Vocalist Ledisi discusses her latest work, titled 'The Crown'.
Rewritten Article:
Yo, folks, if you're into R&B, buckle up for Ledisi's latest banger, and I ain't kiddin'! But even if you ain't a fan yet, you might remember her performance at this year's Super Bowl.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
LEDISI: (Singing) Let us march on till victory. Let us march on...
Yep, that's Ledisi slaying that rendition of "Lift Every Voice," sometimes referred to as the "Black National Anthem." Born in New Orleans but breaking out as an independent artist in the Bay Area after high school, she's been grinding on her own terms ever since. With album number 14, "The Crown," she's preparing to hit the road for a tour.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "THE CROWN (FEAT. TROMBONE SHORTY)")
LEDISI: (Singing) All I am, He gave to me. There's a crown I wear like royalty.
Uh-huh, she's here to chat about it, too. Ledisi, welcome!
LEDISI: Thanks for havin' me. Man, listenin' to these flames rekindles the fire, ya know?
Talkin' Super Bowl gigs and a billion people watchin' ain't gonna phase Ledisi. She feels the pressure of reppin' her hometown, her family, and the world. But focusin' on the youngins remindin' her of her own journey, reminds her what's truly important.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "MAKING A WAY")
LEDISI: (Singing) There's power knowing love will save me. He's still making, making a way out of no way. Making a way out of no way.
From Carnegie Hall to the Super Bowl, it's clear Ledisi ain't stopping. With album number 14, "The Crown," she's finally findin' her stride. And she likes it. That's what I call 'effortless swag'.
So what's the vibe on this new album? The tunes are upbeat, and "Love You Too" is just one of them up-and-comers. But what sets this album apart is that, unlike much of the popular music today, it ain't all about heartbreak. It's about love, hope, and about feelin' good, especially when times are uncertain.
I mean, we all need a little positivity, right? But it's sexier than ya think, too.
(SOUNDBITE OF LEDISI SONG, "DAYDREAMING")
MARTIN: You know where I'm goin' with this...
LEDISI: Oh, snap (laughter).
MARTIN: One of the standout tracks is "BLKWMN," featuring Tyler Perry on video.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "BLKWMN")
LEDISI: (Singing) Black, light, dark, blended. Every kind of hue.
Ledisi penned this track in her office while thinking of her mom, her mentors, and all the Black women who have played a role in shapin' her into Ledisi. In today's world, it can be played as a boost when you need it most.
MARTIN: I gotta admit, it had me feelin' good when my girl went through exams.
Ledisi: That's the spirit!
Word is, Ledisi created "BLKWMN" as a poetic ode, servin' as an anthem of thanks, love, and empowerment for Black women everywhere. And since it dropped, it's gained plenty of love from women like Tracee Ellis Ross, Michelle Obama, Alicia Keys, and more.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "ENUF")
LEDISI: (Singing) Tell me how you feel, baby. I know you can feel it, baby.
Take it from me, this ain't a album you'll wanna miss. Ledisi's latest, "The Crown," ain't gonna disappoint. It's a celebration of life, love, and empowerment, and it's dropped now. So give it a listen and get ready to feel inspired.
- Ledisi, known for her powerful rendition of the "Black National Anthem," 'Lift Every Voice,' is preparing to embark on a tour with her latest album, "The Crown."
- In 'BLKWMN,' a standout track from the album, Ledisi expresses gratitude, love, and empowerment for Black women, and it has received praise from several distinguished figures like Tracee Ellis Ross, Michelle Obama, and Alicia Keys.
- The music on Ledisi's new album, "The Crown," offers positivity, love, and hope, setting it apart from much of the popular music today that often centers around heartbreak. The album's uplifting vibe makes it an entertainment choice that will leave listeners feeling inspired.
