DJ D-Nice Teaches Students New Skills at Otis Redding Foundation Music Camp

DJ D-Nice, the Creator of the World Famous "Club Quarantine," recently treated Students to a Master Class at the Otis Redding Foundation's OMC 2.0

The latest version of Otis Music Camp, OMC 2.0 The Virtual experience, held June 8-12, allowed for a plethora of familiar industry faces to stop by and continue the mission of enhancing and motivating young minds in music and the arts. Just when campers thought the week couldn’t get any better, legendary DJ, Derrick “D-Nice” Jones, treated them to a surprise guest appearance.

D-Nice’s virtual “Club Quarantine” parties have been bringing millions of music-lovers, including Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna, Ellen DeGeneres, Lionel Richie, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, together.

“Having someone who is not only a prominent member of the music industry, but also someone who is dedicated to bringing people together and lifting us up with music, is indeed an honor and a privilege for OMC 2.0,” says Karla Redding-Andrews, daughter of Otis Redding and VP/Executive Director of the Otis Redding Foundation. “The campers were tasked with writing songs around the themes of Ban Hate, Love All Over the World, and Empowerment, all of which are so prevalent in D-Nice’s messaging”.

“I do believe, especially for this age group that this was one of the most important lessons I ever learned in my life; I learned it at this exact age, 15 years old, learning about life, learning about music, and being creative and learning about community and being passionate and being true to yourself,” says D-Nice, speaking to the campers via BlueJeans. “Being able to speak to you guys and being able to share this story on what life could be, I don’t have the perfect life, but I have a life full of amazing experiences and it all started with music and community.”

Other presenters for OMC 2.0 included: Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls, songwriter Billy Mann, recording artist Alex Aiono, PR executives Isaac Hamm, Aliya Crawford (W&W PR) and Karen Lee (W&W PR), attorney Derek Crownover (Loeb & Loeb, Inc.), recording artists Bren Joy and Eric Burton (Black Pumas), Tom DeSavia and Michele Smith (Concord Music Group), Ron Andre Elvis Telford (Creative Titans Music), and Atlanta rapper Deante Hitchcock.  Screenshots of the presenters speaking with the 25+ campers and 10+ coaches are attached. Hi-res images are available upon request.

The full schedule and more information about the OMC 2.0 presenters, coaches, etc. is available online at https://otisreddingfoundation.org/2020-virtual-otis-music-camp/

The Otis Redding Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Macon, Georgia. Founded in 2007, ORF looks to empower, enrich and motivate all young people through programs involving music, writing and instrumentation. For additional information on the foundation and to see pictures from past camps visit https://otisreddingfoundation.org. To keep up with the conversation follow the foundation on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.


Follow @BOLDJournal on on all social media networks for the latest updates.

Stellar Awards Announces 2020 Virtual Production

credit: Stellar Awards

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards has announced that this year's Awards Show will be virtual. The virtual television broadcast will include a special tribute to first responders. Artists Jonathan McRenolds and Koryn Hawthorne are still set to host the event. Returning to host, this time as a co-host will be Kirk Franklin.

The superstar trio will work together to keep the virtual television praise party lifted and flowing seamlessly throughout the evening. Confirmed performers include Donnie McClurkin, James Fortune, J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, Travis Greene, Pastor Mike Jr., Kierra Sheard, and Doe, with more to be announced.

An important tradition at the Stellar Awards will be held for next year’s 2021 show, where Jackson will bestow well-deserved special honors and recognition upon Gospel greats who have elevated the genre. The previously named recipients – The Clark Sisters, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Pastor Shirley Caesar in addition to Gospel music industry leaders Dr. Leonard Scott, Skip Barrett, Kerry Douglas, and Dr. Teresa Hairston – will be celebrated for their contributions to Gospel music when The Stellar Awards returns to Las Vegas next Spring in March 2021.

Tickets purchased for 2020 Stellar Awards events that were scheduled for August 14–16 will be refunded. Previously announced nominees for the 2020 Stellar Awards includes , veteran Gospel collective, Donald Lawrence Presents The Tri-City Singers who leads the field of nominees with nine nominations. Other top nominees include Gospel icon and Stellar Awards Host, Kirk Franklin and powerhouse singer, producer and performer Tasha Cobbs Leonard with eight nominations each; JJ Hairston (7 Nominations), Bishop Paul S. Morton (6 Nominations), John P. Kee (5 Nominations), Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers (4 Nominations), William Murphy (4 Nominations), Pastor Mike, Jr. (4 Nominations), Maranda Curtis (3 Nominations), and Fresh Start Worship (3 Nominations) round out the field of top nominated artists. For the complete list of the 35th Anniversary Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees, please visit www.thestellarawards.com.

To view the full press release visit https://www.thestellarawards.com/press.html

Follow @BOLDJournal on all social media networks for the latest social media updates!

Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond Take Verzuz To The Next Level

Gospel Music giants Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond will jointly host the verzuz event Sunday May 31, 2020. Bishop T.D. Jakes will open with a few words of encouragement before the battle begins at 5PM EST.

With all the craziness going on in the world right now surrounding the murders of unarmed black men and women. Hopefully this will bring some uplift even if just for a moment.

Touted as "The Healing" Verzuz, rightfully we know that real "healing begins when change starts happening". One Instagram user commented in regards to the event happening. We are definitely appreciative of Kirk, Fred and Bishop Jakes moving toward the effort.

12 Year Old Keedron Bryant, whose video "I Just Want To Live" has gone viral, was used as the background music for the event.

The broadcast featuring Kirk Franklin, Bishop TD Jakes, and Fred Hammond will take place LIVE on http://verzuztv.com/ and Instagram.

"I Just Want To Live" is a perfect example of rising up and using your voice accordingly! We salute Keedron for using his gifts. Check out "I Just Want To Live" by Keedron Bryant below:

View this post on Instagram

😭😭😭😭😭 . . . #Repost @keedronbryant • • • • • • just singing what’s on my heart...hope this blesses someone🙏🏾❤️ @sdhtoronto thanks for this dope shirt!!🔥🔥 #ijustwantolive #blacklivesmatter #ijustwannalive #equality #black #blackexcellence #racism #justice

A post shared by Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) on May 31, 2020 at 4:40am PDT

Follow Breath Of Life Daily @BOLDJournal on all Social Media Networks for the latest updates. 

Latice Crawford Releases Brand New Singles "Amazing" & "Something Something"

Latice Crawford is back with new music! The Gospel Artist just released not one, but two new singles "Amazing" and "Something Something". She is signed with EOne Nashville. Both singles showcase Latice's ability to deliver melodic and soulful messages to listeners and followers of Christ. 

Latice recently shared a statement about her new projects: "This new music I'm releasing is all about our common symptoms (our temptations, struggles, stumbling blocks on our journey, those pills we use to maintain or fill our voids.) My hope is that my music will simply help us identify our stuff, see that we all have the same issues, and that we all use a variation of the same resources. I hope that we can judge less, and come together to see, and ultimately find our common source, the cure, Jesus Christ,"

After stealing the hearts of believers on BET’s singing competition Sunday Best, using her three-octave, contralto vocal range, her self-titled debut album reached two Billboard charts, and the Top Gospel Albums chart. Her second album, “Diary of a Church Girl,” also appeared on the Top Gospel Albums chart. The gospel superstar is back in action. Her new songs deliver the powerful, passionate message we need right on time! 

"Something Something", a fresh, original take on a classic expression is a funky feel-good melody! It has a nice vibe that will make you want to get up and dance, and praise at the same time! Check out the official video for "Something Something" below:

Both songs are available now at all major digital retailers, You can check them both out  HERE. and connect with Latice on Instagram @LaticeCrawford

What are your thoughts on these fresh new singles? Leave your thoughts about the new music in the comment section below and share them with us on all social media platforms @BOLDJournal

Gospel Artist Kierra Sheard Releases New Self-Titled Album

GRAMMY^® and Stellar Award-winning artist, actress and entrepreneur, Kierra Sheard, released her highly anticipated album KIERRA. Marking her sixth studio album and first project with RCA Inspiration. KIERRA includes the songstress’ latest single “It Keeps Happening,” and the popular anthem “Don’t Judge Me,” featuring Missy Elliott. Also, the album is accompanied by the release of a new video for another single, the atmosphere moving, “Something Has To Break (Live)” featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard. The video will debut exclusively via YouTube Premiere today at 1pm EST.

With a mission to deliver uplifting music, KIERRA provides a fitting sanctuary amid these difficult times, “Faith and inspiration have been the driving force of my career. We’re going to get past this. We have to. The Lord has so many things for so many of us to do,” Kierra shares. 

The album includes 15-tracks with sounds ranging from Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Gospel, and features some live recorded songs which Kierra performed before a sold out crowd in her hometown of Detroit, MI. Demonstrating her lyricism, Kierra either wrote or co-wrote all of the tracks on the album including the beautiful ballad “Grateful,” the authentic and raw “Human,” and “Better.” Assisted by a dynamic team, KIERRAfeatures production from her frequent collaborators, Harmony “H-Money” Samuels and her brother J. Drew Sheard, as well as songwriters Mia Fieldes, Varren Wade, Edgar “JV” Etienne, Justin Brooks and rising Chicago artist Sir the Baptist. In addition to Missy Elliott and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the album features vocals from other star Gospel Artists Todd Dulaney, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Le’Andria Johnson and Kierra’s nephew Jacob Sheard.

On top of her new music, Kierra is celebrating the fifth anniversary of her fashion line, Eleven60, which is available at Macys.com. Showcasing her versatility and range as an artist, Kierra continues to act and co-stars in the Lifetime biopic, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, which premiered on April 11^th to 2.7 million viewers. In the film she depicts her mother, legendary gospel artist, Karen Clark Sheard. 

KIERRA is available now via all major digital providers. 

Juan & Lisa Winans Release 'It Belongs To Me' feat. Marvin Winans

Gospel Music's premiere millennial GRAMMY-nominated couple, Juan and Lisa Winans’, celebrate the release of their official debut single, “It Belongs To Me,” featuring 6X GRAMMY-Award winner Marvin Winans. Following the success of their 2018 Holiday EP, A Little Soul for Christmas, “It Belongs To Me” encourages all that the good news and promises of God are for them and will come to pass. It’s a beautifully rendered and timely message as the world faces a global health crisis and rising social and political unrest. “It Belongs To Me” will be available on all major digital retail outlets on Friday, May 8, 2020.

Juan Winans began his career with the Billboard #1 Gospel Album, “Winans Phase 2: We Got Next.” Juan and his sister Deborah Joy Winans (“Greenleaf”) toured in the original musical Born For This: The BeBe Winans Story, for which Juan won Best Male Lead at the 2019 NAACP Theater Awards. Lisa Winans (formerly Lisa Kimmey) is best known as one third of the Dove Award winning, Contemporary Christian Music trio, Out of Eden. The group was active from 1994 to 2006, producing seven albums. During Lisa’s tenure with Out of Eden, she appeared on the 90’s sitcom “Moesha,” and hosted original programming for the Gospel Music Channel. In 2006, Out of Eden retired and released a greatest hits compilation. The trio reunited in 2014 for a special Gotee Records compilation album with a cover of House of Heroes’ single “Constant.”

“Our single, (“It Belongs To Me”) is more than a song to us, it’s the way we are aspiring to live. Jesus said that He came to give us abundant life. That’s a big, bold statement and just one of many promises offered to us as children of God. This song is a declaration of our desire and dedication to living in those promises; to possessing every gift and blessing that God makes available to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. ‘It Belongs To Me’ is our anthem of grace and faith,” says Juan Winans.

Listen To It Belongs To Me In The Official Lyric Video Below: 

“It Belongs To Me” will be available wherever music is sold and streamed on Friday, May 8, 2020. For more information on Juan and Lisa Winans visit JuanAndLisaWinans.com; follow them on social media using the handle @JuanAndLisaWinans. Dare Records is distributed by ADA (a Warner Music Group company).

Follow the conversation @BOLDJournal

Gospel Icon Bebe Winans Opens Up About Coronavirus Diagnosis

Jesus! Don't take Bebe! Legendary Gospel great BeBe Winans is the latest celebrity to open up about a difficult coronavirus diagnosis, and the gospel icon stopped by SiriusXM's The Joe Madison Show to reveal that while he has recovered, it wasn't an easy process.

"Sometimes, for some reason, we as a people when we look in and we look at television and various things that's going on around us, we somehow say, that can't happen to me for some reason," he explained. "I don't know why, but sometimes we believe that, and even myself being cautious, when the outbreak started, I did just a little travel. I was actually in New York and I was like, well, I'm going to Detroit because I had a friend pass and we were having a funeral and just that little travel, I caught it."

"You can't just go to the hospital, and if you're not in need of a respirator they won't even take you," he continued, before noting that both his brother and mother also caught the virus. "I'm a man of faith and just raised in and in my mind, I'm just concrete in the subject matter that God is greater than everything. Yet, and still, it's so important for us to use common sense. So, being on the other side of it now, I'm just grateful that the word, I just finished my run and through the whole run, I was just saying, God, I thank you. I thank you because it could have been a different outcome for me and my family. So, I've learned to be more grateful for life itself. Forget about homes and automobiles and all these things. You can't take none of that. That means nothing to you when your health is gone."

"I'm going to do what's best for me, and that is keep moving health-wise in my mind and my spirit," he added. "Keep the spirit moving. You can sit still and keep your spirit moving. I read a whole bunch. I didn't know I could read so well."

It is incredible to hear that Bebe Winans has recovered. We definitely will still be praying for him and his entire family. As gospel fans we know what a talented, multifaceted family it is.

Please stay safe out here in these streets, as a matter of fact STAY HOME! Make sure you wash your hands and take all the safety precautions, and more. GOD is a healer, but do not be foolish. Too many people are dying. GOD rest their souls.

Please, please be wise about this! Read! Get educated before hand. Remember like scripture says Wisdom is the principle thing.

Follow @BOLDJournal on all outlets for the latest inspirational news and updates!

source/image: Billboard.com  Hear Bebe's full interview on Billboard.com

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Todd Dulaney Talks New EP "Back To The Book"

Credit: Breath Of Life Daily

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Last week at an intimate conference held during Black History Month, Gospel Superstar and Worship Leader Todd Dulaney discussed his new EP "Back To The Book" with attendees. Dulaney talked about the inspiration behind the album, along with other topics related to gospel, entertainment, and the unity of the church.

He discussed his leadership style and shared a message of how "unity produces glory". Dulaney expressed the ultimate goal of getting the church out of their feelings and emotions, and "Back To The Book". That book being the Bible.

Breath Of Life Daily received an exclusive interview opportunity at the event and recorded coverage of a few powerful moments and responses that took place. Check out the video that can only be found on BOLDJournal's Official YouTube channel. 

Todd Dulaney's New EP "Back To The Book" is now available on all retail and digital streaming platforms.

"Like" and leave a comment of your favorite song from the new EP and connect with Breath Of Life Daily on all social media platforms @BOLDJournal for the latest interviews and Inspiration.

Remembering Ntozake Shange / How Her Rainbow Empowered Generations

My heart hurt when I heard. I've never met Ntozake Shange a day in my life, but to me she is family. In her work I found a sense of meaning not only as a black woman, but also as a creative writer. Ntozake Shange's life and work liberated so many people in numerous ways. I'm grateful for her boldness and that the positive impact she created will continue through her stories.

I remember sitting in a book store one day reading "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" I felt empowered, understood, and connected. Also, that the choreopoem had so much more substance than the film. It was real, raw, and liberating. Reading the book by Ntozake Shange made me feel like I wasn't alone in the world and that I can also have a voice despite all the systemic "dilemmas" of black womanhood.

That's why hearing the news of Shange's death felt like a huge shift in the world. She is a legend that will be truly remembered. Ntozake Shanges work touched so many people, "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" was just one of her most popular pieces.

Shange, born Paulette Linda Williams in 1948 in Trenton, NJ was a Poet, Novelist, and a Playwright. Some of her popular pieces were Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo (1982), Liliane (1994), and Betsey Brown (1985). "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" produced in 1975 touched the lives of black women across multiple genrations and introduced the word "choreopoem" into the dictionary. 

In 2010 "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" was adapted into a film, produced by Tyler Perry. Shange's work has won and been nominated for several major awards. Shange earned a Master's Degree in American Studies in 1973. She was one of the most notable creatives in American culture.

StarTribune reported that Shange died in her sleep "in an assisted living facility in Bowie, Md., where she lived." From her creativity and perhaps in her death, the peace of the rainbow was eternally on Shanges side. 

For Colored Girls (Film Adaptation, 2010)

A prolific writer and creative Shange is survived by her relatives, and the countless lives she's touched through her amazing literary work.

How did Ntozake Shange's creative work touch your life? Leave your comment below and connect with us on all social media channels @BOLDJournal for more updates.

More details on Ntozake Shange's life from StarTribune:
http://www.startribune.com/obituary-ntozake-shange-pioneering-playwright-poet-and-novelist/498795391/

Microsoft Authors In Business Event (Recap)

Atlanta, GA. -- on November 5th 2016 Best-Selling Author and Business Owner Desiree Lee hosted the first ever "Authors In Business Microsoft Book Signing" at Microsoft Store in Lenox Mall.

The event featured 15 Dynamic Authors from the around the country who are apart of the “Authors In Business Self-Publishing Community".  

A few featured Authors from the event from (left to right): Melissa Ruth, Mark A. Jackson, Myra J, Stepter, and Khalilah Wilbourn.

Featured Authors Included: 

Tonia Quarterman

Tongela Curry

Synetta Crispin

Subira Folami

Rob Gegner

Myra J. Stepter

Melissa Ruth

Mark A. Jackson

Tyesha Peak

Debra D. Jones

Annah Lewis

Andrea Stickland

Rick Stickland

Lisa Halls

Khalilah Wilbourn 

Glendora Dvine

The Microsoft Store was packed with fans and onlookers, those who attended gained powerful insight from the Authors. Prizes were given away to audience members. The event was very engaging, from the ranging topics to the energy of the crowd, it was one book signing that did not disappoint. 

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the Authors shared their wisdom and expertise.

VOW-Inspire Network was on hand to cover the event and got to feature some Great pictures on the fan page.

Pictured from (Left to Right): Hostess Desiree Lee, Event Attendee, and Featured AIB Author Lisa Halls.

If you would like to know more about the Microsoft Authors In Business Self-Publishing Community, the book signing, Authors, or get wisdom on Self-Publishing you can visit Desiree Lee's website: dleeinspires.com/publishnow and contact her directly through the webpage.

Let The Words Of My Mouth -- Faith-Based Poetry

Let The Word's Of My Mouth is a gospel centered poetry event that currently takes place in Fayetteville, GA. The line up of artists and poets is stellar. The latest installment in the series will include such performers as 5:10 Poet, Chris Dixon, Cyrus Harbin, Chavis Flagg, Nicki Harris and many more favorites from around the Atlanta, GA area and beyond.

The event will take place on August 27, 2016 at 383 Fayetteville Place in Fayetteville, Ga.

Here is the ticket link with more details... so you can grab those tickets: (Click Below)
Let The Words Of My Mouth: A Christian Spoken/Word Poetry Event

12 Art Prints That Inspire Me On Minted.

Updated!! Anniversary Giveaway!! Breath Of Life Daily is 4 years old this year!! We're giving you the gifts!! Thanks to our awesome readers for your support!! Sign-up to win a $100 gift credit from Minted. Enter here: http://eepurl.com/bd4HAL


12 Art Prints That Inspire Me On Minted.

by: April D. Byrd

First off, let me say this, I just found out about Minted.com and visited their site... I love them! Minted.com is a collective of greatness, so much talent in one place, and I'm so here for that. Minted. is a marketplace for independent artist to share their work. The website is amazing! It has some great pieces. Also, they have stationary, I'm big on stationary, planners, invitations, and all that good stuff, especially being a writer.

There is a lot to love, but I limited the post to 12 (it was originally supposed to be 10, but I was having so much fun, by the time I looked up I'd went over, shows you how good minted is.) It'd be great to choose a lot more, but I won't hold up your time. You can check out all the great prints on minted.com for yourself.. I'm looking forward to lurking more on their site, and purchasing prints, I had my eye on a few planners too. Among the prints I chose a few favorites that definitely stood out and really spoke to me...and here's why:

1. Cloud Observation by Stephanie Goos
It was the first one to catch my eye and attention. I love clouds. The beauty and the texture of this piece really stood out to me. There is such skill by the artist in capturing the color undertones and the visual story of the image. It's filled with beauty and magnificence. I want to go into that place where the clouds are. It's apparently (In this picture) some place to go and it makes me long to feel that calm, that it presents.

2. Foilage by Julie Song Ink
Foilage, oh Foilage! It's so beautiful. The colors are amazing! we are all different leaves on a branch so many colors and our own uniqueness.

3. Cosmos Garden by Lorent and Leif
I like the imagery that this piece creates. It shows that the artists knew how to arrive at the desired result using what they had. Very skillful. It looks like a rose bush to me. This is artistic talented work and I love flowers, especially roses. I would use this in my house to decorate with. It makes for a good accent with the decor of a warm, sunny, happy home.

4. Golden Palm Tree by Wilder California
Love this shining palm. I'm from Florida originally, so I love seeing the beautiful palm trees whenever I go down to visit. This image is from California, I believe, but for me it brings about a homey feel, not to mention the angle of the shot is glorious. The image is just beautiful. It's something you'd wanna see on a day you're traveling into town...welcoming beautiful palm trees in sunshine. Delightful.

5. Blue Fields by Hi Uan Kang Haaga
Color contrast. I love this blue and green with the specks of red sitting out for effect. It truly does look like an image from the sky, dreamed up from the artists mind. It pops, in a good way.

6. Pining for Pineapple by Joni Tyrrell
If you're a fan of pineapple...you get it. Even if you're not a fan, beyond the mouthwatering appeal this picture is very clear. It's direct, focused, and makes a statement...a BOLD statement. "I alone, by myself, with know distractions or fancy backgrounds...I am enough. That's one conscious pineapple!

7. Sunset Study by Jessica Cardelucci
Sunset Study produces a familiar feel that comes over the distance. It's a reminder that joy comes in the morning. No matter what we go through, the sun will rise again, It's a beautifully imagined evening sunset.

8. Twinkling light by Lindsay Ferraris Photography
This image reminds me of driving up to a party or social activity, where the people are. The dim, out of focus perspective is a testament that there is light, even amidst mediocrity, and where there's light there is life.

9. Bits by Katie Craig
The lovely bits! These are "bits into the blue". I'm in love with blue, and it's a great decor' piece. Simple beauty.

10. Facades by Qing Ji
My grandmother use to have a picture just like this in her house. It brings back sentimental feeling and memories, and at the the same time it makes me want to travel and go somewhere far away that I've never been before. (Italy, maybe.) Pretty much anywhere that's not where I am. This picture makes me believe and wander. There's motivation here, motivation for something better.

11. Four Sisters by Holly Royval
Love this! The color contrasts here rock! The sisters here are similar, but different in personalities, that's how we know they're sisters. It is an image of us all. Human kind as a whole, we belong to each other, but we have differences in authenticity. Beyond the meaningfulness of the lesson the picture is just nice to look at. Are the four sisters: style, class, elegance, and sophistication? because that's what this painting says to me.


12. Big Sky Country by Vicki Rawlins
Last, but not least: Big Sky Country. This is the beauty I want in my life, the image itself, and the feel it brings. Can you tell I love clouds? Clouds denote the glory of God. There is such an animated clarity here. It's clearly skillful work by the artist. Another plus... it looks like Mufasa from The Lion King is about to come breaking through the clouds at any minute. Very glorious and splendid.


What is your take on these 12 prints? Did you find these or any of the other products and prints inspiring at minted.com? Let me know in the comments... You can also follow this conversation with Breath Of Life Daily + Minted. via social media on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest.

Lauryn Hill's Talent Makes History Again

by: April D. Byrd

*source: theroot.com

One night after consistent replays of "Doo Wop That Thing" by Lauryn Hill I found myself listening to her whole unplugged album and realizing how deep she was spiritually. It was refreshing to hear how conscious she was and how it reflected in her music. It was very inspiring. I knew her work was something really special. That's probably why her  album "The Mis-Education Of Lauryn Hill" became a classic. Hopefully she'll be prompted to come back and gift us with another classic. The Library Of Congress is adding her legendary album to it's archive. 

-- According to the Library of Congress press release, among requirements for inclusion in the archive are that the recordings be “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” and be at least 10 years old. The Library of Congress gave a lengthy explanation as to why it chose Hill’s debut album:

"Lauryn Hill’s debut solo record, following the breakup of the Fugees, is a work of honesty in which Hill explores her feelings on topics that included the deep wonder of pregnancy, the pitfalls of modern relationships and the experience of the sacred. The album effortlessly fuses soul, rhythm and blues, rap and reggae. Hill’s vocal range, smooth clear highs and vibrato are stunning. The rapping is rhythmically compelling while always retaining, and frequently exploiting, the natural cadences of conversational speech. Standout guest performances include Carlos Santana’s soulful acoustic guitar solo on “Zion,” and duets with Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo on “I Used to Love Him” and “Nothing Even Matters,” respectively.

Subscribe to BOLD Journal's Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Original post on theroot.com