Soul Tracks

During a career that has spanned 50 years, Aretha Franklin has only recorded a handful of duets with the likes of Rev. James Cleveland, George Benson, Mary J. Blige, and Luther Vandross--to name a few. Back in '82 Aretha teamed up with her childhood buddies, The Four Tops, in their hometown of Detroit and recorded 'I Wanna Make It Up To You' for Aretha's Luther Vandross produced '82 release Jump To It. The recording was a Detroit affair through and through. Aretha and The Four Tops were joined by Aretha's sister Erma Franklin and famed background singers Sandra Feva and Margaret Branch, all Detroit natives. Aretha and Levi Stubbs took lead vocals while everyone else played the role of background singer. The chemistry between Aretha and Levi was undeniable. Aretha's voice was rich and alluring while Levi's voice never sounded smoother or more seductive. The sultry song reaches its' climax when Aretha and Levi trade words in a smoldering call and response. Aretha & crew and The Four Tops added a much needed touch of soul to the sound of the early 80's.

Soul Fixin'

New Musiq From Musiq
A new song from Musiq has hit the net. Actually, the song isn't new new. An unofficial version leaked a few months ago, the official version is now available for our listening pleasure. Believe me, you will not me disappointed. Even though Musiq disappointed us with his first single, 'Radio', the soul child is getting back on track. He smoothed things over with the Mary duet 'If You Leave' and now he is making amends with this track, the aptly titled, 'So Beautiful.' Give it a listen and let us know what you think. Don't forget to check out the premiere of Musiq & Mary's video for 'If You Leave' tonight at 7:30 on BET.

Soul Heaven

Dee Dee Warwick (1945-2008)
Dee Dee Warwick has joined fellow soul singer Levi Stubbs on the highway to heaven. Delia Mae Warrick passed away Saturday at a nursing home in her native New Jersey. She was 63. Known to the world as Dee Dee Warwick, Delia Mae began her singing career began in 1950's New Jersey, singing gospel with her sister Dionne and aunt Cissy. She was a member of The Gospelaires, The Drinkard Singers (a gospel outfit that featured some of Warwicks' aunts and uncles and was managed by their mother), and The Sweet Inspirations before embarking on a solo career. Along with Dionne, Cissy, Doris Troy, and The Sweet Inspirations, she was one of New York's most in-demand session vocalists, contributing to numerous records by the likes of the Drifters, Aretha Franklin, Chuck Jackson, Garnet Mimms, Nina Simone, and Wilson Pickett. Unfortunately, Dee Dee would remain in the shadows of her famous sister, recording for various labels and garnering sporadic hits and very little support from her labels. However, Dee Dee was able to reach the top of the charts with a few hit songs such as "I Want to Be With You," "Foolish Fool," "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me," and "She Didn't Know (She Kept On Talking)." Since the mid-'70s, she has done backup vocals for Dionne Warwick, and recorded sporadically on her own. More recently, she recorded "Family First" with sister Dionne, cousin Whitney, and aunt Cissy, for the soundtrack to the Tyler Perry movie Daddy's Little Girl. Earlier this year, Dee Dee joined her sister in Europe, providing background vocals for Dionne's one-woman autobiographical show, "My Music & Me," which played to sold-out crowds.

Video Soul

"I'm in love, sweet love
hear me calling out your name, I feel no shame
I'm in love, sweet love
don't you ever go away, it'll always be this way..."

Saturday Soul

Jeff Chang Shares His Thoughts On John McCain aka Johnny Mac [VIBE]
The 411 On Kanye's New Album [RollingStone]
Barack's Letter To VIBE [VIBE]
They Just Don't Make Music Like They Used To [SoulBounce]
Michelle Robinson Obama's Roots to South Carolina & Slavery [Washington Post]
Tribute To Levi Stubbs [Detroit Free Press]

Young, Gifted, Black And Dead!!!

Hundreds gathered on the south side of Chicago to say goodbye to 17 year old Kiyanna Salters. Her silver casket sat inside St. Sabina Catholic Church and she was dressed in royal purple, her head resting on a satin pillow. Salters was the innocent victim of senseless gunfire, a scenario that plays out far too often in communities of color. Kiyanna was remembered as an intelligent girl who was studying Japanese and planned on embarking on a career in the medical field. Speakers made mention of her love for fashion and Strawberry Shortcake and Hello Kitty dolls. Her mother, Kenya Jackson, warned the congregation "It's going to happen again...you all have to love your kids. Talk to them. ... hug these children." Her grandfather, Lester Salters, summed up the violence plaguing communities of colors, "we survived the chains and the ropes in the South. We're supposed to be free, but our own kids got us slaved up, in chains.''  Kiyanna's younger brother, Darien made a vow to finish school and become successful in honor of his slain sister. "I gotta pick up what she did. I gotta take her place," he said. "I promise I will."

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'

The Greatest Living Rapper

The greatest rapper alive was spotted in The City of Angels Wednesday night. Jay-Z was in town to perform at the opening of The Palladium. Well, sorta. The Palladium shut its' door for a year for renovations and is now owned by concert promoter Live Nation. Many in attendance compared Hov's performance to his 2004 farewell concert at Madison Square Garden. In other words, Jay did his thing. The BK MC ran through hit songs such as 'Say Hello,' '99 Problems' and 'Can I Get A...' without forgetting a single lyric. You won't catch Jay slipping. Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti described Jay as "the Frank Sinatra of this generation." Frank Sinatra played at the venue during opening week back in 1940. Hova told the crowd of 4,000 the "last person to open this thing was Frank Sinatra, I consider myself 'brown eyes,' baby.” Take a look at video footage from the sold out concert. When you are done watching Jay make history, peep the clip below, Jay drops some election day knowledge for Michigan voters and encourages us all to make history by voting for Obama. On another note, what the hell was Jay thinking when he decided to wear those glasses?

Soul Heaven

Levi Stubbs (1932-2008)
Recently, soul music has mourned the losses of Isaac Hayes and Motown producer Norman Whitfield. Now we mourn the loss of Levi Stubbs, one of the finest ambassadors of soul music. The lead singer of The Four Tops died this morning in his hometown of Detroit. He was 72. The group formed in 1954 and included Levi, Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, Renaldo 'Obie' Benson and Lawrence Payton. The groups' name was inspired by their desire to reach the 'top.' Without a doubt, they reached the top. Fakir is the only surviving member, Payton died in '97 and Benson passed away in '05. Levi has been described as a 'church-based soul shouter and pure singer' who could have enjoyed tremendous success as a solo act but the thought of leaving the group never crossed his mind. He understood the meaning of loyalty. 'It's The Same Old Song,' 'Bernadette,' 'Reach Out I'll Be There,' 'Standing In The Shadows Of Love,' 'Keeper of the Castle,' 'Ain't No Woman (Like the One I Got)'--and the list goes on. Thanks Levi.

Soul Fixin'

Keyshia Is Back With Reality Show 
The First Family of BET is back. Keyshia Cole, her mama Frankie, and big sister Neffie are returning to TV with the third season of 'The Way It Is.' The hit reality show is set to premiere in mid-November. BET isn't good for much but 'The Way It Is' is a stand out show. Wouldn't you agree? Personally, I can't wait to see what Frankie is up to. Season 3 features a summer and early fall update on the family. In addition to the reality show, you can expect a new album from Ms. Cole. A Different Me hits stores December 16.

Soul Fixin'

Musiq & MJB Wrap Up 'If You Leave' Video
It's a wrap. Musiq and MJB have finished filming the new video for 'If You Leave.' The duet appears on Musiq's upcoming studio set On My Radio. 'If You Leave' marks Musiq's return to the neo-soul sound, a sound he abandoned on his first single 'Radio'. The video premieres Monday night at 7:30 on BET. The network released a teaser video, check it out below. From the looks of it, this video will be sure to please. On My Radio drops December 9. The soul singer is also working on a Christmas album, A Philly Soul Christmas, available exclusively at Target. This album is expected to hit Target stores across the country this fall.

Video Soul

"I'm gonna whip it up
whip it up nice and slow
you can even call your in order
I'll deliver to your home
and I'll be there in a matter of seconds
and there's more if you want seconds
you can be greedy as you like
morning, noon and night..."

Soul Fixin'

Just Trying To Stay 'Cool'
Anthony Hamilton was gone for a minute but he has made a soulful return with the release of his latest single and video for 'Cool.' Anthony Hamilton is definitely cool throughout the video, even in the face of every day struggles. David Banner's rap is far from cool, the song would be much better without it. Sorry David. Needless to say, the video has a great feel good Southern vibe to it. I feel like taking a trip down south after watching the video. The Point Of It All, Hamilton's upcoming release, drops on December 2. AH describes the sound on his upcoming set as feel good music, "I've taken fans to church and baptized them; there are those who say I've healed them with my music. Now we're going to boogie in the name of the Lord." In the meantime, the soul singer is taking his show on the road, making stops in NYC, Baltimore, Cleveland and Houston. Check out the video and full tour schedule below.

11.5.08    Chicago    House of Blues
11.7.08    Cleveland  House of Blues
11.13.08  Washington, DC  Lincoln Theater
11.14.08  Philadelphia  Electric Factory
11.15.08  Baltimore  Rams Head Live
11.19.08  New York  Blender Theater
11.22.08  Raleigh  Lincoln Theater
12.04.08  New Orleans  House of Blues
12.05.08  Dallas  House of Blues
12.07.08  Houston  House of Blues
12.11.08  Anaheim  House of Blues

Soul Fixin'

Barack The Vote
My Presidential pick, Barack Obama, graces the cover of the latest issue of Rolling Stone, marking the third time Barack has appeared on the cover. Rolling Stone is definitely barackin' the vote. Barack talks about McCain's ugly campaign, his 'solemn vow to the young people of America,' what he's learned from Bill Clinton and how George Bush f*cked up. Thanks to Bush many of us are pinching our pennies and can't afford to buy a copy of Rolling Stone, the article, 'Obama's Moment' is available online.

Video Soul

"is this just a silly game
that forces you to act this way
forces you to scream my name
then pretend that you can't stay..."

Saturday Soul

A First Hand Account of Maxwell's Return To NYC [VIBE]
Alaskan Blacks Speak Out On Palin [Chicago Defender]
The Fight Continues...Aretha Responds To Tina Turner [USA Today]
Introducing Leigh Jones & Taiwah [Songs In The Key of Life]
Young, Black, and Republican...Say What? [Hip Hop Republican]
John Legend & Brandy Create New Music Together [SoulBounce]
50 Cent's Directorial Debut...Oh Lawd!!! [Rolling Stone]
Rolling Stone Delivers The Truth About Sarah Palin [Rolling Stone]
Al Green Performing 'Good Times on Soul Train...Classic Sh*t [YouTube]
Maxwell Returns to NYC [YouTube]

Young, Gifted, Black And Dead!!!

Public Soul Announcement's series of Young, Gifted, Black and Dead!!! posts came to an end because finding articles on the deaths of young African Americans proved to be difficult and time consuming. However, I came across the story of Chicago teenager Kiyanna Salters last night. On October 5, Kiyanna boarded a CTA bus headed home after spending the day caring for a sick aunt. It is quite possible that while 17 year old Kiyanna rode the bus, with her cousin Jasmine Wilcox, she thought of her fellow classmate, Blair Holt, who was killed on a CTA bus 18 months prior. I'm sure she never thought she would meet the same fate. I'm sure she never thought a petty quarrel would turn violent, shots would be fired, and a bullet would hit her in the head. I'm sure she never thought her life would come to an end on a city bus. Unfortunately, it did. Kiyanna Salters died 30 minutes after being the innocent victim of senseless gunfire. Another sad example of black on black crime. According to the Chicago Tribune, at one point during the bus ride a young black male got on the bus and accidentally touched an older man's hand. Words were exchanged and both men then flashed guns at each other before the younger male got off the bus. As the doors of the bus began to close, the young male fired a round of shots at the bus. Kiyanna, an aspiring doctor with a flair for fashion, was the only person shot. Her aunt remembered her as a good kid, “If you’ve got a good child and you know they’re not doing anything wrong, you don’t too much worrying about them because you know God’s got them,’’ she said, tears streaming her face. “I guess it was her time to go. He just needed her. He needed her.’’A surveillance video inside the bus captured footage of the alleged suspect. The mother of the alleged suspect, Milton Wardlow, pleaded with her son to turn himself in after she saw the video on the news. Wardlow surrendered to authorities and has been charged with murder and ordered held without bail.

Soul Tracks

While I was diggin' through the crates I came across D'Angelo's sophomore set, 2000's Voodoo, considered by many to be his magnum opus. I've still got plenty of love for the man even though he has been away for so long. Actually, he has been away for too damn long!!! But anyway, he is currently signed to J Records and word on the street is that we can expect a new album to drop early next year. I'm sure your lost-soul-singers side eye is in full effect right now because rumors of a new D'Angelo album have been floating around for a handful of years but if Maxwell can make a comeback so can D'Angelo. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Voodoo came to us five years after his brilliant debut Brown Sugar, it was well worth the wait. The recording sessions all took place at Electric Lady Studios, the Greenwich Village-based studio built by Jimi Hendrix. ?uestlove, J Dilla, Lauryn Hill, DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Roy Hargrove, Angie Stone, and Raphael Saadiq all contributed to the soulfully funky and organic sound that can be heard on Voodoo. ?uestlove described the recording sessions as a "left-of-center black music renaissance," frequent visits to the studio were made by artists such as Erykah Badu, Talib Kweli, Common, Mos Def and The Roots band, visits that shaped and influenced the recording atmosphere of the Voodoo sessions. D'Angelo and Angie Stone co-wrote the song 'Send It On,' a song that explores faith and honesty in a relationship. The arrangements are reminiscent of classic 70's soul. It has an Aretha/Marvin/Al Green feel to it. It's one of those songs that forces you to make that ugly face and shake your head because it sounds so damn good. While we wait, hope, and pray for some new D'Angelo music, enjoy this 8 year old classic.

Soul Fixin'

Diddy Is Scared of Sarah Palin
It seems like everyone in the worlds of  hip hop and soul music are throwing their support behind Barack Obama. I can't blame 'em. Beyonce has been caught barackin' an Obama tee, soul vets Aretha and Stevie have voiced their undying support for Obama, and Common, Talib Kweli, Nas, will.i.am, Big Boi and Mary J. Blige --to name a few, have all crafted songs expressing their support for Team Obama. Sean 'Diddy' Combs has expressed his support for change in a different way. The music mogul advocates for Obama in his latest viral blog by denouncing Sarah Palin. The video is quite hilarious, Diddy comes to us from under the covers and announces his monsters-under-the-bed like fear of Sarah Palin and begs us to vote on November 4.

Soul Fixin'

Common Teams Up With Microsoft
Common is following in the footsteps of fellow rappers Jay-Z and 50 Cent by partnering with a major corporation.  In what seems like a cool partnership, Common has joined forces with Mircosoft. The duo hasn't wasted any time builiding a beneficial branding partnership, Microsoft is sponsoring Common's current tour with N.E.R.D and backstage footage from a gig in Seattle is being used for a new artist video-podcast series called 'The Green Room' available exclusively on Zune's newly revamped desktop software. The team of Common and Microsoft are also venturing into fashion, a T-shirt line is in the works, the Common designed tees will hit stores next month. Microsoft's Zune made a brief cameo in Common's latest music video. Common revealed his motivation for joining forces with Microsoft in an Q&A with Ad Age, "I know that Microsoft has been around for 20 years, they established themselves in the mid-80s and since then they've progressed. Microsoft is classy, it's a timeless brand, and it means something to the world, internationally, and I felt like that's the direction of what I want Common to be, to be honest."

Common's upcoming album, Universal Mind Control, will hit stores November 11. Check out his latest video, 'Universal Mind Control', featuring Pharrell.