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Neo-Soul, Page 9

Les Nubians | Nu Revolution

Les Nubians - Nu Revolution
 
Les Nubians | Nu Revolution
By Peggy Oliver
 
Sometimes in the grand scheme of music, there are history lessons that are taught. Born of a French father and Cameroonian mother, the sisters spent time -between their birthplace of Paris, France, the war-torn Chad, Africa – where their father volunteered for the Red Cross – and Bordeaux, France. When Helene moved away at age nineteen, Celia was battling loneliness but remained passionate about music, especially when it came to jazz.

Mint Condition | 7…

Mint Condition - 7
 
Mint Condition | 7…
Shanachie Records
by Brent Faulkner
 
R&B group Mint Condition’s seventh studio LP, entitled 7… marks their first release since 2008’s E-Life. On their smartly conceived seventh full-length, Mint Condition sounds just as vocally capable as they did back in their heyday – the glory days of ‘new-jack swing’ and a time where adult contemporary-laden R&B thrived.

Jennifer Hudson | I Remember Me

Jennifer Hudson - I Remember Me
 
Jennifer Hudson | I Remember Me
by Brent Faulkner
 
Jennifer Hudson was initially remembered for her premature departure from American Idol Season three. After her premature departure, her career only ‘looked up.’ Her first major role playing Effie White in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls won Hudson both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Marsha Ambrosius | Late Nights & Early Mornings

Marsha Ambrosius - Late Nights & Early Mornings
 
Marsha Ambrosius | Late Nights & Early Mornings
By Peggy Oliver
 
I can not exactly determine if coincidence played a role in The Floacist AKA Natalie Stewart and Marsha Ambrosius releasing their debut projects just a few months apart. But whatever the reason, the timing for these gifted ladies to make noise on the charts was a stroke of genius. Their fans that were familiar with these ladies when they teamed as Floetry were more than ready to experience their talent in a solo spotlight.

Ginuwine | Elgin

Ginuwine - Elgin
 
Ginuwine | Elgin
By Susan Mutharia
 
In the music industry we have had timeless classics and one hit wonders, legendary artists and the unremarkable, trendsetters and followers. Every decade has ushered innovative fashion statements, challenging dance moves and even a new meaning to certain words. 1996 was no different. It was in that year that Ginuwine unleashed the track Pony.

Colie Williams | Light Up The Darkness

Collie Williams
 
Colie Williams – Light Up the Darkness
By Peggy Oliver
 
Neo-soul is one of those categories that sometimes is hard to figure out or dissect. But it is encouraging knowing there are many urban vocalists today who are embracing the past without sounding too outdated. From the veterans Jill Scott to the recent voices Colie Williams, old-fashioned smooth soul with a fierce attitude is more alive and well than ever.

Christina Simos | All About Me

Christina Simos II
 
Christina Simos | It’s All About Me
by Brent Faulkner
 
Christina Simos can be defined as a crossover artist. Bridging styles encompassing R&B, funk, pop, rock, and singer-songwriter, Simos’s full length All About Me can be described as a ‘musical melting pot.’ Simos seems to be on a stylistic ‘road trip’ throughout, sometimes with smooth transitions while at other times questionable ones.

J. Poww | Journey Of A Man

J Poww | Journey of A Man
By Susan Mutharia

Before Pathway to the Moon by MN8 and All My Life by KCi & JoJo, there was So In Love by U.N.V…. Remember that ballad? Remember the group? Remember one of the singers, J. Poww? Well, he is back with another solo album entitled Journey Of A Man.

Though it’s been a minute since we heard from the group U.N.V, J Poww has not been silent. In January of 2009, he released his first solo debut The Headliner that featured tracks such as Y Can’t She Be You and Fall In Love All Over Again. Now he is back with his second album Journey Of A Man. Released on December 4, 2010 through Powwer Moves Records LLC., Journey of A Man features twenty R&B tracks with some hip-hop mix. The video of the single I’m Not In Love has already been accepted and added to the video play list by VH1. To continue, Please click “MORE”!

Avant | The Letter

Avant - The Letter
 
Avant | The Letter
By Brent Faulkner
 
Avant comes from an older school of R&B singers – much in the vein of R. Kelly – who are the ‘consummate lover men.’ Avant has never truly broken from the shadow of Kelly, probably not aided by the constant comparisons. The problem also stems from the fact that Avant bowed years after Kelly had already long been established, making the singer play a game of ‘catch up,’ which truly was not fair given his vocal abilities.

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