Keke Wyatt | Who Knew

Keke Wyatt | Who Knew? By Peggy Oliver

Advance Review | Coming Feb 23rd, 2010

Remember that back-in-the-day treasure by Jerry Butler, “Only the Strong Survive?”? Keke Wyatt is one of those survivors in the music business who has kept her vocal chops soulfully fresh. During her childhood, Wyatt was the ‘ish’ in her hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana. By age ten, she already experienced her first professional gig for a regionally recorded gospel compilation. Shortly afterwards, she connected with a respected producer – Steve ‘Stone’ Huff (The Isley Brothers) – who took Wyatt under his wing. Under his tutelage, she quickly learned the highs and the hardships of the music business. After several demos, the public was privileged to witness Wyatt and R&B/hip-hop star Avant on his debut, My Thoughts with “My First Love,” first waxed by the popular soulful duo from the eighties – Rene & Angela. That duet with Avant cemented a future for Wyatt as a solo artist. The entire buzz indeed generated by the urban music circles was justified.

Wyatt’s debut from 2001, more than appropriately titled Soul Sista, was a wonderful introduction to a voice which can break glass at a moment’s notice and balanced classic soul with contemporary edgy R&B. It was no surprise that another duet with Avant for “Nothing in This World” was the ultimate highlight along with her cover version of Patti LaBelle’s “If Only You Knew.” The later track was quite a risk for an unproven talent, but her vocal maturity certainly could pull a Patti classic out of her hat compared to many of her R&B counterparts. With a gold certification for Soul Sista and a 2002 Soul Train Lady of Soul nomination, everything was clicking for Wyatt to be the ‘ish’ in the urban music market.

It did not help Wyatt’s cause when personal issues, especially the domestic abuse involving her husband, and changes of record labels slowed her climb for several years. Through it all, she learned to stand strong through the musical business battlefield. Her relationship with MCA was short-lived after Soul Sista. In 2004, Wyatt inked with Cash Money Records, releasing the major urban radio hit “Put Your Hands on Me” that dished out stern warning about those who physically abuse their partners. That radio exposure however died within a month. Thus her sophomore full-length disc Emotional Rollercoaster was permanently shelved. That obstacle did not hinder Wyatt as she bounced back on TVT Records, which garnered the title track from a supposedly upcoming album Ghetto Rose. Once again, unfortunate circumstances forced this album to bite the dust.

As I’ve probably mentioned in the past, big gaps between recordings for barely established artists could lead to music industry oblivion. And eight years is a mighty long time. Yet the mentally and vocally firm Wyatt is finally ready to drop her second full-length project (FOR REAL) entitled Who Knew? Considering all her personal past history, the lyrics mostly concentrate on the roller coaster ride of relationships.

Given life by her new label home Shanachie Entertainment, Who Knew? opens in feisty style with the title track; a mid-tempo anthem her triumphant return to the musical fold. This is also one of the tracks on my high recommendation list. Wyatt’s gospel roots are evident especially during the last half of “Without You.” “Peace on Earth” could be just another gushy song about just getting along with each other. In this case, I truly believe Wyatt’s sincerity behind the lyrics. Besides, the minimal accompaniment of acoustic guitar provides ample space for her durable voice. Finally, “Never Give Up” superbly frames classic soul in a modern vibe with its horn punches, jazzy guitar fills and sizzling lead and background vocals.

Now, can I honestly say the rest of Who Knew? lives up to Wyatt’s talent? Yes, especially when her extraordinary range is allowed to do the work – from sweet vocal adlib intros to soulfully passionate bursts. No, because some of the arrangements are droll with overly bumpy synthesized slow beats. But now that Wyatt has her foot back in the door, the industry should continue supporting this unappreciated voice for a much longer stint. Whatever the future holds for her, Wyatt’s survival skills and high-quality voice should keep her in the musical game for years to come.

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene