based on creativity, performing ability and catalog

We're always talking about the Prince, Stevies and MJs of the music world but who are the GOAT ladies?
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Honorable mention: Minnie Riperton

in no particular order:

Aretha Franklin
Chaka Khan
Nina Simone
Sade ( I didn't realize it until this post, but I quietly own everything she's released...except for "Soldier of Love...no likey)
Anita Baker


honorable mention:
Lisa Shaw
Minnie Riperton
Angie Bofizzle




as far as true ARTISTS? ( i.e. players of instrument) Hmmmm. Aside from Nina Simone and maybe Bobbi Humphrey, I can't really think of too many that I really check for. Sure some have a lot of shit I like, but as far as being a flat-out fan? I never really thought about it.

I was wondering cause the one album I own is dynamite.

1. Bjork. Even if you don't like her you gotta give it up to her for being so creative and self-assured - sadly she is almost an anomaly for girls in the industry. As it happens, I really dig most of her music.

2. Chaka Khan. She's just awesome. Soulful and intimidating. Huge voice.

3. Ana Tijoux. Formerly in a Chilean rap group called Makiza, now on her own. She's a good rapper, a good singer, and though she's cute doesn't seem to try to get over on looks.

4. Emmylou Harris. The voice of an angel - she's great singing solo but her secret weapon is that she can harmonize with anybody and sound like a million bucks. I think I own more of her albums than any other country artist except maybe Johnny Cash.

5. Janelle Monae. I did this shit just to start the war all over.

No seriously though:

5. Prince.

Oh god, somebody stop me.

The truth is, I have a hard time thinking of a definitive #5, so here's a list of contenders: Aretha, Debbie Harry, Gillian Welch, Nancy Wilson from Heart, Stevie Nicks.

Coulda been a...: Lady of Rage. Probably my favorite female rapper ever but her discography is a real letdown. The DR full length is good, but she could have really made a splash and instead disappeared with a fizzle.

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>4. Emmylou Harris.

>I think I own
>more of her albums than any other country artist except maybe
>Johnny Cash.

would you please recommend a favorite or two for me? thanks

"Elite Hotel," "Luxury Liner," and "Pieces of the Sky." Those are her first three real albums and they're all gems.

The 5 spot goes to PJ Harvey.

Aretha
Tina
Madonna
Grace Jones

But I think Badu does it with better music
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>But I think Badu does it with better music

I don't like the whole "better" argument, especially when it comes to preference convos, but don't underrate Grace's output.

She had some of the best producers in music history at the boards, Sly & Robbie and Trevor Horn, to name a few.

"Slave To the Rhythm" is one of my all time Favorite albums in ANY genre. Trevor Horn put his WEIGHT on that shit...


Grace Jones was more than silly outfits. Don't underestimate her catalog.

to come up with the top 5 as I see it

again this is based on a combo of creativity, talent and songs

1. Aretha Franklin - And honestly I don't think there is anyone else close.... she's strong in all 3 categories but it's her catalog and talent that takes her to another level.

2. Joni Mitchell - Not really my cup of tea but she's deserves to be here. Great songwriter and musician with more than a few classics under her belt.

3. Sade - At the tail end of what has to be one of the most well paced and consistent careers ever. Not the best technical singer but has combined her unique voice with a sound that will go down in history.

4. Teena Marie - I'm sure some here won't like this pick but I'm sorry Teena deserves to be on this list. 30 year run and deep catalog.... the majority of which she created. Good voice and first rate musician. Honestly I think there's a case for her being even higher.

5. Erykah Badu - While I haven't always felt the shit she puts out I gotta respect the way she has committed herself to the music. Her hands on approach to her career is something we don't see often from female artists. I think her catalog is hit and miss but her drive and creativity is not to be fucked with.

a top 10 would include

Etta James
Carly Simon
Dionne Warwick
Madonna
Patrice Rushen

*edit*
Gladys Knight needs to be on here somewhere.


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Bringing Together Five Decades of R&B/Funk/Soul/Dance

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Sade over Madonna ok yeah whatever
T. Maria over Madonna



>to come up with the top 5 as I see it
>
>again this is based on a combo of creativity, talent and
>songs
>
>1. Aretha Franklin - And honestly I don't think there is
>anyone else close.... she's strong in all 3 categories but
>it's her catalog and talent that takes her to another level.
>
>2. Joni Mitchell - Not really my cup of tea but she's deserves
>to be here. Great songwriter and musician with more than a few
>classics under her belt.
>
>3. Sade - At the tail end of what has to be one of the most
>well paced and consistent careers ever. Not the best technical
>singer but has combined her unique voice with a sound that
>will go down in history.
>
>4. Teena Marie - I'm sure some here won't like this pick but
>I'm sorry Teena deserves to be on this list. 30 year run and
>deep catalog.... the majority of which she created. Good voice
>and first rate musician. Honestly I think there's a case for
>her being even higher.
>
>5. Erykah Badu - While I haven't always felt the shit she puts
>out I gotta respect the way she has committed herself to the
>music. Her hands on approach to her career is something we
>don't see often from female artists. I think her catalog is
>hit and miss but her drive and creativity is not to be fucked
>with.
>
>a top 10 would include
>
>Etta James
>Carly Simon
>Dionne Warwick
>Madonna
>Patrice Rushen
>
>*edit*
>Gladys Knight needs to be on here somewhere.
>
>
>_________________________________
>Reunion Radio Podcasts
>Bringing Together Five Decades of R&B/Funk/Soul/Dance
>
>http://reunionradio.blogspot.com/
>
>Latest episode- Slave Tribute (RIP Mark L. Adams)

cuz i'm abt to leave & the edit window will be long gone.

- ella fitzgerald, sarah vaughn, billie holiday: one of them should be on this list.
- joni mitchell, janis joplin, carole king: one of them should be on this list.
- whitney houston or mariah carey: *at least* one of them should be on this list. and the other should be in the top-10.
- aretha franklin should be on this list
- patrice rushen, deniece williams, roberta flack: one of them should be on this list.
- sade should be on this list
- tina turner, chaka khan, madonna: i don't think any of them should be in the top-5, but they fill out most of the rest of the top-10.
- stevie nicks, mary j. blige: should not be on this list.
- i'm too black to know whether barbra streisand should be on this list.
- some country chick -- dolly parton, reba mcintyre, loretta lynn -- should be on this list. but again i'm too black to know who.

>- ella fitzgerald, sarah vaughn, billie holiday: one of them
>should be on this list.
>- joni mitchell, janis joplin, carole king: one of them should
>be on this list.
>- whitney houston or mariah carey: *at least* one of them
>should be on this list. and the other should be in the
>top-10.
>- aretha franklin should be on this list
>- patrice rushen, deniece williams, roberta flack: one of them
>should be on this list.
>- sade should be on this list
>- tina turner, chaka khan, madonna: i don't think any of them
>should be in the top-5, but they fill out most of the rest of
>the top-10.

1. aretha -- the most iconic & influential; also nice (& underrated) on the piano
2. sade -- most consistent across 3 decades
3. madonna -- i didn't want to put her in the top-5, but i mean really, other than aretha, nobody has had a bigger influence on female artists.
4. mariah carey -- had to give her the edge over whitney b/c she co-writes almost all of her stuff; 1 of the best lyricists in the pop game, period.
5. billie holiday -- because she's billie freaking holiday

- women i should've mentioned in my initial post: nina simone, diana ross, janet jackson.

sorry Erykah. :(

...top 5 female MC's ever...no real order...

1. MC Lyte
2. Bahamadia
3. Lauryn Hill
4. Roxanne Shante
5. Invincible-(yes, she is that nice)

...

#2 Bjork
#3 Mavis Staples
#4 kd lang
#5 Stevie Nicks

For me, Janet and Whitney have to be in there because just about any female artist out today is a version of one them.

in no particular order....these three came to mind INSTANTLY and are absolutely on my list no question....

Meshell Ndegeocello
Chaka Khan
Aretha Franklin

there's a tough battle going for the last two slots....

i'll have to think on that a bit and do some more research via listening ...

1. Lauryn Hill
2. Erykah Badu
3. Meshell Ndegeocello
4. Bjork
5. Fiona Apple

joni mitchell
tori amos
bjork
nina simone
kate bush

i'd want to put throw more soul or jazz singer in there like aretha franklin, sarah vaughn, billie holiday, or ella fitzgerald...or a brazilian singer like gal costa or joyce...but i dont know their discographies that deep like i do with the other artists i mentioned.

some honorable mentions: laura nyro, beth gibbons, fiona apple, feist, regina spektor (fuck it, she is to me), mirah, stevie nicks, essra mohawk, melanie safka?

give annie clark a couple more albums and she will be up there for me

Other than her, I haven't really thought about it.

at first i was like "Damn this chick is the Bjork of this decade."

but now i'll throw that album on before any Bjork album. just mindblowing stuff.

>at first i was like "Damn this chick is the Bjork of this
>decade."
>
>but now i'll throw that album on before any Bjork album. just
>mindblowing stuff.

the production and songwriting is like Bjork meets Anja Garbarek meets Micachu on steroids

edit: halfway through first listen her voice is NOWHERE near as good as bjork, but i can already see saying the production is better than any bjork album

but man when the songs go so hard, it's hard to complain, or even pay attention, as there's so much going on...

if you were to ask me to be objective, I would have to agree that she isn't on the same level as the many others mentioned in this post on a technical level.

However, her songwriting ability and her experimentation (although somewhat calculating) makes her my favorite female artist, easily. And in terms of performance, her live show musically and visually (from what I've seen from DVDs and BDs) is just great.

>Other than her, I haven't really thought about it.

pretty much while the tsunami was happening

and i don't really listen to japanese music, ever

>and i don't really listen to japanese music, ever

you should really listen to Tujiko Noriko - Shojo Toshi, i think you'd like it a lot

>>and i don't really listen to japanese music, ever
>
>you should really listen to Tujiko Noriko - Shojo Toshi, i
>think you'd like it a lot

your girl is hocking overpriced perfume singing one of my favorite songs
free d/l
http://www.youtube.com/gucciparfums

since you like anja garbarek, stream these...
http://www.last.fm/music/aspidistrafly/_/Moonlight+Shadow
http://www.last.fm/music/aspidistrafly/_/On+the+Summer+Solstice
http://www.last.fm/music/aspidistrafly/_/Stranger%2C+Here+is+Where+We+Live
http://www.last.fm/music/aspidistrafly/_/red+toe+nails

somewhere along the way i did d/l that aspidistrifly album and enjoyed it but don't listen to it too much

i played you "on the summer solstice" in the listening room

the rest in no order:

Sade
Erykah
Joni Mitchell
Lauryn Hill

SQQQQQAURE BIZ.....(pause)....SQQQQUARRRE BIZ

surprising...

my top 5

alice coltrane
shiina ringo
gal costa
bjork
erykah badu

erykah juuuuuust nudges kate bush out of my list. i'll have to mention nara leao as well, since her bossa nova classic Dez Anos Depois is my favorite album by a female artist ever.

Sade - I've been hypnotized by this woman's since I was a wee lad in Spiderman PJs. Instantly recognizable voice, created her(their) own lane and has been a major influence, plus she knows her limitations. Truth be told, she probably has the best career of anyone. For the band to disappear and still have people salivating for years waiting for new music, is some crazy love. And I'll wait for however long she needs...

Chaka Khan - Other than Aretha, who was really fucking with Chaka? Nobody, that’s who. Sure you had Patti, Gladys and an abundance of soulful “sangas”. Sure, she’s a screamer. But Chaka’s always had an overwhelming joy in her voice. I can visualize her cheese-smiling, almost laughing as she sings “Everlasting Love” or “Papillon (Hot Butterfly)”. Her songs just make you want to sing along. I show no shame in mentioning that I’ve sang “Love Has Fallen On Me” in the shower………”You Know I’m, Still A Man, Baby…”© Tony Toni Tone…

Meshell Ndegeocello - Underrated and Uber-talented, she's like Sade Jr., not just in singing style, but in her ability to create a groove that just gets under your skin, and haunts you. Another lane creator, there are few artists male or female, who've been as consistent or as willing to challenge themselves. All her albums are classics to me, and her song “Faithful” is one of the most honest songs I’ve ever heard. Makes me angry, each time I listen to it…..Bitch. I wish she was superstar…

Nina Simone - What can you say about this woman except soul personified. She can be fiery and ice-cold, saucy and soothing in the same song. The first song I ever heard from her was "Isn't It A Pity" on a dubbed tape my pop got from a co-worker. I was like 11, and completely struck by the pain in her voice. Son, that joint had this Kiddie City kid (KANGAROOS nigga, fuck a giraffe...) straight tearing up. Been a champion for her ever since…

Roberta Flack - Though she eventually moved on to wine cooler pop soul, I'd put her debut album up against any other soul album. It may not swing, may not have you dancing, and she may not be singing through the roof, but she demonstrated that screaming doesn't make it soulful. Singing like you’re ACTUALLY FEELING what you’re singing about makes it soulful. Plus she gets props for producing the Bustin' Loose soundtrack, which is one of my favorite movies. "Na-Na, Na-Naaaa-Naaaaaaa, Na-Na-Naaaaaa, Na-Na-Na-Na-Naaaa-Naaaaaaaa..."



Shout out to Cassandra Wilson, Phyllis Hyman, Madonna, Aretha Franklin, Lucinda Williams, Minnie Riperton, Stevie Nicks, Anita Baker, Bjork, Bonnie Raitt, and Joni Mitchell...

all time...
Nina Simone
Erykah Badu
Joni Mitchell
Astrud Gilberto
Laetitia Sadier/Stereolab


honorable mentions:
Minnie Riperton
Me'shell Ndegeocello
Patrice Rushen
Alice Coltrane
Dorthy Ashby
Nico
Patti Smith
Laura Nyro
Bjork
Betty Davis
Brides Of Funkenstein/Parlet
Fiona Apple
ESG
Sister Nancy


& 5 favorites of the last 10 years...
Invincible
Yukimi Nagano
Georgia Anne Muldrow
Amy Winehouse
Tiombe Lockhart



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Coultrain - GodMustBeABoogieMan:
http://seymourliberty.tumblr.com

1.Sade
2.PJ Harvey
3.Catpower
4.Janet Jackson
5.Madonna

Kate Bush
Mavis Staples
Chaka
Sade
Aretha

Depending on the day you ask, these may make the list above.

Stevie Nicks
Basia
Meshell

Most of my music collection consists of female artists. I'll try:

1. Billie Holiday
2. Sarah Vaughan
3. Dinah Washington
4. Chaka Khan
5. Fairuz

HMs:

1. Aretha Franklin
2. Phyllis Hyman
3. Minnie Riperton
4. Syreeta Wright
5. Patrice Rushen

nm

kate bush
nina simone
sade
badu
anita baker

1. Bjork
2. Tori Amos
3. Beth Gibbons (Portishead)
4. Sade
5. Erykah Badu

i have a feeling i'll be spending much of the rest of my life exploring more classic music from the '50s through '70s, so this list should change

>1. Bjork
>2. Tori Amos
>3. Beth Gibbons (Portishead)
>4. Sade
>5. Erykah Badu
>
>i have a feeling i'll be spending much of the rest of my life
>exploring more classic music from the '50s through '70s, so
>this list should change

between her & teena marie my twitter life is complete

2. Madonna.
3. Chaka.
4. Aretha.
5. Janet?


this harder than it should be.

damn.

no specific order:

Sade
Patrice Rushen
Chaka Khan
Aretha
Joni Mitchell


the reason Patrice is on this list is why George Duke would be on a similar list of "dudes only". I think she is severely underrated (and I -love- pianists who were able to transfer their musical vision beyond their own works as producers -- if I numbered, she'd be near the top). and my "honorable mention" list would be MILES long. Bjork is at the top of that list (probably should be in the main list now that I think of it). I considered "consistency" across the discography while making this list.

and really, Chaka, Sade, and Patrice are the ones that really fit that qualification. Even Joni has some oddball ones in the middle of her discography (for example, I actually own "Dog Eat Dog", LOL -- and you know why) that are kind of not representative of her real deal.

Teena needs to be in that 5.
her capacity for songwriting, instrumentation... and of course the "Brockert Initiative" ... she left a larger legacy than many cared to notice

2. Patrice Rushen
3. Chaka Khan
4. Joyce Kennedy (Mother's Finest)
5. (Tie) Aretha Franklin/Gladys Knight (Aretha for catalog, though I prefer Gladys voice)

_______________________________________
"I whipped him with a switch and a belt. I never beat him. You beat someone with a stick." - Joe Jackson

MY list....


1. Aretha Franklin

GOAT voice...sick catalog...And I still trip on how she was able to pull off a classical piece at the Grammy's that one year....

2. Chaka Khan

She's that chick...Scary voice...And she's still underrated...Crazy right?

3. Joni Mitchell

Don't be shocked...I ride hard for Joni...Love her albums...Love her songwriting style...I can listen to that Blue album 100 times in a row...And I love the shit she did with Mingus....

4. Sade

She simply gets better with time...The ultimate mood music....

5. (tie)

Erykah Badu & Chrissie Hynde (from the Pretenders)


Badu has really gone on to prove she was beyond the Neo-Soul hype...She's a better writer than people seem to realize...And she is brave as all hell...

Chrissie?

The best 'rock chick" to ever pick up a guitar...I sometimes feel she gets overlooked when rock greats are discussed...Her voice is ill...Her songwriting is raw...("Precious" is that shit)...and "Brass In Pocket" is what great pop-rock songwriting should always strive for...

Honorable mentions:

Madonna....

You can't get away from her, man...She has made great songs over the years...And hell, "Holiday" still bumps......

Teena Marie

No need to get into it...She was an exceptional talent....RIP

Mary J. Blige...

I've come around to her over the years...She has gotten better as a vocalist from year to year, especially live...And really, she's become an act that even if you don't like her music, you know the songs....

Shirley Manson (Garbage)

She fronted possibly the most underrated band of the '90s (Garbage)....Can write the hell out of a song...'Breaking Up The Girl" is my shit....Bleed Like Me is so slept on it's a damn shame...Love her 'fuck U' attitude....She brings it...

You just dropped Chaka in where as I had Teena.
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Latest episode- Slave Tribute (RIP Mark L. Adams)

>Chrissie?
>
>The best 'rock chick" to ever pick up a guitar...I sometimes
>feel she gets overlooked when rock greats are discussed...Her
>voice is ill...Her songwriting is raw...("Precious" is that
>shit)...and "Brass In Pocket" is what great pop-rock
>songwriting should always strive for...


Its about time Chrissy got some...and she's much more than that debut album as well.

>
>>Chrissie?
>>
>>The best 'rock chick" to ever pick up a guitar...I sometimes
>>feel she gets overlooked when rock greats are
>discussed...Her
>>voice is ill...Her songwriting is raw...("Precious" is that
>>shit)...and "Brass In Pocket" is what great pop-rock
>>songwriting should always strive for...
>
>
>Its about time Chrissy got some...and she's much more than
>that debut album as well.


I fucks with Chrissie....I can listen to her shit all day...And yeah...she is more than that first album....It was impressive how she kept the group together after those drug overdoses in the group....

i only really listen to the first two garbage albums, and those alone arent strong enough to me to put her with the other honorable mentions i put...i still listen to them though

that was her band before garbage

pretty good alt. rock with a lot less polish

>MY list....
>
>
>1. Aretha Franklin
>
>GOAT voice...sick catalog...And I still trip on how she was
>able to pull off a classical piece at the Grammy's that one
>year....
>
>2. Chaka Khan
>
>She's that chick...Scary voice...And she's still
>underrated...Crazy right?

really top 5 all-time - Chaka Khan

>
>3. Joni Mitchell
>
>Don't be shocked...I ride hard for Joni...Love her
>albums...Love her songwriting style...I can listen to that
>Blue album 100 times in a row...And I love the shit she did
>with Mingus....
>
>4. Sade
>
>She simply gets better with time...The ultimate mood
>music....

really, Sade, LOL man, you might as well have Beyonce on your list 2

>
>5. (tie)
>
>Erykah Badu & Chrissie Hynde (from the Pretenders)
>
>
>Badu has really gone on to prove she was beyond the Neo-Soul
>hype...She's a better writer than people seem to realize...And
>she is brave as all hell...


Really, you really believe that shit you wrote about Badu

>
>Chrissie?
>
>The best 'rock chick" to ever pick up a guitar...I sometimes
>feel she gets overlooked when rock greats are discussed...Her
>voice is ill...Her songwriting is raw...("Precious" is that
>shit)...and "Brass In Pocket" is what great pop-rock
>songwriting should always strive for...
>
>Honorable mentions:
>
>Madonna....
>
>You can't get away from her, man...She has made great songs
>over the years...And hell, "Holiday" still bumps......
>
>Teena Marie
>
>No need to get into it...She was an exceptional talent....RIP

really? If that's the case sheila e


>
>Mary J. Blige...
>
>I've come around to her over the years...She has gotten better
>as a vocalist from year to year, especially live...And really,
>she's become an act that even if you don't like her music, you
>know the songs....


really lol

>
>Shirley Manson (Garbage)
>
>She fronted possibly the most underrated band of the '90s
>(Garbage)....Can write the hell out of a song...'Breaking Up
>The Girl" is my shit....Bleed Like Me is so slept on it's a
>damn shame...Love her 'fuck U' attitude....She brings it...


well it's your list

>>MY list....
>>
>>
>>1. Aretha Franklin
>>
>>GOAT voice...sick catalog...And I still trip on how she was
>>able to pull off a classical piece at the Grammy's that one
>>year....
>>
>>2. Chaka Khan
>>
>>She's that chick...Scary voice...And she's still
>>underrated...Crazy right?
>
>really top 5 all-time - Chaka Khan
>
>>
>>3. Joni Mitchell
>>
>>Don't be shocked...I ride hard for Joni...Love her
>>albums...Love her songwriting style...I can listen to that
>>Blue album 100 times in a row...And I love the shit she did
>>with Mingus....
>>
>>4. Sade
>>
>>She simply gets better with time...The ultimate mood
>>music....
>
>really, Sade, LOL man, you might as well have Beyonce on your
>list 2
>
>>
>>5. (tie)
>>
>>Erykah Badu & Chrissie Hynde (from the Pretenders)
>>
>>
>>Badu has really gone on to prove she was beyond the Neo-Soul
>>hype...She's a better writer than people seem to
>realize...And
>>she is brave as all hell...
>
>
>Really, you really believe that shit you wrote about Badu
>
>>
>>Chrissie?
>>
>>The best 'rock chick" to ever pick up a guitar...I sometimes
>>feel she gets overlooked when rock greats are
>discussed...Her
>>voice is ill...Her songwriting is raw...("Precious" is that
>>shit)...and "Brass In Pocket" is what great pop-rock
>>songwriting should always strive for...
>>
>>Honorable mentions:
>>
>>Madonna....
>>
>>You can't get away from her, man...She has made great songs
>>over the years...And hell, "Holiday" still bumps......
>>
>>Teena Marie
>>
>>No need to get into it...She was an exceptional
>talent....RIP
>
>really? If that's the case sheila e
>
>
>>
>>Mary J. Blige...
>>
>>I've come around to her over the years...She has gotten
>better
>>as a vocalist from year to year, especially live...And
>really,
>>she's become an act that even if you don't like her music,
>you
>>know the songs....
>
>
>really lol
>
>>
>>Shirley Manson (Garbage)
>>
>>She fronted possibly the most underrated band of the '90s
>>(Garbage)....Can write the hell out of a song...'Breaking Up
>>The Girl" is my shit....Bleed Like Me is so slept on it's a
>>damn shame...Love her 'fuck U' attitude....She brings it...
>
>
>well it's your list


So let me get this straight...Your current mission on OKP is zeroing in on Badu praise of any kind?...lol

Listen...We get it...You think she's a fraud...Hell, I'm not the biggest believer of a lot of acts that gets the nod on this site...But I don't make it my business to pop up in every post....

You know me and you are cool, X...but you doing too much with this one...

Slow down, homie...

Mariah
Whitty Hutton
Anita Baker
Janet Jackson

but nobody post 85...

Influential yeah but I don't see her as a very creative person.... I could be wrong.
_________________________________
Reunion Radio Podcasts
Bringing Together Five Decades of R&B/Funk/Soul/Dance

http://reunionradio.blogspot.com/

Latest episode- Slave Tribute (RIP Mark L. Adams)

>Influential yeah but I don't see her as a very creative
>person.... I could be wrong.
>_________________________________


lol jk regarding Mahogony

You right probably..I see some folks added some rock females etc. and I didn't give this the proper/adequate thought, I went straight rnb: let me redo later

>Influential yeah but I don't see her as a very creative
>person.... I could be wrong.


You can't front on her OP.....I think we sometimes tend to forget how huge Ross is in the overall scope of things...I would not be mad if anyone chooses her for their no. 1....Because really, you are talking about someone that fronted arguably the greatest female group of all time, then went on to have one of the most influential solo careers we had seen up to that point....As for live performance, I think her concert in Central Park sealed the deal...That chick put on some old school show-must-go-on razzle dazzle shit in the rain...lol......Had folks holding hands and shit...Ha!.....

Ross' impact is her trump card...From movies to music to fashion she ruled as that chick....The prototypical cross over female star....Whitney and Mariah saw it...

>Influential yeah but I don't see her as a very creative
>person.... I could be wrong.
>_________________________________
>Reunion Radio Podcasts
>Bringing Together Five Decades of R&B/Funk/Soul/Dance
>
>http://reunionradio.blogspot.com/
>
>Latest episode- Slave Tribute (RIP Mark L. Adams)

>>Influential yeah but I don't see her as a very creative
>>person.... I could be wrong.
>>_________________________________


Damn X...U still got a hard on for that chick?

>>>Influential yeah but I don't see her as a very creative
>>>person.... I could be wrong.
>>>_________________________________
>
>
>Damn X...U still got a hard on for that chick?

>
>
>
>>>>Influential yeah but I don't see her as a very creative
>>>>person.... I could be wrong.
>>>>_________________________________
>>
>>
>>Damn X...U still got a hard on for that chick?


Nah...But evidently you seem to obsessed with this chick...I had her no. 5 on my list...And it was a tie at that...

Again...you doing too much on this one...Way too much...Slow down homie...It's aint that serious....

when I'm talking about artists I'm talking about more than just good singers or people with some nice cuts.
_________________________________
Reunion Radio Podcasts
Bringing Together Five Decades of R&B/Funk/Soul/Dance

http://reunionradio.blogspot.com/

Latest episode- Slave Tribute (RIP Mark L. Adams)

Singers

1. Teena Marie
2. Aaliyah
3. Sade
4. Minnie Riperton
5. Shanice

MCs

1. MC Sha Rock
2. Antionette
3. Medusa
4. Lauryn Hill
5. MC Lyte/Lin Que(Isis)

2. Whitney in her prime

Let the others fall where they may.

Somebody educate me on Chaka cause while i think she has a good voice and i like some of her songs but i don't think she's better than Mary. So where is all this love coming from.

>
>Let the others fall where they may.
>
>Somebody educate me on Chaka cause while i think she has a
>good voice and i like some of her songs but i don't think
>she's better than Mary. So where is all this love coming
>from.>

First, thanks for asking to be educated.
(and I'll be back with links to try to help with that, so you can hear examples for yourself of why i (and many others) think Chaka is (still) one of our modern day vocal "living legends" who TRULY lives up to the name.)

for now, I'll 'try' to be brief as i describe where the well deserved 'love' is coming from for Chaka....
to be honest though, it's hard for me to articulate without getting too riled up and excited.

(but it IS 5:30 in the morning and i need to sleep so i'll be quick now and come back later to blab in more detail, and post links).

in my earlier post above i quickly & easily named 3 of my 5 choices. These 3 were GUARANTEED LOCKS for my top 5. I admitted though, that I'm struggling with the rest, because there is a tight battle between many ladies for the last two slots.

But the fact that my initial 3 came so easy without any struggle, well that says a lot for how highly i think of their gifts...

My 'easy & locked' 3 are Aretha Franklin, Meshell Ndegeocello & Chaka Khan....

You ask why the love for Chaka? I ask how can one NOT show love for Chaka??

Chaka=THE Voice, THE Phrasing, THE vocal arranger, THE ultimate harmonizer, The melody masseuse... Actually when i think about it, she uses her voice more like an instrument than anything else. (and moreso than most singers). I consider her one of THE pivotal & influential genuine Vocal 'Creators' of the relatively modern musical era. For context, i was born in the 60's so, much of my 'modern musical eral' starts with what i became aware of and heard in 70's...when i was old enough to pay attention. And from the mid 70s to now, Chaka was, in my opinion, THE vocal force of nature that has given birth to most that followed...

the first time i heard Chaka was 1974... "Tell Me Something Good" & "You Got the Love" hit my ears... and her voice made me pay attention. That's when the love started.

It goes on to this day. She can sing & sang. And can sing ANYthing. She can sing soul, blues, jazz or pop...she can even throw a little twang in there every now and again. She can absolutely rock with the best of them, and we already KNOW she's got the funk. Hell, funk is where she initially made her splash on the world. She can be the earthiest & rawest wildchild powerhouse, and then turn around and be as refined and subtle as a whisper. And its ALL her. Its all GENUINE. She, more than most when it comes to vocals, really IS 'every woman' in that sense.
Yes, she can do it all...but not 'just' do it all, but do it all WELL. And, heres one thing i noticed....she does it all absolutely EFFORTLESSLY. Well she makes it SEEM like it's effortless at least....:)

Chaka on wax or Chaka live. TRUST me ... the love is WELL deserved... if you ask me, she's actually UNDERrated by a lot of younger listeners because they may only know of her 80's pop stuff. Trust me though...Chaka didn't BECOME "Chaka" in 84, she really became our "Chaka" in the 10 years PRIOR to that. And while Chaka may not regularly be on the typical newer radio playlists, since 84 she HAS still produced many many vocal gems that your average listener just simply hasn't heard....and her vocals, interpretation and breadth of work are STILL WELL respected & treasured within the industry, make no mistake about it.

Chaka gets love because she earned it. plain and simple.


well dang,...didnt i say i was gonna TRY to be brief here? :)

...but yeah, i'll be back, maybe with a list & links of suggested Chaka tracks that i think you could seek out which may help you better understand where i'm coming from with my Chaka love....

...thanks again for asking to be educated! I (and i'm sure others too) will be glad to share the Chaka love :)

alright, here is a list for just the 1st decade of her career ...its a selection of studio tracks from 1973-1983...chronologically listed more or less. Most are from the Rufus years, then there are several from her first solo albums, as well as a few from the jazz project Echoes Of An Era....

most of these are still available either on CD at amazon, or on Itunes. you can also probably youtube most of these if you want to listen first...

• You Got The Love
• Tell Me Somethin Good
• Walkin In the Sun
• Aint Nothin But Maybe
• In Love We Grow
• Once You Get Started
• Your Smile
• Stop On By
• Packed My Bags
• I’m A Woman
• Somebody’s Watchin You
• Please Pardon Me
• Sweet Thing
• Dance With Me
• Jive Talkin
• At Midnight
• Close the Door
• Earth Song
• Everlasting Love
• Hollywood
• Better Days
• Egyptian Song
• Stay
• Do You Love What You Feel
• I’m Every Woman
• Stuff Like That
• Papillon Hot Butterfly
• Clouds
• Whatcha Gonna Do for Me
• The Melody Still Lingers On/Night in Tunisia
• We Can Work it Out
• Them There Eyes
• All Of Me
• I Love You Porgy
• Don’t Go To Strangers
• Ain’t Nobody

so yeah...the above is my list of suggested tracks for Chaka's early years...
i'll probably come back and do a list for the later years when i get a chance too. listen to those and let em sink in....that outta give you a better idea of how Chaka became "Chaka" and why we love her...

one thing to note with Chaka, her LIVE interpretations can often even more amazing and explosive than the studio tracks. "The Rufus: Stompin' At The Savoy" live record captures some of Chaka's vocal chops from this 1st decade (and also shows off the chops of Rufus in their groove).

If for some reason, i was only allowed to listen to just ONE full studio album from the 1st decade of Chaka's career, it would kill me to have to leave some of these other gems behind, but if only allowed ONE i'd probably have to pick "Ask Rufus"... maybe followed by 'Rufusized'.
(as a side note on the above, the two Rufus albums "Ask Rufus" & "Rufusized" are LONG overdue and in DIRE need of a serious digital remastering effort worthy of the music on them.)

anywayz, enjoy your homework....:)...take your time though, no need to rush through it. just let it sink in....

whoops, forgot a few from the list above....

• Got To Be There
• Be Bop Medley

I got a couple random records but never really got a good grasp on her whole career. Thanks.

...so the list of tracks above represented 1973-1983 only...just first decade of her ONGOING career...

...but heres a link from THIS year that i submit as evidence that Chaka is STILL not to be messed with...Ladies & Gentlemen...the controlled power & skill, the fearless raw force of nature that is...Chaka....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYsub0VgYpI

...i'll still try to drop back in with a list that covers Chaka 1984-....

(plus i have yet to officially name my last two of the top 5...its a tough battle!)

the day after MJ died i played that song on my iTunes and just lost all composure. i hadn't shed a tear over the death yet, and i'd been listening to MJ/J5 songs since i got home on the evening he died. i sat in my room and played that song on repeat and just let it all out. it was so cathartic. i lost it b/c i imagined her singing the song at his funeral. instead i got Mariah doing 'I'll Be There'. but whatever.

lol

;(

> ;(

> ;(

Aretha Franklin
Gladys Knight
Karen Carpenter
Fantasia (her catalog isn't on par with the others, and probably never will be, but she sings her ASS off. one of my favorite voices ever.)

my honorable mentions: Sheryl Crow, Dionne Warwick, Lauryn Hill, Barbara Striesand, Ann Wilson, Jennifer Hudson (if she could harness that voice, she'd be a problem), Monica AND Brandy (yep, i like 'em both...sue me), Deniece Williams, Lalah GOTDAMN Hathaway, Latoiya GOTDAMN Williams, Randy Crawford, Phyllis Hyman, Angela Winbush, Stevie Nicks (how did i almost forget her??!!)

Patti Labelle & Chaka Khan come nowhere near my list. both are great singers and i love a fair share of both of their material (moreso Chaka), but they just don't move me like that.

*slaps self silly, G Dep-style*

any votes for?

;)

ha

;)

*shrugs*

I'll just pick the ones I listen to most....Aretha, PJ Harvey, Nina Simone, Kate Bush and Sarah Vaughn.

1.) Chaka
2.) Minnie
3.) Aretha
4.) Deniece
5.) Anita


**************************************************
tREBLEFREE & DVS Jackson are:
The Waldorf And Statler Experience
Balcony Music

Volumes 1, 2 & 3 available now at http://waldorfandstatler.bandcamp.com

Gladys Knight
Bernadette Cooper
Patrice Rushen
Lyn Collins
Natalie Cole

Check out NEW Soul music at: www.myspace.com/starbeing

i love music!-THE MIGHTY O'JAYS

BLACK WOMEN RULE!

Billie Holiday
Aretha Franklin
Bettye Lavette
Meshell Ndegeocello
Erykah Badu

CHAKA KHAN - the only singer whose backgrounds are so tight they sometimes overtake the lead and for harmoninzing and ad-libbing like few others.

SARAH VAUGHN - those lows and highs; she was never afraid to sweat

BETTY CARTER - for perfecting craft and being one of the baddest bandleaders of any day

BETTY DAVIS - not the voice, but for her unforgiving vision of how funk should sound; musical performance as extension of funk.

MICA PARIS - for showing how Chaka's School of singing doesn't have to be just copycat but an inspired yet still unique style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHDA1w4HMZo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFltYrmxRIg

Patrice is in my Top 5 artists PERIOD. Versatile and just funky as hell. I'll also toss out:

Betty Davis
Carol Kaye
Erykah Badu

to comment on how hard it is to really narrow down 5, i wish had a bigger font to express my frustration lol

I love Africans, but HATE the N-gger in YOU!!!

1. Cassandra Wilson-my opinion, the greatest living american singer

2. Meshell-for challenging her audience, her creativity and honesty in her art...and talent!

3. Badu-her abilty to buck the trend and float in her talent is rare in modern soul era

4. Sade-classic

5. Whitney Houston-the pipes...might be slightly CRACked but she has IT!

HM:
L-Boogie

gotta think long and hard about this but she has to be top 5!


www.twitter.com/spathegod

tracy chapman
nina simone
sade
erykah badu
chaka kahn

Joni
Badu
Polly Jean
Aretha
Mary

I'm still not sure I'm happy with that list either, Aretha I love but so much of my favorite stuff from her comes from two albums (Lady Soul & I Have Never...).

Mary woulda been a lock just off the stuff up through the Mary album but it's been hit or miss since then for me.

PJ Harvey might be the best overall female rock package (though I love Chrissie Hynde as a songwriter/singer/rhythm-player & really love bandmember females like Stevie Nicks/Christine McVie/Kim Deal) but it's tough.

I thought long/hard about Bjork.

I've listened to Teena Marie as much or more as any female in the past few monthes but that struck me as more of a 'in memory of' omission while I know there's folks on here (OP, Doc, Fire, etc) who are much more well-versed on her catalog/musical evolution that I am (but I'm working on it).

Joi is a contender for one of those slots as well, easily the most underrated/underappreciated female of the past two decades for me.

I'm sure I'm even making a huge mistake leaving off someone right now.

1. Chaka
2. Sade
3. Aretha
4. Me'Shell
5. Minnie

HM's:

1. Teena
2. Patrice
3. Janet
4. Erykah

ella fitzgerald
mahlia jackson
aretha franklin
erykah badu
janet jackson

honorable mention:
chaka khan
sade
whitney houston
mary j. blige
lauryn hill
jill scott

underrated:
janelle monae


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"It is better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"

.

1. Bjork - Great 5 album run (I include Gling Glo on that list. One of the most innovative to ever do it of either gender.

2. Meshell Ndegeocello - Her first three albums are untouchable. I think Bitter is one of the saddest and greatest albums ever made.

3. Madonna - Her catalog and feats are undeniable. I'd say first album through Ray of Light was a great, great, great run. Bedtime Stories will never get the credit it deserves.

4. Sade - This is hard because tomorrow I'll want her at 3. While her last two albums didn't enchant me the way the first four did, those first four are for the ages. Love is Stronger than Pride is one of the best mood songs ever made. War of the Hearts is breathtaking.

5. Teena Marie - This is crazy to me because she could easily slide into my number two. And I hate I almost forgot to slot her. Big voice, rich, soulful and committed to the craft of making RnB.


In the running:
Mary J. Blige - best singer of my era
Minnie Ripperton - the voice
Fiona Apple - Tidal is still one of the best albums of the 90s
Erykah - Two certifiables, good enough
Tammi Terrell
Yukimi Nogano
Marsha is kinda moving up

So is Whitney

1.Madonna
2.joni mitchell
3.aretha franklin
4.tina turner
5. w.houston

also pretend i pasted this below replies 102, 107, and 108

http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=2547775&mode=full#2548152

Mika Nakashima
Misia
Erykah Badu
Jill Scott
Yoko Kanno (composers are artists too right?)

>Yoko Kanno (composers are artists too right?)

mos def, but is she really a composer? tee hee

>mos def, but is she really a composer? tee hee

Well she's provided music for various anime, tv shows and movies, so...

You're not thinking of Yoko Ono are you?

>>mos def, but is she really a composer? tee hee
>
>Well she's provided music for various anime, tv shows and
>movies, so...
>
>You're not thinking of Yoko Ono are you?

no, yoko ono is a true original, no matter where anyone stands on the enjoyability of her art; yoko kanno is a notorious plagiarist, unfortunately

>yoko kanno is a notorious plagiarist, unfortunately

Did not know this so did some research. Yeah it's quite alarming how 'similar' some of her songs sound compared to others, it's somewhat disappointing.

Luckily I didn't see Real Folk Blues mentioned as one of the examples though, so she's still cool with me.

in no specific order:

sade
anita o'day (probably my GOAT)
teena marie
alice russell
erykah badu

"Your current frequencies of understanding outweigh that which has been given for you to understand." Saul Williams

billie holiday
nina simone
aretha franklin
joni mitchell

Chaka Khan
Sade
Madonna
Janet Jackson
PJ Harvey/Björk (tie)

#1 laetitia sadier (from stereolab)
#2 Erykah Badu
#3 Bjork
#4 Fiona Apple
#5 jean grae

GREAT list.

i don't if i'm going off the original criteria, but i'm rolling w/ those 5, no doubt.. for the record, ms. badu is prob. in my top 5 regardless of gender (maybe top 8 to be safe)

Aretha Franklin

Diana ROss

Gladys Knight

Whitney Houston

Bessie Smith

1. Nina Simone
2. Sade
3. Patrice Rushen
4. Roisin Murphy
5. Erykah Badu

2. mjb
3. teena marie
4. anita baker
5. sade


do or die

Aretha
Chaka
Ella
Teena

that's all I've got for now...hurts my head to try and think of more...

aretha (gospel-soul)
whitney (power-soul)
mary (hiphop-soul)
janet (pop-soul)
chaka (funk-soul)


Artists who've stayed in heavy rotation through my years:
MJB
Jill
Janelle
Aretha

of Rosetta Tharpe.
Nor Bobbi Humphrey.
That is all.

1. Billie Holiday
2. Shirley Bassey
3. Minnie Riperton
4. Sade
5. Chaka Khan

Honorable Mention
-Lauryn Hill
-Yolanda Adams
-Kim Burrell
-Vanessa Bell Armstrong
-Bjork
-Amel Larrieux
-Cassandra Wilson
-Lalah Hathaway

Muldrow, Heather Nova, Enya, Indigo Girls, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Bobbie Humphrey,
the list goes on and on...

That's just off the dome... can't choose just 5 unless we narrow it down to a specific quality
like we do with men. At this rate, I could go on forever.

Sade
Tracy Chapman
Aretha Franklin
Me'Shell Ndegéocello
Chaka Khan

4. Billie Holiday
5. Mariah Carey