Dec 14,
2004
The Tour/The Album Release
Hey People,
I'm back. Once again, I apologize for not writing in so long. As you probably
know, I've been on my first headlining tour for the last month, and I've
been pretty busy.
Well, the tour is nearing its end, and I just wanted to thank all of you who
have come out to support us. It's been an amazing experience so far. We've
been all over the country (with the exception of the South/Southeast, which
we'll be hitting in January, I promise). We've sold out or nearly sold out
in almost every major market so far. For those who have attended the shows,
I truly appreciate the energy and enthusiasm that you've contributed to our
performances. We truly couldn't do it without your support. It's been so
inspiring to see you out there.
Shout outs to my very talented band (and tour bus-mates):
Vocals - Tara Michel, Alia Marie
Keys/Vocals - Chris Rob
Guitar - Sharief
Bass - Kenneth Wright
Drums - Swiss Chris
Turntables - DeVon "Devo" Harris
I also had the opportunity to do a show in my hometown of Springfield, Ohio,
on Thanksgiving night. That was a beautiful night. I performed in the
auditorium of my alma mater, Springfield North H.S., in front of about 800
friends, family and former classmates. My family joined me on stage to
perform a couple songs (including "It Don't Have to Change" from the new album).
It was definitely a Kodak moment. We got it on tape so we'll probably post
some footage on the new site soon.
Tonight, I'll be performing for a sold out crowd in my home for the last 5
years, New York City, at the Bowery Ballroom. I'm excited to perform for
the city that has been supporting me since I put together my first band back in
2000. It's exciting to see how things have grown since then...
In just 2 weeks, I'll be releasing my first major album, Get Lifted.
I can't tell you how excited I am to finally have my album in stores. This is
the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people. I hope you all enjoy
it. I'm so proud of all the positive response we've gotten so far (including
the 4 star reviews in such publications as Rolling Stone
and the Guardian in the UK). Oh yeah, and I'm glad so many of
y'all like the bootleg too. ;)
Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and I'm hoping you all
get to the stores on the 28th to support the album. I think 2005 is going to be
an exciting year. I pray that you and your family have a happy and blessed new
year.
Much love,
John
October 30,
2004
Election Message
Hey People,
I hope everyone's doing alright out there. I had a great weekend performing at
at the D.C. Music Conference (hosted by WPGC), William & Mary, UNC-Wilmington
and UNC-Chapel Hill. Thanks for all the love you've been showing me
on the road. And I'm glad y'all enjoyed the Smokey Robinson tribute on
BET. I appreciate the words of encouragement you've posted at the Graffiti
Wall. Anyway, I wanted to take a break from the music to talk about something
else that is very important to me and hopefully is very important to all of you.
I want to encourage everyone in the U.S. 18 & up to exercise your right to
vote this Tuesday, Nov 2.
Each of you should make your own personal decision on who you think is the right
candidate (check out
www.voteforsomething.com if you want some quick advice on the
candidates' positions). I'm personally voting for John Kerry for President.
I'm doing so for a number of reasons:
----
I prefer Kerry's philosophies on foreign policy and national security. I
believe President Bush has consistently misled the public on the reasons for
going to Iraq. He has mismanaged the plans for post-war Iraq, and, overall,
he has made America and the world a more dangerous place by alienating the
rest of the world and taking his focus off of the actual terrorists in order to
pursue the war on Saddam, who had nothing to do with 9/11 and had no nuclear
weapons. (Read the 9/11 Commission Report at
http://www.9-11commission.gov/)
Terrorist cells exist in many countries throughout the world, including some of
our allies like the UK, France, Canada and even right here at home. We can't
and won't go around declaring war on all these countries just because there are
terrorists there. The main way to destroy these terrorist cells is to cooperate
with the law enforcement and intelligence officials in all these countries to
help stop the cells before they can plan another attack. In addition, we need
to focus on alleviating the conditions that lead people to become terrorists in
the first place.
Attacking Saddam had nothing to do with that and only helped these terrorist
cells recruit more people willing to threaten our safety.
As much as he tries to scare people about what will happen if Kerry wins,
President Bush is the one who has failed to make this country safer. His
policies continue to create animosity around the world, and he refuses to admit
that he's wrong, so don't expect things to get any better in the next four
years.
----
Bush's domestic policies are not very encouraging either. He does not
have a comprehensive plan for bringing health care to poor or working
class people. His priorities are on tax relief for wealthy Americans.
Everybody likes lower taxes (I know I hate paying taxes myself), but you can't
get something for nothing. Every President has to decide what is a priority,
because the government can't do everything. When it comes down to it, Bush's
priorities are with the rich and powerful. (FYI: Bush is expected to sign a
bill that gives $140 billion in new business tax breaks to big businesses and
multinational corporations, the bill is so extreme that Sen. John McCain, an
Arizona Republican, called it "the worst example of the
influence of special interests that I have ever seen.") In the meantime, Kerry
has a plan to bring healthcare to nearly all Americans. To pay for it, he'd
restore higher taxes for really rich people. I think this is a small sacrifice
to make sure nearly every American has equal access to quality health care.
While Bush pays lip service to education and helping the middle class, he
fails to put his money where his mouth is. This is part of a common pattern
with this so-called "compassionate conservative." He'll talk like a moderate,
but he always governs from the far right with a very divisive agenda. He claims
to be a man of his word, but he so frequently misleads the American people and
fails to deliver on his promises. He said he'd "leave no child behind" in his
education policy, but he'd rather spend that money on attacking Iraq and cutting
taxes for the wealthy than fund his
own education programs. He said he was for an assault weapons ban, but he
intentionally made no effort to get the ban passed in the congress. I guess he
was more preoccupied with trying to pass a constitutional amendment on gay
marriage than protecting his own citizens from gun violence.
Additionally, George W. Bush has been the worst president in decades when it
comes to the environment. Again, he always sides with the rich and
powerful when he sets his policy priorities. He is oblivious to the long-term
effects of his policies and refuses to accept the overwhelming scientific
evidence about global warming and its harmful consequences. I could provide
more examples, but this note is already getting long. (Read Robert F. Kennedy,
Jr.'s new book “Crimes Against Nature: How George W. Bush and His Corporate
Pals Are Plundering the Country and Hijacking Our Democracy;” I hear it's very
good.)
----
And, perhaps most disturbing of all is the Republican effort to suppress the
ultimate symbol of democracy—the right to vote. In Michigan, Republican
State Rep. John Pappageorge unapologetically said that his party would not win
the
presidential election if the Republicans failed to "suppress the Detroit vote,
[which as we know happens to be overwhelmingly African American!].”
Please know that this is a common sentiment among Republican officials. In
addition to Michigan, they are making a concerted effort to suppress the
black vote in key “swing” states such as Florida and my home state of Ohio.
(In Florida, it has been so bad that state police officers have gone into the
homes of elderly black voters in
Orlando and interrogated them as part of an odd ''investigation'' of voter
fraud). They have recruited an army of Republican volunteers who will raise
frivolous challenges to registered voters in heavily minority/Democratic
counties and spread misinformation and hostility to voters. They spread rumors
about false voting requirements; they create conditions that will lead to longer
lines and confusion at the polls. They DESTROY the registration cards of
Democratic new registrants!
All this in an effort to discourage people from exercising their constitutional
right to elect the next President. This is quite simply immoral and
intolerable. These are not underground conspiracy theories, people; these
efforts are public knowledge and have been documented extensively by many of the
major news organizations. I can't believe there isn't more public outrage on
this subject.
Don't allow yourself or your family to be misled, discouraged or intimidated.
The only way Bush can be re-elected is if he succeeds in suppressing the votes
of young people and minorities. He knows this; his party knows this; you should
know this too.
So, I urge you to GO VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd. I believe this is the most
important election of our lifetime. I know Kerry's not perfect, but this
country can't take another 4 years of deception, mismanagement and misplaced
priorities by the Bush administration.
If you've gotten this far in my looooong message, thanks for your time. :)
Peace,
John
October 16,
2004
Update: The Tour, BET Walk of Fame & New Album Release Date
Hey People,
I'm back. Just checking in to let y'all know how things are going.
First of all, the Truth Tour has come to an end. We performed at the
world-famous Madison Square Garden this week then had our closing show in
Hartford, CT. I had an amazing time on the road with Usher and Kanye.
Thanks to both of them for providing me with this opportunity. It was great
meeting so many fans around the country and introducing them to my music.
Coming next is my first headlining tour! I'm so excited to start touring
on my own. I'll be doing a few solo acoustic shows in the rest of October, then
starting a tour of the U.S. (and hopefully Canada) with my band in November,
going thru mid-December. We'll be playing at colleges and clubs throughout
North America. We're still confirming dates and venues. They'll be posted on
my site as we confirm. Make sure you come out and support and bring all your
friends. I need to see you out there. Thanks to all my fans in Philly,
Toronto and New York. I played solo shows to packed houses in all
three cities over the last 2 weeks. I had such a great time.
Also, last weekend, I was in D.C. to participate in the taping of the BET
10th Annual Walk of Fame honoring Smokey Robinson (more info at
www.bet.com). It was a very humbling experience. I was fortunate enough to be
asked to sing one of my favorite Smokey songs, "Quiet Storm." Among the other
featured performers were Stevie Wonder, India Aire, Boyz II Men, New Edition,
Gerald Levert, Cristina Milian, Brian McKnight and Smokey himself. I
was so honored just to be in the same show as all these incredible artists who
have been around for such a long time. I even got to meet Smokey & Stevie.
Thanks to BET for asking me to contribute. You can check out the show on
Tuesday, October 26, at 9pm ET. You don't want to miss it.
Speaking of October 26... as some of you may have already learned, Sony has
decided not to release my album on that date. The new release date is
Tuesday, December 28. They wanted to give me a chance to get some more
exposure on radio and television before we put the album out. I know that all
my loyal fans have been waiting a while for the album, but most people in the
country don't know who I am yet, and the label wanted to give them a chance to
hear more about me before we put the album out.
Now I know there's a new bootleg leak of the final version of the album on the
internet and on the streets, and I know some of y'all are bumping it in your
stereos right now. You know who you are... Anyway, I appreciate your
enthusiasm. I don't mind you listening to it now. I'm glad you cared enough to
check for it. Just do me the favor of purchasing it and telling all your
friends about it if you think it's deserving. I tried my best to make it so...
So please support the album in stores on December 28. Think of it as your
birthday present to me. (Yeah, December 28 just so happens to be my 26th
birthday. Capricorns, stand up!). :)
Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing all of y'all out there on the road in the
next few months. Get ready to Get Lifted...
Love,
John
September 16, 2004
Update: London, the Usher/Kanye Tour, and the latest news on Get Lifted & ”Used to Love U”
Hey people,
Once again, it's been a long time since I've written to y'all, so I had to give you an update on all the exciting things that have been going on with me.
Right now, I'm on a plane returning from a 3-day trip to London, England. I had a great time there. Much love goes out to all my fans in London. Y'all really made me feel welcome there. I did a sold-out solo show at London's renowned Jazz Café. It was a beautiful night. I think the highlight was hearing the whole crowd sing the backup vocals for "Used to Love U". 300 people singing "Holla, holla, holla" sounded real hot.
Anyway, I'm returning now to the Usher/Kanye tour. Next stop is Memphis, TN. So far, the tour has been great. It's hard to beat the feeling of hearing 10,000-20,000 people scream when they hear your name. Thanks to Kanye & Usher for selling all those records so that I have this opportunity. :) While on tour, I've been working really hard to promote my new album. I've been making radio appearances everyday to promote the single, then meeting up with Kanye & co. to rock the Usher show, then capping the night off with solo performances at smaller clubs. Thanks to all my fans around the country that have come to support my solo after-shows. I've had a lot of fun with those.
The album Get Lifted is wrapping up production now. We've mixed every song and we're going to master the whole album over the next few days. I'm so excited to finally be done with it. I've spent so much time and energy making this album the best it can be. Hopefully, it will not disappoint. By the way, I’ve heard that there may be bootleg copies online claiming to be my album. If you’ve seen these fakes, they are NOT the complete album. Don’t be fooled by the impostors.
Anyway, my first single, "Used to Love U", is working its way up the charts and getting more and more radio play across the country. Thanks to all the radio stations who have supported the record in this early stage. And thanks to all of you fans who have called in to request it. Speaking of requests, it's almost time to start calling BET to request the "Used to Love U" video. That's right, my first video! I'm really excited about the video, directed by Ben Mor (of Nas's "Thief's Theme" video) with an assist and guest appearance by Kanye, who co-produced and co-wrote "Used to Love U". We all worked together to make the video special. It was a cool learning experience for me to be involved in making this, from collaborating on the concept to making sure the edit came out right. I can't wait for y'all to see it and let me know what you think. We’ll premiere it on BET’s 106 & Park next week (a joint premiere w/ Kanye’s “New Workout Plan”). With MTV rotation not too far behind. So look out for it.
One last note of clarification: y’all may have read the recent article on me in the Vibe magazine. I was really disappointed with how I was portrayed in the article. My words were manipulated in a way that misrepresented my intent and I felt that it made me sound really arrogant. Please know that this was a misrepresentation. Anyone who knows me knows that article didn’t accurately portray the way I really am, and I don’t want you who don’t know me to get the wrong impression...
Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. I think that’s it for now. I look forward to seeing y’all on the road again. Please keep supporting my project and we’ll try to take it to the top this year.
Love,
John
July 22, 2004
"Get Lifted" Album Update + More News
Hey people. First of all, let me apologize for not writing in so long. You know I love you, but I've been so busy working on the album, I haven't had time to sit down and reflect. Well, we're almost done with the album. Everything's being mixed and mastered over the next few weeks. I'm so excited to let y'all hear it, I'm tempted to leak it myself. But my label will kill me, so I'll chill. You'll have to wait until the new release date, October 26, to hear the album (entitled "Get Lifted"). Sorry we had to push the date back. We wanted to give ourselves time to make sure a lot more people get a chance to hear about me before we put it out. Hopefully, it'll be worth the wait...
Anyway, I've worked with some great producers. Some you've heard of (Kanye West, who is co-executive producer of the album, and Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas) and some you will hear a lot more from in the future (Devo Harris and Dave Tozer). Oh, and I produced a couple tracks myself. I've got some brand new songs and some you've heard already on my demos and live cds. One of the highlights of the album is a new joint called "I Can Change," which features none other than west coast hip-hop icon, Snoop Dogg. He came in and checked out my tracks at the studio in L.A., and he loved this one so much he had to bless it with a verse. It came out hot. Can't wait for y'all to hear it. The most special song to me is called "It Don't Have to Change," featuring my family (the Stephens family) on background and lead vocals. My family is so musically talented. I'm so proud that I was able to include them on the album. I hope this one will be a family reunion classic for years to come.
The first single for the album is "Used to Love U", which some of you first heard (in demo form) on my site or on Kanye's "I'm Good" mixtape. Well, now the whole world is going to hear it. We're shooting the video in a couple of weeks. And it went to radio this week. In fact, Tuesday the track was officially added to its first playlist at Chicago's #1 urban station WGCI. Thanks to my friends there. Hopefully, you're the first of many to add the song in the coming weeks. And, to all my fans in Chicago, make sure you call in and request it. Everybody's always complaining about how wack the music on the radio is. Do something about it. Ask them to play some good music!
Speaking of Chicago, I've got to send love to all the people who came to check out my first solo show there at the Metro Theater last week. It was amazing to see so many of you there. I didn't know so many people cared about me in Chicago. It was such a fun show for me. I'm looking forward to coming back there this weekend with Kanye.
I don't have time to tell you everything I've been up to in the last few months, but I've done a few new collaborations: I wrote and sang the hook on a joint with new Chicago rapper Bump J. I did some more writing and singing with the Black Eyed Peas. I did some more work with Talib Kweli and British rapper Estelle. Worked on some new stuff with my Very Good Music family members GLC and Consequence. I'm probably forgetting something, but you get the point.
Up next, I'll be in London doing some press interviews next week. Then I'll be touring the U.S. (and Toronto!) with Kanye on the Usher tour. I'll be throwing in a lot of solo performances in between Usher shows. I'll let y'all know about those when we confirm them. Keep checking the performances page on the site for more updates. I'm looking forward to seeing you all out there on the road. Until then...
May 18, 2004
Columbia/Sony Signing
Hey people. Big news. After about 6 years of making demos and shopping to countless A&Rs and record labels, I've finally signed my first major record deal. I'm very excited to announce that on Friday, I signed with Columbia Records/Sony Music. Columbia has an amazing legacy that includes such greats as Miles Davis, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Prince, Nas, The Fugees, Lauryn Hill and many more. I am excited to join their family.
The album drops on September 14 of this year. Mark your calendars!!! We are hitting the studio immediately so we can finish it up in time.
peace,
John
March 11, 2004
Hey people. It's been a busy month since my last entry. A lot to write about. I'll probably forget something, but here goes...
I've been on a few TV shows w/ Kanye to promote the now-platinum College Dropout (I told y'all it was good). We did 106 & Park on BET and David Letterman & Carson Daly on CBS & NBC. You can get a sample of our performances if you check out "Through the Wire (Live)" on the Kanye West page at mtv.com or vh1.com. We have live performances on yahoo and Sessions@AOL too. Check it out.
What else... I've been in the studio with some good people lately. I recorded a couple joints with Talib Kweli for his upcoming album. I'm singing the hook on "Around My Way" and I co-wrote and did piano and backup vocals on the first single "I Try" featuring Mary J. Blige. Also went back in with Alicia Keys and Kanye to co-write and sing backup vocals on our remix of Alicia's new single "If I Ain't Got You." Listen for that remix on the radio soon. I also sang the hook and played piano on a track with V2 Records' hot new rapper/singer from the UK named Estelle. Look out for her in the future. She's very talented.
There's more... Check out Janet's site to hear her new single "I Want You", produced by Kanye and co-written by me. And check out the new Slum Village single Selfish featuring me on the hook. Also check out the new Dilated Peoples video featuring yours truly on vocals & piano (be patient; you have to wait till the end to see me).
Speaking of Dilated Peoples, they along with the Young Gunz will be special guests of ours on the Kanye West School Spirit Tour. Check out my performances page for the schedule. We'll be all over the country. It'll be my first time living on a tour bus. Should be interesting. Hopefully, I'll see a lot of you out there on the road. Make sure you say what's up to me.
Until the next time...
February 4, 2004
I have a good feeling about this year. Things are already off to a great start.
I've been traveling the world with Kanye, promoting his new album The College Dropout. It's been really exciting to see the momentum grow for this project. We've played at clubs all over and we've been feeling a lot of love from y'all. It's a beautiful thing.
Highlights of our tour so far have been in DC, London and Houston. We played at both VIP & Platinum in DC over MLK Weekend. The crowds there were ridiculous. We played to packed houses at both venues and the people knew every single word to the hits (and they even knew the words to some of the joints from the bootleg). We love y'all in DC.
And we performed for our first time in London a couple weeks ago. We were special guests of Roc-a-Fella CEO and London scenester Mr. Damon Dash. Dame showed us around town to all the hottest clubs (and to his beautiful new house), and we exposed the Brits to our music. It was a lot of fun. I wanna go back soon.
And we just got back from Super Bowl Weekend in Houston. We played a few of the pre-Super Bowl parties; then, to cap it off, we played the afterparty for the world champion New England Patriots. Much props to them, and thanks to Willie McGinest (and to the lovely Patriot cheerleaders) for hosting us. We played between Aerosmith and Snoop Dogg. Not a bad lineup, eh? I guess that's how it goes when you win the biggest game of the year.
But you can't talk about the Super Bowl without talking about Ms. Jackson. I'm not going to focus on her breast like the rest of y'all. I'm about the music. Since everyone's paying attention to her, it should bode well for her next single "Have Your Way With Me" which is gonna drop next week. We're just wrapping up the production now. It's produced by Kanye West and co-written by Kanye, Harold Lilly and yours truly. I played some piano on there too. It's a sweet, soulful song. I think it'll be a smash. Look out for that soon.
That's all for now. I'll talk to y'all soon.
December 12, 2003
The College Dropout
Hey people. Haven't written in a while. I've been in the studio with Kanye West finishing up his debut album, The College Dropout. I know some of you might have stumbled across some bootlegs of the album, but, trust me, that is not the final version. We've got some pleasant surprises still in store. Expect the real album in stores on February 3, 2004. And expect to hear your boy J.Legend all over the album.
MTV & XXL are calling it one of the most anticipated hip-hop albums of 2004. I'm predicting it will be one of the best hip-hop albums of 2004. (I know I'm biased, but just wait and check it out).
November 15, 2003
SOB's Show
Just wanted to thank everybody who came through to my show @ SOB's in New York. It was a beautiful night. The energy in the place was incredible. This was my first full band show in New York in almost a year, and y'all reminded me why I love doing this. Very inspiring.
See you next time...
November 6, 2003
Black Album Update
So everybody's talking about the Black Album leak. I'm out in L.A. right now shooting a video with two of Chicago's favorite sons Kanye & Twista ("Slow Jamz"). Anyway, we turned on the radio and all the hip-hop stations are playing Jay-Z's whole album. Yeah, they have every track. Bootleggers always find a way. If you've been fortunate (or sneaky) enough to stumble on the album, you might recognize my vocals and piano on the hot Kanye-produced joint, "Encore". If you're an upstanding citizen and you like to do it the legal way, you can wait and cop the album on the new advanced release date, November 14. Man, it's an honor to be a part of that album. History in the making.
October 7, 2003
Must B 21 - will.i.am Compilation
Hey. will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas just released a new producer compilation on the UK label BBE Records. I've got two songs on there: "Swing By My Way" and "Ride, Ride". Will produced both tracks (he produced some tracks that'll be on my album too). It's some fun stuff. Check out BBE's site for more info on how to order it.
October 2, 2003
Shows in NY
Yo people. Just checking in to thank everybody for all the love you've been sending my way and to let you know the latest and greatest. I'm glad everybody's feeling the new site and the new music. Thanks for all the positive comments. Y'all know how to make a brotha feel good.
Anyway, the last few nights have been hot. Tuesday, I did another solo show at the Cutting Room in NYC. We had a packed house once again. Thanks for coming out to support. Thanks to Kanye West, J. Ivy and Tarrey Torae for coming through to bless the stage. And thanks to hip-hop heavy hitters Talib Kweli and DJ Enuff for coming to check the show out. We had a great time.
And for those of y'all who were at SOB's last night, you know it was crazy. Kanye did his first major headlining show in New York. I was one of his featured guests. It was hot. First of all, it was sold out, with people lined up around the block. Lots of special guests came through. Common ripped a crazy freestyle. Talib Kweli did a couple of his classic collaborations with Kanye ("Get By" and "Good to You"). Twista rocked a verse on "Champions". The hip-hop violinist, Miri Ben-Ari, killed it on Kanye's new joint, the "Workout Plan." Consequence and GLC, my new label-mates on KonMan, did a few verses. And yours truly was there on the keys and vocals all night.
And, though I'm listing all these guests, I can't neglect to say that Kanye personally did his thing. His performance was hot. I think some of his new songs are going to blow people away. Look out for his debut album The College Dropout on Roc-a-Fella/DefJam in February 2004. I'll be singing and playing piano all over that album. And if you can't wait that long, cop some of his mixtapes. I've been featured on all of those too (Get Well Soon, I'm Good, Akademiks Jeanius Level Mixtapes Vol. 1 & 2).
Oh, and Monday night, Kanye and I were working with Common on a new song. Kanye's gonna produce a bunch of Common's next album. I'm predicting a hip-hop classic. Look out for that...
September 9, 2003
Jay-Z's Black Album
We were in the studio with Young Hov last night. Kanye produced several tracks for the Black Album, which is supposed to be the last Jay-Z album ever. Look out for it in a couple months. The tracks are crazy. Plus you'll hear me singing and playing piano.
August 23, 2003
In Chicago with Kanye West
Last night I did my first ever performance in Chicago (unless you count my high school choir...). This time I was featured in Kanye's set at the "Neo-Soul Explosion" (are we still saying "neo-soul" these days?). Virgin's new "neo-soul" artist Dwele co-headlined the show.
Anyway, Kanye brought me along as his pianist and singer, and we did some cool collaborations. It wasn't your average hip-hop show. Kanye did some joints with me on the piano as his only accompaniment, then he brought out the beats for some other songs. The highlight of the night was when Kanye's mom came up during his rendition of "Hey Mama". Mrs. West was dancing on stage w/ Kanye, then she grabbed the mic. And, to everybody's surprise, she was really holding it down. She was damn-near flawless on the lyrics and the flow. Watch out Eve & Foxy... There weren't too many dry eyes in the place. It was a beautiful thing.
Much love to all the people I met in the Chi. I'll be back....
August 22, 2003
Back in Philly - North by Northwest
I just had a great show in Philly. It was so nice to see all my faithful supporters. I've performed at NXNW more than anywhere else in the area, and now I remember why. Y'all always make me feel so welcome. I did this one without any special guests or collaborations. Just me on the piano all night. But I wasn't alone. I had a bunch of old friends and fans in the place that clearly have been doing their homework. They knew all the background parts to the old songs like "Sun Comes Up", "Tossin & Turnin" and "Must Be the Way" and they had my back throughout the show. It was crazy. I might have to take y'all on the road with me.
August 20, 2003
Detroit - Eminem & D12
I spent the last couple days working with Kanye West in Detroit. We were doing tracks with Eminem & his crew from D-12 for the next D-12 album. (I'll pause for the thud from that serious name-drop). OK, Mr. Mathers wasn't really around that much, but I did meet him. We did most of our work with the rest of the D-12 crew. Anyway, it was fun. My favorite D-12 member is Bizarre. He played us some hot solo tracks. Hopefully, he'll come out with his own project. That sh@# was funny.
August 16, 2003
Blackout
So I was supposed to be in New Haven & Philly the last couple days, doing some more appearances w/ the Black Eyed Peas. But, like most of y'all in the Northeast, I got hemmed up by the blackout. Luckily for the Peas (and their fans), they escaped NYC just in time and were able to do both shows. I had no such luck... But it's all good. I spent a couple relaxing days in the darkness of the East Village. It was a good excuse to be lazy. And it looks like they're blaming the entire blackout on a little company in my home state of OHIO. Don't ever let it be said that Ohioans don't make an impact. When we go down, we take a whole region with us! Now show some respect!
August 13, 2003
Cutting Room Show / Black Eyed Peas in NYC (+ Justin & Cameron)
So last night was kinda crazy. First, I had another solo show at the Cutting Room. Thanks to everybody who made it out to that. We definitely had a good time. This time, I brought back special guests Kanye West & J. Ivy (both back by popular demand). Kanye performed his hilarious new song "18 Years," his take on the baby mama drama of superstar athletes and rappers, capped off by the always-controversial "Free Kobe" chant. J. Ivy did a couple hot spoken word pieces. Plus I had my favorite backup singer, Tara Michel do a duet w/ me. Tara's been with me since day one, so it was great to have her back on stage....
Then I went over to SOB's to do a little cameo with the Black Eyed Peas. For those who don't know, I've done a bunch of collaboration with Will.I.Am of the Peas. He's an exceptionally talented producer. Look out for a couple of our collaborations on my first major label solo album (hopefully next year). Plus I have two songs on his soon-to-be-released producer compilation "Must be 21". For now, you can cop the Black Eyed Peas' new album Elephunk which features a track I sang on and co-wrote, called "The Boogie That B" (I take no responsibility for the song title).
Anyway, I was scheduled to perform that song with the Peas and their band last night. Little did I know, there was another cameo by a slightly more famous collaborator of theirs: none other than N'Sync's most talented member, Justin Timberlake. And, just my luck, the Peas decided to bring him on stage BEFORE me. Thanks a lot guys. So, anyway, Justin's really talented. Don't let his boy-band status fool you. He did their #1 single "Where is the Love" and some hot improv on the beat-box and the keyboard. Then they brought me up to do my song. Thanks to all the Peas fans for showing me love. I know I'm no Justin, but y'all made a brotha feel welcome. By the way, I got to meet my second-favorite Angel (next to Lucy Liu, of course), Cameron Diaz, who was there w/ JT. She told me my performance was "hot". :) But Justin came off stage right when I was kickin' my A-game to Cameron. Oh well...
July 31, 2003
Knitting Factory Show in NYC
Thanks to everybody who made it out to my solo show at the Knitting Factory last night. Man, I had a great time. Much love and respect to special guests Kanye West, Imani Uzuri, J. Ivy and Sharief in Burgundy. J. Ivy started the show off with a hot spoken word piece about a twisted blind date. Then Sharief played a couple of his songs on acoustic guitar. Then I did my set, which featured duets w/ Kanye, Imani and J. Ivy. I introduced a few new songs, including some of my personal favorites "She Don't Have to Know" and "So High". "So High" was one of the highlights (no pun intended) of the night despite the technical difficulties. And, of course, I played some of the old school joints like "Sun Comes Up" for those of y'all who have been with me since way back (you know, WAY back in the year 2000). We recorded the whole show. Stay tuned, I might put some of the tracks online.
July 30, 2003
Chicago Idol Recordings
So I just spent a couple days recording in L.A. with the runner-up of the "Chicago Idol" talent competition, not to be confused with the "American Idol" show w/ Simon and Paula Abdul. For this competition, the prize for the runner-up was a track produced by none other than Chicago's finest hip-hop super-producer, Kanye West (the winner got a track written & produced by R&B's "Pied Piper" and Chicago's favorite child therapist, R. Kelly)... I digress... Anyway, Mr. West brought me in to help with the track. So, all you Chicagoans should keep your radios tuned to WGCI and listen to hear me playing piano and singing the ol' school hook on "I Just Want You to Know" by White Boy (yeah, that's the runner-up's name), featuring Kanye West and BeLo from Do or Die. I pulled out my Sam Cooke vocals for this oneƒ
July 20, 2003
Alicia Keys Session
I just spent the night in the studio with Alicia Keys and Kanye West. I did some backup vocals on this new song they wrote together for Alicia's upcoming album. The track is called "You Don't Know My Name". I think this one's gonna be a smash. Look out for it this fall. You heard about it hear first. Y'all might not really recognize my voice, but it'll be laced throughout the song like an old school vocal sampleƒ Much respect to Alicia. Y'all already know she's talented. Plus she's mad cool to work with...
July 16, 2003
Luther Vandross Tribute
Another month, another tribute show at the Village Underground. This time, our honoree is still alive, but he could use all the energy and prayer that we can send his way. I did a couple songs last night, a solo version of "Love Won't Let Me Wait" and a duet w/ Jeremiah on "There's Nothing Better than Love" a la Luther & Gregory Hines. But fellow New York soulsters Na2 and Imani Uzuri brought the house down with a crazy version of "If This World Were Mine." They took it to church, literally. It turned into a revival service by the end of the show. It was fun to be a part of that....
June 15, 2003
Nina Simone Tribute
I just performed in a tribute to Nina Simone at the Village Underground. Man, this event was a beautiful thing. It was an honor for me to participate. Much love to everybody who took part, including Imani Uzuri, Somi, Jeremiah, Adrienne Brown and more. There was such a beautiful spirit in the place. I'm glad I was a part of it. It was one of those rare times when everything really clicked. There was some real magic going on. We had a special surprise appearance by Nina's brother. He set it off with a few tunes that he sung and played on the pianoƒ I performed my cover of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." It was all love in the place. Sorry if you missed it...
