Prince ‘BlkMagic’ Damons

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.”

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.

Although it has been embraced by the world for decades, there remains no easy way to clearly define soul music. This dynamic style of music rose to popularity in the 1950s, brought to the limelight by legendary musicians such as James Brown and Ray Charles. In this era, artists blended gospel harmonies with rhythm and blues to create a style that was quite unique. After all, incorporating the subjects of love, relationships and cool happenings into gospel music was not widely accepted by the general public at the time.

Despite the critics, the early bits of soul music became incredibly popular, particularly among the African-American community. Gospel was already familiar to many listeners and the new combination proved powerful enough to speak to the soul. Record companies across the nation hopped on the bandwagon, capitalizing on the demand and helping drive the soul music genre to the forefront of the industry. Mainstream record labels like Atlantic Records signed music artists such as Solomon Burke while newcomers Goldwax Records and Stax Records went after the likes of Aretha Franklin, James Carr and Otis Redding. Some companies even leveraged the new phenomenon by merging it with rock and roll, leading to the evolution of talents such as Jimi Hendrix and the Experience.

By the time the 1970s rolled around, soul shaped dramatically with bands such as Parliament Funkadelic, fully embracing the implementation of psychedelic rock. One of the most influential albums of this period in soul was Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, a riveting composition that touched on racial conflict in the United States and the controversial subject of the Vietnam War. From there, soul music made the transition to funky, disco styles, an era that left a lasting impression on the genre. The Commodores and Earth, Wind and Fire are just two of many instrumental groups to power the disco movement with a variety of mainstream hits that got the public’s attention.

Though primarily dominated by African Americans, there are a few Caucasian artists that have left a memorable stamp on soul music as well. Often referred to as “Blue-eyed Soul,” Hall & Oates, Bee Gees and Bobby Caldwell were among some of the most known to make major contributions to new-wave soul music. In fact, a number of ’70s and ’80s bands such as Chicago just wouldn’t have been the same without the powerful influence of soulful melodies.

Soul music continues to thrive to this day, now existing in a wonderful array of variations. You will find it incorporated into hip hop, modern gospel and contemporary music in general. The seeds planted by the likes of Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder were nurtured by legendary groups such as the Dramatics and Sly & The Family Stone. Neo soul artists like Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soulchild, Angie Stone, Raphael Saadiq, Dwele, and Alicia Keys grabbed a hold to those roots and created a style that is fresh yet reminiscent of the golden days.

Where is soul headed? It is headed around the world with no boundaries to reach, touching an audience of new and old fans alike.

The influence music has on our way of thinking and lifestyle dates back many years. Some of that influence has been negative regardless of the artists’ intention. Seeing him for the man that he is today, you might never believe rapper Ice Cube purposely delivered negative messages with the album titled Kill at Will. Several might disagree, especially when the album depicts a young Cube posing with an automatic handgun, looking as if he’s offering the weapon to the listener. Although the album mainly dealt in politics and struggles of America’s inner city ghettos, it’s no doubt those genuine hardcore tracks like “Endangered Species” and “The Product” could have easily been used to fuel the anger of someone who already had a negative outlook on life.  At the same time, a soulful cut like “Dead Homies” could do the exact opposite, affecting listeners in a positive light, causing them to think twice about the consequences of their actions.

Every once in a while we are graced with a moving song or album, such as Ice Cube’s Kill at Will. A creative artist comes along and opens our ears with revealing lyrics powerful enough to challenge the common way of thinking and initiate compelling conversation. There are many occasions when popular music takes a listener deeper than the political realm, often proving that politics aren’t that deep at all. There are instances when an artist drops a cutting-edge track and changes the perception of a particular genre. Take Ne-Yo for example. An admitted hip hop junkie, the smooth R&B soulster lifted the spirits of women across the country with his hit single “Miss Independent”. This catchy track highlighted the qualities of strong, independent ladies, a refreshing theme in an industry that has been known to portray females in a classless manner. Aptly titled Year of the Gentlemen, Ne-Yo’s latest album is jammed with socially charged melodies.

Quality conscious music is based on originality that not only inspires imagination, but touches lives as well. One artist who has built a name for such emotional lyrics is India.Arie. Released late 2005, her song titled “I Am Not My Hair” became an anthem for breast cancer survivors, women young and old, black and white. Arie even shaved her head to express her creativity and further drive the message home. Like many of her songs, this one flows like a poem, reminding women everywhere that they shouldn’t be defined by their skin or hair, but by the beauty within their soul. Although the track became more commercialized with remixed versions featuring Akon and pop rocker Pink, it still offers strong appeal and relays a deep felt message.

Socially conscious music is the type that breaks the mold, displaying a sense of purpose beyond the world of marketing. “Do a Little Better” by Prince “BlkMagic” Damons is another track that makes the listener think and even commands the attention of fans who may prefer other genres. Melding a soft R&B feel with a smooth hip hop vibe, this influential tune touches on cancer, the government’s stranglehold over the medical field, and pulling together as a race of people to make it through the storm of life.

When these songs are able to impact their listeners in a positive way, they remind us that music has a role that is far more essential than encouraging us to dance and bob our heads.

Forms of poetry have existed as early as 1700 BC, back when the Indian Vedas and Zoroaster’s Gathas where devising ways to aid in memorization and oral transmission.  Spoken word as we know it today got its claim to fame in the early 1990s. Films, such as Poetic Justice in 1993 and Slam! in 1998, receive much of the credit for the current spoken word explosion. Poetic Justice saw actor/singer Janet Jackson use poetry as an outlet to deal with inner conflicts and express her emotions. Her character, Justice, was traumatized by losing her boyfriend to a violent shooting. The only method able to soothe the feelings of loss and agony was writing poetry. Though you could argue that this wasn’t the best movie, it did touch on the impact of spoken word and even gave us some passages from renowned poet Dr. Maya Angelou.  In Slam!, Saul Williams’ character, Ray Joshua, used poetry to rehabilitate himself and rejoin society following a stint in prison.

Both of the films mentioned above opened our eyes to spoken word but none more so than the 1997 release of Love Jones. Starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long, this film made poetry hip and sexy. The poems in Love Jones were driven by emotion, unleashing a side of spoken word that most people didn’t know existed. When Larenz Tate’s character, Darius Lovehall stepped on stage, his risqué, flirtatious poem, “Brother to the Night,” captivated the audience of movie extras and film lovers across the nation. The poetry was so deep that ladies in the streets suddenly found themselves bombarded by guys spitting romantic pick up lines patterned after Lovehall’s influential poetry. It is no doubt– Love Jones was a film that paved the way for new age spoken word, resulting in the revival of coffeehouses and bookstores that opened the doors to open-mic nights and a barrage of soulful, jazzy poetry.

Neo soul is the name of a fresh new genre that meshes the best of spoken word with soulful music. Often referred to as spoken word soul, it contains elements of jazz, funk, R&B and electronic sounds. This movement originated in the late ’90s, introduced by hip hop notables like Common, The Roots and Mos Def, and then ascended to popularity at the turn of the century and into the present. Indie artists such as Dr. Cornell West and Coco Brown have fully grasped the original foundation of doo-wop and gospel tunes, merging powerful spoken words to form the center of which all music is based.

Artists like Gil Scott-Heron, Floetry, Slum Village, Jill Scott, and Talib Kweli are considered the progenitors of this new style of soul. Their success has powered the underground culture and inspired unsigned hype to stop waiting for the big name record companies and use other mediums to promote their talents. Some of the artists you’ve never even heard of can be found on a number of web-based outlets including CD Baby, Dusty Groove, MySpace and YouTube. Donald “Dee M” Manor, Shades of J co-founder and producer, is one of many who believe that this soulful, poetic movement will “always be relevant.” Leaving us with the final though, that from old to new, soul will be a large part of our musical culture.