andersonstreetproject

[andersonstreetproject]

ROOTS PICNIC 2017!

We have no shame in saying that Roots Picnic is our favroite Philadelphia music festival! The diversity of genre, the quality of performers, and of course, the Brother Love keep us coming back every year!

The lineup, like always, is dope with Pharrell, Lil Wayne, and Solonge taking top billing. However, there are some other acts you most definitely shouldn’t miss. See are top picks below.

Kimbra

Thundercat

The Black Thought & J. Period Mixtape with Fat Joe, Mobb Deep, & Scott Storch

21 Savage

PNB Rock & A Boogie With Da Hoodie

The full schedule is here. Tickets are still available too. 

[andersonstreetproject]

Anderson Street Chats with SuperProducer TrakkSounds

Hola, Neighbors!

We got the chance to speak with TrakkSounds, one of the nation’s hottest up-and-coming SuperProducers. The Houston-based instrumentalist and producer just released an amazing body of work that we’ve been bopping to over the past couple of weeks. The album The Other Side is an eclectic blend of trap, R&B, and at certain points, electronic music and will definitely be a go-to project for us during the summer. The project is built around some amazing collaborations including legends such as Devin the Dude and Scarface, mainstream acts such as A$AP Ferg, and lesser known artists such as the Fat Dollies, Ye Ali, and more. 

Trakksounds will be performing in Philly this Saturday at the Trocadero. We got the chance to ask him about his craft, his thoughts about the state of the Dirty South, his album, and much, much more. Check it out below!

How long have you been producing and how did you get into it?

I’ve been producing for 13 years. I’m 26 now. I kinda just got into by my friends recording and then me writing a few things. I ended up getting my own equipment. Just some basic stuff that I found on eBay. I started making beats from there.

What was your big break?

The first big track I did was 2 Chainz “Riding Through Clouds” from his FreeBase project. That was the first thing that brought me to people’s ears. I also did a couple of Chamillionaire singles and some more Houston records.

Houston kinda started the emphasis of Dirty South music. Why do think Houston doesn’t get enough credit?

I mean… In my opinion, Houston does get its credit. A lot of it falls on there being no major media outlet here in Houston. A lot of them are in New York, LA, ATL. But at the same time, I feel a lot of us have to push the envelope in terms of music and keep putting names out and supporting our city. Then I think we can compete with other cities. We can definitely compete with the big boy cities by supporting our own. Atlanta does that really well. We just need to continue to work together as a city.

What do you think about the state of Dirty South music, especially since it has taken over music?

I’m glad. A lot of my sound is Dirty South. I’m glad that we’re spreading our sounds. I think it’s good that genres are blending. I wish there was more diversity in music in my personal opinion. I would like to see other styles get their fair share too. But you know, when the hottest artist has a style, that’s what’s gonna takeover. I’m glad to be a part of it. The sound is becoming more commonplace. I want definitely show the diversity and show the many sounds we have.

You’re a pianist by skill, right?

I’m a self-taught pianist. Definitely not Zaytoven but that is my main choice of instrument.

A lot of people think people have become too computerized. How do your piano skills affect your productions?

I’m known to use a lot of instruments in my live productions. Guitars, keyboards, saxophones, bass players. I don’t play the guitar but that’s my favorite musical sound. The saxophone is my second favorite. I tend to use different things a lot. I use my basic skills to back end and get other musicians lead if I feel that’s the directions I’m going for. I think it’s key to communicate with other musicians. If I didn’t know how to mess around with the keys or know music theory, I wouldn’t know how to communicate with a lot of these musicians. Being able to communicate is critical in music. That separates me a lot as you said, as a lot of it has become computerized.

What was the inspiration for your album The Other Side?

I wanted to showcase artists that may not get national play or underground style artists. I wanted to show the other side of music. A lot of my beats aren’t necessarily what’s popular at the moment. They may be someone’s referential tape but it may not be what’s on Top 40 radio. I was showing another side of music. I wanted to show people that they can dig around and find some good music too.

What I loved most was the mix of legends and up-and-comers. Was that intentional?

Yes, definitely was. A lot of the people that are on the project were people I have personally worked with or their music like a legend like Scarface or an up-and-comer like Miko, they are people that I’m a fan of musically. I wanted to incorporate different sounds. I didn’t want the songs to sound the same. I wanted everything to have a different flair but to have a blend.

The song that was nice surprise to me was “Fireflies” because it almost had a European, EDM, post-dubstep vibe. Are you a big fan of that type of music?

It’s two twins from London. They’re from London but they lived in Zimbabwe for awhile. They are 20 years old and they are called the “Fat Dollies.” And they found me online and they sent me this track with a broken keyboard behind it. The second I heard the vocals I know how raw it was but I can hear the passion, soul and lyric behind it. I don’t do that style of music that music but I’m a fan of it and I want to branch further into that. I got that song working and everyone heard it. It’s probably my favorite song on the project because of the way it came together. Two chicks from another country that found me in a magical way. We have a video out that premiered on Revolt and got 12,000 views. It’s definitely one of my favorite songs and it’s one of the songs that sticks out. 

The other thing that was refreshing was the inclusion of R&B. You have the track with Ye Ali, who is a favorite of many of our followers, and a couple of other tracks.Can you talk about those tracks and your love for R&B?

R&B and soul have always been a couple of my favorite genres. I’ve always drifted into genre by working with different artists. All of the R&B songs are among my favorites. The response to some of the R&B songs have been great. I wanted to show my side and also the artists I’ve worked with. I excited to get the response I’ve been getting.

I don’t think Houston gets enough shine in terms of its place in discussion of R&B music. Can you talk about R&B as it relates to music?

Houston obviously has a super rich history. You have people even like Gary Clark Jr. that have their branch coming from Houston. Obviously, Beyonce and Destiny’s Child are the face of music. We’ve had a long history of people coming from Houston and a rich soul tradition. All of our music has that influence. It’s passed down from generation to generation. My mom listened to a lot of soul when I was growing up. A lot of it naturally put me into that style at an early age. It resonated with me.

Tickets are still available for TrakkSounds and Maxo Kream’s concert this Saturday night. If you’re interested in attending, get your ticket here!

[andersonstreetproject]

Ticket Giveaway: Brian McKnight

There isn't a better male vocalist currently in the game than Brian McKnight. Point blank. Not up for debate. So you know will be at his upcoming concert at the Keswick on May 13th. And guess what? You have a chance to come with us! We'll be giving away not one but TWO pairs of tickets to the show.

How can you win the tickets? Just enter your full name, e-mail address, mobile phone number, and social media handles in the form here. A name will be chosen at random. The contest ends at 5 p.m. today! The winner will be notified by phone and/or e-mail.

Don't wanna take the gamble, purchase your ticket here.

[andersonstreetproject]

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Eric Benet and Marsha Ambrosius

We're giving away not one but two pairs of tickets to see Eric Benet and Marsha Ambrosius for their M.E. Tour. The concert will take place this upcoming Thursday at the Keswick Theatre.

How can you win the tickets? Just enter your full name, e-mail address, mobile phone number, and social media handles in the form here. A name will be chosen at random. The contest ends at 5 p.m. today! The winner will be notified by phone and/or e-mail.

Don't wanna take the gamble, purchase your ticket here.

[andersonstreetproject]

Anderson Street Project Chats with Goapele

During her introduction for Meryl Streep, Viola Davis pretty much confirmed what I always believed to be true. “The role of an artist is to make someone feel less alone.” I’m actually a living testimony.

College days weren’t that fun for me. I was insecure, confused, shy, angry to a certain extent. During that time, I turned to the one thing that I knew could never hurt me: Music.

Music became a home of sorts.  

It was the place where I could find comfort, truth, humor (at times), and life. In a time where I felt alone, music was the one thing I could rely on.

Two artists in particular coaxed me through what I call the “Dark Ages” of my life. First, Amel Larrieux whose song “Infinite Possibilities” cut me deep like it was the biography of my life and the person who I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing, Oakland-based R&B singer Goapele, who is performing at World Café Live this Sunday.  

She means more to be than you’ll ever know. Besides “Closer” being one of my favorite songs of all time, her team graciously allowed me to come on board to promote her first show at World Café Live back in 2013. It’s now four years later and we had so much to discuss. We talked about Whitney Houston, what her song “Closer” means to people, and her new music that is set to be released at the end of the month. Check out our conversation below.

Evon Burton:  We have a favorite album in common. I’ve seen you in past interviews talking about carrying the first Whitney Houston album around when you were little. Can you let us know what that album meant to you?

Goapele: The records I listened to were my parents’ records. So we’d find stuff bond over like Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin. And I think Whitney Houston was the first album I got to own being able to choose my own music at about 10 years old. And it was my first concert I went to that was of my choice. Her voice was just so powerful. When I became a teenager and started performing, it’s like my influences switched more to underground hip hop and also Prince, Bjork, and others. I never thought it would come around full circle and work with her on Sparkle.

You mentioned your hip hop influence. In “neo soul,” you have embraced underground hip hop more than most. How has hip hop influenced your sound?

I think there is a rawness and a realness especially in the 90s rap era. I loved the old soul samples that were used. I loved the driving basslines and that you can hear the drums that you could hear from cars driving down the street. I love to feel the music. It’s fun to combine that influence with beautiful chords. With working with the live musicians and singing over it. I like the contrast and juxtaposition.

Do you think R&B and hip hop have blurred too much?

When it comes to genres, too much is only because in the music business it’s about marketing. As a music person, I know I don’t like being confined to genres. When I write a song, I want to express it in the best light. That means it calls for different suggestions and even sometimes throwing in jazz chords or something more obscure. Most artists love music much more than we’re characterized.

Who are you listening to?

I like Frank Ocean, Sampha, Big Sean, Bobby McFerrin…

Did you like Solange’s new album?

Mmhmm. I did.

It was very reminiscent of you and your era. I loved the album but a part of me felt like it was very Amel Larrieux and you.

I take that as a compliment because I listen to “Cranes in the Sky” like crazy. It does have that kinda vibe to it. It doesn’t fit in any category.

Neither did “Closer” when it came out. I must ask you about the song and also thank you because that song got me through some of the hardest times. I always knew I had a calling but for me and others, it served as a reminder.

What a compliment.

I mean… I can go into how Anderson Street got its name from “Closer” because I sought shelter through your music. I must thank you for that.

Thank you so much. I always appreciated your energy. I saw your appreciation from the audience and people have no idea how that goes. Anyone that records music is doing for the purpose of sharing it with the world.

When you recorded “Closer,” where were you in your life?

I was writing my own music, working on an EP. “Closer” was the last song for the project. I didn’t know what audience I would have. I was just starting to perform. I was just singing over hip hop beats at parties and galleries. I was singing backgrounds. I was still working a day job and I just felt like I was at the brink of something. And I finally am going to get myself out there and I don’t know if I’m going to be successful or if I’ll fail but I feel like something’s gonna happen and I think it’s something I can do. I didn’t write the lyrics down. It felt like a demo just to record a vibe. It was at a home studio. I had the intention of giving it structure and rerecording it but it was so an authentic vibe that we decided to keep it. I thought it would be an introduction to an album but it’s what people gravitated towards so let’s just do it as a single. It was only because people gravitated towards it.

I first saw your video on BET and the big news is that they have gotten rid of Stephen Hill, who was the last piece of music on the channel. What do you think about the current state of BET and Black music in terms of mass media.?

People are finding out about stuff via social media and stuff in the atmosphere. The programming and the support can’t be relied on anymore. It’s sad to see it go but for independent artists such as myself, we have to get creative and put it out there.

I’d love to hear about your new music.

The new EP is called Dreamseeker. It’s a part of me that’s still seeking out living my dream and each place I get to, there’s farther that I want to reach. It’s a part of me reaching my roots. I got to work with a lot of folks in the Bay Area. I did a duet with BJ the Chicago Kid, a sensual song called “Secret.” I did a song called “Stand” that’s speaking to the times and the need to stand up for something because if we don’t we’ll fall for anything. It’s vibey and I think it will resonant with my followers.

You’re queen of setting a vibe so…. When can we expect the album?

It will be out at the end of the month. Keep your ears and eyes posted. We’re shooting some visuals too.

We're giving away two tickets to her concert which is happening at World Cafe Live on April 23rd at 8pm! She'll be performing some of her old favorites as well as new cuts from her upcoming EP Dreamseeker which is due later this month.

How can you win the tickets? Just enter your full name, e-mail address, mobile phone number, and social media handles in the form here. One name will be chosen at random. The contest ends Friday, April 21st at 12 p.m. The winner will be notified by phone and/or e-mail.

We’re also hosting a private meet-and-greet after the show for all Anderson Street Neighbors in attendance. If you’re going to be there, e-mail us at andersonstreetproj@gmail.com by Saturday, April 22nd at 5pm. 

[andersonstreetproject]

Ticket Giveaway: Goapele

It should be pretty clear by now that the Anderson Street Project serves as the unofficial Philadelphia chapter of the Goapele fan club. We ADORE her! Therefore, our excitement to give away a pair of tickets to her upcoming concert shouldn't be a shock. We're giving away two tickets to her concert which is happening at World Cafe Live on April 23rd at 8pm! She'll be performing some of her old favorites as well as new cuts from her upcoming EP Dreamseeker which is due later this month.

How can you win the tickets? Just enter your full name, e-mail address, mobile phone number, and social media handles in the form here. One name will be chosen at random. The contest ends Friday, April 21st at 12 p.m. The winner will be notified by phone and/or e-mail. Also, we have some very excited AndersonStreet-exclusive news surrounding this show that will be announced VERY soon. Stay tuned. You can also purchase a ticket to the show here.

[andersonstreetproject]

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Leela James and Daley

We are giving away a pair of tickets to the upcoming Leela James/Daley concert happening at the Keswick. It will take place on Thursday, April 13th at 8pm. You don't want to miss this as 2017 seems to be a big year for both artists. Leela James just released her 6th project Did It For Love and Daley just released a new track featuring our very own Jilly from Philly. Yup, this concert is gonna slay.

How can you win the tickets? Just enter your full name, e-mail address, mobile phone number, and social media handles in the form here. One name will be chosen at random. The contest ends Tuesday, April 11th at 12 p.m. The winner will be notified by phone and/or e-mail.

[andersonstreetproject]

Anderson Street Chats with Zo!

We're really big Foreign Exchange fans here at Anderson Street. To us, there isn't a more exciting and entertaining R&B collective out. This past weekend, we got to chat with an integral piece of the group, Zo!, who will be coming to Philly's Pubb Webb with FE vocalist Carmen Rodgers. He will be performing in support of his newest album SkyBreak, which was released last summer and was highly acclaimed by one of our favorite Neighbors. We talked to Zo! about touring and performing with FE, how the loss of his father inspired the album, Philly being a terrible place if you are on a diet. Check it out below.

A lot of people know you through Foreign Exchange (affectionately known by fans as FE). How long have you been with the band?

I’ve been musical director of The Foreign Exchange since 2008 so it’s almost been ten years. I’ve been a part of all but the first FE album. I think it was, lemme see, Leave it All Behind, Authenticity, Love in Flying Colors, I was either playing on or co-produced a song or two or both. Whereas this last one, Tales From The Land of Milk & Honey, I actually co-produced with FE the entire album. My role was a little bit larger on this last one.

How does your music differ from the band?

Well my albums are usually more compilation style whereas it’s producer based.  You know it’s my music behind. It could be nine or ten different vocalists on the project at one time. Whereas FE is mainly Nicolay being the producer and Phonte being the songwriter and singer.

One thing I do like about your work and also FE, is the amount of life that you guys have. It’s a fun record. I always feel like when people think of R&B and Soul music they think about the sadder songs as opposed to the life that the music is rooted in. Can you talk about the feeling in your music and how you would describe it?

Well I blame the late 90s for what you just talked about. It was definitely moving toward the things that was actually gaining a lot of popularity. Like the songs about being cheated on, songs about you gotta get the hell on, this person ain’t worth a shit. You know it was all of those songs and we don't want to hear that all the time. Breakup songs are interesting and all that stuff and I even have one on SkyBreak, which was a change for me but a lot of times when we are just making music. 

I actually just tweeted this today: Creativity keeps me sane. And it’s true. The relationship I have with music is an emotional one. It’s a spiritual one. And that’s how I create. I create so that it’s raw and unfiltered. If I were to release this just as an instrumental album, it would still be able to touch people, without the lyrics. I try to set my bar kind of high on that end so that when Phonte comes and he wants to write on it, it only makes it better.

We usually write just from a feel good standpoint because of the live show. The live show and how we present it to our listeners and present it to new listeners. We just wanna make it so that we have a show so that it’s undeniable - the energy’s undeniable. I really want to translate my love for what I do and my love for music and my love for making people feel good through music in my performance and in my output.

I’ve met Phonte and I’ve interviewed Eric Roberson a couple of times and I mentioned to both of them that the two of them need to teach other R&B artists how to put on a show. Mainly because a FE show and an Eric Roberson show are unlike anything that I’ve been to on an R&B concert tip. You’re laughing, you’re joking, you’re creating a feel that I think has been lost.

You know I've been to a lot of shows where it’s kind of “oh and ok and this song is” and then they play the song “and this song is.” And to me that’s not really a show, that’s almost like a listening party. You really want to make it a show make it entertaining. And of course afterwards that’s where we interact with our fans --  what if this is the last time we come back to the city? We want to make sure we give the fans the full experience. I always say that I’m a fan first and if I go to a show and I see the performer come out, that’s sometimes worth the price of admission where the show is almost secondary. We make sure our fan base isn’t a Beyonce fan base where it’s just half the world. It is very much a community. When we go to shows and see people we go “oh that’s so & so.” We know them by name. Usually they’re regulars and we’ll see them on social media. We interact that way. It’s very much a community that we’re trying to build slowly and honestly.

I’ve been to 3 FE concerts and And the most shocking thing I’ve noticed is the amount of men at an R&B show. I’ve never seen anything to like it. I just wanted to ask why you think that is.

It’s a show where they can feel comfortable. And what I mean by that is, if you go to the typical R&B crooner show, you don’t know what’s going to happen. A lot of those shows are for women. If you go to a FE show, you know that Phonte isn’t coming out there with his shirt off. I’m not going to be coming out there pouring water on my chest. Nicolay is not going to be coming out there passing out roses. You know what I’m saying. It’s very much a community. We involve both sides and I think that’s dope.

Every year we asked a few of our followers to share their favorite albums of the year. One of our favorite Neighbors Skye chose your album. Tell us about SkyBreak. 

SkyBreak was done through a very painful part of my life. During the recording process my father passed. I wanna say we really got started seriously not too long after that. But after that is when it really went down, which was tough. After that happened, I really didn’t get in the studio for another month. I just didn’t feel like it. It’s one of those situations where folks would be like he’s looking over you and you gotta take that momentum and go in the studio. And I was like I don’t feel like going in the studio. So once we got back in and started working, we were done with the majority of the album being finished in a two month period.

That’s what inspired the title. I remember going to Phonte and saying I got a title. I’m trying to remember what the title was that I had but it was the same concept about my father entering heaven and that’s basically what a sky break is. A sky break is an opening so that you can enter which is the same thing depicted by the cover art. Kind of walking to the light / out of the darkness sort of thing. It was just a tough time. I mean last year was just a tough year with that. I mean all of the firsts that he missed all that kind of stuff. Eventually I did put it in the music. Eventually once the shows came, I put it in shows and dedicated a song to him, the “For Pops” joint which is second to last on the album. I think that even with it being what it is recorded, it’s my favorite material to date to perform. I think that it translates very well live. I’ve heard more than a few people tell me that they like the live version even better. I feel like I’ve done my job when that happens.

The album doesn’t sound mournful. How did you push yourself to create a sonically positive body of work?

The attitude I try to keep around his passing, especially around my immediate family is to look at it as more of a celebration than a mourning. He was was always super supportive of me and my music. Both of my parents have always been. I just really looked at it as a way to make something to celebrate his life; his support of what I’m doing.

What do you like about Philly in comparison to other cities?

One thing I like about Philly outside of performing, y’all are a foodie ass city man.

Ooohh yes we are!

Y’all love y’all food man. And I gotta make sure I’m pacing myself every time I’m here. Cause y’all gotta lot of goodness man. A lot of food goodness that can throw me completely off track from goals I’m trying to accomplish.

What’s the place you gotta go to when you come to Philly?

I don’t have one yet. I really don’t have one yet. I’m trying to think of spots that I’ve been to. I remember eating pretty good at Johnny Brenda’s last time we were there. I’ve been taken to Jim’s a couple times on South Street.

You gotta go to Max’s. Have you been to Max’s yet?

Nah unh uh. Y’all remind me of Memphis. Everyone in Memphis got their got their BBQ spot. You go to Philly, everyone got their steak spot. What’s the other spot? On the tip of my tongue. t’s one of the only spots where I eat their macaroni and cheese. I’m a mac & cheese snob. It’s almost like a diner type of spot.

Silk City?

Silk City! That’s it.

So what do you have planned for Philly this time?

We will have our touring crew from Detroit a crew called Collective Peace, who has been doing all of our shows with us. Collective Peace shares the same mindset as I do because we’re all from Detroit. We go in. We go hard. If you’re kind of expecting the Neo Soul or lighting incense on the stage type of feel, we ain’t doing that shit man. We’re pretty much going up and we’re putting our foot on the gas with the first song and having fun.

Zo! will be performing at Pubb Webb this Friday, March 3rd. Tickets are still on sale.

Also, stream Zo!’s latest album SkyBreak on Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal. 

[andersonstreetproject]

Anderson Street Chats with inc. no world

Back in 2013 when media outlets were hellbent on making "PBR&B" a thing, we became big fans of one the sub-genres leading groups, inc. We fell in love with their sound which is a unique mix of ambient and soul that's highly reminiscent of a late 90s Maxwell album. Their album no world is still, in our opinion, one of the sexiest albums released within the last five years. Since the release of their debut album, a lot has changed for the Andrew and Daniel, the duo of brothers that make up the group. One, they moved from California to Hawaii. They slightly changed the band name to include the phrase "no world." Also, they released a new project called As Light As Light. We couldn't wait to talk to Andrew, the lead singer of the group, about these things. Check out our conversation below.

How would you describe the sound of inc.?

It’s just soulful. On a basic level, the music is coming from the heart. Trying to write from that place. Trying to speak from the heart and play from the heart. It’s definitely a soulful music. We have a lot of influences. They all make their way into our sound. Outside of that, we’re always exploring for something that we hear in our heads already. We’re always trying to get to it. It’s kind of a sound you hear.

When I met you after the Philly show back in 2013, I told you that your album reminds me of Maxwell’s Embrya album. Who are your influences?

It’s been so many. We grew up with motown and older music. In high school, we grew up in a time where simultaneously Neo-soul and D’Angelo and we grew up with grunge music and alternative music. Somewhere those two kind of blended. Also, ambient music. There’s a label called ECM, a European jazz label. I’ve always been connected to that music. So it’s kind of a fusion of that and a more ambient approach to a mix of sounds and soulful songwriting and rhythms and groove-based music like soul & R&B. We also grew up in California so we grew up around the Grateful Dead  whose influences and that culture. So somewhere in there, that made it into what we like also.

I jokingly stated, well not really, that the no world album was the sexiest album of the last five years. Was that the intention or the end result?

I think that was the end result. We were looking to make a personal record that was kind of vulnerable and intimate. Those are all qualities that will align with what you are saying. We weren't  trying to make anything that was sexy. We’re two brothers in a room making music. We’re just trying to make good songs. When you go to a place that’s vulnerable, that’s the same place right?

Coming to your new album As Light As Light, there seems to be a lot more folk references. Where did that come from?

I was living in Hawaii for a couple of years. I was writing a lot music on guitar and Daniel had also begun playing a pedal steel guitar as an instrument. We’re always trying to reach new steps. I think it was a the time we were at. We were trying to reach a different realm. We also wanted to open up what we do because when we go to tour you do don’t want to be pigeon holed. We want to create a conversation with our audience that we’re open and that we’re going to be trying things. Hopefully people will be along for the ride and can be open to different sounds. We’re trying to be open to different sounds musically.

Between the the span of the two albums, you have made a big fan in legendary spiritual leader and teacher, Deepak Chopra. Did he impact the new album?

We’re people of faith, myself specifically. A lot of these songs come from nowhere.  The gospel hinge on the album came from nowhere. They came right through me. We’ve always been open. Maybe when he heard the music he connected on that level. We’re not sure but he contacted us and said that he appreciated the music. He invited us to play an event that he was holding. It was cool, a great time. We’re touched to be invited and to meet him. And to this day, very gracious.

What does the title As Light As Light mean?

I think we were talking about light as a white light or a sense of holy spirit. This sense of holiness. Also, kinda free and fun. That’s the feeling we were having with the album. It was recorded in the summer. We were just having a good time. It was a lightness in that way

Also during the span of the two albums, you changed your band name slightly to include the phrase “no world.” Why?

“No world” is a mantra for us. It’s not meant for us. We’re playing music for somewhere else. It comes back to the faith thing. There’s something more than this world. It’s a guiding light. We discovered it when making our first album. Called it no world because in order to create music we had to go somewhere. We can’t think about this world. We just had to make it from inside our hearts and not think about our world. We added it to remember like a mantra.

What do you have planned for the Philly show?

It’s gonna be fun. We’re gonna play as a trio. We’re gonna play some stuff from no world, we’re gonna play some stuff from the new record. We’re gonna do a lot of covers. We’re gonna do a Stevie song. We’re gonna jam. Should be a good time.

What do you like about Philly?

The people. A lot of heart. A lot of classic music from Philly. It seems like a music town. I wish we played there more.

inc. no world will be performing this Saturday night at Kung Fu Necktie. Tickets are still available. 

Stream inc. no world’s newest album As Light As Light on Apple Music and Spotify now. 

[andersonstreetproject]

The Anderson Street Project to Host Watch Party for BET’s The New Edition Story

When we launched the Anderson Street Project back in 2015, one of our objectives was to create programming and events that bring together Philly's Black music fans. Almost two years later, our dream is finally coming true.  On January 24th, the Anderson Street Project will be partnering with BCB, DJ A List and Warmdaddy's to throw Philly's official watch party for the kick off of BET's The New Edition Story mini-series. The event will take place at Warmdaddy's from 7:30 to 11:00 (The movie will begin at 9.) Guests will have the opportunity to participate in Warmdaddy's wildly popular All-You-Can-Eat-Crab Legs special which occurs every Tuesday and drink specials will be available all night. DJ A List will be playing all of our favorite 80s and 90s R&Bs including New Edition of course and we will be giving away some amazing prices throughout the night.  To stay updated on the happenings regarding this event, RSVP via our Facebook event page here. To reserve a table at Warmdaddy's, call (215) 462-2000 now! 

[andersonstreetproject]

The Best of 2016: Our Creative Director Evon Burton

Y'all really didn't think our Creative Director was gonna let all these great folk do guest spots on his site without giving his two cents, right? If so, you really don't know him that well.  We are ever so grateful for Joseph Marshall, Britney Norman, Morgan James, Laurin Talese, and Skye Horbrook for sharing with us their favorite albums and songs of the year! We're ever so appreciative! Scroll down to see the Evon's favorite albums and songs of the year. We swear this is the last one. *laughs*

Top 5 Albums

Anti, Rihanna

By the time Anti was actually released, I was so pissed at Rihanna and her team that I wanted nothing to do with her. (Y’all remember how traumatic that album promotion period was.) Then I pushed play and I was DELIVERT. A great album for me has to surprise me. It has to make my eyes widen with each passing song. That’s exactly what Anti did. Robyn Rihanna Fenty provided a soundtrack for those of us who are: savages and wannabe savages that are exploring their sexuality. 

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

The Colour in Anything, James Blake

In talking about surprises, James Blake reigns supreme. You never know what to expect from one of his projects. The Colour of Anything is much more lyrical and R&B-based than his previous efforts but that’s obviously not a problem for me. Here, we get to see the tender heartbroken side of James. He blurs the lines of traditional balladry to create innovative, genre-blurring emotional songs. We also get to see how much of a student James is of Black music genres. “Always” is DEFINITELY a tribute to the Winans as “I Need A Forest Fire” is a tribute to 90s R&B.

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

99.9%, Kaytranada

I’ve been bopping to Kaytranada’s remixes of modern R&B classics for years now so I fully expecting a fun, light project. However, the timing was perfection. Black folk had a very hard year from the loss of legends to the countless murders from policeman. Kay gave us a soundtrack for Black Joy. Thanks, Kay!

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

For All We Know, Nao

Nao’s was my favorite music discovery of the year. Her voice boggles me. The way she sings in her sweet “baby voice” and transitions into her rich full chest voice sends chills down my spine. (See: “In the Morning”) It’s almost like she’s two different people. The songs, which are rooted in both EDM and R&B, are sexy, confident, and soulful. 

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

Velvet Portraits, Terrace Martin

To be totally honest, I expecting Childish Gambino to take this slot but then I listened to this Terrace Martin masterpiece... Now we why To Pimp A Butterfly so damn good. (Terrace was one of the lead producers on that album FYI.) There’s such an understated easiness to this album. It’s like Terrace went into this project just wanting to create great music with his equally talented circle of friends. (See: featuring Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington). Lalah Hathaway is forever without fault but her vocals on “Oakland” made my eyes roll back. Again, it was something about the easiness and the lightness of her voice than mesmerized me. It was almost like she was breathing on the track. 

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify

Honorable Mentions

Awaken, My Love, Childish Gambino

We are KING, KING

A Seat at the Table, Solange

Cadillac, Ro James,

Birds in the Trap Sing Brian McKnight, Travis Scott

Favorite Songs

“Kiss It Better” - Rihanna

Because all true divas need a well-written, dramatic power ballad in their catalog.

“Choose Me” - James Blake 

This song is a journey. A journey of a man that wants his old thang back and a journey of sound. Music should be surprising and that’s what this song did with each phrase.

“The Big Big Beat” - Azealia Banks

Azealia needs help. We all know this by now. But musically speaking, 10s across the board. “The Big Big Beat” is a story of acceptance from a girl that clearly in thirst of it masked in the funnest beat of the year. God, she’s complex. 

“Trophy” - Nao ft. AK Paul

This song is like the 2016 version of Mya’s “My Love is Like...Wo!” Nothing else needs to be said. 

“Red Eye” - KING

Whoever said “soulful” songs can’t be THOTty is a damn lie and probably doesn’t listen to Jill Scott close enough. “Red Eye” sits with Jill’s sexiest of songs even though it’s much less blatant. The vocal harmonies from Anita and Amber and the production from Paris make me swoon like none other. 

[andersonstreetproject]

Best of 2016: Skye Horbrook

Happy New Year, Neighbors! We hope your holiday season was full of love and good cheer! As glad as we are to see 2016 go, we still can't ignore the great music that was produced the last 365 days. We still have a couple of more Best of lists on deck and we are more than honored to bring back one of our favorite Neighbors, website developer Skye Horbrook to share some of her favorite albums and songs of the year.  Check out her faves below!

Top 5 Albums:

We are King, KING

Love this album from beginning to end. Paris' production, Anita's alto voice, and Amber's scats are a perfect combination. “Love Song” is my favorite.

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

Dreaming Room (Special Edition), Laura Mvula

Laura's artistry is on point! “Overcome,” “Let Me Fall,” & “Show Me Love” are my favorite tracks.  The videos for her singles are all very beautiful.

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

Skybreak, Zo!

I really enjoyed Zo!’s previous two albums and this one is no different. Flows so nicely. Standout tracks: “Lake Erie,” “Just Whatcha Like,” “Lifelines,” & “For Pops.”

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

H.E.R. Vol. 1, H.E.R.

It's great when the focus can be just on the music. You can tell each song is so personal. “Focus” really stood out to me on my first listen.

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify

Do It For The Culture Collective, Salaam Remi

Salaam Remi has really been doing his thing this year! For the Culture is a collection (50 songs in total) of albums and songs which are different and great in their own right. The Champagne Flutes' (Remi & Terri Walker) “Monaco 79″ is my personal favorite.

Stream: Soundcloud 

Honorable Mentions

Charlene, Tweet The Switch (Deluxe Edition), Emily King Chapters, Yuna Georgica Pond, JohnnySwim Crown, Rapsody Gorgeous Chaos, Laurin Talese Back To You, Perri

Top 5 Songs:

“Turnin’ Me Up,” BJ the Chicago Kid

“Cranes in The Sky,” Solange

“Kickin' Back,” Mila J

“Start,” John Legend

“Search Party,” Durand Bernarr

To find out what Skye is digging at any moment, follow her on the Cymbal app at @Dreamflower.

[andersonstreetproject]

The Best of 2016: According to Laurin Talese

There are only two days left and it seems like 2016 still has no chill. RIP George Michael, Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. Through it all, we can say that we had some good music these last 365.

We are more than ecstatic to have our dear friend and jazz vocalist Laurin Talese share some of her top picks of the year. She had a pretty exciting year herself with the release of her highly anticipated debut album Gorgeous Chaos, which features a dope cover of the late George Michael’s “Kissing A Fool” with fellow Philly diva Vivian Green among other sultry tracks. Even though the critically acclaimed album is popping up on various “Best of” lists (here and here) around the country, she still has time for us little people. Thanks, boo!

Check out Laurin’s favorites below!

Encore, Barbra Streisand

Oh, Babs! She never disappoints! I love albums that make me think that I'm a character in a movie! That's what this album does. As usual, the arrangements are masterful. Babs' voice is strong, her range is still in tact, and at 74, she's still taking stylistic chances! #goals

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

Malibu, Anderson.Paak

Malibu just feels good. An unadulterated, unpretentious good time! The heart of a musician shined through in the most authentic and free way (no small feat.) Sounds like it was fun to record too!

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

Gorgeous Chaos, Laurin Talese

I love this album because I made it with my dearest friends. New and old! I made it with people whose musicianship, and work ethic I respect greatly. Everyone put their best foot forward. The process was organic and the music is decadent & fab (if I do say so myself)!

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

A Seat At The Table, Solange

It's not easy to make a socially conscious and politically relevant album not sound heavy or brash. However, Solange somehow managed  an effortlessly cool, chic and dreamy vibe while sharing her perspective on hate, racial inequality, social injustice, depression and more. Wonderful.

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

Insecure (Music from the HBO Original Series), Various Artists

Simple. This album satisfies my craving for ratchet, nonsensical lyrics and glorious trap beats. Thanks, Issa Rae!

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal 

Top Songs

“At The Ballet,” Barbra Streisand

If you're a fan of Broadway musicals, you first heard this song in A Chorus Line. The 2016 version features a witty delivery and the sonic textures of young and old, American and English... I'm transported to an audition room whenever I listen! Hope you enjoy!

“First Began,” PJ Morton

PJ Morton - #swoon. His voice is sure yet gentle. His delivery vulnerable yet assuring. He writes lyrics that mirror what any woman would dream for beau to say to them 2 mos or 10 years in.

Yep. I may be his biggest fan. Lol

“The Magician,” Andy Shauf

I love a no frills straight tone singer. This song is a great song to play at the start of your flight. It just sounds like the beginning of a great story - and it is!

“Don't Have A Reason,” Lee Mo

Um... Lee can sing, write and play. It all comes from such a pure place with the most organic delivery. Keep an eye and ear out for this woman. She's easily one of my favorite artists.

“The Bird,” Anderson Paak

This song is the opening track to his Grammy-nominated album, Malibu. The lyrics immediately pull me in, the groove is infectious and by the end of the song, the lyrics leave you feeling like you know Paak a little more. After that song I was curious about what else he had to say.

[andersonstreetproject]

The Best of 2016: According to Neighbor Morgan James

In about a week or so, we will be entering a brand new year! WOO HOO! Lawd knows 2016 was a trying year! At least we had some good music though! To help recap the year in music, we invited our dear friend Morgan James to share her favorite albums and songs of the year. Outside of being one of our favorite concert buddies (Check our Instagram page for validation), she's currently a consultant for startups and tech companies and moonlights as a journalist for Philly's own JUMP Magazine. Morgan also co-hosts pop culture hot-takin’ podcast Two Wise Jawns - listen and subscribe on iTunes, Soundcloud, or Stitcher. How she finds the time to do all of that, we have no clue. 

Ard, ya’ll.

2016 was rough for so, so many.

But though we were given Trump antics, newly woke fascism, and the deaths of General Tso and the Purple One himself… 2016 did kind of sort of have a lit soundtrack.

One must blank it awayyyyy, amiright?

ANTI, Rihanna

First thing’s first, let’s give Robyn Rihanna Fenty her flowers while she’s still giving two shxts about us.

The Recording Academy slighted my girl as they’re ought to do by not nominating ANTI for “Album of the Year.” And yet somehow Justine Bieber scammed his way into a nomination. Whatevs. We haven’t trusted the GRAMMYs since they gave Macklemore “Best Rap Album,” the same year Kendrick Lamar released, well, anything.

ANTI is perhaps Rih’s most R&B offering and for that us neighbors basked in its sultry. Also the LOOKS. ANTI World Tour was what Kanye wished all three seasons of Yeezy fashions achieved. He thought.

It also felt good to say that at the top of the year the world’s two biggest pop stars released their BLACKEST projects to date. It’s the little victories. Which leads me to my next favorite…

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

Lemonade, Beyonce

Say what you will about Beyonce, but Miss Knowles knows how to make a statement. The hour-long visual that accompanied the album made me want to call upon the ancestors, flip a page to a Zora Neale Hurston passage, and personally DM Celestine Knowles-Lawson a heartfelt “thank you.” The Daughters of the Dust exaltation of African American culture, specifically womanhood, is downright righteous.

Furthermore Beyonce sought out James Blake for my two favorite tracks on LEMONADE - “Forward” and “Pray You Catch Me.”

In that vein, can we talk about London’s soulful-electronic export? Yes?

Stream: Tidal

The Colour in Anything, James Blake

The man is exquisite. His entire discography is the music of Olympus on a particularly introspective day. In 2016 he tip-toed in to drop The Colour in Anything. This led to a spiritual experience at his concert where myself and our very own Mr. Anderson Street clasped hands in high praise.

Amen.

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

A Seat At The Table, Solange

Solange... Solange... Solange...

Not to be that person, but I’m going to be that person. I’ve STANNED down for Solange since that one song with Lil Romeo. Jk, jk. Probably since Hadley St. Dreams or maybe when she slayed the Proud Family theme song with Beyonce? Either way, I been here. I mean, listen. Once several devoted friends and I roadied after work just to see Solange DJ at a bowling alley in Brooklyn. WE HAD THE TIME.

And clearly Solange does too. The bruja priestess took four years of self-care down yonder Bayou and followed up TRUE with A Seat at the Table. It’s replete with Solo’s distinct sound aesthetic - harmonic falsettos and quirky syncopations that keep you hip to the ways of the world. What a gem. Just you know, like, what a national treasure.

If you set A Seat at the Table to the imagery of LEMONADE what you get is an accurate cinema of how us black folk have felt for a minute - leery, but fabulous.

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

99.9%, Kaytranada

A Haitian man came to take names this year and he goes by Kaytranada. Vive ayiti!

Kaytranada dropped 99.9% circa May and I’ve gotten my life since. He makes music for the sis who wants to twirl around her home pretending she’s at a photoshoot for V Magazine - me. Let’s collectively acknowledge this melinated tour de force storming the electronic world. We can’t give everything to Disclosure and Diplo and Soundcloud warriors ya mean.

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal

Honorable Mentions:

Passion, Pain, and Demon Slayin’, Kid Cudi

Because this is his first album in a while that’s coherent and lovely and I’m going to thank rehab and therapy and Iyanla Vanzant for it. Prayers up in Calabasas that my brother in Great Kanye follows suit.

Slay Z, Azealia Banks

Because her wordplay is impeccable. Ask your fave E-V-E.

AIM, M.I.A.

Because she spits hot fire over dope beats all whilst educating you on the state of literally every developing nation’s struggles. Stay woke!

22, A Million, Bon Iver

Because he’s America’s answer to James Blake with less bass, more air. But more importantly, his beard this era is giving Philly cat realness and deserves!

Farewell, Starlite!, Francis and the Lights

Because he’s Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon if Justin were Edward Scissorhands.

Fav Songs:

“Freedun” - M.I.A. ft. Zayn

“U Don’t Know” - Justine Skye ft. Wizkid

”In Common” - Alicia Keys

“Guidance” - Travis Scott ft. K. Forest

“CRYBABY” - ABRA

[andersonstreetproject]

The Best of 2016: According to Neighbor Britney Norman

In celebration of making it through 2016, we have invited some of our favorite Neighbors to share the songs and albums that helped them get through this helluva year.

Next up, we have our dear friend Britney Norman, Senior Manager of Integrated Marketing Programs for Visit Philadelphia. She may be a BOSS in the daytime but this Philly-bred woman can be seen at all the dopest concerts and parties happening around town. Brit was also named one of Billy Penn's Top Communications Professionals under the age of 40, a list that also included our Creative Director.  Check out what has been giving our girl eargasms via the link below!

What’s Good in the Neighborhood?!

In true leap year fashion, 2016 was full of life-changing highs and lows; and it’s music, coupled with the visuals, helped me push through with a sense of pride for our culture. If the year could talk, it would shout: “Say it Loud: I’m Black and I’m Proud!” Below, in no particular order, are my top five albums and singles-- raise your fist and give me a head nod if you agree!

Top 5 Albums:

dvsn - Sept 5th

Another OVO gem giving me life! I loved this album at first listen- it’s so smooth from beginning to end and I still revisit it as a fallback when I’m at work and want to blast something acceptable at my desk lol.

Stream: Apple, Spotify, Tidal

Beyonce - Lemonade

True Confession: I’ve never been a part of the BeyHive.  Now with that out the way, I’ll say that this album allowed me to love Beyonce again, I mean, I even bought a ticket for the tour! Not only was this a good piece of work, but it was timely AF! Panels, conferences and college classes can be taught around the visual album alone, and I’m sure in years to come, we’ll still be asking each other: “Where were you when you first saw the Formation video?”

Stream: Tidal

Frank Ocean - Blonde

To be a fan of Frank Ocean, you have to know a little something called patience. After waiting 4 years for new music, I was one of those fans tuned in on my laptop watching this man build a wooden staircase for almost an hour and praying that once he walked up The Stairway to Heaven, another album would drop. ‘Cause, that’s just something Frank would do. And he did! Blonde is so honest and beautifully written-- It’s another favorite I keep in rotation.

Stream: Apple, Spotify, Tidal

Solange - A Seat at the Table

One Sunday evening, over soul food, wine and whisky, my girlfriends and I came together to have a listening party for ASATT, because when an album like this comes out- that’s what you need to do! We broke down lyrics, shared feelings, passed tissues, laughed and danced. Thank You, Solange, for helping bring us together to define the glory within.

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

Childish Gambino - Awaken, My Love!

I was not ready for this masterpiece! Childish did his thing with this one. So much Funk. SO much soul. If you weren’t a fan before, I’m sure you are now:)

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

Top 5 Singles:

Drake - “One Dance”

From Montreal to Belize, I could not escape this song through my 2016 travels. It’s so fun, sexy and catchy- you can’t help but wind your hips and do a little two step when this song comes on!

Bruno Mars - “24K Magic”

We can always count on Bruno to give us a NYE party anthem (past: Uptown Funk). All I can do is smile when this feel good song comes on and it definitely makes me want to celebrate such a good year. #Blessed!

Lion Babe - “Treat Me Like Fire”

Frankly, this song is my love life in a nutshell.  #SMDH

Kaytranada feat. Anderson .Paak - “Glowed Up”

This song was easily my summer anthem so when everyone at the Roots Picnic was waiting for Future to hit the stage to do his 2-minute set (no shade), I was on the other side vibing out to Kaytranada with his sexy self.

Snoh Aalegra - “Home”

Another song that warms my heart and frequently gets put on repeat. Her bluesy lyrics are reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and I’ve been needing someone to fill that void for a while now.

[andersonstreetproject]

The Best of 2016: According to Neighbor Joseph Marshall

Question: Can anyone tell us where the year went? As climatic, and at times, tragic as 2016 as been, it's been a relatively great year in terms of music.  For the second year in a row, we are letting a few of our favorite Neighbors share their favorite albums and songs of the year. The Grammys never seem to get it right so... Kicking off our series is the hilarious Joseph Marshall, host of popular local podcast Logical Nonsense. Joe is a self-described "black man with an unhealthy love of big asses, sex and R&B music." All of which are reflected in his flawless musical taste. Click the link the below to find out what a black man with a healthy sexual appetite has been listening to all year.

First things first, I am not a writer nor do I pretend to be. I am just a black man with an unhealthy love of raw sex, big asses, and great R&B music! 2016 was a great year for R&B music, which makes it that much harder for me to pick my top albums of the year! The amount of baby oil and plan B music that was released this year was beautiful and I hope 2017 gives us the same thing.

Solange - A Seat at the Table 

Beyoncé who? Sister Knowles dropped a masterpiece that is both sexy and woke! My personal favorite “Cranes in the Sky” will forever have me feeling as if I am getting a wallie from an angel in Crab House with a fresh cut from a Bevel blade done by God himself!!! If anyone questioned Solange’s ability, this album should shut them up!

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

BJ The Chicago Kid - In My Mind 

This album was a scrotum jumper for sure! Severely slept on, BJ The Chicago Kid drops one of the most complete projects of the year. “Resume” featuring Big KRIT is the standout track on the album and baby oil and contraceptives are required when listening because it is that kind of track! Big KRIT’s bars add to the smooth and seductive feel of the track! If you have not then I suggest you check this one out!

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

Ro James - ELDORADO 

Ro James probably had my favorite song of the year with “Permission”, which is what led me to his ELDORADO album, and MY NINJA, I was not disappointed! As you probably already guessed, “Permission” is the standout track on the album and is perfect for that third Netflix & chill date when you trying figure out if you can go to the promise land! Overall, Ro James delivers a solid project from top to bottom that you should check out.

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

H.E.R. - H.E.R. Volume 1 

The mysterious one!! I love this project! Every track has me dreaming of slow dancing with a thick queen in the middle of my neighborhood Shop Rite as the chicken on grille sizzles! I have so any favorites that it is hard for me to choose, but if I had to choose, it would be “Focus.” Just a woman wanting her man to stop worrying about LeBron and worry about that ass and cash! It’s an inspiration for woman dealing with “Ain’t Sh*t” fellas. H.E.R. is definitely one to look out for!

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify

Childish Gambino - Awaken, My Love 

How talented can one man be?  Childish Gambino delivers a beautifully crafted album that takes you back to the pool halls and numbers days! Every time I listen to this album I feel like I just came home from the war and I’m trying to run numbers for Kirby in Dead Presidents! My favorite track on the album is “Redbone.” The track drops and I need a joint, some Thunderbird, and a Nubian queen! It is just beautiful. Just like the album!

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

Honorable Mentions: Jojo - Mad Love; Yuna - Chapter; Ari Lennox - Pho; Lizzo- Coconut Oil; Jacquees - Mood; NAO - For All We Know; DVSN - Sept 5th; Xavier Omar- The Everlasting Wave

Fave Songs

Dvsn - “Too Deep”

Yuna & Usher - “Crush”

NAO - “In the Morning”

Ari Lennox - “Yuengling”

Usher - “Tell Me”

Joe’s podcast airs every Tuesday at 9pm on SoundWavesRadeo.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at @JoeyBaddaa! 

[andersonstreetproject]

Anderson Street Chats with Eric Roberson About The Note for Note Cancer Benefit

We caught up with our dear friend Eric Roberson to talk about his Note for Note cancer benefit concert that's happening this Sunday at Harrah's Atlantic City. The show will feature some of the biggest names in R&B including Bilal, Ledisi, Tank, and of course Erro himself. If that lineup wasn't enough to run to Ticketmaster, we don't know what will.   We talked about the show, his connection to cancer research, and his relationship to the performers and the R&B community overall. Check out our conversation below!

Anderson Street: Let’s talk about this fantastic Note for Note cancer benefit that you have coming up. How did it come about?

Erro: It came about through a young lady who works for the American Cancer Society. Her and her family were actually on the Capital Jazz Cruise and she does some events with my sister who’s actually a floral designer. We initially just started talking about maybe me hosting a gala or something of that nature but realization came about that the American Cancer Society has never really done a concert. I was like “hmmm... Okay” and then it just kind of spiraled. Initially, it was just me maybe doing a show and then next thing we knew we got Ledisi, and then Bilal. Lastly, Harrah’s Atlantic City, in which we’re performing, stepped in and donated the venue. From that point on, we were like let’s do it.

Anderson Street: What’s your connection to the cause?

Erro: My family has had to deal with cancer. Since I was a little boy I’ve seen the devastation of it and this was a way for us to give back. You know I do as much as I can already with certain causes when I can and cancer is one of them. This was a way to really give back big so I said let’s do it.

Anderson Street: How did this amazing lineup come together?

Erro: It’s funny because we reached out to a lot of people but most people had gigs or were out of the country. We really were trying to have 50 million acts but we just ended up with three. Ledisi was first, Bilal was second and then Tank. All of them are friends of mine and all of them I’m huge fans of in general. They’re just amazing singers and they’re the people who post on what is happening in the world as well. I think through their music , through their lyrics, but also just through who they are they’ll also help in healing. This show is not about raising money and raising awareness, it’s about healing, man. If you’re dealing with something, if you have a family who dealt with cancer or any form or fashion of any disease whether it’s diabetes or MS to whatever, come and let us help you take your mind off of things. Let us help you heal, start the healing process or continue the healing process.

Anderson Street: Can you talk about your friendship with Ledisi, Bilal, and Tank?

Erro: Indeed. Well you know, Ledisi... First of all, she’s crazy and I love her to death. Ledisi and I probably talk the most out of all three. You know while she’s working on her records we stay in touch. You know she’s good people and a good friend so I was really really happy when she was able to join on and be a part of it.

Bilal, I’ve been a huge fan of for years.  This guy’s an alien! Like his voice and how crazy his performances are! But you know backstage, he’s really really down to earth. We’ve had some phenomenal conversations about parenthood and life. He’s helped me a lot in those aspects. Just speaking in balance and stuff of that nature. I really appreciate the advice that he’s given with me and my family.

Tank and I came up in that whole DC music area so we kind of would cross paths early on. He worked at a studio called Nice Light in Maryland and I would go there when I was at Howard. So he’s a person I just kind of kept in touch through the years. We’re more so see each other at the BET Awards or at the Grammy’s or whatever but it’s all love.

Anderson Street: What’s the format of the concert? Are you guys going to do something on stage together?

Erro: Oohhh man we’re still trying to figure that out. I know it may intertwine a little bit. I do know that we’ll probably have some kind of finale song but whether we’re all singing it together, I don’t know. What I will tell you the show is intertwined where one artist is going to come out do a couple songs and the next artist will come out and do a couple songs, the next artist, so on and so forth.  It won’t just be one person does a big set and you won’t see them anymore. It’ll be more we’re going to weave everybody’s set together. It’d be great if we could so some stuff together though.

Anderson Street: My last and final question. We don’t talk about the fellowship of R&B artists as a community enough. You’re everybody’s best friend in the world of R&B. Can you talk about that relationship and why it’s necessary to have those types of relationships and allies within the industry?

Erro: Everything is contagious and negative things are especially contagious. My goal is to make positive things contagious. I try to be a part as much as I can with other people’s events and what they’re trying to do. The goal is to put yourself out there. This is a perfect example of trying to extend that fellowship. If this becomes contagious so that maybe somebody else has another event and challenges us to participate or share or grow or try another event, that’s what it’s all about, man. For the most part everyone who does music are really good people. Everybody still has their own personal struggles. Everybody’s dealing with family and the things of the nature. The main thing just prayer and understanding. It’s almost how you deal with your best friend. Some people have best friends that you gotta talk to every single day. Some have best friends where I may not see you for three months. When I see you we laughing we kicking having a great time. And that’s the overall goal. When we come together let’s make magic. Let’s turn pain to profit. Profit doesn’t always have to mean making money. Profit just means something good. Let’s make something good out of it. So when you and I talk or when me and KING get together. Let’s just make something happen better than what it was before we got together.

Anderson Street: I love that.

Erro: So if we can make that contagious and that’s not to say that there are not people who are already doing  it, but I’m just trying to do my part. And if there’s some people that we can help who are dealing with some hard times with our music? Why not try to do it! Let’s try to amplify it louder than it’s ever been!

Guess what?! Our pair of tickets to the show are still up for grabs you have until Friday, November 11 at 5pm to enter! Enter our contest here! However, if you don't feel so lucky, just purchase your ticket here.