On the “A” w/Souleo
Musiq Soulchild is a reinvigorated singer these days and he has Syleena Johnson to thank for the change. The two decided to create a full-length album after a chance encounter at a recording studio where they were both working on music with reggae producer Kemar McGregor for his compilation project. One duet led to several more and now Musiq Soulchild and Johnson are ready to release the album, 9ine on September 9.
The fusion of R&B, soul and reggae heard on the lead single, “Feel the Fire” is a welcome departure for Musiq Soulchild, who has long-sought an opportunity to introduce listeners to his musical capabilities outside of his popular love ballads. “I love R&B but the reality is that not everybody listens to it. I said let me try to entertain people according to the music they like to listen to. I was looking to do something outside of what people have come to expect of me. Syleena was in the same space too.”
Lyrically, Musiq Soulchild says listeners can expect several songs about his mainstay themes of love and romance. Currently single, he admits that he is still learning how to practice what he sings when it comes to the demands of love. “It’s not that I don’t want a relationship but there are more pressing things to maintain a livelihood and handle my business. I can talk about it [relationships] all day but talking and living something are two totally different thing and I am finding that out on so many different levels,” he reveals. “But it’s not to say what I speak on is not real to me. But to live it consistently and maintain these other things is a challenge.”
Few challenges are as great as being a soldier on the front lines of war. Hip-hop recording artist, Supa Nova Slom understands this firsthand as an active duty soldier who has just returned from a tour in Afghanistan. On the surface, it appears to be a drastic step going from spitting socially conscious lyrics as one-third of The Cosnarti (a hip-hop group supported by Bill Cosby) and sharing the stage with the likes of Erykah Badu and T.I., to becoming a soldier. However, for Supa Nova Slom the mission remains the same, which is spreading his message of health, wellness and empowerment.
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