American R&B and Jamaican reggae have taken turns influencing each other over the past fifty years. Now two of the finest singers to emerge from the Neo-soul movement, Musiq Soulchild and Syleena Johnson, have teamed with hit-making reggae producer Kemar McGregor to create an album of Reggae duets. “Feel The Fire,” the first single from the collaboration, has just dropped, an early taste of their album 9INE, which will be released by Shanachie Entertainment on September 10, 2013.
“I wanted to do a Reggae album,” Musiq Soulchild says, “Syleena wanted to as well and we wanted to work together. We’ve known each other forever!” “The music was so good, and (Musiq and I) both love Kemar’s production, Syleena adds. “So we’re just like ‘why don’t we just do (an album) together?”
Working with McGregor, the pair wrote and recorded nine tracks for the album in nine days—hence the album title 9INE. “Feel The Fire,” written by Musiq, Syleena and Kemar, is a classic upbeat soulful Reggae love affair, the kind of track that instantly evokes summer vibes. Both Musiq and Syleena deliver the melody and lyrics with a completely natural flair—unlike some American artists who sound forced when singing over Reggae riddims.
“Feel the Fire” is our newest SoulTracks First Listen. Check it out below and tell us what you think!
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