Grammy-Award winning R&B/ Soul singer and songwriter Ledisi has released her latest masterpiece, “The Crown,” an 11-track album about life, love, faith, and a tribute to the black woman.
The album officially drops today Friday, April 25 via Listen Back Entertainment/BMG.
With Ledisi at the helm as executive producer, ‘The Crown’ features contributions from some of music’s most dynamic creators, including longtime collaborator Rex Rideout, Camper, Ray Keys, and Jacques “JOC” Pierre.
The album features the radiant single “Love You Too,” currently climbing the Billboard Top 15 on the R&B Radio charts, and the viral track “BLKWMN,” whose Tyler Perry–produced video has sparked overwhelming praise across social platforms.
There is something for everyone on this album. I personally appreciate the real musicianship on the album, which I’m not surprised at because Ledisi is a music producer. Each track sounds like it uses live instruments, which really makes a difference in the sound and quality of the track.
The album is about life that many can relate to. She’s singing about real situations that happen in life. Ledisi talks about the highs and lows of love on the album- from being in love, “daydreaming” about each other, walking away from love, and even choosing each other in the hard times.
It sounds like the singer/songwriter did all of her own background vocals, which is absolutely amazing. She is actually singing with the riffs, runs, and range.
Ledisi is not ashamed of proclaiming her faith on the album as well, on the tracks “Heaven,” “Making A Way,” and the namesake of the album, “The Crown.”
“Heaven” is a nice track with a Neo Soul/Trap Soul vibe. Her voice carries the melody, and the track is beautiful but simple- the main instrument is an electric guitar. Ledisi sings that “although she’s not perfect and full of mistakes, grace is falling on her. Nobody’s talking about heaven, and even though she’d rather tell you to go to hell, she talks about heaven instead.” Like she says, ‘we’re running a race, and people hurting in the world today need a miracle-show love until you can’t anymore.” That’s what heaven is about. The track is minimal with some harmonies, but I feel the simplicity adds to the effectiveness of the track.
“Making A Way” is very relevant to today’s climate, with so much political, economic, and social unrest. It’s a feel-good track that blends Gospel, Pop, and Dance. Ledisi talks about God lifting her up throughout all of her setbacks. This song is a reminder that we are always in God’s hands and He’s always making a way, even with all of the chaos.
“The Crown” has a New Orleans feel to it. I really liked this one because it’s uplifting and talks about wearing the crown God gave us.
The hook says, “All I am/He gave to me/There’s a crown I wear like royalty.” The hook goes on to say “the crown He wore set us free,” and I am thinking this pertains to the crown of thorns that Christ wore during his crucifixion.
I think my favorite song is “BLKWMN” because it’s a tribute to black women and what we go through in society. We carry a lot of weight, burdens, and sacrifice so much, but Ledisi reminds us that we’re strong and appreciated. Even when no one says thank you. The line that stuck out to me the most is “she smiles/powering through her pain,” because that’s what we do! No matter how hard it gets, we as black women make it happen. We don’t have a choice, and that’s all we know.
In the song, Ledisi says, “Black woman/yes, I love you/ black, light, dark, blended/every kind of hue.” Every black woman is the shade of your skin tone doesn’t matter.
I know she is inspired by Nina Simone, and this song has that jazzy/Nina Simone feel all over. Ledisi says that “black women are often misunderstood, always underestimated, but the greatest.” With all of the negative connotations of black women in music and on TV, it was so refreshing to see a song made by a black woman, uplifting black women! Hopefully, this will encourage us as black women to uplift one another instead of tearing one another down.
If you’re looking for some refreshing music that is raw, authentic, and talks about something real, this is it. And Ledisi does it in a beautiful way. This album will uplift and inspire you and have you dancing all at the same time. And it reminds us black queens to wear our crowns. But most of all, this album reminds us to acknowledge God and to love.
Job well done, Ledisi. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
In addition to the album, Ledisi is kicking off “Love You Too Tour” Featuring Marsha Ambrosius on May 28th. Tour dates coming for Germany, Denmark, and Italsy with more this summer.
To listen to “The Crown” by Ledisi, click below.
ABOUT LEDISI
Ledisi was born in New Orleans and raised in Oakland, CA. Her dynamic voice has earned her a place in the pantheon of the greatest singers of her generation. She has headlined nationally sold-out tours, and performed alongside Dave Matthews, Gary Clark Jr, Vince Gill, Keb Mo, and Maxwell, as well as jazz greats Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, and Patti Austin.
In addition to a Grammy win and nominations, Ledisi has garnered three Soul Train Music Awards, 19 NAACP Image Award Nominations, an NAACP Theatre Award, and an NAACP nomination for Breakthrough Performance in a Film for her role as Mahalia Jackson in Remember Me. Ledisi also received two LA Alliance Ovation Award Nominations, one for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
Ledisi is also an author, actress, music producer, film producer, publisher, educator, and record company executive.
