' ode to Obama, "Black President" [SoulBounce]
Black Music Month:In the Midnight Hour: Soul for Lost Love and Crises of Faith [VIBE]
Remembering Bo Diddley [BET]
Celebrate Black Music Month [AOL Black Voices]

Young, Gifted, Black and Dead!!!

The recent murder of a friend has prompted me to highlight the deaths of other young African Americans at the hands of young African Americans. Black on black crime is plaguing communities of color all across the country. Over the past few weeks, I've highlighted the deaths of youth in New York City, Rochester, NY, St. Louis and Philadelphia.
Today, I googled the words 'black teen killed' and came across the story of a 15 year old Chicago girl killed over the Memorial Day Weekend. 15 year old Sharkeila Taylor was celebrating Memorial Weekend on the South Side of Chicago with family and friends,she had recently moved to Gary, Indiana. As the holiday weekend was coming to a end, Sharkeila was hanging with friends, enjoying the warm weather and celebrating the start of summer. Around 11 p.m a hail of bullets flew through the air. Once the sound of gunshots faded, 15 year Sharkelia Taylor would be found laying on the sidewalk with a bullet in her back. Latisha Coleman, who lives near the scene, heard the gunfire. "I walked over there and saw the little girl...it was terrible. She was holding my hand and I was talking to her, saying, 'Stay with me, stay with me...then the little girl took two whole breaths and let go of my hand. I said, 'She's gone. She's dead.'" Three separate shootings that night within a 2 1/2 mile radius left Taylor and a 27 year old male dead and four others wounded. Sharkeila was the youngest victim. Lakita Childs, a South Side resident, spoke of the violence in the area, "most people don't even want to come outside, they're too scared. I don't even want to bring a baby into this world, because I'm afraid if I have a baby they'll get killed like the rest of these kids." Sharkeila, nicknamed "Mz. Dora", was remembered by classmates as life-loving girl who looked out for others and valued friendship. Some friends affectionately called her "Ma," she possessed a protective persona that made her maternal. Yet, she was also childlike, evidenced by her nickname taken from the cartoon "Dora The Explorer."
At a prayer vigil, Rev. Jesse Jackson said "there are too many funerals and not enough future, too many memorials and not enough ending the madness."

Soul Fixin'

MTV Recaps R. Kelly Trial

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Soul Fixin'

Legend Looking Forward to Third Release

Two albums deep into the game, John Legend is in the studio working on a third album, which is slated to be released in September. Legend describes the as-yet untitled album as more mainstream and radio friendly than his sophomore album, Once Again. "The last record was mellower, the production this time is a little more up-tempo and more pop sounding.." Legend's debut album, Get Lifted, has sold 2.1 million copies, while Once Again went platinum. Speaking of the decline in sales, Legend says “Once Again was difficult for people to digest because it wasn't any one radio format,it was between formats and there wasn't an obvious place for everything to fit. I’ve been successful without a huge radio hit up until now so I don’t think about the radio when I make songs. Artistically, Once Again was a great album, better than Get Lifted. I had a bigger tour on the second album and it set me up to be an artist that's around for a long time so I just have to capitalize on that.” John is embarking on a new direction in the marketing of his music. In hopes of coming up with new and unique promotional strategies, John has met with several advertising agencies.“I want to go beyond what the label machine always does and think of some cool ideas,” said Legend. “Labels get into a creative rut. I want an ad firm that launches other products to use their knowledge to launch my music. It'd be cool to get ideas from a firm that can still reach my marketplace. We're taking proposals now so as soon as we decide on one we can decide the launch date and direction.”