First Spin, Video SoulBounce
'Say Yes' To Chanj We Can Believe In
Much like its television counterpart Soul Train, It's Showtime at the Apollo is a venerable part of Black Americana. There wasn't a Saturday growing up that I didn't watch those two shows to get my music fix. Although I loved Soul Train with all of its flash and camp, it was Showtime that got the edge in my book because the artists who performed on there actually sang live, the Jheri Curl-wearing wild woman who would feel up all the male artists from the front row was a hoot and, of course, because of the Amateur Night competition. From Sandman Sims to KiKi Shepard to the notorious Apollo audience, Amateur Night at the Apollo was everything. For the performers who dared step on the stage, they had better bring it lest their faces get cracked.
One amateur in recent years to survive it all and go on to Apollo victory is a chap by the name of Chanj, who killed during his stint on the show. Instead of slipping into oblivion like some talent competition winners are prone to do, the New Jersey native is poised to release his debut album this year. His vocal range is enviable and so is the list of people he's working with on Time For Chanj, including Teddy Riley and Marsha Ambrosius. Not bad, not bad at all. Check out his remake Floetry's "Say Yes," which was his signature song on Apollo, to get a glimpse of what Chanj has in store. Hit the bounce for some footage of him tackling Michael Jackson's "I'll Be There" and performing "Say Yes" live. Yes, indeed.
Chanj: "Say Yes"
Tags: chanj, floetry, it's showtime at the apollo, marsha ambrosius, michael jackson, soul train, teddy riley
Comments
I'm a bit late but ummm...SI! SI! SI!
Jo | September 2, 2009 1:56 PM | PermalinkI'm sick of dudes sounding like women when they sing....We need more Jaheims, Anthony Hamilton and any brother who doesnt sound like he hasnt reached puberty yet.......................I'm starting to hate R&B
stoneyisland | August 28, 2009 5:39 AM | PermalinkWell, now I can't wait to hear more from dude! Call me one of the converted!
JustChaz | August 27, 2009 3:52 PM | PermalinkThis guy caught my ear, as I was flipping through radio channels a few weeks ago (a rarity). He has this song called “It’s the worst” produced by the same cats who did “No Air”. I really liked the lyrics on the song because they were so real and the production had a lot of 90’s sensibilities to it. (Bass slides, 90’s “Timba-land-ish” drum programming and a novelty for today’s r&b tracks a BRIDGE.) Nice song if you have not already maybe you can post it up Butta. And Wow... dude did “Say Yes” justice. Not mad at all, he took it serious for sure. Why is it so hard to airbrush/Photoshop black people correctly?
Mutada/Mullah Atari | August 27, 2009 3:26 PM | PermalinkThis definitely got my side-eye before pressing play. "Say Yes" is untouchable in my book and yet that brotha tore it up. Thanks for putting this on the radar!
Mambosoul | August 27, 2009 1:24 PM | PermalinkThe brotha has some chops!
Soulrific | August 27, 2009 12:55 PM | PermalinkI was holding my breath for a minute, apprehensive of pressing play. But...
Tha Connoisseur | August 27, 2009 12:42 PM | PermalinkI'm saying yes damn it. :)
Never heard of him before, but now that I know...I will most definitely be on the lookout for his debut CD...he killed in on "Say Yes"...Love it!
Tiffany | August 27, 2009 12:37 PM | Permalink@ michael: We were asked to remove it. It wasn't the final version apparently.
Butta | August 27, 2009 12:30 PM | PermalinkWhy did yall remove his song low????????
eyoael michael | August 27, 2009 12:22 PM | PermalinkI was sceptical about the 'Say Yes' cover (that's a Floetry-only song in my book) however I was impressed. Butta was 100% right on the vocal range ... he can certainly hit those notes. Definitely one i'll be watchin for (prays for a Marsha duet on the album!).
SoulUK | August 27, 2009 11:54 AM | Permalink