Diggin' in the Crates
Diggin' In Syleena Johnson's Crates (On Her Birthday!)
Today was originally supposed to be the release date for Syleena Johnson's next musical opus, Chapter 4: Labor Pains, to commemorate both her birthday and the album dropping on the day after Labor Day. Well, plans have changed and Labor Pains won't be available until January, but we can still celebrate Syleena on this fine day. And what better way than to dig in her crates? Back in 2001, Syleena made her major label debut with Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness and we were properly introduced to that voice in all its soaring, sultry soulfulness. One of the cuts from Chapter 1 that showcased Syleena as both a real singer and a true songwriter was the single "Hit On Me." This track wasn't about a guy trying to flirt with a woman, but it was about the touchy subject of domestic violence. The original song was a powerful piece of soul, but the remix flipped the script on the hip-hop tip. Hi-Tek jumped on the production, and Mos Def spit a few bars on the unlikely remix to a song of this nature. Believe it or not, Mos plays the part of the abuser on the remix.
His refrain of "Baby, I won't do it no more" is haunting as he begs for forgiveness and explains why he continues to lay hands on his woman. This is some heavy stuff, folks. Let it marinate. Syleena Johnson feat. Mos Def: "Hit On Me" (Hi-Tek Remix)
If you are involved in a domestic violence situation, please seek help immediately. Resources are available after the bounce.
National Domestic Violence Hotline [NDVH]
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TDD)
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network [RAINN]
List of Domestic Violence Hotlines and Resources [FMF]
Tags: audio, domestic violence, hi-tek, mos def, syleena johnson
Comments
I can’t wait for Syleena Johnson’s Chapter 4: Labor Pains album! She is my favorite singer! If you don’t know about her you better ask somebody!
m1c7 | September 15, 2008 6:05 PM | PermalinkWow, I am a longtime Syleena Johnson fan. I've never heard this remix... I feel lost... IT IS THE BOMB!!! I love Mos Def as well.
I'm lovin' this remix! Go Syleena!
Aquariuslover | September 4, 2008 9:49 PM | PermalinkSyleena is a true singer. Her new single Shoofly is classic Syleena. She mixes her bold raspy voice with true to the soul lyrics.
I love my chi-town home girl.
Sha8b | September 3, 2008 8:06 PM | Permalinkyeah, 'Hit On Me' was the song/video that made me need to add this album to my collection and til' this day I am a die.hard.fan! This beautiful woman's voice just really does it for me.
Happy Belated Birthday!! P.S. New album...drop that so I can cop that!
MuseSik | September 3, 2008 11:41 AM | PermalinkFirst of all happy birthday Syleena Johnson.
And thank you for writing this blog. Hit On Me is the most gut-wrenching song Syleena Johnson has ever made. A subject matter all too real for some of us women..
Every soul singer has that one song with the very emotional lyrics. Hit On Me is that "one" song of Syleena Johnson's that gets to me emotionally. And I've never been in an abusive relationship, so this speaks volumes IMO.
On a lighter note. I'm pleased to hear Syleena Johnson's new music. I'm in love with Shoo Fly and Freedom. Syleena shows she's a force to be reckoned with everytime.
I was looking forward to buying Chapter 4: Labor Pains today. But I'm a fan for life, so I'll anxiously await for January 13.
Tammy | September 2, 2008 11:25 PM | Permalink