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!!! 😀