Turning 30: Prince's "1999"

Do you remember when you first fell in love with Prince? Was it when you first saw the movie "Purple Rain" or was it even earlier? Believe it or not Prince fans, but Prince's first hit "1999" turns 30 this year. Where has the time gone? Liberated Muse's Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman (Moon) celebrates his royal highness' hit in this tribute piece on SoulTrain.com. Check it out!

Capital Hip Hop Soul: Singer Gloria Ry'ann (@GloriaRyann)

The third featured artist in our Capital Hip Hop Soul series is the beautiful and very talented singer Gloria Ry'ann. Gloria came into our radar in 2009 when noted photographer Stevie Robinson, a music aficionado and host of her own music radio show,  began sharing exclusive photos and singles from Gloria's performances in New York, creating a buzz about this budding new artist that was unstoppable. In a relatively short span of time and without a full CD out yet, Gloria has already amassed a strong following of fans who are highly anticipating the release of her yet-to-be titled project that is set to drop this year. With a voice heralded as being the "next Minnie Ripperton" and a sensual delivery that has attracted the amour of many a love-struck fan, Gloria shares in our Q & A a few things that we probably wouldn't have expected, but are happy to learn about. Be sure to look out for part two of this interview on SoulTrain.com at the end of February.

Liberated Muse: How do you respond to the comparisons to the legendary Minnie Ripperton?

Gloria Ry’ann: Wow!! Such an honor to be compared to one of the greatest
singers ever!!! I still can't believe that I can be compared to possibly
the 8th wonder of the world. She is now and will always be a musical icon that I aspire to. I am forever humble and grateful.

Liberated Muse: What feeling do you want listeners to take from your
music?

Gloria Ry’ann: Music is part of one’s soul. My music is honest! My music can heal and it's very vulnerable and open. I want people to hear me--the real
person singing to their souls!

Liberated Muse: If you couldn't sing tomorrow and you had to change careers, what would you turn your efforts toward?


Gloria Ry’ann: I have often thought of that, I see myself assisting those who are less fortunate than me. There are so many troubled youth and broken hearts and spirits in this world. People need to be embraced and loved. I see myself working with inner city youths.

Liberated Muse: Name three artists you would love to work with and tell
us why.

Gloria Ry’ann: Maxwell—[he has] dynamic energy, a phenomenal entertainer, fantastic smile. He lives his music! Quincy Jones--a living legend. He has worked with the greats from Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Sarah Vaughan, Jay-Z, Ella Fitzgerald-- just to name a few. The musical genius that he is and the wisdom he possesses, it would be pinnacle of my life. Prince-- he could help to bring out the colors of my voice. I believe he understands my artistry and the lessons of music he could impart. I would be eager to be his student. It would be an honor.

Liberated Muse: How do you think music can change the world for the better?

Gloria Ry’ann: I love this question, Music is a language, it has no boundaries and it is truly a uniting force. Music has a way of touching people, soothing entertaining and healing. I am blessed to be in a profession that possesses so many attributes.

Liberated Muse: Tell us something that probably few people know about you.

Gloria Ry’ann: There are many things that you would find amusing about me. I am actually a comedian at heart. I look for opportunities to help people feel good. I love laughter and I make a mean banana pudding.....wink*

Stay tuned for PART TWO of the Gloria Ry'ann interview on SoulTrain.com later this month.

You can listen to Gloria's music on Reverbnation, Facebook, MySpace & Twitter

-Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman

Khadijah is a writer based in the Washington DC metro area. Visit her online at KhadijahOnline.com

Check Out SoulBounce.com's Series on 30 Albums Celebrating 20 Years

Who were some of the artists you were listening to 20 years ago? Can you even remember that far back? When you think of soul music, think of some of the artists who were thriving on the charts and making the 90's one of the last decades of megastars who not only looked good but were talented as well?

SoulBounce.com is helping you take that trip down memory lane with their recent series (that ends soon) that showcases thirty of the top albums of 1990 that celebrated 20 years this year. Here are some of the albums already covered:

For the full list of albums reviewed and to read the posts on SoulBounce.com, click here. 

Who makes your own list of best remembered albums of 1990?

Support the Prince-ly Philanthropist: BUY INDIE TODAY

I admittedley start my work day by getting on Facebook to get a whiff of what folks are talking about and this note posted by hip-hop journalist Davey D was something share-worthy. I picked up my Target-sold Prince CD this past week and really enjoy it. What is so impressive is how he uses his celebrity to promote his label artists, giving them an opportunity to be heard.

Check out the story below.
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TAVIS SAYS PLEASE GIVE PRINCE SOME LOVE:
Smiley urges support for singer's new album following generous donation.
(April 8, 2009)

*Tavis Smiley sent a thank you letter to folks who attended the 10th anniversary celebrations of his State of the Black Union, as well as the Gospel Brunch and Prince concert in Los Angeles held to benefit the Tavis Smiley Foundation.

While informing supporters that the recent fund-raising efforts have brought in almost $225,000 to fund the development of young leaders, Smiley made a point to single out Prince for donating proceeds from his Feb. 28 show at The Conga Room to the cause.

Smiley wrote:

As is common for some philanthropic individuals who donate to charitable and worthy causes, Prince is one of those people who won’t tout his contributions. He just doesn’t do it. He gives to give. In our case, Prince not only donated his time but covered all expenses for the show and mysteriously enough we received another donation matching dollar-for-dollar the six-figure concert proceeds. Guess who?

By now you may know that he has released a new phenomenal 3-CD set, "LotusFlow3r," which showcases yet again his musical genius. The CD is available exclusively through Target stores nationwide and retails for $11.98 and is slated to reach No. 1 in record sales this week.

Because Prince has carved a creative niche for himself to own his music and to market directly to the public, this project does not have the traditional support of radio or a record label. Hence, you may have not heard any of the CD tracks on your local radio stations. But these circumstances should not prevent the public from hearing about or accessing the work of an artist who is perhaps the greatest of our time.

So I’m asking you as our friends to take a minute to check out his CD for yourself at a Target store or visit Target online at http://www.target.com.

And in addition, later this month Prince is scheduled to be a guest on my television show on PBS to discuss his CD and the challenges facing independent music artists pursuing their right to self-determination. Prince has given to our youth and I need your help to give a little back to him.

Thank you again for your support and for your consideration.
Keep the Faith!

Tavis Smiley