Prince ‘BlkMagic’ Damons

M.U.S.I.C-(My Unique Soul Injecting Creativity). The unexplainable high I get from making music is what keeps me going back for more. I love to share untainted energy through music with others. A song can change someone’s mood for the day or their outlook on countless life changing issues. When the origin of music comes from the soul it can’t help but connect with someone somewhere. Most of my music is birthed from nothing more than a simple thought in the deep crevices of my mind. The best stuff comes when my mind is in it’s most honest and vulnerable state of being (often when I’m asleep). M.U.S.I.C….YES, its a good feeling.

Didn’t think it was possible, but you finally got tired of those 2,000 songs on your iPod. You listened to so much Ledisi that her voice prances about your dreams and ran through every song Common ever made. You would turn to the radio but what’s the point? Even a nice cut loses its pizzaz after hearing it 20 times every day. The new videos on BET aren’t “bangin” as advertised and do nothing to sooth your crave. So, what do you do? Where does a bona fide junkie turn for his or her fix of hip hop soul? Traditional record stores are all but extinct and the internet has not yet reached everyone, and for those who do plug-in, they are susceptible to viruses and other corrupt files. The quest for good music just might seem hopeless, but it gets a lot easier when you know where to look.

Take it to the Streets

With retail stores being scarce and the internet out of the question, one must be very strategic in order to find music that satisfies their tastes. There are many routes you can take to get your fix and it starts with hitting the streets - literally. Depending on your area, this could be difficult or incredibly easy. Inner cities throughout the United States are filled with aspiring artists waiting to unleash a fresh, familiar sound you’ve never heard before. It isn’t uncommon to find emerging artists selling their work at the local bus stop, gas station or just strolling down the block. The key is finding one who specializes in the type of music you’re into. If soul and conscious hip hop are your thing, you may want to inquire within an African American bookstore or coffee shop known for hosting spoken work functions. Many of these facilities distribute gems for local soul artists and have been known to expand the floor with open mic night. This could be a great way to discover your favorite new artist live and in person.

Get Social Wit It

The iTunes Store and other online outlets may have crippled traditional music stores but the social scene is almost guaranteed to remain prevalent, be it a night club or smoky hole in the wall. You’re sure to catch a lead on new jams wherever people are huddled together, socializing and listening to music. Give your favorite old school-themed bar or local jazz lounge a shot. Get bubby-buddy with a DJ who spins your type of flavor and you just might unleash the key to hidden treasures.

Find out What Friends are For

Your collection of soul is impressive while your library of hip hop classics is unparalleled. Be that as it may, you’re down on hard times, desperately seeking a hit of musical adrenaline. When this is the case, it may be time to reach out to a friend or two. Soul junkies typically run in packs, so if you’re looking for something new, your pal might be too. Check and see what they’re doing to cope during this musical depression. Who knows? They could be holding out and sitting on a nice stash.

Good, quality music is definitely harder to find these days. You may have to invest a little more time into your quest for worthy tracks but after landing on that certified jewel, you’ll be glad you gave the effort.

There are a lot of pressures to be faced in the music industry and two of the most crucial are the pressure to be thin and beautiful. This trend is forced throughout various genres from rock and pop to R&B and even the country realm. While you don’t see too many artists suffering from eating disorders with their ribs sticking out and what not, image is everything in this business and beauty appeals. Despite industry pressures and media hype, one area that has virtually remained untouched over the years is soul music.

Big Talent and Beauty

Often referred to as one of the leaders of the Nu Soul movement, the soulful Jill Scott is a gal who has always been on the thicker side. Even after being told that she wouldn’t sale a single record if she didn’t lose weight, Jill persevered and became one of the most treasured jewels on the scene. Throughout the years, Jill’s weight has gone up and down, her size changing for movie roles and simply trying to meet personal goals. Though admitting to weight issues in the past, Jill Scott has been widely accepted by her soul brethren and legions of fans - big or small, puffy hair and all.

Angie Stone has come a long way since hitting the soul scene, in terms of both her music career and personal life. This strong woman has been through it all, feeling the cold shoulder of Hollywood and everything it has to offer. With a successful music career under way, Angie delved into the film business, only to claim that she had been turned down for roles because of her weight and trademark silky-smooth black skin. Throughout the weight problems and a serious health scare, Stone has stayed true to herself and is still easily one of the most gorgeous women in showbiz.

Women aren’t the only ones to feel the pressure of the music industry. Because sex and its appeal sells, male celebrities and artists are just as marketable as their female counterparts. Every now and then, an artist comes through and breaks the mold, their star burning just as bright regardless of the outer shell. Take Ruben Studdard for example. Charmingly handsome but obviously overweight, Studdard shined on the brightest stage of them all, the commercialized spotlight of American Idol. After winning America’s vote, he went on to become a successful solo artist and one of the emerging new voices of soul. Studdard is often compared to the legendary great Luther Vandross, who also battled weight problems. Ironically enough, Luther was loved even more by his fans with the extra set of love handles for the simple fact that the pipes remained intact.

All that Chatter Don’t Matter

So is soul music immune to the demands of public perception? Not likely. The pressures still exist. The observers have taken notice and the critics are chattering. Unlike other genres however, soul is all about the music and its culture is one that forms the comfort zone. Lauryn Hills feels no pressure to perform when she hits the stage with her thin frame and short curly locks. India Arie has always been completely in-tune with her lovely dark skin. Hell, she even shaved her head bald to prove that beauty comes from within. The overwhelming acceptance of this movement can be characterized by confident brothers and sisters who are simply content in all their naturalness.

Rap vs. hip hop. This is an age old debate that has circulated about the hip hop community for years. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are actually significant differences between these two genres. For someone on the outside looking in however, distinguishing the two is quite difficult, especially when factoring in media influence. After tuning in to what was advertised to be a hip hop orientated show, you just might turn the channel and see the latest commercial rapper on the screen. In order not to get sucked in, one must understand that the line between hip hop and rap is more visible than it has ever been.

The Hip Hop Movement

Formulated in late 1970s, hip hop is more like a culture rather than a music genre. Its roots can be traced back to the streets of New York, a time when the B-Boys were break dancing in the neighborhoods. These unique dances were powered by Disc Jockeys who would go down as hip hop legends. Guys like Kool Herc, Grand Wizard Theodore and Grand Master Flash would mix the tunes these B-Boys grooved to. These spectacular functions were hosted by Emcees who fiercely rocked the mic, chanting raps and working the crowd during the break. When looking at it from this angle, rap can be viewed as a segment of hip hop. Already popular at the time, B-Boy’s DJs and Emcees soon incorporated graffiti art into the style, colorfully designing their attire to reflect their love and devotion to the culture.

Enter the Rap Game

Rap on the other hand, is an entirely different animal, especially today’s watered down variation. Although its origin actually precedes hip hop by centuries, rap as we know it got its big push in the 1980s, piggybacking off the DJs and their Emcees. L.L. Cool J and the legendary trio Run DMC are largely credited for ushering this genre into the mainstream. Towards the end of the decade, rebellious groups like NWA and Geto Boys helped to differentiate the two genres. These artists took the same pictures presented in hip hop yet painted them in blood, dishing out harsh scenarios through vulgar obscenities that helped popularize the trademark “Parental advisory sticker.”

The 1990s introduced legendary rap stars and groups such as MC Breed, Spice 1 and Wu Tang Clan. While this style of music was controversial and oh so unforgiving, it was also good. Driven with emotion, it felt real, sort of like heavy metal to rock-n-roll. Looking back now, the 90s can be considered the golden age of rap. These days brought us talents in the likes of Nas as well as future moguls such as Master P and Jay Z. Despite the popularity, the rap game has always had a dark side as it was common for the streets to spill over into the music. In a sector where everyone’s a “thug”, egos will make their presence known and bullets are sure to fly. It became clear that rap had gotten far too serious when greats like 2Pac and Biggie were slain at the hands of senseless violence.

A Turn for the Worse

Today, the rap game is in a state of emergency. Many of the artists you see on the scene with the bling-bling are essentially puppets on a string. When the market calls for a club banger, they’re in the studio laying down a track for the party goers. When love is in the air, they flop over to the R&B side, lips glossed to a shine in preparation for a poppy duet. When it’s time to go hardcore, they portray a “from the block” mentality, ready to set it off at a moment’s notice. Even today’s quote on quote “gangstas” will change their gimmick at the drop of a dime, going from a murderous street thug to an iced out debonair playboy in the blink of an eye. There’s no faking in hip hop; you are what you are. While many of these artists will get gully when they have to, it’s never done for show.

KRS-1 said it best - “Rap is something you do, but hip-hop is something you live.”

Artists have been sampling snippets of music for years. This manipulation or borrowing of music dates back to at least 1961, when James Tenney used samples of Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” to create the song “Collage #1 (Blue Suede)”. Though such practices were also employed by legendary rock groups like the Beatles, artists of the hip hop genre are largely credited for popularizing sampling.

Early Sampling

It is difficult to specify who started the trend but conventional wisdom indicates that Sugar Hill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” was the first popular rap song to feature sampling. On the other hand, these recordings were far different from sampling as we know it today. For example, rather than actually sampling Chic’s song “Good Times,” Sugar Hill Gang used a house band known as Positive Force to record a copy of the track while they performed lyrics over the beats. In fact, the group employed numerous session musicians to play live music on several of their classic jams. In this sense, the sounds of Sugar Hill Gang were not powered by samples but rather live musicians. Unfortunately, many of hip hop’s most acclaimed artists cannot say the same.

Sampling at its Best

From the very explosion of rap music in the late 1980s and early 1990s, samples became so popular that it is now common to catch a piece of Al Green or Ron Isley blended into the latest hip hop tune. Ice Cube was one artist who let it be known that he wasn’t above borrowing a few notes from the old school to make a profit. Originally released in 1990 on the album Kill At Will, “Jackin for Beats” was a cut that basically glorified the art of sampling. With the help of his producer, Cube jacked nearly two dozen songs, borrowing riffs from legendary soul singers as well as a few hip hop artists who were popular at the time. Some of the samples included in this classic track are Zapp’s “More Bounce to the Ounce”, “Welcome to the Terrordome” by Public Enemy and four different cuts performed by the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. At this point, it was clear to see that sampling would be around for the duration.

The Verdict

Should rappers and hip hop artists be looked down upon for sampling classic soul music? Does it show a sign of creativity or a lack thereof? These are tough questions to answer, especially when considering the countless number of songs that have been remade by some of today’s brightest stars.

Mary J. Blige, Beyonce’ and Lauren Hill are all guilty as charged for reviving the old school hits, nearly mimicking the melodies to the tee and barely changing a single note. Instead of criticizing those who sample the sounds of their musical ancestors, perhaps we should focus more on the original lyrics and view this practice as a way of paying homage to the old school. Besides, would N.W.A.’s “Gangsta Gangsta” really have been the same without the snippet from William DeVaughn’s “Be Thankful for What You Got?” “Diamond in the back, sunroof top” … You know the rest.

It does not matter what the genre is, all types of music go through a similar life cycle. There is the birth, evolution, mainstream acceptance and the decline. One stage that is never truly reached is that of obscurity. Why? Well, before a particular genre is seemingly left for dead by one culture, another works tirelessly to keep it alive. This factor is the very reason why the era of gangsta rap will never die as new fans dig up the old recordings and bring them to life, blaring the tunes of Eazy E and 2Pac like they just hit the shelves yesterday. On a similar note, slowly but surely, the new generation of soul is reaching beyond the inner-city urban environment. The best way to analyze the acceptance is to look at it from the controversial, yet intriguing angle of black and white.

The Birth of New Soul

When the millennium rolled around, artists like D’Angelo and Lauryn Hill spearheaded a new revolution of soul music, one that is now referred to as neo soul. These artists were heavily compared to those from the 60s and 70s, gaining praise from audiences and negativity from critics alike. Although names like Floetry, Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild seemed to be a lock for driving the next generation, the flame sort of fizzled out as the demand for dancing hip hop stars and bootilicious divas reached an all-time high.

Momentary Decline

Though the vibe is often mellow and sensual, the market for neo soul has always been smaller in comparison to acts like Beyonce and Rihanna, sensational artists who know how to wrap soulful melodies around the notes and get the blood pumping as well. Let’s face it; the world we live in is one of instant gratification. Most people want something they can instantly groove with, tracks with catchy hooks that motivate them to get out on the floor and shake it. Neo soul is a genre they have to sit back and dissect to truly get the full effect. This holds truth for both blacks and white. Ironically enough, it was some of the most unlikely artists who helped keep the soul torch alive and enter the homes of suburban America.

Into the Mainstream

The success of Amy Winehouse’s Rehab was just too strong to deny. As a result, this major hit opened up the eyes and ears of many listeners, essentially brining soul back to the mainstream. This brought much attention to lesser known artists such as Ledisi who has been selling a lot more since the likes of Amy Winehouse and Robin Thicke helped push soul to the forefront of commercial appeal. As you would expect, there has been debate and much controversy about who really deserves the credit, but it just shows that more people are simply looking for good music with no preference to the color of the artist.

Because soul music originated in the inner-cities primarily occupied by African Americans, it is unlikely that any form of the genre would ever be as widely accepted by those who dwell in the suburbs. With that said, one should accept the fact that music has no boundaries and each style has the ability to captivate the listener you would least expect.

Soul music has been on the comeback trail for some time now. No, Otis Redding, Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin haven’t put out new records, but new lineups of soulful artists have emerged. John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae and Lyfe Jennings are just a few sipping from the purifying spring waters of legendary soul music. To many, the next generation of soul is fresh and unique yet strikingly familiar to the classic tunes of yesterday. The obvious similarities forces one to pose the question - have today’s artists really improved soul music or are they simply remixing the same tunes we’ve already heard? Let’s delve further into the subject with comparisons of current artists and some of the old school legends.

Robin Thicke vs. Marvin Gaye

Son of TV dad Alan Thicke, Robin Thicke is compared to many vocalists but none more so than Marvin Gaye. Female fans will tell you that his voice is pure bliss, a soulful sound that gracefully reaches out to the masses and accentuates the late night mood. Marvin had a similar aura about him, a versatility that allowed him to stroke the hearts of lovers with “Sexual Healing” and bring a divided nation together with “What’s Going On”. Though Robin is a relative newcomer, some have already deemed him as the new king of soul.

Anthony Hamilton vs. Sam Cooke

With his remake of the classic “A Change is Gonna Come,” it is no surprise that Anthony Hamilton is often paired up with Sam Cooke. Cooke wrote the song during the Civil Rights movement, a very sensitive time in America. The track has been covered by everyone from Bob Dylan and Al Green to Aretha Franklin and Leela James. Anthony Hamilton did a fine job adding his name to the list, complimenting the timeless classic with the majestic voice that turns everything he sings into gold.

Beyonce vs. Tina Turner

After honoring the legendary diva at the 2008 Grammy Awards, the comparisons between Beyonce’ and Tina Turner were bound to surface. No one rocked the stage with as much energy and emotion as Tina - until Beyonce’ that is. With the release of her multi-platinum selling album, Dangerously in Love, Beyonce’ stood out from her Destiny’s Child counterparts and established herself as one of the most alluring figures in the music industry. The passion, intensity and sex appeal of these ladies certainly warrants a comparison.

Prince Damons vs. Quincy Jones

With diversity that enables him to perfect genres ranging from hip hop to every element of soul, Princes Damons is being put in the league of renowned producer, Quincy Jones. Jones is perhaps best known for his work on Michael Jackson’s Thriller but has produced for artists that range from Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra to Miles Davis and Barry White. Likewise, Prince Damons’ mesmerizing sound has complimented industry standouts that include E-40, Too Short, Lenny Williams, Goapele and a host of others.

Whether it’s Kobe vs. Jordan or the Lakers vs. Celtics, comparisons always make for intriguing conversation. When it comes to soul music however, things are a bit different. Most artists long for individuality and would prefer not to be compared to anyone. This is quite understandable as the soul artists referenced in this article have a dynamic appeal that places them in a league of their own.

Soul music and hip hop originated in the 1950s and 1970s respectively. The success of each is unique as both have taken elements from an array of styles. Soul music saw transitions from gospel and blues to disco and love songs while hip hop got its start from the DJs who cleverly mixed funk, disco and the very essence of soul music. Soul as we know it today has been given the title of Neo Soul, a relatively new genre that many are calling the revitalization of yesterday’s classics. Hip hop in a sense, has also changed, no longer solely associated with gangsta rap, as artists like Common and Kayne West have shown a diversity most never knew existed. While these genres have undergone notable transformations, they still share one common quality - the ability to open the ears and penetrate the hearts of fans across the globe.

Where are they Playing?

Soul music and hip hop from the United States travels extensively to the U.K., Australia, China and beyond. This should be no surprise when considering that Jamaican immigrants played a major role in the introduction of hip hop and some of the most recognized Neo Soulsters are of European decent. Although such observations are just coming to light, these flavorful genres have been a hit over international waters for years. Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Sly & the Family Stone and the Jacksons are just a few of several groups who received a big push from international radio waves. Snoop Dogg and the Dogg Pound were among some of the first hip hop artists to rock the mic overseas while 50 Cent is a major draw in several countries today. Music is very powerful, not only terms of beats and lyrics but impression as well. Fans all over the world are emulating their favorite artists by flaunting the gear, jewelry and “swagger” that comes along with them.

One region where hip hop has arguably become the most prevalent is Japan. Listeners in this country are so impressionable they often remake the music locally. Yes, Japanese rappers do exist and are quite fluent with the style. They recognize that rap and hip hop revolves around who you are and where you are from.

Of course, the lyrics are almost entirely in Japanese, but these artists are able to interpret the basis of the genre and effectively relay it to their audience. Whereas rap music in the United States often speaks of grim realities plaguing the inner city environment, Japanese rappers tend to deal with social problems and political issues. So the topics may be somewhat distinct but the messages are equally powerful.

Global Impact and Lessons in Life

For years, music has been a tremendous cultural influence with the power to impact those beyond national borders. This reach is not merely limited to soul music and hip hop, but all genres. The popularity of legendary rock bands such as the Beetles and Pink Floyd can be compared to the international success of artists like Charlie Wilson and the Game. In the end, the global influence of music helps us not only become more familiar with other cultures, but our own as well. It doesn’t matter where you live, everyone can relate to the struggle and feel your pain.

Soul music has been around for more than a half century.  Over time, this dynamic genre has undergone major changes, transcending from doo wop and gospel sounds to disco jams and soulful love ballads.  Approximately one decade ago, a new age of soul music emerged, a fresh yet strikingly familiar sound that has touched listeners far and wide.  This unique fusion of blues, jazz, hip hop and sensuality are depicted through a genre that has been tagged as “Neo Soul”.  The term has been coined to classify this new wave of soul music and is widely embraced by listeners.  However, it often does not sit well with the artists behind this style of music itself.  So, what is the conflict between neo soul and the artists who refute the title?  This article will provide insight from both perspectives.

Defining Neo Soul

The best way to define neo soul is to analyze the words that make up the term.  By definition, neo refers to a new form of something, or the revival of something old.  Many feel that neo soul is the best way to describe this particular genre as its elements hit at the revival of soul music.  On the other hand, the influx of modern artists and musical innovation makes this music feel and sound entirely new to some.

Neo soul is a term that gives the vast majority a more comprehensive way to group artists who have greatly distinguished themselves from traditional genres that are easier to identify.  People simply feel more comfortable with things that can be easily defined, often leading us to make it all fit in the categories we deem as appropriate.  From the perspective of the listener and those on the outside looking in, placing a stamp on this music genre helps them deal with its diversity.  In general, this branding is not done with ill intent, but like most artists, several of the new aged soulsters do not like to be categorized and often lash out at the term “neo soul.”

The Artists’ Viewpoint

Why does neo soul offend the artists who have popularized the genre?  There are actually a number of reasons.  These artists are quite fond of legends such as Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, talents who helped paved the way for soul music.  They know and have heard that soul music was not created by the new generation of artists along with whispers chanting that they are simply carrying on the legacy.  They want to be recognized on their own accord, not merely as artists who are wielding the torched passed down from previous generations.  Furthermore, many just do not want to be locked into a simple three-letter word just for the sake of clarity.  To them, their style of music is too powerful and diverse to be placed in a single category.  The reality is that such attempts are futile as everything will not always fit.  Trying to make them do so with those who deal in the arts is like holding their creativity hostage, making it feel as they are restricted to a certain criteria.

When considering its widespread popularity, the term neo soul is probably here to stay.  At the same time, the artist who power this controversial genre will likely continue to protest the title given by the very people who support and enjoy the music.

Retro soul is definitely in full effect as a new generation of artists has latched on firmly to the roots of their influential ancestors. These artists are bold and make no apologies for rejuvenating an era of music that is evolving slowly. They belt out vintage soul vocals, proudly wrapping them around organs, horns, strings and bluesy keyboards. From the neo soulsters like Raphael Saadiq, Angie Stone and Jill Scott to Beyoncé, Keyshia Cole and others that easily fall under rhythm and blues, each artist incorporates an identifiable touch of classic soul into modern melodies.

Soul music began as a unique blend of street-corner doo-wop, gospel rhythms and what were considered at the time as edgy lyrics. While there are many pioneers, Ray Charles is largely credited for popularizing the trend that saw gospel singers going soul after his church-feel hit “What I’d Say?” The classic era of soul is mainly traced back to the ’60s and early ’70s. These times were populated with the majestic voices of the Motown Sound. Artists like Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Brenda Holloway and others all played an integral role in evolving soul to the point where it appealed to the mainstream audience. The powerful influence of doo-wop and the pure sound of gospel were evident in the music created by Motown artists.

During the classic soul era, James Brown reigned as king with Aretha Franklin being declared as queen. Several other artists including Otis Redding, Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, Gladys Knight and Curtis Mayfield helped perfect the genre, adding rich and diverse flavor to the sounds of soul. Because the music essentially originated in the streets and the church setting, artists naturally emphasized lyrics with deep feeling and voice quality. They sung with sincere emotion, touching listeners in a way that can only be compared to the spiritual lift you get when hearing a passionate sermon. Every artist to be graced with placement in this category had the ability to move the listener in some form or another.

Soul music made a significant comeback in the late ’90s and new millennium with the emergence of neo soul. Mary J. Blige was instrumental in tastefully experimenting with hip hop and R&B, while groups like The Fugees and later breakaway Lauryn Hill took this phenomenon to the next level. Since then, artists like Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soulchild, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Lalah Hathaway and a host of others have introduced their own version of new and exciting soul music.

Today, soul music has gone all-world, embraced by hip hop artists and pop singers alike. Q-Tip’s latest album for example, The Renaissance, delivers a healthy dose of the old school, featuring tracks with notable soulsters like Norah Jones and Raphael Saadiq. From the old days of hip hop with the dazzling spins of DJ Jazzy Jeff to new sensations Slum Village, Martin Luther and Amy Winehouse, one generation from the next has accentuated the soul sound by recreating a revolution that promises to keep the torch burning.