Source: www.djjazzyjeff.com
While we’re speaking of real dope DJ’s, let’s hear DJ Jazzy Jeff on his inspiration, CDJ, Serato and vinyl. Props to the Crate Kings and PP2GTV for the clip.
Sometimes it’s just good to listen… a great interview from a great artist, with some excellent advice. Happy Friday!!!
This is a reader contributed guest post from Tom Leo of You Know You Got Soul.
GFM has been big supporters of Donell, so we’re pleased to share this interview with you. Special thanks to Tom for conducting this interview.
If you’d like to contribute a review, post or feature — click the Contribute tab and submit!
Today I caught up with r&b legend Donell Jones to discuss everything from his TWO upcoming albums, to his collaboration with Big Pun, to the state of R&B music today. One thing I will say about Donell is he has always stayed true to his roots and made timeless r&b music. In speaking with him, I can definitely see that he “gets it” in terms of understanding the importance of making this type of music.
YouKnowIGotSoul: From an early age you began writing songs, and eventually started writing for other artists. How were you able to be successful in writing and where did you draw your inspiration from?
Donell Jones: I think I was able to be successful in writing because I came up around a lot of great songwriters. Like for instance, Kenny Green who wrote a lot of the Mary J. Blige stuff. He was on the Untouchables staff at that time, so I kinda learned a lot from those guys and I think that’s why I was successful with my song writing. Plus I came from Chicago and everybody that I met was in New York, so I came with a different flavor than most of the New York songwriters had.
YNIGS: Did you always want to get into music, or was there ever something else you had in mind for a career?
DJ: You know what man, to be honest with you, that’s all I really wanted to do my whole life, was to make music and just create new stuff, like new songs, and just be a singer man.
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When given the opportunity to interview a musician who has forged a career that contains a volume of work that any student of American music should deem as important, you don’t hesistate to take full advantage of that opportunity. Now, when what this musician has to say is on par with her musical genius it’s a serious no-brainer.
Such is the case with Meshell Ndegeocello and it is our pleasure to bring you this discussion in the only way we know how: unfiltered. Devil’s Halo the new album is out and you can read a review of it here. And now without any further adieu we present the interview!
Q: As an artist which process is the most cathartic for you? The writing, the recording or the performing?
A: Being in the studio. I love to record. Inevitably, I get to write, record, and perform all at the same time there.
Q: Can you point to a definitive flashpoint moment where you determined that music would be your calling?
A: When I heard “Soft and Wet.”
Q: What are you thoughts on social media as it relates to how musicians conduct business in the 21st Century?
A: Well, on the one hand it empowers the artist. On the other, I do not have the skills to “conduct business” there and I don’t think a lot of creative people do. It’s an incredible marketing tool but it’s also another extreme.
Q: Is there a character from a book, movie, or TV show that accurately depicts the feel of Meshell Ndegeocello’s bass playing?
A: Radar in MASH. I can anticipate things musically.
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Follow up post from Tom Leo, who you can check out here. In case you missed it, here’s his excellent review of “Who Knew“.
Today I was fortunate enough to interview r&b veteran Kevon Edmonds. He discussed everything from his new album, to the change in the music industry, to staying true to his roots. It was a pleasure talking with him, and I hope you enjoy reading.
Thomas Leo: First of all, congratulations on the release of your new album.
Kevon Edmonds: Thank you very much I appreciate that.
TL: For this new album, when you began the process of making it, did you set to go off in a different direction than your first album?
KE: You know, it’s been ten years since 24/7 and you know sometimes you feel you need to connect to the last project you’ve done, but so much time has elapsed that I wasn’t quite sure whether or not that was going to be the approach, to try and tie this into 24/7 and all of that stuff. I thought that I would start out fresh, just really try and get back to my roots of kinda where my music started, and the mindset was that I wanted to bridge my world of where I start with the world of r&b music here today.
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Fred talks about making Dallas his home. Shout out to DJ Judah & Visit Black Dallas for this clip.
TV One’s latest episode of their fantastic Unsung Series featured the incomparable Minnie Riperton. If you missed it, check your local listings for the replay, it’s powerful and a guaranteed tear jerker.
So talented, unappreciated and she died tragically too young. Check out more clips after the jump or TV One online.
Intro, from their self titled 1993 debut album (Atlantic) with their cover of the Stevie Wonder classic, (and perennial wedding song favorite) “Ribbon In The Sky“.
Check out the interview after the jump with Intro member Jeff Sanders courtesy of NJS4ever.
“Oh so long for this night I’ve prayed
That a star would guide you my way
To share with me this special day
Where a ribbon’s in the sky for our loveIf allowed, may I touch your hand,
And if pleased, may I once again
So that you too will understand
There’s a ribbon in the sky for our love.”
