Speech and the Neo-Soul Style
Today's "neo-soul” style is introducing Hip-Hop to new audiences. Its success is due to great melodic rap artists like Speech.
Formerly with EMI, Speech now releases his music on the Indy label Blue Hammock. His new album, "The Vagabond," hit stores November 1 -- and is available for preview on MusicStrands.
Some of us may remember Speech from the early '90s, as the "musical, political and conceptual force" behind the hip-hop group Arrested Development. The group’s melodic rapping style propelled it up the charts, and Arrested Development won two Grammy awards, two MTV awards, and a few multi-platinum releases. The secret was the group’s appeal to both to popular radio audiences as well as the urban subculture.
Compared to Jazz or Rock, hip-hop is a relatively new musical genre -- and anyone over 35 probably needs to acquire the taste. However, Neo-Soul is easily enjoyable. The mood is typically smooth and embracing. The melody is easily digested, without being saccharine. The lyrics are intelligible, and have a positive message aimed at a wide audience.
For fans of this style, here’s my shopping list of Neo-Soul artists. This playlist is like a primer for newbie hip-hop fans. I advise all those who've turned away from this new cultural art form to check out these tracks.
1. Lady by D'Angelo
2. On & On by Erykah Badu
3. Ordinary People by John Legend
4. Immigrant by Sade
5. Bring Me Down - (with Brandy) by Kanye West
6. Confessions Part II by Usher
7. Get It Together by India Arie
8. Feel Free - (featuring Do 'Reen) by Soul II Soul
9. You Had Me by Joss Stone
10. Life In One Day by Lazy K
11. Ghetto by Akon
12. It's Cool by Chico DeBarge
13. Braided Hair by Speech
The entire Neo-Soul playlist can be found on MusicStrands. Check it out; or build your own playlist.
"Braided Hair" on Speech’ new album Vagabond, is this week's featured track. The female guest artist/background vocals on this track is Neneh Cherry, and the track has been recorded by the group “1 Giant Leap” with artists like Jamie Catto & Maxi Jazz (Faithless), Brian Eno, Baaba Maal, etc.
BTW: Arrested Development's debut album (on EMI) sold more than 5 million copies worldwide, and this was back in 1992. Now, after 6 years, they have reunited. Speech's 10 year solo career has produced, to this day, more than 6 albums.
Enjoy,
--Byron
