CNN reports that the great unsung Grammy-nominated singer, Teena Marie has passed away at her Los Angeles home Sunday, Dec. 26. She was 54.
Before there was Christina Aguilera or Fergie, there was Teena Marie. She is most know for her sweet soulful voice and gained popularity in the late 1970s and 80s with mega hits like "Square Biz," "Lover Girl," and most notably "Fire and Desire" featuring the late funk legend Rick James.
It was reported that Marie suffered a grand mal seizure last month. Her manager Mike Gardner has confirmed her death but there are very few details on the cause of death.
Teena Marie leaves behind her daughter, Alia Rose, family, friends, and millions of fans who will forever miss her.
"Farewell, my sister, fare thee well. The elements be kind to thee, and make Thy spirits all of comfort: fare thee well." -William Shakespeare
It’s been two years since we’ve heard from the Oakland songstress, Keyshia Cole, but the new mommy and newly engaged singer is back with her fourth studio album, Calling All Hearts.
For all the Keyshia fans out there keep an eye out for the original 11-track LP and the 13-track deluxe edition (certainly some of you my want both copies). Both editions have minimal features, which nowadays is rare, and flows with a mid-tempo/slow jam feel. The album in totality has a sort of 90’s vibe, the production isn’t filled with heavy bass or auto tune, and it has a very reminiscent feel to it.
It’s clear that this album was written out of love, with tracks like “Take Me Away,” “What You Do To Me,” and “Better Me,” it seems like her fiancée, Daniel “Boobie” Gibson of the Cleveland Cavaliers and their bundle of joy, Daniel Jr. heavily influenced various tracks on the album.
Although Keysh can stand on her own with her raw and soulful voice there’s nothing wrong with having a little additional help from the likes of Nicki Minaj, Faith Evans, Tank, Timbaland, and her adoptive mother, Dr. Yvonne Cole.
Calling All Hearts is definitely a contrast in comparison to Keyshia’s three previous albums. Her fans will hear the growth in her vocals and lyrics. She hits higher notes on the track “Take Me Away,” on “Tired of Doing Me” featuring Tank she sings about wanting to be loved and in love, and she even shows her fans her spiritual side on “Thank You” where she and her mother, Yvonne, praise God and thank him for always being by her side.
Listeners can certainly expect to find some hits on this album. Out of 13 songs Keyshia has several solid tracks that if released will get her to platinum status. With “I Ain’t Thru,” featuring 2010’s breakthrough artist Nicki Minaj, bubbling up the R&B charts, her latest single “ Long Way Down” isn’t too far behind. “If I Ever Fall in Love Again” is another track that is sure to be a hit. The song has Keyshia and Faith Evans exchanging strong vocals over a head banging beat that sounds like Notorious B.I.G’s “Warning.” The other gem on this album is “So Impossible,” it’s smooth and mellow and definitely sounds like it’s was written in her pre- Daniel days.
While Keyshia Cole’s come back may have been unexpected we’re awfully glad she’s back! Make sure you all go pick up Calling All Hearts, it’s in stores and on iTunes now! (P.S. It’ll make a great stocking stuffer!)
Check out Keyshia’s two latest videos “I Ain’t Thru” featuring Nicki Minaj and “Long Way Down” here on LUDIC.
By Reggie L. Dondria, Dondria, Dondria , where should I begin? The 23 year old’s debut album Dondria vs. Phatfffat is set for release today ( August 17th) and if I have to describe this album in one word that word would be "Refreshing." There is no auto tune to speak of , no over sexed lyrics, and no image shoved down our throats. This young lady is all about the music. Her 11 track effort is diverse and easy on the ears. There are no eletronic beats or over production that plagues so many of her contemporaries.
This album is reminiscent of early Brandy and Aaliyah. Songs such as "Kissed by the Sun," "Making Love," and the single "Your the One," sound like they would have come from Tiffany Evans rather than a 23 year old woman. I have to admit that I was not crazy about "Your the One," however after hearing the rest of her album I have been sold on this girl’s talent. Her voice is refreshingly (there’s that word again) womanly and clear. I can't count the number of singers who scream and shout through an LP , however this is not the case here, she sings. Let me say it again this girl sings her songs! Songs such as "Can You Help Me" find the neophyte pleading with her lover to save their relationship. Lyrics like "Dont give up on us, can you help me, I cant do this alone," emphasize her soaring voice.
There are few complaints about this album, like many things nothing is perfect. The album is so short it leaves you wanting more. The albums strength is also it’s fault as well, The album is almost "too Disney." But after hearing so many singers wail about their relationship woes, Dondria provides an escape that this music junkie welcomes. Whether you are a fan of the first single or not this girl at least is a talent to watch out for and thus worth giving a listen to.
Have you heard of Aloe Blacc? That’s because he’s not a household name-- yet. However he’s not a new artist. This multitalented musician (he’s a producer, rapper, songwriter, and singer) started his career in 1995 as one half of the rap duo, Emanon, but once that fizzled out he hit the scene 11 years later and was signed to Stone Throw Records. His debut album Shine Through released in 2006 got its praise with little recognition, but the California native’s forthcoming album Good Things is one to be compared to Marvin Gaye’s 1971 classic, What’s Going On. With its eclectic style and mixture of acoustic guitars, wailings of negro spirituals, R&B, Latin, and hip-hop Good Things is sure to deliver, well, good things.
The lead single off the album “I Need A Dollar” has a reminiscent 60s and 70s feel, its up-tempo yet mellow. As Blacc begs and pleads for a dollar “I need a dollar, dollar, a dollar is what I need…I will share with you my story, if you share your dollar with me,” it sounds like the economic cries of yester-year and today. The single is also theme music for HBO’s new series “How to Make it in America” starring rapper Kid Cudi.
The music video makes its viewer experience those hard times and hopelessness Aloe Blacc sings about. The black and white and color split screen shots are gritty and raw and portrays Blacc singing and gazing out his window while on the left side a mysterious man walks the mean streets of New York. The video dropped in early April and has been steadily played on MTV Jams and other music video stations. Even though Aloe Blacc’s album isn’t slated for release until September there’s no reason you can’t enjoy his music this summer! Check out Aloe Blacc’s latest video for his single “I Need a Dollar.” (This is the extended version.)
