tonya's blog

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.

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.

Just when I thought 'combos' couldn't get any better than 'peanut butter & jelly' I was proven wrong...The day I found out my favorite DJ- Jazzy Jeff would be Djing the Harrah's Tunica New Year's Eve Party I simultaneously received a link to download a mixtape by who else but Jazzy J. AND my fav entertainer- Michael Jackson!!! Can we say ELATED!

Q-Tip - Life Is Better (feat. Norah Jones) from nothing on Vimeo.

Every so often, a musical soul emerges from the underground with the inescapable talent; artistry and charisma that marks the arrival a gathering storm. Pink Elephant is the Stax Records debut from N’dambi, a songwriter with emotional purpose and rare honesty. The striking vocalist, pianist and composer from Dallas, Texas, known for her signature afro and fiery style, possesses the intuitive perception and powerful creativity that ensures an essential contribution to modern R&B and soul.