Former Floetry singer, Marsha Ambrosis has stepped back into limelight with a new mix tape to get the public salivating for her upcoming solo release. YOURS SINCERELY is a refreshing redux to the neo-soul movement of yester year;  a welcome return  to help shakeup the mundane  state of  traditional R&B. The midtempo track  Put it on Repeat  is a brash sexy request for  more lovin’ followed by the redemption- heavy This Love featuring Canadian star Glenn Lewis who wrote this soft ballad, a song that flows like water.
The short set sounds like her classic offerings from her Floetry discography but with an elevated sound of confidence and vulnerability.  Her new album, Late Night Early Mornings will debut in summer 2010.       

Teedra Moses has been on the scene for over 10 years and after the mild success of her debut album, Complex Simplicity she has gained a cult-like following, After the delay of her follow-up release, Moses has taken to using the internet and continued to develop her sound by touring across the globe. Her new mix tape  ROYAL PATIENCE is chock full of classic Teedra: heady beats, sweet lyrics and of  course, Love. Kisses never taste so sweet  is a bombastic airy sound produced by the Trackademics, could have the potential of a  club banger and no additional  “guest rapper  ” is needed to make this a crossover hit.  Winter ’96 is an  anthem in its own right, reminiscing about love from the past. Standout track, Realize  is “a ha” moment “time to kick him to the curb” shout without the Kelis bravado of I Hate You (So much right now).The mix tape genre is no longer just for the boys to create underground buzz, but a fantastic tool to gain more followers.

Real music is making a comeback!

Reading Michael Arceneaux’s blog, The Cynical Ones, often invokes some type of emotional party in my head. The brother can write. There has been times where I have laughed till I couldn’t laugh again, cried because he was so brutally honest, or even thought, wow does Michael live in my brain? This Howard University alum, Texas native, now a Cali transplant, has turned his blog into a full-fledged career and made new opportunities blossom. Arceneaux’s voice is what makes his blog so entertaining, provocative and one of the best daily reads on the net. The world is so obsessed with celebrity and pop culture, and he covers their missteps, trials & tribulations, awkward moments and triumphs with flavor a  that is so unique.

Style & Substance: When did you start the blog, The Cynical Ones?
I started my blog in May 2005.

Style & Substance: You also write for The Root, where does your inspiration stem from?
I was assigned that blog, actually. I reached out to an editor, who through research, I found out went to Howard. I was familiar with her work at The Washington Post. She told me I could pitch her and so I did. Every now and then my work would be published on the site. Then earlier this year she told me that they had a new blog in mind and after submitting a sample, offered it to me.

Style & Substance: I have coined the phrase, “instant celebrities for no reason” why do you think there are so many people famous without having real talent?
I think we live in a celebrity-obsessed culture and because we’ve created such a need for celebrity anyone can be one now. That in turn has convinced others with not a lick of talent in their bodies that they, too, can become famous so long as they attention whore enough.

Style & Substance: Post- graduating from Howard University was it hard for you get a steady writing gig?
Yes. Incredibly. The publishing world was in disarray and with the state of the economy, budgets were slashed everywhere which only exacerbated the problem.

 Style & Substance: What celebrity really gets on your last nerve?
Far too many. But in short: Any self-involved “celebrity” who acts as if they’re above criticism or above anyone or anything, for that matter.

Style & Substance: Did you always know you would be a writer, if not your second choice?
I knew I was always wanted to write, but I initially thought of becoming a news anchor and then eventually go on to write books and the like. I’ve never had a second career option, honestly. Just couldn’t see myself doing anything outside of media.

Style & Substance: You put a lot of heart into your writing as well as personal information that makes your work EVEN more soulful, do you ever regret that?
There have been some instances where I’ve looked back at something I’ve written and thought, “Yeah, maybe that was too much.” Then I remind myself quickly that what’s done is done and there’s no turning back.

Style & Substance: Your favorite writer?
It changes often. The first writer to come to mind is James Baldwin. Not only because of his eloquence, but out of sheer gratitude for paving the way for people like me to be more frank in their work, and touch on issues still largely ignored within our community (sexuality being the main one

The music industry today is going through a recession of its own. Hits are cranked out in a frenetic pace, and instant-stars are cooked up faster than a cup of Ramen noodles. What happened to longevity; what happened to real stars looking for more than just the Fame? Now we get a slew of super one-hit wonders and albums from “artists” who don’t even know to actually be just that, artists. The same 20 songs are played on the radio every three minutes and it all sounds the same. When will someone debut with the tenacity of Alicia and the chops of a young (happy) Lauryn Hill? Enter, Ihsan a 20- something singing prodigy that not only belts out tunes like a seasoned pro, she writes her own music as well. A self-taught singer, who honed her skills by making music with her siblings, the product of the Duke Ellington School School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. Ihsan has a refreshing sound that is not like any other you have heard before. One part Anita Baker, mixed with the style of a (pre-Nas) Kelis, and the writing chops of the aforementioned Ms. Hill. Ihsan has gained a following that is undeniable. She just finished co-directing her first music video and is creating her first album, Big Red Box that will debut in early 2010.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Did you always know you wanted to be a singer?
IHSAN:I always knew that there was something special about my voice. From the responses that I received after I sang, to people crying, and telling me “Do it again”. Yes. I’ve always wanted to share with people what I thought was so special about me.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Explain your process of songwriting and producing?
IHSAN: I feel that music and art in general has “no real” repetitive process. I just create. Whether it’s me producing the track, or my brother, or if I have a song idea for lyrics in my head and I know the exact type of beat/ instrumentation to go with it.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What is the meaning behind your upcoming album and the title?
IHSAN: Big Red Box is a glimpse inside of my life. As a new artist I feel it is my duty to let others experience and know IhsAn. Big- meaning everything that I do is big. Red- meaning the way people actually perceive me as a person because red is such a bright color, it stands out in more ways than the immediate thought of the particular color. Box- symbolizing my personality. I am a very reserved person. And Shy. Until you actually open the box you won’t know that I live life big and in color.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: With so many artists today, following a cookie-cutter formula how do you stand out WITHOUT selling out?
IHSAN: Innovation is something that many artists want to accomplish in this industry. Very few actually know what it is. Many can sing, many can dance, and many look great. There are few that have all of those qualities plus the drive, the faith, and supportive people around to keep them grounded. I am very fortunate and thankful to be one of those few.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: How has the Internet and sites like FACEBOOK and MYSPACE helped you gain a following?IHSAN: The Internet has helped artists like myself the most. Independent artists can put out music, sell music, show videos and much more by just clicking a button.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What motivates you to never give up your dreams?
IHSAN: Life in general is very inspirational. Just recently the greatest entertainer of all time “Michael Jackson” passed away. No matter how many years from now his legacy will not pass. I strive everyday to be that kind of artist. When I feel down and weak that is motivation to get up and be even stronger.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: The three albums (old or new) you can’t stop playing?
IHSAN: This one is hard. Really. Lol! We don’t really play albums anymore. It’s weird. Ipod is a very interesting thing. Mine is usually always on shuffle. lol! But I must tell you that NERD is my favorite. I love star trak period!!!!! Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” is phenomenal, classic, and Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love”.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: FAME or icon status? Why?
IHSAN: Legendary- As long as I’ve changed one person’s life to them I’m an icon and in my eyes that is what makes a person famous.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Where do you see yourself a year and 5 years from now?
IHSAN: Blessed, Happy, Secure, successful, accomplished, and respected amongst my peers. No matter how many years from now that this is documented, in every aspect of life those are the words that I want to describe my life as.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: In your own words describe STYLE and SUBSTANCE?
IHSAN: Style- is something that everyone has whether it’s appealing or not to the person looking you up and down from a far. Substance- is the pride that each person takes in their daily endeavors whether it goes noticed or unnoticed.

Photo credit: Ihsan

For more information and to listen to Ihsan’s music visit her FACEBOOK and MYSPACE pages.