Blogcritics

Interview: Musiq Soulchild - Singer and Songwriter

Clayton Perry — Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:15:56 EST

Over the past eight years, Musiq Soulchild has released five best-selling (and award-winning) albums.
Since 2000, Musiq Soulchild has amassed seven Top 10 hits on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. And unlike many of his contemporaries, Musiq's chart dominance occurred quietly and with a humble air of confidence.Upon close inspection, Musiq's prodigious output places him in an elite crowd of R&B...

An Interview with Brian McKnight, Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Clayton Perry — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:32:30 EST

Brian McKnight is one of America's last modern-day "soul men."
When Brian McKnight sings, the world slowly fades from view. Even bluebirds pause — and turn green with envy — because his melodies are hypnotic and have the power to envelope nearby listeners in the spirit of love.Since 1992, Brian McKnight's smooth, velvety vocals have blessed the ears of music lovers worldwide. And with the...

Interview: Tony Rich - Singer, Songwriter, and Producer

Clayton Perry — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:57:19 EST

Tony Rich's rugged determinism and incessant persistence have blazed a trail that few other artists are willing to travel.
It is rare to find a talent that can write, produce, and perform every note on their albums. And for this very reason, Tony Rich has developed a cult-like following of fans over the past decade, who respect and appreciate his masterful blending of soul, jazz, and funk.Although many know Tony Rich for his Grammy-winning debut, Words (1995), his...

Interview: Raphael Saadiq - Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Clayton Perry — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:20:22 EST

With all things considered, Raphael Saadiq is the thread that has weaved the fabric of contemporary soul music together.
With all things considered, Raphael Saadiq is the thread that has weaved the fabric of contemporary soul music together.His midas touch has turned the careers of countless "soul sisters"—Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Mary J. Blige—and "soul brothers"—John Legend, Musiq Soulchild and D'Angelo—into gold....

Interview: Akon - Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Clayton Perry — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:24:36 EST

Akon is a shining example of a man determined to keep his past from dictating his future.
Akon is a shining example of a man determined to keep his past from dictating his future. Although a convicted felon, he has found his artistic freedom in the world of music, even in the face of controversy. Since 2004, Akon has sold 7 million albums worldwide and served as a featured guest on more than 150 singles, including "Bartender,"...

Interview: Labelle (Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx and Patti LaBelle) - R&B's Pioneering Female Trio

Clayton Perry — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:08:17 EST

Every contemporary female R&B trio has been influenced by Labelle's style � whether they know it or not.
Before Destiny's Child called on men to "say [their] name" or TLC announced their distaste for "scrubs," Labelle exemplified the true meaning of "independent women."Unquestionably, every contemporary female R&B trio has been influenced by their style — whether they know it or not — and a cursory...

Interview: Michelle Williams (of Destiny's Child) - Singer and Actress

Clayton Perry — Tue, 4 Nov 2008 12:03:47 EST

Michelle Williams "survived" Destiny's Child's disbandment, by launching a successful career on the Broadway stage.
Michelle Williams is best-known for being one-third of Destiny's Child, the best-selling female group of all-time. In the midst of their disbandment, however, Williams has also had a successful acting career on the Broadway stage, as Shug Avery in The Color Purple and the title role of Aida. Even so, singing still remains Williams' primary...

Interview: Estelle - Singer and Songwriter

Clayton Perry — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:09:13 EDT

Estelle's soulful lyrics and brutal honesty have led various media outlets to dub her "the British version of Lauryn Hill."
Although Estelle's emergence comes several years after her British debut, her appearance on the west end of "the Pond" has brought about numerous comparisons in American circles, with various media outlets dubbing her "the British version of Lauryn Hill." Such a comparison is easy to make at first glance, since soulful...

Interview: Eric Benét - Singer and Songwriter

Clayton Perry — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:07:57 EDT

As “You’re the Only One” climbed to the top of Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, Eric Benét solidified himself as an R&B legend!
Over the past decade, the R&B landscape has completely changed, especially amongst the field of male performers. One by one, as fate would have it, a once-vast crop of classic R&B crooners had their careers ended, due to artistic and economic pressures fueled by the 90's hip-hop juggernaut. In the face of such challenges, however, Eric...

Interview: Karina Pasian - Singer and Pianist

Clayton Perry — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:48:33 EDT

When Quincy Jones goes out of his way to support a new, budding artist, the world would be wise to pay attention.
When Quincy Jones goes out of his way to support a new, budding artist, the world would be wise to grant an audience to the apple of his eye: Karina Pasian.On May 16, 2004, Jones invited Pasian to perform in Rome for his "We Are the Future" benefit concert, which was concerned about children in war-ravaged cities. Shortly thereafter,...