I’ve written about Phyllis Hyman several times. I never grow tired of talking about her or listening to her timeless music. There’s so much that can be said about her artistry. She really knew how to get inside lyrics. Whether you had experienced what she was singing about or not, you couldn’t help but to feel it. A supreme song interpreter and a dynamic performer, Hyman proved that she was in a league reserved truly for the greats.
Like The Roots and The Brand New Heavies (and Tony Toni Tone before them), Mint Condition is one of the best bands in the business. Mint Condition has carved a unique path for themselves, and after seven albums–they’ve stayed true to it. They’ve been a consistent musical mainstay for over 20 years. Never to be limited by formula, style, or genre, Mint Condition’s music is progressive, versatile, and infectious. Whether it’s funky up-tempo numbers, rock or jazz-inflected mid-tempo grooves, or smooth, soulful, heart wrenching ballads, they can play it all with ease (and sound even better live). With consummate artistry, superb production and instrumentation, relatable lyrics, and vocals to die for, Mint Condition will remain in a league of their own.
Dubbed as “The Queen of Indie Soul,” Conya Doss is a singer, songwriter, and producer who defies categorization. She makes organic, feel good music that touches the soul. Doss has a unique style that feels both old school and contemporary. Like Mary J. Blige (whose timbre her voice echoes slightly), Maysa, and Adriana Evans, she’s very versatile and can sing anything. Since 2002 Doss has released 6 albums, her most recent is entitled “A Pocketful of Purpose” (2012). Like a true artist, growth, maturity, and wisdom are evident with each release. Happy Black Music Month!!! 😀
Vikter Duplaix is an eclectic singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and DJ. He’s played, written, and/or produced for artists like Erykah Badu, Eric Benet, Incognito, and Esthero. His music is “Bold & Beautiful” (2006) and a “Departure” (2002) from what you hear on the radio everyday. It’s “sexy soul music,” as Duplaix called it, fused with electronic, house, dance, jazz, Latin, and African rhythms. It’s an experience. And one you won’t forget. It just might get you in trouble (in a good way). Happy Black Music Month!!! 😉
If not a current fan, you may still be familiar with Eric Roberson’s music. He’s written songs for artists like 112, Musiq Soulchild, Dwele, Carl Thomas, Vivian Green, and Jill Scott. He made his mark with his first single “The Moon” in 1994, which was a mainstay on urban adult contemporary radio. After nearly 20 years in the industry, Roberson’s released 8 albums and has remained one of the most consistent, authentic, spirited, and relatable artists in the game. And he’s done it all independently. He established his record label B.L.U.E. Erro Soul in 2001. His latest album is the acclaimed “Mister Nice Guy” (2011). Happy Black Music Month!!! 🙂
Teedra Moses is like one of the industry’s best-kept secrets. On that “Luxurious Undergrind,” she’s a singer-songwriter who’s written songs for Christina Milian, Macy Gray, Trina, and Mary J. Blige to name a few. But it was her debut album, 2004’s Complex Simplicity, that got fans really hooked. Not to mention, she’s released several mixtapes that often rival her the studio album of peers. Her voice is distinctive, smooth, and pure. Her lyrics can pack punches just as hard some rappers. She’s got a sweet yet street swag that is reminiscent of the sass of Cherrelle and Pebbles and the soulful, emotional grit of Mary J. Blige. Yet, she’s got a style that’s all her own. With her recent signing to Rick Ross’s Maybach Music Group, it won’t be long before the world knows just who Teedra Moses really is. Happy Black Music Month!!! 😀
When I saw the words “Alternative Hip Hop” emblazoned in the liner notes of Meshell Ndegeocello’s debut album Plantation Lullabies (1993), I thought–how limiting. She’s definitely not an artist you can lump a single category. After all, her last name in Swahili means “free like a bird.” She can play/sing anything. Her music is passionate yet cerebral. And when it comes to funky bass players she’s one of the baddest in the game! Happy Black Music Month!!! 😀
When compared to his contemporaries Lenny Kravitz is in a league all his own. He’s an extremely gifted singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who marches to the beat of his own drum. His retro-leaning music is an extraordinary blend of rock, funk, r&b/soul, folk, and reggae (to name a few). Album after album Kravitz proves that you can have style with substance and purpose. Happy Black Music Month!!! 😀
When Chaka Khan burst onto the scene as the lead singer of Rufus back in the 70s–the world was never quite the same. Jazz, Soul, Funk, Rock, Gospel, Pop–you name it she can sing it (effortlessly). Her inimitable, stratospheric vocals, unique style, and stage presence still leave audiences captivated to this day. A beautiful singer, songwriter, and musician–she’s truly one of a kind. And most certainly–iconic and legendary. Happy Black Music Month!!! 😀