By Petrina Harvey
Urban Soul. Intoxicating Rhythms. John Legend. The smooth in music has returned, thanks to the melodic and infectious voice of the former choir director. John “Legend” Stephens incorporates his gospel beginnings with old and new school R & B to create a winning combination. “My style is very soulful, rooted in gospel but with hip-hop beats and unique, witty lyrics,” he says.
Had it not been his voice on this summer’s hits by Kanye West (Jesus Walks), Jay-Z (Encore) and Slum Village (Selfish), to name a few, the delivery may not have been so sweet. He can also be heard alongside Mary J. Bliges’ on “I Try”, Talib Kweli’s new single from The Beautiful Struggle and on Common’s new album “BE”. John’s lead single “Used To Love Me” recently has scorched the charts with its unique blend of gospel, soul and tinges of hip-hop. Though he has multiple connections in the industry his focus is on John Legend. “The last couple of years I have been preparing me,” Legend states.
It took years to make it mainstream but his persistence finally paid off. His vocal abilities and piano skills leave you wanting more. “I’ve been performing since the age of five or six,” says Legend. “Being raised in a musical family allowed me to know early on that I wanted to perform,” he adds. As a perfectionist, he always had a plan B, but was certain plan A would fall through. And that it did. As one of the opening acts on the Usher tour, he’s steadily increasing in popularity and is set to perform solo in the near future.
Performing in front of crowds is a favorite for the soul crooner. “I prefer the more smaller venues. It allows me to get up front and personal with my audience,” he says. Performing live is definitely a treat by the artist. At an impromptu showcase at Justin’s restaurant in Atlanta, Legend performed amazingly to a crowded house. Leaving everyone in the house impressed and anxiously waiting his debut album, Get Lifted on Columbia Records. Nothing could be more impressive than ending an evening with the perfect setting, good food and soothing uplifting music by John Legend.
His pure voice proves his undeniable quest for perfection. He is one who can perform accapella in a heartbeat. No digital assistance needed. He’s got the real thing and his collaboration with Kanye West proves it.
West’s cousin introduced the two while Legend was still in college. From there magic began to unfold. As John stated, ” Kanye is interested in making quality music and that’s what makes working with him come natural.” Something natural and new is what the industry has been missing.
