Blogs

I must admit that I was in complete awe when N’Dambi obliged me with this interview. My initial expectations were well exceeded. Upon first meeting you are graced with this extremely humble woman whose voice is paralleled only by her amazing demeanor. She one day hopes to develop a school in her hometown that will focus on the many aspects of the music industry. While in Memphis promoting her latest album, Pink Elephant, I got the opportunity to flex my interviewing chops as well as catch a glimpse into this rising star’s journey:

Timeless: The Composer/Arranger Series is the name of a concert series that was created in homage to the composer/arrangers who have influenced hip-hop in the most literal and profound ways. Timeless was conceived by production house Mochilla in Los Angeles during February and March 2009 and included the performances of over 150 musicians in front of ecstatic sold out crowds. These three historic events were recorded and filmed in exacting detail with Mochilla's unmistakable style.

Thanks Tonya :)

Check out Doug & Patty-Season 2 (in Sheckyvision)

Tracklisting:
Shecky’s Prequel
Ode 2 Patty Mayonnaise skit
Ode 2 Patty Mayonnaise(Shecky’s Blue Plate Remix)
Official (Applejac’s Meccafficial remix)
Doug’s Funny Love (Dark Thoughts remix)
Mustard and Mayonnaise skit
Super Nova (Shecky’s Amicable Parting Of The Ways remix)
Lost Love (Shecky’s Bittersweet Bossa Nova remix)
Alright (Applejac’s Finding Closure remix)
Always (Patty’s Grimy Butta Knife remix)

This will be one of the rare...where I fall off my path of all that is music and discuss something other...whatever that other might be will depend upon where my mind lies...today?..."on the strength." I don't care what you will ever know about me...what I pride myself on is being a woman of my word. If I flake or not is purely my within my character of the moment (consistency is no one's fashion)...but you can never say that you weren't told before, during, or after the fact. I believe that if you want others to perceive you as honest and dependable...be true to your word. If you want to be perceived as a liar and a manipulator, then weaken your word. Your word has power...words themselves have power. We can create so much with positive and negative words and not just action.

Soul Siren, Leela James, returns with a new album...new label..new attitude. "My Soul", James' debut album on her new label- Stax Records- is set to be released on May 25th of this year. The new album comes on the heels of high praise from soultracks.com, the online source for all things soul and R&B, who recently bestowed a 2009 Readers' Choice Awards to James in the category of Female Vocalist of the Year.

Badu is back on the scene with a new album- New Amerykah Pt 2: Return of the Ankh- follow up to New Amerykah Pt 1- scheduled to be released 3/30/10. Part 1 had more of a hip hop vibe to it that seemed to perturb the die-hard fans of her organic, soul lounge feel. I, for one, LOVED IT (being a hip hop head myself). I thought the combined production from 9th Wonder, Madlib, Sa-Ra, and Dilla were amazing...which leads me to me next point.

If cupid was a tangable being I would hug him and crush his "wittle" arms. Let's face it...Valentine's Day brings out all the love you thought you never had along with the bullshit you always knew. What I hate most is listening to sappy songs about love...that fit only around this hallmark holiday. But there are a few...just a few songs that I feel only fitting for this day...

Happy Valentines' Day- Andre 3000 (Speakerboxx/The Love Below)
"...Everyday on the 14th." Indeed I could sing this song 365 days of the year and feel the love.

Valley of Love- J*DaVey (Divisions of Joy)
A tourmented soul never sounded so good.