If ever there was an artist to start my interviewing CV with, I honestly could of not wished for better than having a lovely chat with Dwele.

The smooth toned, ‘soul star’  has been on my radar since his major label debut in 2003 (Subject). I, alongside a few millions across the world have been following him ever since. In the midst of a rare moment when he was not touring or recording, I delved into Dwele’s thoughts on the music game these days and discussed a whole bunch of stuff with him…

You are one of my personal team captains of Neo-Soul, but what do you think about the genre now?

I think alot of artists that termed themselves as Neo-Soul have kinda branched out these days. Neo-Soul isn’t dead as such, but I definitely don’t think Neo-Soul is what it was before. Even like 5 years ago. It has changed. Half the stuff these days can’t even be called Neo Soul. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, I just think that these days artists wanna be more than one defined genre.

So was this a recurring conscious thought whilst making the new album W.ants W.orld. W.omen, not to fit in one static genre?

I think the album offers a lot of different things. But I would say it is slightly more R’n'B  and Hip Hop, than Neo Soul. But don’t get me wrong, there are certianly some cuts that could be considered as Soul or Neo Soul. Espicially in the W.orld section, like ‘Detroit Sunrise’ and ‘My People’. You know they got that old throwback feeling to them.

There are alot of different things that I tried my hand to. I was trying to make all sorts. You know like the joints for the club or your car as well. Tried a few different things for this album.

Explain your experience  as an artist evolving from your self released album Rize to W.W.W

For me, the most evolution comes as a writer. You know I am a singer, but my song writing has most def evolved.  The collaborations I do these days, inspire me and push me to keep creating. Like the track with Raheem (‘Dim the Lights’) was real cool to make. Or working with some horn guys or a new drummer. Being in the studio with guys like that keeps things molding.

But in a way, I kinda enjoyed the former years when it was just me, pen and some paper. So as far as writing, I have enjoyed the evolution for different things.

The typical season of X-Factor-itis rapidly takes over the country during the winter and shows like American Idol produce instant singers other times in the year. How do you feel as an indie artist with Simon Cowells’ constant penetration on music.

As an independent artist I just keep on my own path. I don’t really watch others. Everybody is an artist. Nowadays with everything so out there, the good thing is you can get everybody’s opinion. There is no more hiding anymore for anybody.

But I do love the fact there are things like Twitter, so that there are different ways to connect with the audiences. That way, the music does stay at the center of everything, allowing everyone to be a critic. But more importantly for us artists to know what y’all think.

True. So who for you has kept music exciting now that everyone is producing music, who has stood out for you?

The thing I would say about the industry, is that people don’t really buy albums any more. You know everything is just on the Internet. But still there is alot of stuff that has caught my ear like the Big Boi album. I rocked the new Jay in my truck the other week. I tend to listen to alot of hip hop when I’m driving.  I like the Drake album as well.

But there are alot of artists across the world that I like. Especially in the UK, but I don’t know their names. I just know that I’m feeling what the UK is pushing out right about now. You know there are a couple of soul joints and artists I am feeling at the moment and there is some other stuff. I don’t know its almost like garage music. (Ponders for a bit) Yeah I would say garage. I like all types of music, the only thing I can’t get with is country music.

No Dolly Parton for you.

Nahhhh definitely not!

But yeah, I love the UK crowd too, I mean we are planning to come back there in February. I haven’t toured there for a minute, I mean I was there with Angie Stone a few months back, but it still feels like its been too long. I gotta get back to y’all soon.

Yep. You really do. What do you enjoy more: the touring around the world or the studio down time in Detroit?

I really enjoy being home. You know when I am at home, I have creative time. But don’t get me wrong, I enjoy being on the road, I mean I’m working. That’s more than some artists. I’m grateful.

I mean if I had a regular everyday 9-5, I would probably still be at the insurance place I was at before, or an electrician.  I really like working with electronics.

Regular handyman hey?

Yeah I got that. I got that.

Good to know. Alot of people were exposed to you via Kanye West, what is he like to work with?

I think Kanye knows what he wants. When we get in studio, he knows how he gonna say something and what he wants to say. He knows how he wants me to sound and how the beat gonna sound. Then we compliment each other. I will add my two cents, he will add his. And we just go back and forth like that. But I think Kanye just knows what he wants.

Will you be on any of the forthcoming Good Friday tracks that ‘Ye has been pushing out each week? Pinboard readers have been loving them.

Word.

You know ‘Power’ was the first one he dropped you know. Because it wasn’t gonna be on the album, we just recorded it. So you know, I didn’t know it would be on the album.  We done a few others tracks together, but I’m not sure if he will drop anymore that I am on. So I’m still wondering myself (laughs)  Who knows? If so, we will find out together!

Kanye always keeps everybody guessing! So until we get to see you again over on these shores, is there anything you want to say to the supportive PinBoard peeps.

Thanks for the support, UK is honestly one of my favourite places. Y’all are ready! I tried a few new things. But I hope you can stick with me on this journey. Thanks!

You can download  the new album W.ants. W.orld. W.oman now.

“Pinnablogdotwha?”

Terri Walker gave us nothing but jokes during this interview!

We sat down with the UK soulstress for an exclusive interview to discuss everything from her work with Ski Beatz, featuring on 24 Hour Karate School, Dame Dash and the whole Creative Control camp, to what she’s been up to since the last time we saw her. She also talks candidly about her struggles with balancing artistic integrity and dreams of being a successful recording artist. Walker goes on to reveal details of her new album, which UK artists she intends to work with, and why she feels Britian isn’t necessarily the ‘best place’ for someone making Soul music.

Not only this but we also got to record an exclusive session while Terri and her band rehearsed for Aesthetic Sound’s 5th birthday jam. Performing her brand new single ‘Understanding’ (produced by Ski Beatz) – she attempts to conquer incoprotating PINBOARD BLOG DOT COM into it’s melody. She gets there in the end. Pure jokes. Her voice is like butter.

What Do You Think?

This is insane. 11 years ago today Destiny’s Child released their monumental album The Writing’s On the Wall. It’s insane because I remember the day this album dropped like it was yesterday. I’m officially old. This album not only shaped the face of R&B music, but also directed the type of music I love today. Fact. Listening to Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs production, Kandi’s writing ability and DC’s powerful vocals and melodies inspired a whole chain of musical thought for me.

During our interview with founding Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland we discussed this very album, it’s impact on R&B, on music as a whole and her thoughts on why it was so successful at the time. She also sings an acapella rendition of our favourite track off the LP – ‘She Can’t Love You’. Quite possibly one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve ever conducted, so glad Kelly enjoyed it as much as I/we did.

11 years ago today one of my favourite R&B albums was released. I bunked off school to buy it for £15.99 from Our Price. Yes, Our Price! The Writing’s On the Wall is a shining example of how great music never gets old.

]]> http://pinboardblog.com/2010/07/destinys-child-released-the-writings-on-the-wall-11-years-ago-today-2/feed/ 0 http://pinboardblog.com/2010/06/pinboard-exclusive-trey-songz-interview/ http://pinboardblog.com/2010/06/pinboard-exclusive-trey-songz-interview/#comments Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:47:48 +0000 Speeakz http://pinboardblog.com/?p=22590 Normal posting continues below

Our interviews are now in HD, so for the best experience, please watch in 720p

The PinBoard team caught up with Trey Songz at Atlantic Records HQ for a chat, while he was in London Town earlier this week. Discussing a variety of topics, he talks to us about his evolution as a man, an artist and as a business man over the years. Opens up about being the sole provider for his family, what it was like coming from a military family and why he choose to dedicate his latest video to the men who have lost their wives to war. Songz also speaks about blogs and the media at large and how he doesn’t allow it to affect his daily life. He also speaks candidly about his personal life and why at this stage, despite wanting to, he is unable to commit himself to a full time relationship.

Get to know the man behind the shades and the music.

What do you think?

Subscribe to our official YouTube channel

Sidenote: Quick shout out to the team, once again – for yet another dope interview. Props to our master editor (folks be studying your work sir – heh), interviewer, camera and sound peoples et el.

]]> http://pinboardblog.com/2010/06/pinboard-exclusive-trey-songz-interview/feed/ 16 http://pinboardblog.com/2010/05/pinboard-exclusive-kelly-rowland-interview/ http://pinboardblog.com/2010/05/pinboard-exclusive-kelly-rowland-interview/#comments Mon, 24 May 2010 22:21:39 +0000 Speeakz http://pinboardblog.com/?p=22129 Posting continues below

Last week the PinBoard team had the pleasure of sitting down with Ms Kelly Rowland while she was in London. Quite easily one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve personally ever conducted, we discussed a variety of topics, but focused mainly on the music.

We talked about her new single, ‘Commander’, and it’s remix – Kelly hints that a certain rapper is itching to jump on it – and when we can expect it, the new album and how she refuses to be put ‘in a box’. She also talks about the producers and writers she worked with on the forthcoming LP, including Chris Brown and speaks about why she chooses not to judge him for his past.

Half way through the conversation, Kelly stops, turns to her management and says (on camera) – ‘wow, you  might have just given me the album title’ (can you say exclusive??).

We also talked about the move from from her former management company and why she felt that was a necessary decision. Kelly also discusses the legacy left behind by Destiny’s Child and upon talking about the groups seminal album The Writings on the Wall, she sings my personal favourite track off that album (and DC song period), the classic, ‘She Can’t Love You’ – now that‘s what you can call an exclusive.

…Oh yea, and I get my geek on by asking Kelly to sign my 2002 Destiny’s Child tour manual – check her out going down memory lane and peep what she writes…!

Whilst in London, Janelle Monáe sat down with PinBoard to discuss a variety of topics, including the recording process behind The ArchAndroid and the influences she incorporated into it, the future of the human race and her energetic stage performances. Monáe also talks to us about her (now iconic) tuxedo and what it means to her, her thoughts and feelings towards Erykah Badu and what her support has meant, and also discusses how she’s dealing with being hailed as a musical messiah. The interview also features live footage shot by us at her Cargo gig last November-perhaps one of the most unforgettable nights.

The ArchAndroid is released today in the U.S and is out in the UK July 12th.

Bonus: Win a print painting of Janelle Monae by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, along with a whole bunch of other goodies, including a mobile phone, headphones, CD’s, limited edition DVD & more! Go HERE now to enter!

Have to give a massive shout out to Shan for quite possibly one of the best video interviews we’ve had featured on PinBoard. It’s a new day. Love to Sheri and Dershe too! And of course a huge thank you to Miss Monae!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Today sees the (US) release of B.o.B’s album The Adventures of Bobby Ray and in celebration, we decided to drop the interview we did with him while he was in town a few weeks ago.

We discussed a number of things including what it was like for him growing up in Atlanta, the thought process behind his debut album, the difference between B.o.B & Bobby Ray, as well as possibly playing the Cello on stage (?!?), among other things!

The Adventures of Bobby Ray is released in the US today and sees a May 17th UK release. Either way, support good music and buy yourself a copy!

Peace, Love & B.o.B

Speeakz

]]> http://pinboardblog.com/2010/04/pinboard-exclusive-b-o-b-interview/feed/ 6 http://pinboardblog.com/2010/03/erykah-badu-talks-about-groupthink-in-our-exclusive-qa-session-video/ http://pinboardblog.com/2010/03/erykah-badu-talks-about-groupthink-in-our-exclusive-qa-session-video/#comments Sun, 28 Mar 2010 10:34:00 +0000 Speeakz http://pinboardblog.com/?p=18717

Erykah’s epic new video reminded me of what she had to say about “groupthink” (written at the very end of the video) when we caught up with her in Paris last year. Around the 06:35 mark someone asks what advice she would give her fans and what her ‘message’ is…Her poignant response is even more powerful today having seen the “Window Seat” video.

…Badu also speaks on various other topics during the Q&A session including what she feels her legacy will be (asked by me), how the internet has changed her life (asked by PBB crew member Pal Weezy), her experience in Africa, her thoughts on Michael Jackson’s death and the importance of Hip Hop in her life, plus more. While the sound quality is less than perfect (the crew were tearing down the stage as it was happening), this really is an insightful peak into the wonders of Erykah Badu.

New Amerykah, Part 2: Return of the Ankh is out tomorrow (March 29th). Support great music, buy a copy!

Peace, Love & Erykah Badu

Speeakz

P.s This interview was initially uploaded to Vimeo, I’ve just also re-upped it on YouTube.

P.O.S dropped one of the best albums of ’09. Never Better, a perfect and unconventional blend of Hip Hop and Punk Rock was forward thinking and insanely impressive. I already know for many, the thought of anything heavily influenced by Punk Rock is a scary thought, but trust me – if you love Hip Hop, you’ll love this artist and this album. What he produces is unequivocally dope on both spectrums.

P.O.S sat down for an exclusive interview with us while he was in London Town for a gig last year; We discussed the complexities of growing up in two very different towns with the black and white racial equilibrium, the difficulties of identifying himself with a particular sub-culture, how his album Never Better is, at its core, a Hip Hop album, his thoughts on why mainstream Black America hasn’t overwhelmingly embraced indie rap, and much more.

For those who are already fans of P.O.S, I hope you guys love this interview as much as I/we do. For those of you who are new to what P.O.S is all about – I’m proud to present this to you. This is real music. Real Hip Hop

Peace, Love & P.O.S

Speeakz

Once again, much love to Shan ‘Fantastic*nt’ Phearon for producing yet another great interview!

PinBoard caught up with supremely talented Brittany Bosco for an exclusive interview while she was in town. Keeping it 100% London, the interview was conducted in a…phone box! It also features live footage from her gig at the ‘Bitches Brew’ Halloween party and an exclusive and intimate acapella rendition of “Black & White” off her Spectrum EP.

During the interview Brittany talks about growing up in Savannah (Georgia), moving to Atlanta, going mainstream, inspiring her listeners, her new upcoming album and oh, so much more! Sit back, press play and get to know Brittany Bosco a little better.

After this interview, you shouldn’t need any convincing, but if you haven’t already, I implore you to cop Brittany’s Spectrum EP!

Peace, Love & Brittany Bosco

Speeakz

Speeakz says: I was in Rome while this interview was going down (yes, I was gutted). But I have to say the PinBoard crew killed it! Man, having just seen it for the first time, I am blown away! They did me proud. Brittany, thank you so much for being so freaking cool and open. I love this. I hope you do too. Massive shouts to Brittany, Fadia, Amelia & Everyone else involved! I’m gonna go watch this again.

PinBoard kicked back with Grammy nominated R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan one morning a few weeks ago and we happened to catch her at her most hyper-active & carefree. What followed was a madcap little conversation on: drink, drugs, being afraid of the dark, love, the super-producer she wants to work with next, her mother & her obsession with the classic musical, The Wiz. The interview also features exclusive live footage from her Jazz Cafe gig in London on September 8th!

Sit back, relax and see Jazmine Sullivan like you’ve never seen her before!

Peace, Love & Jazmine Sullivan

Speeakz

Mucho thanks to Fantastic*nt for shooting the interview!

“Is that gonna be like, all in my crotch?”

PinBoard sat down with Mr Solo Dolo while he was in town. In this (rather cool) interview, Cudi speaks on his love/hate relationship with blogs, the pressures of early fame, being misinterpreted, upsetting his fans, his relationship (or lack thereof)  with his ‘friends’ and mother and much more…

A very safe dude, who came through with some real insightful answers. This is only a portion of what we discussed. Who knows, maybe we’ll release some more soon. Cudi’s debut album Man On The Moon: The End of Day is out now.

Peace, Love & KiD CuDi

Speeakz

Shouts to the PinBoard crew for delivering yet another dope interview!

Writer, producer, singer…one thing’s for sure, Mr Leslie’s not short of things to put on his CV.  We sat down with the man behind, and in front of, the music to talk about his critical & commercial frustrations, getting older and…Cassie.

Turn on and tune in as he speaks candidly to PBB about all this and more…

Peace, Love & Ryan Leslie

PBB Crew

PinBoard had the pleasure of spending some time with the beautiful and supremely talented Chrisette Michele while she was in London Town. In this exclusive interview, Chrisette talks on how she was discovered, her new album Epiphany, fighting with Ne-Yo and whether or not she’s still a Hip Hop head. The crew also bring her up to speed on UK dub-step. Yup!

…Our interview also features incredible live footage from her August 3rd gig at the Jazz Cafe!

Peace, Love & Chrisette Michele

Speeakz

P.s I’m so happy and proud to present this interview to you guys. BIG love and thanks to the PBB crew – you guys continue to kill it.

Last week we dropped part 1, now enjoy part 2!

We continue our open interview with Marsha Ambrosius who gave us her most frank interview yet. This second segment (make sure you’ve seen part 1 first!) focuses on mixtape releases, the 5 producers picked for her forthcoming solo LP, self-assertion, womanhood, the future and her relationship with the late Michael Jackson & the hours after he passed.

Our interview also includes exclusive live footage from her July gig at the Jazz Cafe in London, including a tear jerking rendition of “Butterflies” and a song Marsha wrote for Michael but never got to record called “Cry”.

Peace, Love & Marsha Ambrosius

Speeakz

Note: I have to say, a biiiiiiiig thank you to Marsha for being so cool and forthcoming. And a MASSIVE shout out to my crew – you guys surpassed yourselves with this feature. I’m extremely proud of this.

In his first ever UK interview, PinBoard sat down with the next roughest diamond in the Yancey crown… Illa J.

He tells us about his debut album Yancey Boys, artistry, reminisces on Slum Village as a child and speaks sincerely on his brother J-Dilla; coming out of his shadow & aiming to prove he is an artist in his own right whilst still honouring family.

Featuring live footage of classic Yancey Boys, Dilla & SV tracks from his debut London gig at Bar Rhumba this July 23rd.

This interview was conducted before Baatin’s passing, so our condolences go out to their entire crew of friends and family. We dedicate this piece to our fallen SV heroes.

Peace, Love & Illa J

Speeakz

PinBoard sat down with one of the finest female singers & songwriters of our generation, Marsha Ambrosius, formerly one-half of renowned duo Floetry, while she was in London. She gave us her most frank interview yet about Aftermath, Dr. Dre, Detox, the British music industry, jumping shores to America, and the painful truth behind Floetry’s break-up. Our interview also features an exclusive snippet of a new Marsha track produced by Dr. Dre, plus a near-orgasmic live version of ‘Say Yes’.

…Part 2 will cover her new album, producers, critics, womanhood & Michael Jackson and drops next week!

Part 2:

The second segment (make sure you’ve seen part 1 first!) focuses on mixtape releases, the 5 producers picked for her forthcoming solo LP, self-assertion, womanhood, the future and her relationship with the late Michael Jackson & the hours after he passed.

Like part 1, the interview also includes exclusive live footage from her July gig at the Jazz Cafe in London.

Kick back, relax and get to know Marsha Ambrosius a little better.

Peace, Love & Marsha Ambrosius

Speeakz

]]> http://pinboardblog.com/2009/07/pinboard-exclusive-an-open-interview-w-marsha-ambrosius-part-1/feed/ 22 http://pinboardblog.com/2009/07/pinboard-exclusive-erykah-badu-qa-in-paris/ http://pinboardblog.com/2009/07/pinboard-exclusive-erykah-badu-qa-in-paris/#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:00:38 +0000 Speeakz http://pinboardblog.com/?p=11873

Disclaimer: Apologies for the background noise – as the Q&A was taking place the crew were taking down the stage. This was all so very last minute, we had no time to prepare. Best watched using external (computer) speakers.

Last week we had the pleasure of attending Erykah Badu’s gig in Paris, which was, to say the least, très fantastique! After the show we were invited backstage for an intimate Q&A with the lady herself. Watch our exclusive footage of her discussing various topics ranging from her inspirations, Hip Hop, the Internet, Michael Jackson & much more…

She is a God.

Peace, Love & Erykah Badu

Speeakz

P.s Check our review of Badu’s Paris gig, plus some exclusive images of the Q&A

The lip-licking, bicep flexing of LL Cool J are nothing compared to the innate charm of Dancehall superstud Sean “dutty eh” Paul. The Ladies love Sean Paul, or at least he loves himself a whole heap of women, and offers no apologies for this. Bursting into the dancehall scene in 1996 Sean Paul’s single “Baby Girl” was dedicated to…Yep, the ladies, a crooning, melodic, reggae ballad, advising women to step out of abuse relationships, [insert Ch-Rihanna reference gag here], from day one Sean’s music always struck a chord with the ‘gyal dem’. Sean affirms, “Some people DJ and talk about money ‘I’m he richest motherf***er’, some people talk about how they got all the guns. For me, it’s all the girls. Girls in my country choose my music, because they realise that the first thing I said to them was not “girl cock up your batty and ride…”.

And so began PinBoard’s chat with Mr Sean Paul on a sunny Wednesday in a swanky London hotel. Prior to meeting Sean-a-Paul one of his larger-than-life (literally) workers informed me that Sean was in particularly good spirits that day, attributable to ‘popcorn’. Whether that was literally or figuratively speaking remains to be confirmed. Either way, that fine day Mr. Paul was feeling particularly expressive, rather cheery, occasionally abrasive and ever charming.

Sean Paul’s career has spanned over 12 years and counting, with each of his albums propelling his popularity with his worldwide audience. With over 10 million albums sold off three alums: Stage One, Dutty Rock and The Trinity including a collaborative catalogue the size of a phone book, Sean Paul is one of the fair few dancehall artists that can boast international stardom.

International recognition, yes. Love from his wider Dancehall community in Jamaica? At first- not really. I recall a conversation I had with a tourism worker during a recent trip to Kingston, Jamaica in which I was told about the initial Sean Paul backlash. He was accused of not being Jamaican enough (his heritage of Jamaican, Chinese, Portuguese & Sephardic Jewish) not being ‘real’ enough (coming from privileged background young Sean played Water Polo for the Jamaica National team, not quite the rags to riches/ Rose out of concrete story that is often championed in the Dancehall circuit). And his music supposedly too commercial sounding to be appreciated by the underground Dancehall DJs.

It’s a bit of a sore subject, but one that Sean is anxious to get clear, I ask how he feels about often not being recognised by Jamaicans as one of the best Dancehall artists, to which he sharply responds, “Oh no for sure, neither was Bob Marley at the time, Shaggy, at certain times neither is Beenie Man even. In 1996 I was the latest artist and by 1999 I was old and Lexus was the new artist, so we have 10 times the number of artists that you do per land mass ‘pon here so. With the amount of artists you have there, there’s definitely a power battle. My step-up in the business has been exemplary to show people that competition sparks greatness. I know there’s no way everybody in the world would like me, but I know that everybody in my country respects me for what I’ve done and everybody feels good about where I’ve taken the music.”

Then, in a strange sequence, Sean Paul’s Press Officer, signals that there’s five minutes left of the interview. Clocking this, Sean playfully belts “Don’t ramp with me. I’m controlling this mate, got to get this out ‘cause she’s pissing me off with these questions. Facing me, he says calmly, “I have to get my story out to you tall girl, y’hear?”

…Stunned, I ask, ‘Am I really pissing you off?’

To which, Sean, dark glasses giving nothing away, retorts “Yeah because you’re asking some kind of crazy questions, for real but [in cockney accent] I got you mate.”

We stare at each other in silence for a few second, me attempting to work out if he’s being serious. He cracks a wide, gleaming smile I decide that even though he wasn’t joking, he’s not that pissed off. It’s all love.

Sticky subjects behind us, we move on to positive territory, his long awaited comeback, as Sean Paul offers insight on his creative process since 2005 album “Trinity” in preparation for the soon to be released album, Imperial Blaze.

“I decided I needed to draw back to myself and take about three years out and learn how to produce some things. I would run in the days then go home and learn to play the drums and listened to riddims from producers all over the world …”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsT1Bvm6u7Y]

Sean Paul’s aim with this time around was to show a little creative growth “No longer am I only saying ‘Just give me the light’ I’m saying, ‘Girl you’re so fine I’ll be there for you anytime’. So the swagger is getting more mature as I move on and I groove on.”

On this Imperial Blaze album, Sean’s even penned his first song for Mama Paul, called “Straight From My Heart” which he recorded on her birthday “When I was a youngster, I think I was trying to prove myself to the world, prove myself to Jamaica, prove myself to myself. So I wasn’t singing songs about my mother. These days when young men keep talking about they have a gun, what the f***, people have had guns for 20,000 years and we’ve been doing the same things over and over to each other, so I just have to big up my mother.”

With most of the U.S hip hop and R&B world having worked with or continuing to seek Sean Paul out for collaborations including Estelle, Rihanna, Keyshia Cole and Beyoncé (he tells me he has a song with R Kelly to be released), what’s the next step in Sean-a- Paul’s climb to the top? As I ask, I silently pray that he doesn’t say “movies”. “I want to be a better producer”, he candidly reveals. (Phew). “I produced “I Know You Like”, which is on this album. The reason only one of the tracks I produced made the album is because I don’t think I’m the best producer. The people I’ve picked to work with me on the album are some of the best in Jamaica right now and the future of Reggae music. But me, myself I’m growing and I’m trying to expand musically that way and I hope to be better at it in the future.”

If there’s one thing about Mr Sean Paul, he’s ever so earnest and true to his strengths…And weaknesses, a refreshing trait in a world of inflated egos. As I leave the room after the interview, he offers well wishes and sheds light on his earlier annoyance with me, “You have preconceived notions just because you went to Jamaica and spoke to people … you just need to roll with me in Jamaica to understand”, he smiles, I reflect on how honest he’s been and I think I understand Sean Paul’s appeal.

Words by Felicia Okoye

3 days ago, while in Paris, PinBoard had the distinct pleasure of meeting one of the most innovative and exciting artists around today. Erykah Badu’s style, creativity, vision and movement is unparalleled. And so, to have had the opportunity to not only see her live in Paris, but also to meet her, speak with her and gain insight into who she really is, as a person – was truly an honour.

I’ve seen Erykah Badu live many times, but her show in Paris topped them all. The location, the vibe, the excitement and her performance made it a truly special gig. One I won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Performing a vast selection of new and old material, spanning all her albums, Badu with all her might, sang “On & On”, “Didn’t Cha Know”, “Healer”, “Soldier”, “Orange Moon”, “Other side of the Game” & “Me”, ending perfectly with “The Light” and…”A Milli”. And shouts to all our Parisian readers out there: ya’ll sure know how to get down! The energy was palpable.

But it’s the randomness of all of this which still feels quite surreal. From discovering that day Erykah was playing Paris; to finding out that the only tickets left were €60 (a large chunk of our 4 day budget); deciding we’d try an alternative route i.e. the hookup; Sending a couple emails around; hearing back from a contact in Dallas, Texas informing us that we not only had tickets but also backstage passes; finding the venue (a minute outside of the centre of Paris); to realising that ‘backstage’ really meant an intimate Q&A with the lady herself! Er, surreal to say the least! Completely unprepared, we frusiouly tried to remain cool, calm and collected. After all, we were repping London hard that night! Haha!

We got a few solid questions in, recorded most of the session. The footage is dope, and the pictures we have are incredible. I’m planning to roll of all of this out, along side our Sean Paul interview and Marsha Ambrosius (video) interview in the coming week or so.

Trust me, you’re gonna love, love, love, love, love it!

Peace, Love & Erykah Badu

Speeakz & Crew

Shouts to Carla & Mike