Queen of Hip-hop soul reigns over STL concert weekend
By Kenya Vaughn
For The St. Louis American
“I am loving it. This weekend, the girls are in charge!” St. Louis blues diva Kim Massie is speaking of the performances this weekend that are headlined by the ladies. Massie and local songstress Coco Soul will help India.Arie adds some flavor to the Live on the Levee Concert series this Saturday, July 15.
But the kick off is the Breakthrough Tour starring quintessential homegirl Mary J. Blige at UMB Pavilion Friday, July 15. Blige has managed to unite genres and generations without compromising her raw-brand of music that sounds like the offspring of the hip-hop joints and throwback R&B classics.
“I think when you are real about yourself and your situations, people can feel that and they embrace it, that’s why people are drawn to her,” said local songstress Coco Soul about Blige.
Massie agrees. “I think it’s a thing of where she came from and how she overcame what she went through,” said Massie, who pays bills singing locally. “Her story is a motivation. People say ‘if she can do it, then I can do it.’”
When Mary J. first exploded on the scene back in the early 90’s with her debut album What’s the 411, she was just a teenager from the projects of Yonkers who was obviously rough around the edges. But anyone who heard 411 knew that she had it.
Through her first record, Blige let audiences know that she could sing, rap and more than anything she could feel. This was especially true with the duet performed with then boyfriend Jodeci’s K.C. Hailey.
Although she was the envy of every 9th -grade b-girl back in the day and managed to keep a strong fan base throughout the years, people have seen her go through some things. Issues with drugs, reports of erratic behavior coupled with romantic, professional and family relationship problems plagued her for years. But unlike most artists, she beat the gossip reporters to the punch by putting it all out there. And that “keeping it real” mantra more than likely adds to her appeal.
After she declared No More Drama a few years back, audiences saw a change. Blige cleaned up her act and went public about her spirituality, declaring that a relationship with God literally saved her life.
In the middle of getting herself together, Blige found the man of her dreams. Her experiences led her to create The Breakthrough, a musical chronicle of her metamorphosis.
“I think that she has evolved,” Coco said. “She is at a good place in her life right now being newly married and I like that she is telling the world that it’s okay to be in love.”
Sparked by the smash single Be Without You, which Blige says was inspired by her other half, The Breakthrough sold nearly 750,000 its first week of release. The album has gone on to sell nearly 3 million copies.
“I commend her for that,” Coco said. “She has earned her stripes and I’m proud of her as an artist and as a woman.”
Coco should be proud of herself as well. Along with Kim Massie, she will help India.Arie bring some soul to the Levee.
“I am excited about this weekend and to be sharing the stage with her and Kim,” Coco said. “I think that India.Arie is a fabulous songwriter and songstress and I definitely respect her for her craft.”
Just like Mary, Arie is enjoying chart success. Her third release Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship became the first ever number one album for Arie when it debuted at the top of the Billboard charts July 4th.
“It was much deserved always one to speak from her heart and soul,” Coco said. “It is wonderful that with everything else out there it is still being received.” Massie agrees, “She is brilliant. I love her earthiness and wholeness. She is a tremendous talent.”
About their own performances, Massie and Coco plan to add their special seasonings to the mix. “I am doing a little Gumbo. Everything from originals to covers and just going to have a good time,” said Coco. “I am going to do what I been doing – giving the people what they want and getting my musical satisfaction on,” Massie said.
In addition to their performances this weekend, Kim Massie can be seen at 9:30 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday at the Beale on Broadway and Coco Soul will be once again hosting Café Soul and celebrating her birthday at Suite2Fifty (formerly the Improv at Union Station) Thursday, July 20.
Mary J. Blige will be at UMB Bank Pavilion this Friday along with special guests Jaheim and LeToya Luckett. The Show begins at 7:30 p.m., For more information call (314) 421-4400. Kim Massie and Coco Soul will perform with India.Arie at the Live on the Levee Concert Series this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on The Riverfront. Call (314) 622-3201.
