Good Moods

In celebration of the 3rd Annual International Soul Music Summit that took place here at the Renaissance Atlanta Hotel Downtown, WATER SEED played at the in-store in Moods Music. Right before the show, Cinese and I did a satellite radio interview. We represented WATER SEED very well. Shout out to all satellite stations playing a variety of music for people's enjoyment.

These Billy Holiday earrings were a big hit! My stylist LITE hooked me up. Check out LITE @ www.litefreedomariposas.blogspot.com

Opera's Red Carpet

The Atlantis Music Conference was recently in town and WATER SEED was invited to perform on the Urban Stage at Apache and walk the Red Carpet at Opera, which is where the kick off industry party was held. 99.7 and many other heavy hitters were at the party. They said the goal was to sign 100 bands. 

Atlantis Music Conference is know for highlighting mainly punk, rock, and alternative bands so it was cool to be apart of the whole thing.  It only gets betta!!!

In the picture from left to right is Louis, Cinese, Shaleyah, Marius, J and the reporter on the end.  Shout Out to the A spot for featuring our red carpet debut.

Hookah Cafe in New Orleans

I am the newest member in WATER SEED a New Orleans jam band started in 2006. The other members are Cinese = Flute, Louis = Drums, J = Keys, Marius = bass of course I'm on vocals.

I've enjoyed touring the country playing with this band. We are currently revamping our online presence to infuse my image. But still check out WATER SEED at www.myspace.com/waterseed.

I'd also like to shout out my Stylist and close friend LITE. This sista is genuine with a dope fashion sense. She hails from Brooklyn now living in ATLanta. Check her out at www.litefreedomariposas.blogspot.com.

Here I am at the Hookah Cafe jammin out with WATER SEED in New Orleans! Don't forget to Barack the VOTE!!!

My Italian Adventure...

My Italian Adventure...

I had a blast performing every night at the Umbria Jazz Festival with Keish Jackson and the Soul Spinner. It was really cool to experience the shows of Robert Flack, Chaka Chan, Herbie Hancock, Alicia Keys, KJ Denhert, REM and many more.

Check out some of the shows @ YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RidiLLH770E

Back to Italy

I'll be going back to Italy with Keisha Jackson and the Soul Spinner. Shout out to Soul Spinner some bad-@$$ Italian musicians.

Yes, we'll be playing at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy. We also did the 2007 Winter Festival. That was crazy! Check it out @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVONuTtEOMc

Traveling overseas is not easy, but it's a great opportunity to experience other cultures and expand one's fan-base. We're leaving next week so please send good vibes. I'm sure I'll have a lot to share upon my return to the states. 

Best Month Ever

I know it's been a minute. I've been griNDing it OUT fa real!!!

Okay...I went to Miami to celebrate my homie Kianna's B-Day. Check out the pics at www.myspace.com/shaleyahent...view the Miami picture album

I'm also recording my album. It will be self-titled "Shaleyah." I went back home to Houston, home of Scarface, Beyonce and DJ Screw. I did some work at The Victor Records recording studio. Of course, I had to visit my family while I was back in the H-town HEAT!  

From there I went to New Orleans for a show @ the [Hookah Cafe]. This was very special because my brother Vic G travelled with me to the N O. It was also my first show with my NEW band Water Seed. It was an awesome show!!! www.waterseedmusic.com

That's right, ya girl is the new lead singer of the band Water Seed....google it. It's good to be blogging again!

Hustlin' Boy "MALACHI"

Malachi has been a staple on ATL's LIVE music scene for a while.  I've seen Malachi perform so many times in so many places. He's a real hustler ya'll.  He never gives a disappointing performance and you already know he'll have his cd's for sale. He's like a big brother on the scene.

I went to his show "In the NAMe of ReaL MusiC" last week Thursday @ Sugar, of course. Also on the show was Eva Kennedy "Ericka" tearing it down. Dawn and GeeGee helped with backgrounds. Shamora & Travis were also on the show. I really enjoyed both of them. My homie, Llewon helped Shamora on vocals.  Llewon is also an awesome musician, vocalist & songwriter. I know several artists and musicians that were on the show so I had to show support.  The show was a HIT!

A few years back Malachi was in a group, but he's 100% solo now. I'd just like to say big up to Malachi for showing us indie artist how to do it and for being so consistent. Much luv Malachi! 

Music @ NOON

...at Centennial Olympic Park 4/24.

I realized while doing this show how much I luv to perform outdoors. It's even better when the weather is nice.

 

The sound guys were all from the Art Institute. The audio recording will be available in about a week. I'm excited to hear it. 

I shared the stage with Llewon, Brooke :Viosocialist: Alford, Brandon A. Thomas, Bashan & Larry. We had a really good time! I met some exciting fans, sold cds and signed posters. "I'd have to say it was a good day"....in the words of Ice Cube.

The PRO's

PROTON has taken the underground Hip-Hop scene by storm, while gaining international notoriety. They're often compared to Cool Kids & OutKast but they have a style all their own. PROTON is a rap duo with a unique sound. Their concept music is light-hearted and refreshing with a touch of consciousness. 

They hosted a show with Jaspects this past Thursday at Smith's Old Bar. Also performing was Amanda Diva, Yella Wolf, Anthony David, Jessica Tonder and others. I enjoyed the show, it was a really good look. 

This unique duo will always hold a special place in my heart. Larry & Thomas stay true to your vision and don't let newcomers and bandwagon ridders deter you from your game plan. 

IF you haven't heard of PROTON, you betta ask somebody!

SouL Sovereignty...the eXperienCe

This blog is a little late, but better late than never right. 

I teamed up with my close friend Ona Femi of Strange Flower Productions to put on the 1st series of SouL Sovereignty this past Sunday 4/6. It was a successful event. There's always room for improvement so the next Soul Sovereignty will be bannanas!

Shout outs: Kellie "Ona Femi," Deborah Miller, Maurice Sims, Cocktails, PROTON, Rita J, Brooke "Viosocialist" Alford, Ain Drew, Kevin "Mr. SouL," Fabian "Occasional Supastar," THC, Fadia Kader & CENCi.

Enjoy the clip from my performance...

SouLofAmerRica.com

Wondering where to take your next trip....look no further, check out Soulofamerica.com. My good friend Kanika Harris, who is currently working on her PhD, told me about this wonderful travel site.

If you want to travel with souL, I suggest you check it out. It has single travel resources, romantic travel resources, sports travel, spas, heritage/culture, family travel, beaches & resorts just to name a few.

Peep it out for yourself. You will not be disappointed. They are currently doing a spotlight on Angela Basset, she is one of my favorite actresses.

Sugar...full of Surprises

Every Tuesday @ Sugarhill there's a Jam Session for artist to come through and do their thing. It's hosted by the funky incomparable Joi.

There is always a surprise treat. One Tuesday I went and John Legend performed 5 songs. This past Tuesday it was [Raphael Saadiq]. I got there right at the end of his set but it was great meeting him backstage. Now he's a pioneer in this thang. I know ya'll remember [Tony! Toni! Tone!] and their hit "It Never Rains in Southern Cali" or "Lay Your Head on My Pillow."  

Then Raphael started the group Lucy Pearl. That album was jammin! He has worked with several artists. He's an awesome producer, musician and writer.

Also in the building Tuesday was [Candie of Excape]. For those that don't know, she is a talented songwriter as well. Did you know she wrote "Bills, Bills, Bills" by Destiny's Child. Candie got on stage and did her thing. I enjoyed her rendition of "I'm going down". 

It was another sweet night at Sugarhill. Shout out to Eva Kennedy, Dawn McClain, Metropolis & Malachi, ya'll put it down Tuesday!

Case of the MonDaYs

This past monday after my rehearsal with Gritz & JellyButter I went by [Kat's Cafe].  My homie Maurice Sims of 27 Wayz Entertainment hosts a comedy event there every Monday.

I know Mondays can be rough, so come out and laugh @ The Comedy Depot, each and every Monday.

When I went, they were roasting the host and it was so funny!!! I recommend you check it out.

Funniest joke of the night, "Throw some cheese on nem grits!" Hilarious...lol

SaVe yO souL THIS SuNDaY

ShaLeYah & [PROTON] on the same show...at last! Rita J & Brooke "Viosocialist" Alford also performing!

This SuNDaY @ 7:30 pm

sHow Starts @ 8:00 pm

Where: CENCi ~ 1259 Glenwood Ave ~ Atlanta, GA 30316

Live BAnd: Gritz & Jelly BuTTer

DJ Larmarrouse will spin from 10 - 12

Fusing HiP Hop &  SouL

The ReaL Ms. JaCKson

KeiSha JaCKoN...This sista is a "trail blaizer for the Atlanta soul movement." But don't get it twisted! KeiSha is international, check her show schedule and you'll see show dates in Russia, Italy, Africa and anywhere else she pleases to go.

I met Keisha through a friend. When I finally sat in on one of her rehearsals with a group she founded [One Voice] I was amazed at her musical talent and repertoire. Her ear is sharp and quick. Subsequently, KeiSha became my vocal coach. Music is first nature for Ms. Jackson, daughter of outspoken singer Millie JAckson. Keisha continues to work with some of the biggest names in R & B, Neo-Soul & Hip-Hop.

I was honored when Keisha asked me to sing background vocals for her in Italy and most recently @ her "All-Star Birthday Bash." It was at SugarHill, Easter Sunday night. There were special guest performances by Anthony David, CoupeDeVille Theory, Danielle Moore, COCO Brown and DJ Cutmaster Swiff was spinning. Joi hosted the event. Dawn McClain and Gee Gee also helped out on background vocals. I had a blast!

My mom and grandmother came to watch the show. They were in town visiting from Houston, TX. My folks were completely out of their element but it was really cool to have them there. It meant the world to me because we're usually thousands of miles apart. 

I am learning so much from Keisha. She's a dynamic seasoned singer, songwriter, performing artist & vocal coach. Like Andre 3000 said, "She fire on 'em vocals....she ain't scarred to sang." 

Sol Fusion @ SugaR...SWEET!

Sol Fusion has always had a special place in my heart, I would go faithfully. Then my friend Ona Femi aka Kellie Woods started working with J. Carter on the Sol Fusion events.  Eventually, J. Carter became co-owner of club [SugarHill] and the rest is history.

This Sol Fusion was extra special because I went to support my friend [BROOKE "Viosocialist" ALFORD]....the dopest violinist I know!  Brooke did her renditions of Deja Vu & Buy You a Drank. It was hot ya'll! Brooke is such a classy sista. You can check her out this Sunday at our event @ CENCi 4/6 8:00.

Of course the party was bangin too.  To top it off Teedra Moses performed around 1:15am. She was worth the wait. She had a great tone to her voice, very dainty, edgy and sexy. I witnessed the entire performance from the DJ booth. This sista could stop singing at any moment and the crowd was shouting every word. Teedra moved the crowd like Moses reincarnate.

Shout out to Cocktails, DJ Jamad, Anthony David, J Carter, Brooke Alford, Antoine Knight, Sabrina of [Slick & Rose] and Salakida...all of which were in the building. 

APACHE the Native's Tongue

If you haven't heard of Choir Boy, Malachi, Mark Nelson, and Algebra then you probably haven't been to Apache Cafe on a Wednesday night. Every Wednesday @ [APACHE] on 3rd street downtown, there is an open mic. This event is hosted by the talented funny painter, Corey Whitehead. 

Anyone who claims to be a singer/performing artist must grace this stage and get the people's approval. These performing artists can be found doing their thing at many venues within and outside of Atlanta. 

Last night I did my rendition of ErykaH's Bag Lady that seemed to resonate with the crowd. Although I thought it was cool, I always know there's room for improvement. I can be my hardest critic...I'm never satisfied. Watch me do me @ Apache next week!

IS IgNorance bliSS?!?

Is there anyone who hasn't heard of Barack Obama?  For the 1st time in history an African American man and a woman have a good chance of winning the presidency of the USA. That doesn't mean they will win the presidency, but one of them will win the Democratic nomination. 

Well apparently there is someone...DMX. I encourage you  to read about it, this article is very interesting. Read his interview with XXL Magazine @ http://www.rhymeswithsnitch.blogspot.com

Harlem goes AtlanTa

If you didn't know, a tornado ravished downtown Atlanta this past weekend. My hommie DJ Larmarrous was affected, it huffed puffed and blew his roof off. He puts it down every Thursday at the [Harlem Bar] with Beats & Eats.  

So myself, Julie Dexter & Brandon Thomas came together and rocked out the [Harlem Bar] 3/20/08. Sometimes you just gotta show luv. 

You can check out me and Brandon Thomas at The Grape @ Inman PArk 4/3/08 and DJ Larmarrous at my event @ CENCi 4/6/08.

MEAT OUT

Ok I've got a lot to say in a short amount of time...here goes.

I volunteered at the MEAT OUT sponsored by the Black Vegetarian Society of Georgia [BVSGA] at Atlanta Technical College.

Dr. Richardson and Stic.man of Dead Prez were on the panel of guest answering health questions, among others. Yep, Stic.man and his wife Afya are vegetarian.  Afya is well respected in the veg community. This sister vends crochet creations, Nattral magazine and a vegetarian protein chart.

When I go to these events it keeps me on my toes, because I always find out that I could be living healthier. Have you heard of Alkaline H2O? Well the guy with the machine that balances the PH of water told me that most bottled water is like soda because of the ph balance. Actually he said it is toxic. Here I thought I was doing good drinking bottled water. I also need to give up all those carbs and bread products. Is anything safe anymore? Oh yeah, fruits & veggies as long as they're not chemically engineered. My family is still concerned about me getting enough protein.  I assure them I take vitamins.

On a different note, Julie Dexter performed with Brandon Thomas. It was hot! Julie is definitely the Queen of UK SouL. She did an old Beatles tune with her spin on it. Brandon recently signed with Harmon in Life records and he continues to make his mark. He's such and cool and humble brother. 

Shout out to [BVSGA] for bringing us health nuts together.  Look out for ya girl on the next MEAT OUT event!

Gritz and Jelly on my BuTTer

Thursday night I went by [The Grape] on Highland Ave to holla at Earnest, who is booking me for that location. 

For the first time I ordered food!  I decided to forgo my usual order of white wine.  I had the Greek salad, which was huge, along with a light Veggie Pisa. I really enjoyed it.

Much to my surprise there was a band playing a plethora of Hip Hop, Soul & R&B tunes. The band was [Gritz and JellyButter.] They covered the spectrum from T. Pain's Bartender to Erykah Badu's On & On. They also mixed in some original songs like Jamaica. That joint was jammin! 

Gritz and JellyButter started playing You Got Me by The Roots featuring Erykah Badu. That's a classic Hip-Hop Soul track. They were so cool, they let me get on the mic with no rehearsal. We rocked it! Shout out to GJB for allowing me to do my thang. 

I liked them so much that I booked them for my upcoming show @ CENCI 4/6. Can't wait to play with ya'll again. Check me out at The Grape on Highland 4/3/08.

Heard it Thru the Grape Vine

Last night I went to [The Grape] at Atlantic Station. I sat in support of my homie Maya Neiada, a lovely vocalist-songwriter with Karey Davis on keys. It was so packed...I had to wait for a seat at the bar. FYI: If you're alone, party of one, they will not seat you at a table:) So the bar it was. It was actually a cool seat.

Maya's smooth style and sultry vocals were stimulating to the audience and relaxing to the soul. Her renditions of Love Don't Live Here & Umbrella were uniquely jazzy! Karey has a style all his own. He knew the right places to embellish Maya's vocals. When he chimed in with background vocals, he was on point.

Maya & I along with our friend Deborah, are planning a show at [SaBor] right at the corner of Walton and Centennial Park. Joey, Deborah's brother,  is a co-owner of [SaBor]. Deborah is also a vocalist and songwriter. Be on the look out for us sistas coming together to rock SaBor!

V-Day 4 Lovers

On lover's day {2/14/07} I was enthralled with my first love on stage. That's right! I started @ Crow's Nest, alongside Antoine Knight, an innovative saxophonist. Then I rolled out to do my thang at the Harlem Bar. Victor Jackson also performed and Tweet "Southern Hummingbird" came out to show love. It was a great night, love was truly in the air. Shout out to DJ Larmarrous putting it down every Thursday at the HarLem Bar with "Beats & Eats."

Moods Music in Store

Saturday, I also dropped by Darryl's "Moods Music" in the hip & fashionable little 5 points. Lil 5 is the artist's dream hang out. Many compare it to New York's Village. I can see that. Moods Music is a wonderful place for soul artists; if the music is good Darryl will support it.

Anyway, I was there to do some networking, support local music business and of course some shopping.  When I walked up I ran into Heston & Brodie...long time buddies and artists on the scene. It's always good to chop it up with them. 

As I proceeded to walk in, right in the doorway I run into Ron of Harmony in Life, who I just talked to early that day.  His event gives up and coming artist an opportunity to showcase their talent and share their gifts. 

Finally, I walk in to witness RAHBI performing. This guy can sing with a style all his own. 

After RAHBI's performance, I conversed with Darryl. He's always a pleasant gentleman. I looked up and noticed my poster hanging on the wall with a montage of other artist. I gotta admit, it feels good to look up and see my image. I know how much work went into getting it out there.

Shout out to Jodine of Jodine's Corner, always keeping us in the loop and giving rising stars a spotlight. We love what you do sis! 

Grinding out Atlanta's SouL Scene

This past weekend was a soul head's dream. Jill Scott and Raheem Devaugn in concert. Saturday night I went to Harmony in Life at J-Carter's "Sugarhill," in downtown Atlanta's Underground. The regular's call it "Sugah."I saw some Atlanta favorites like Brandon Thomas, Salakida, Dawn, Tony Rich and of course Raheem DeVaugn. It was packed ya'll. You couldn't move without bumping into someone, while spilling your drink. The event was way cool!

I also went by Cenci, a premiere vegetarian restaurant in East Atlanta Village. It's a gentrified area for hipsters. There are quite a few bars and fashion boutiques. A little birdy told me that Cenci will not be "vegetarian only" for long. At Cenci DJ Jamad was spinning and Occasional Superstar was painting sensual murals of the female and male anatomy. Something tells me they didn't draw the crowd they wanted because of the stiff competition that night.

Anyway, I was there to meet the owner, Phil, to set up some event dates. His demeanor is cool, yet he's always on the go making moves. I had my debut single release at his spot October 27th 2007, hosted by =Quality= of [PROTON]. On that show I featured Rita J, the Fro'd out Revolutionary & Rare Epiphany, a dope poet.

Look out for ya girl, in March @ Harlem Bar, The Grape & Cenci!