The Art of Soul Music

It’s a general consensus that Soul Music is a blend between R&B, Blues, and Gospel music dating back as early as the 1950’s. The inspiring art form derived from the early struggles within the Black community, which gave birth to a few commonly known forefathers: Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and James Brown.  According to Nero: there are many different types of Soul music, including, but not limited to: Southern Soul, Neo-Soul and Psychedelic Soul (which paved the way for Funk music in the 1960s).

As a fan of Soul Music, I have been able to listen, analyze, and relate to its various styles, however Neo-Soul is the one element that I subconsciously clung to.

As its name (new-soul) implies, Neo-Soul music is essentially modern-day soul music, with contemporary attitudes and sensibilities. It differs from con temporary R&B in that it's obviously more soulful, and it also tends to have deeper messages and meanings than R&B (Nero, 2011). During the mid 90’s my mother’s speakers filled my ears with what most considered to be the beginning of the Neo Soul movement; Raphael Saadiq, DeAngelo, and Erykah Badu. Although Kedar Massenburg of Motown Records is credited with coining the phrase “Neo Soul”, I credit my mother for the genres informal introduction into my life.

During the 90’s artist like Erykah Badu, Raphael Saadiq, DeAngelo, and Luaryn Hill, and Mary J. Blidge musical influence was grand. In fact they played an intricate role in my love for music. Today, artist like India Arie, Jill Scott, N’Dambi, Goapele, Leela James, Anthony Hamilton, John Legend, The Roots, Dwele, Musiq, and a host of others keep my speakers vibrating, and my eardrums attentive. In addition soul artist Jaguar Wright has provided some interesting dialogue on Neo-Soul, and its hype. Her sophomore album entitled “Divorcing Neo to Marry Soul raised eyebrows in the music industry.

In her 2005 interview with Doorie Williams-Wheeler of Thabiz.com, Jaguar discussed her dislike for the Neo-Soul title stating:

“What the title means. Neo-soul. Neo meaning new. There is nothing new about soul music. Don't believe the hype. I'm not a part of the hype, I don't believe in hype. Divorcing myself from the stigmata, embracing the history. They don't have a right to take that history from us. I don't know why but for some reason so many black artists feel the need to divorce themselves from their history and their culture and their roots. I'm not one of them people. Divorcing the garbage, marrying the real”.  

I understand Jaguars frustration with Black artist feeling the need to divorce their history, however it’s not just the artist its Black people in general.  Somehow we have been misguided, and led to believe that our indigenous roots are noting more than an afterthought. Soul music has produced some serious truth tellers in its most glorious past. Finding the conviction to pursue our fondest dreams and the courage to face-up to our darkest truth is perhaps the artist’s greatest challenge (N’Dambi). Despite the criticism, and confusion associated with the Neo Soul and Soul genre, along with its limited appeal to mainstream America. I’m infatuated with the sound!

Reference:

Nero, Mark E. The Definition of Soul. An Origin of the Genre. Retrieved

(2011) About.com Guide. http://randb.about.com/od/rb12/a/Soul_Music.htm

Nero, Mark. E. What is Neo-Soul? Retrieved (2011) About.com Guide.

http://randb.about.com/od/rb12/p/NeoSoul.htm

http://www.ndambionline.com/about

Wheeler, D.W. (2205) Jaguar Wright Interview. Retrieved (2011)

THABIZ.com.

         http://www.thabiz.com/jaguar_wright_interview.htm

Images

tradebit.com

blackmenarise.com

http://zazzle.com

Dee-1 "One Man Army"

         A couple of years ago I attended The Extreme battle of the Bands in downtown Baton Rouge, in hopes of seeing my sister and her band mates win first place. The event line-up consisted of popular high school bands from in and around the Greater Baton Rouge area, in addition to local and national recording artist like: Lil Boosie & Webbie.   To my surprise I receive more than what I bargained for, not only did my sister and her band mates take first place, but I had the rare opportunity to hear positive Hip-Hop from an up and coming artist named Dee-1.

         When introduced by Baton Rouges on self-proclaimed gangsta turned activist Silky Slim, Dee-1 charged the stage with swagger rarely seen in the capital city. His aggressive yet optimistic flow captivated my eardrums and subconsciously made my head nod back and forth. As I continued to listen his soulful tune, I was astounded by his lyrical content and stage presence. By the end of his set I found myself reciting the chorus in my head saying: “I’m strapped with a pad, my pen is gat, a mask and a vest plus I’m dressed in all black, God by my side so no man can harm me this is the story of a One Man Army”.  

         After the battle I began searching for “One Man Army” but was unsuccessful, mainly because I could not remember Dee-1’s name. Shortly thereafter, I conceded my search and waited for his music to find me and it did.  One cool February evening I was listening to the MTV Jams channel, and completing a Full Sail assignment when Dee-1’s “One Man Army” video came on. I immediately stop working on my assignment and blasted the soulful tune, after learning his name I goggled Dee-1 and found his website.

         Born & raised in the heart of New Orleans, Dee-1 shares the same struggles as the legendary artists that put the 504 on the map, but he is determined to represent the city with a different viewpoint by using insightful and thought provoking rhymes in his music (Dee-1, 2011).  While reading his bio, I became more intrigued with Dee-1 the artist who graduated from LSU, and taught at a local middle school.

“Dee-1’s music creates an atmosphere that welcomes all listeners from nearly any background. His positive message extends well beyond the stereotype of the traditional conscious rapper, because as he says, “real recognizes real.” If you have never seen a live Dee-1 show, you’re missing out! Dee has the rare ability to perform in nearly any environment, from arenas to nightclubs to schools to churches; and the response is always the same. Outstanding!! (Dee-1, 2011)”

From Mr. Augustine to Dee-1, he has been featured in various media outlets such as Billboard Magazine, CNN, MTV, BET, XXL, 2DopeBoyz, and various columns and newspapers. He has released six mix tapes, one album, three videos, and performed alongside some of the biggest names in the music, including his recent performance at Jazz Fest, 2011. As an artist I admire his approach, and respect his lyrical ability. There are only a handful of artist that I respect in the music industry, and Dee-1 is the newest member of that club.  I support the movement

Reference:

http://dee1music.com/category/discover-dee-1