Grammy-Award profitable R&B/ Soul singer and songwriter Ledisi has launched her newest masterpiece, “The Crown,” an 11-track album about life, love, religion, and a tribute to the black girl.
The album formally drops right now Friday, April 25 through Pay attention Again Leisure/BMG.
With Ledisi on the helm as govt producer, ‘The Crown’ options contributions from a few of music’s most dynamic creators, together with longtime collaborator Rex Rideout, Camper, Ray Keys, and Jacques “JOC” Pierre.
The album options the radiant single “Love You Too,” presently climbing the Billboard High 15 on the R&B Radio charts, and the viral observe “BLKWMN,” whose Tyler Perry–produced video has sparked overwhelming reward throughout social platforms.
There’s something for everybody on this album. I personally respect the true musicianship on the album, which I’m not stunned at as a result of Ledisi is a music producer. Every observe sounds prefer it makes use of stay devices, which actually makes a distinction within the sound and high quality of the observe.
The album is about life that many can relate to. She’s singing about actual conditions that occur in life. Ledisi talks concerning the highs and lows of affection on the album- from being in love, “daydreaming” about one another, strolling away from love, and even selecting one another within the arduous occasions.
It sounds just like the singer/songwriter did all of her personal background vocals, which is completely superb. She is definitely singing with the riffs, runs, and vary.
Ledisi shouldn’t be ashamed of proclaiming her religion on the album as effectively, on the tracks “Heaven,” “Making A Approach,” and the namesake of the album, “The Crown.”
“Heaven” is a pleasant observe with a Neo Soul/Lure Soul vibe. Her voice carries the melody, and the observe is gorgeous however simple- the primary instrument is an electrical guitar. Ledisi sings that “though she’s not good and filled with errors, grace is falling on her. No one’s speaking about heaven, and regardless that she’d relatively inform you to go to hell, she talks about heaven as a substitute.” Like she says, ‘we’re operating a race, and other people hurting on this planet right now want a miracle-show love till you possibly can’t anymore.” That’s what heaven is about. The observe is minimal with some harmonies, however I really feel the simplicity provides to the effectiveness of the observe.
“Making A Approach” may be very related to right now’s local weather, with a lot political, financial, and social unrest. It’s a feel-good observe that blends Gospel, Pop, and Dance. Ledisi talks about God lifting her up all through all of her setbacks. This tune is a reminder that we’re all the time in God’s fingers and He’s all the time making a method, even with the entire chaos.
“The Crown” has a New Orleans really feel to it. I actually preferred this one as a result of it’s uplifting and talks about carrying the crown God gave us.
The hook says, “All I’m/He gave to me/There’s a crown I put on like royalty.” The hook goes on to say “the crown He wore set us free,” and I’m considering this pertains to the crown of thorns that Christ wore throughout his crucifixion.
I believe my favourite tune is “BLKWMN” as a result of it’s a tribute to black ladies and what we undergo in society. We supply plenty of weight, burdens, and sacrifice a lot, however Ledisi reminds us that we’re robust and appreciated. Even when nobody says thanks. The road that caught out to me essentially the most is “she smiles/powering via her ache,” as a result of that’s what we do! Irrespective of how arduous it will get, we as black ladies make it occur. We don’t have a selection, and that’s all we all know.
Within the tune, Ledisi says, “Black girl/sure, I really like you/ black, mild, darkish, blended/each sort of hue.” Each black girl is the shade of your pores and skin tone doesn’t matter.
I do know she is impressed by Nina Simone, and this tune has that jazzy/Nina Simone really feel throughout. Ledisi says that “black ladies are sometimes misunderstood, all the time underestimated, however the biggest.” With the entire detrimental connotations of black ladies in music and on TV, it was so refreshing to see a tune made by a black girl, uplifting black ladies! Hopefully, this may encourage us as black ladies to uplift each other as a substitute of tearing each other down.
For those who’re in search of some refreshing music that’s uncooked, genuine, and talks about one thing actual, that is it. And Ledisi does it in a fantastic method. This album will uplift and encourage you and have you ever dancing all on the similar time. And it reminds us black queens to put on our crowns. However most of all, this album reminds us to acknowledge God and to like.
Job effectively achieved, Ledisi. Thanks for sharing your present with us.
Along with the album, Ledisi is kicking off “Love You Too Tour” That includes Marsha Ambrosius on Might twenty eighth. Tour dates coming for Germany, Denmark, and Italsy with extra this summer time.
To take heed to “The Crown” by Ledisi, click on beneath.
ABOUT LEDISI
Ledisi was born in New Orleans and raised in Oakland, CA. Her dynamic voice has earned her a spot within the pantheon of the best singers of her technology. She has headlined nationally sold-out excursions, and carried out alongside Dave Matthews, Gary Clark Jr, Vince Gill, Keb Mo, and Maxwell, in addition to jazz greats Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, and Patti Austin.
Along with a Grammy win and nominations, Ledisi has garnered three Soul Prepare Music Awards, 19 NAACP Picture Award Nominations, an NAACP Theatre Award, and an NAACP nomination for Breakthrough Efficiency in a Movie for her position as Mahalia Jackson in Keep in mind Me. Ledisi additionally obtained two LA Alliance Ovation Award Nominations, one for Greatest Featured Actress in a Musical.
Ledisi can be an writer, actress, music producer, movie producer, writer, educator, and report firm govt.