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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, thats who. Sure you had Patti, Gladys and an abundance of soulful sangas. Sure, shes a screamer. But Chakas 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 Ive sang Love Has Fallen On Me in the shower
You Know Im, 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 Ive 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 youre ACTUALLY FEELING what youre 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...
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