In honor of National Black Music Month, I thought it would be great to highlight some of the lesser known talent of the industry. We've heard time and time again the stories of the pioneers and the trailblazers in music, so we wanted to get you savvy on some folks you may not know about. First up is someone that is actually no stranger to the true fans of today's R&B/soul music genre...
Dwele, born Andwele Gardner, is a native of Detroit Michigan. The consummate crooner, Dwele is a soulful singer/songwriter and has written and produced work for the likes of Raheem Devaughn, Bilal and Angie Stone amongst others in the neo-soul circuit. As a personal fan of Dwele, he is one of the most underrated artists in the industry and deserves much more credit than the bubblegum popstars that are turning the music industry into a gimmick race. His debut studio album, simply titled Subject was a story of life written through the eyes of a young man yearning for experience beyond his years. His follow-up, Some Kinda, introduced a more confident artist with even deeper lyricism. The influences of life in the home of Motown is felt throughout the warmly colored production and vocals on both projects. There's a mellowness to his groove that reaches listeners of all ages, but speaks to the mature in heart and mind. Dwele’s currently back on the scene, after most notably appearing on the hook for Kanye West’s recent single Flashing Lights. He is poised to release his 3rd album, entitled Sketches of a Man. The lead single, I’m Cheatin (Everybody Cheats) has been tearing up adult contemporary stations. It's a cleverly written ballad that elaborates on every man’s dream: to have the lady in the streets with the freaky side beneath the sheets – two wildly enjoyable sides of a woman but so widely varied that it’s almost like he’s messin’ with two different women. Sketches of a Man is set to hit stores on June 24th. Shouts to my main man Ryan K. for puttin' me on to Dwele 6 years ago. Oh, and fellas if you ever wanted to do somethin nice for your lady, take her to a live Dwele show. Phenomenal band, very releaxed groove and an ambience that makes you wanna kick your feet up and Let Your Hair Down. Check out the video for I'm Cheatin' below....
-MackN2U-
1 Comment
I concur...Dwele is what we all should be listening to! In recent years we have come to accept mediocrity as good or even soulful music. He's refreshing and I wish him luck with the new album.
Posted on June 16, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Post a Comment