Jill Scott Archives - THE 97 https://the97.net/tag/jill-scott/ Relive the Splendor Sat, 18 Jul 2020 16:22:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://i0.wp.com/the97.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cropped-favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Jill Scott Archives - THE 97 https://the97.net/tag/jill-scott/ 32 32 71991591 Who is Jill Scott? A Timeless Treasure. https://the97.net/music/who-is-jill-scott-a-timeless-treasure/ Sat, 18 Jul 2020 16:22:37 +0000 https://the97.net/?p=11422 JULY 18, 2000 Jill Scott’s debut album, entitled Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds, Vol. 1, opens with the song “Do You Remember.” She asks, “do you remember me?” before recounting a series of unforgettable memories. Surely, he remembered her. For the listener, though, this was an introduction. In retrospect, the answers to both questions […]

The post Who is Jill Scott? A Timeless Treasure. appeared first on THE 97.

]]>
JULY 18, 2000

Jill Scott’s debut album, entitled Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds, Vol. 1, opens with the song “Do You Remember.” She asks, “do you remember me?” before recounting a series of unforgettable memories. Surely, he remembered her. For the listener, though, this was an introduction. In retrospect, the answers to both questions (“Who is Jill Scott?” and “Do you remember me?”) would be met with resounding yeses. Jill Scott’s debut album firmly secured her immovable place in the realm of R&B music royalty.

UNFILTERED PERSONALITY

Track two of Who Is Jill Scott? slides from the nostalgia to the present with “Exclusively.” Showing off her more poetic side, “Exclusively” plays like a spoken-word a narrative as Jill glides her rhymes effortlessly atop the prodding beat. A tale of a trip to the market after morning sex, the track’s title proves to be ironic as the story unfolds. I won’t spoil the ending, in case you haven’t heard it, but let’s just say Jill wasn’t about to go home as happy as she had left it. What’s important here, though, is that this track lets you know that Jill’s album isn’t like any you’ve ever heard before. Her songs are not only unfiltered, but also a unique combination of poetry and song.

Jill’s personality continues to shine on “Gettin’ in the Way,” this time, she’s full of attitude and fresh out of fucks. An anthem for anyone who has ever dealt with their significant-other’s jealous ex, “Gettin’ in the Way” lays out the law simple and plain: get out of the way, or Jill will lay you out instead. I’m not quite sure anyone BUT Jill Scott could write a lyric like this: “Queens shouldn’t swing if you know what I mean, but I’m ’bout to take my rings off, get me some vaseline.” Hilariously, on the live album, she explains how interviewers would chastise her for “promoting violence,” but Jill just laughed it off: “Sometimes, for principle, you might have to whoop some ass.” And that’s that on that.

TIMELESS LOVE SONGS

A modern classic, and the album’s biggest hit, “A Long Walk” is a gloriously descriptive and perfectly balanced amalgamation of poetry and song. Infectious after the first listen, the tongue-twisting bridge and cathartic jubilance of its chorus make for a five minutes of Neo-Soul bliss. It’s as if Jill is narrating a romance film and “A Long Walk” is its soundtrack. If you’re ever out of date night ideas, just spin this cut and find your inspiration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSYMKUtNuw8

Clocking in at just under two minutes, “I Think It’s Better” is a prelude to yet another classic produced by Jill’s debut album: “He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat).” On gorgeous sonic depiction of finding the ever-idealized true love Jill illustrates every reason and way why her man loves her. It embodies the album’s subtitle, “words and sounds.” With her lyrics and her vocals, she exudes passion and devotion. Its live performances are even more dramatic and striking, during which Jill turns the song into a symphony of sorts. Jill is one of the few artists who makes her songs even better in their live form. The 2001 live version had three movements and goes on for nine magical minutes:

CELEBRATE LOVE

Jill continues to profess her love on the next track, “It’s Love.” It’s an energetic celebration of love, bolstered by vibrant horns, lively percussion and powerful vocals that acts as the perfect transition between “He Loves Me” and yet another gem, “The Way.” Beloved for it’s famous “grits” line and so much more, this feel-good groove epitomizes love. Singing her way through a blissful morning, “The Way” is yet another narrative that serves up the many splendors of love. Jill’s unique storytelling and soul-filled vocals fill her listeners with life and love.

Dripping in sensuality, “Honey Molasses” is a ballad of loneliness and yearning that creates another seamless transition into “Love Rain,” the album’s bouncy lead single. Yet another showcase of Jill’s many talents, the track blends spoken word, sung-poetry and moody melodies to craft a uniquely varied composition. “Slowly Surely” is another slow groove that fits a similar mold, however, it shifts the topic of conversation from a heart full of love, to heartbreak.

INTROSPECTION & INNOVATION

“One is the Magic #” is another album highlight continues the introspective, post-heartbreak theme. Kicked off with some Spanish-inspired horns, this shamelessly honest cut even finds Jill trying out her Spanish language skills. However, the message here is that you must learn to love yourself before you can love others. Jill’s ever clever lyricism shines here, but so does her voice. With operatic background vocals, she really schools us as to who she is on her debut album.

Flipping the topic again, “Watching Me” is a percussion heavy grove that sounds ahead of its time, both sonically and lyrically. It’s sort of eery how apt the lyrics sound twenty years later. Written and released before cell phones and internet access were far from ubiquitous, “Watching Me” is about how our privacy is dwindling in the digital era. She even gets political for a second, talking about drugs, guns and dirty cops in her community. It’s amazing how relevant the song is to this day, especially the lyric “and you keep saying that we’re free.” Similarly relevant, “Brotha” is a song that’s purpose is to uplift Black men. Its message is one that is especially appropriate in the face of recent movements for racial justice, as Black men disproportionately fall victim to police brutality and killings.

So… WHO IS JILL SCOTT?

The album officially comes to a close with “Show Me,” a quiet-storm-ready sensual slow jam, however, if you let your CD play, eventually Jill will bless you with two more (hidden) tracks: the inspirational bop “Try” and the bump-ready “Head Nod Mix” of “Love Rain,” featuring Mos Def.

All these years later, anyone with taste knows Who Is Jill Scott: she is a timeless treasure. Jill Scott is R&B royalty. She is an accomplished actress, a poignant songwriter, an impressive vocalist, an astute musician and a vivacious performer. Jill Scott is here to stay, and the album that introduced her to the world no longer needs the question mark. Jill Scott is unforgettable.

Listen to Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds, Vol. 1

The post Who is Jill Scott? A Timeless Treasure. appeared first on THE 97.

]]>
11422
Concert Review: Jill Scott gets sexual and political at Kings Theatre https://the97.net/now/reviews/concert-review-jill-scott-live-kings-theatre-2017/ Sat, 15 Jul 2017 20:35:36 +0000 https://the97.net/?p=6618 Jill Scott LIVE. Like most people, I was first introduced to Jill Scott via her hit single “A Long Walk,” in 2000. However, that was the extent of my Jill Scott knowledge until the release of 2007’s The Real Thing. I was a senior in high school and my best friend recommended that I listen to […]

The post Concert Review: Jill Scott gets sexual and political at Kings Theatre appeared first on THE 97.

]]>

Jill Scott LIVE.

Like most people, I was first introduced to Jill Scott via her hit single “A Long Walk,” in 2000. However, that was the extent of my Jill Scott knowledge until the release of 2007’s The Real Thing. I was a senior in high school and my best friend recommended that I listen to it, and I’ve been hooked on Ms. Scott ever since.

Over the years, Jill has released several live concert DVDs and accompanying albums. Truth be told, her live albums usually render their parent studio albums irrelevant. I mean… who wants to listen to the studio version when you can listen to Jill slay the same song live with a full band behind her?

However, my first time seeing her live, in person, was almost exactly two years ago, in July 2015, also at Kings Theatre. Wednesday night’s show was my third time seeing her live, and it was my favorite thus far. Let me tell you why.

Jill Scott Live: LOVE.

One of my favorite things about Jill Scott’s live shows is that will throw in random album tracks that were not hits, not specifically popular and that most casual fans probably won’t know. Yet, she’ll do it anyway. This time, she opened her set with “Be Ready,” a bonus track on her first live album.

From there, Jill bopped her way along through some of her big songs, like “Golden.” This brings me to one of my other favorite things about Jill Scott live: she will always bring you a fresh, new arrangement. This time, “Golden” had a whole lot more horns added. She made it a bit more funktified, and I got my life.

Jill Scott Live: SEX.

It wasn’t long before the show took a turn toward the naughty and nasty, set off by her 2004 classic “Whatever,” from Beautifully Human. She moved through a series of some of her most sensual songs, such as “Crown Royal” from The Real Thing, “Making You Wait” from 2011’s The Light of the Sun and “Can’t Wait” from 2015’s Woman. During “Making You Wait,” which is about making her potential boo wait until the fifth date, she joked, “you think you slick coming in here with them sweatpants on. I CAN SEE IT.” Jill ain’t never lied. We all know about eggplants and sweatpants.

Next, Jill spoke to the straight men (and, I suppose, the gay tops) in the crowd saying, “I can almost guarantee you gon’ get some tonight. You’re welcome! Maybe even on the way home, in the car… Just make sure that on the 5th stroke, you think of me, like ‘Thanks Jill!'” The crowd erupted into applause and laughter, but she wasn’t done. “Crown Royal,” understandably so, was the… well, climax, of the whole movement though.

Jill Scott Live: DICK.

After the lyric in “Crown Royal” where she so gleefully sings, “and you’re so thick, so thick…” she took a moment to pause the song for a quick shout out. She proceeded to shout out “all the big dicks,” giving an impassioned round of applause, yelling for everyone to give it up for all the big dicks. Y’all. I died. Like, actually died. How can you NOT love her? She has zero filter and is just so damn real. Like, yes, girl, let them know how you really feel. Jill has so much class, though, it still manages to somehow feel tactful. Well, almost. She went on to simulate giving oral sex to the microphone and it was hilariously raunchy… and that’s fine. It was glorious. I hope the ladies and the gays took note.

Jill Scott Live: POLITICS.

Jill also took some time to get political, with a performance of “My Petition,” a song from her 2004 album, Beautifully Human. The song is an allegory written to express her grievances to the government back in 2004… the George W. Bush years. Before performing it, she explained that she thought more people would listen if she wrote a love song to the government, and talked about reading the Constitution to add some of the very obvious allusions that exist in the song. While performing it, she played a slideshow of Black men and women who had been killed by police in America. It was emotional to see the faces of these men and women, such as Sandra Bland, Eric Garner and Philando Castile, as she sang this particular song.

Afterward, she launched into another politically charged song, where she sang, “Oh say can you see by the blood in the streets … this is not the land of the free, but the home of the slave.”  Finally, she went on to speak further about the topic, touching on immigration and the injustices against Black people in America. She encouraged the audience to work together to make a change, stressing the importance of unity.

Jill Scott Live: VOCALS.

Other highlights of the show were a personal favorite of mine, “Cross My Mind,” which never fails to send me through my feelings, the classic “The Way,” the electrifying “Hate On Me,” and the iconic showcase that is “He Loves Me.” Jill never fails to deliver vocally, and these songs always deliver are some of her best moments.

She closed the show by showing off, as she always does, with her performance of “He Loves Me.” It’s always funny to see people leave early at shows when the artist does a fake-out. The blackout and silence before “He Loves Me” was the second fake-out Jill pulled in her set; but I knew very well that she would be back. Jill simply would not put on a show without slaying perhaps her signature song: “He Loves Me.” And slay she did, hitting operatic high notes, sliding through soulful runs and riffs.

In short, seeing Jill Scott live is wholistic experience. She will send you through all of the feels associated with love and life. She does it with class, brash realness and immense talent. Get your tickets, and get your life.

The post Concert Review: Jill Scott gets sexual and political at Kings Theatre appeared first on THE 97.

]]>
6618
Journey to Freedom, Week 4: Happiness https://the97.net/featured/journey-to-freedom-week-4-happiness/ Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:34:12 +0000 https://the97.net/?p=1213 Last week’s word in Michelle Williams’ Journey to Freedom journal contest was “happiness.”  For our playlist, I’ve selected five songs that always put me in a good mood as soon as I turn them on.  They are among my go-to “get happy” songs.  Unlike previous weeks, I won’t analyze each song individually because in the case of these songs, […]

The post Journey to Freedom, Week 4: Happiness appeared first on THE 97.

]]>
Screen Shot 2014-09-09 at 11.35.09 PM

Last week’s word in Michelle Williams’ Journey to Freedom journal contest was “happiness.”  For our playlist, I’ve selected five songs that always put me in a good mood as soon as I turn them on.  They are among my go-to “get happy” songs.  Unlike previous weeks, I won’t analyze each song individually because in the case of these songs, it’s really not necessary.  All the songs are pretty similar.  On all five tracks, the artists are praising the good things in their lives and showing their gratitude while singing, rapping (or, in J.Lo’s case, talking) over a feel-good beat.  The selections cover the genres of pop, R&B, neosoul, gospel, and hip-hop.  Hopefully, this playlist puts you in a good mood and fills you with happiness!

Also, don’t forget to enter our Michelle Williams Time Capsule Contest for a chance to win two of the albums featured on this playlist!

The post Journey to Freedom, Week 4: Happiness appeared first on THE 97.

]]>
1213
Journey to Freedom, Week 3: Love https://the97.net/featured/journey-to-freedom-week-3-love/ Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:05:33 +0000 https://the97.net/?p=1091 For this week’s Journey to Freedom challenge, Michelle Williams challenges us to “celebrate a mindful moment of self-love.”  Self-love, Michelle says, is an essential precursor to being able to obtain romantic love.  After all, if you don’t love yourself… how can you expect someone else to love you?  This is an important stepping stone in […]

The post Journey to Freedom, Week 3: Love appeared first on THE 97.

]]>
Screen Shot 2014-08-27 at 11.06.16 PM

For this week’s Journey to Freedom challenge, Michelle Williams challenges us to “celebrate a mindful moment of self-love.”  Self-love, Michelle says, is an essential precursor to being able to obtain romantic love.  After all, if you don’t love yourself… how can you expect someone else to love you?  This is an important stepping stone in one’s journey to freedom, especially if one of the goals of your journey is to experience love from another person.

With the songs selected this week, the artists all have very courageously shared their own internal conflicts with the world.  Some of the songs also encourage the listener to love his or her self as well.  So, without further adieu, lets take a look at the list!

 

1.  “One Is the Magic #” by Jill Scott puts things very bluntly on this midtempo, latin-flavored track off her debut album released in 2000, Who Is Jill Scott?.  With a sass that only Jill can infuse into a neo-soul song, she asserts that “there’s just me, one is the magic number.”  While illustrated through a series of clever wordplay, her point is clear, that she must live for herself and disregard the opinions of others.  My favorite lyric: “So many times I defined my pride through somebody else’s eyes.  Then I looked inside and found my own stride, I found the lasting love for me.”  Well said, Miss Scott.

2.  “Me,” by Tamia has an interesting concept.  In the song, taken from 2006’s Between Friends, Tamia is ending her relationship with an unfulfilling lover.  As she does, he asks if there’s someone else, and she says yes, there is… another woman.  However, that other woman’s name is “Me.”  She proceeds to tell him about all of the things that he has done wrong to “Me.”  This cleverly written, emotional track is most definitely worth the listen.

3.  “Crooked Smile” by J. Cole features TLC on this “Unpretty” reminiscent track from his 2013 sophomore release, Born Sinner.  I considered including “Unpretty” on the list as well, but since both essentially share the same thing, I opted for the song I prefer: “Crooked Smile.”  On this song, Cole directs his words towards anyone who is insecure, but specifically women, encouraging women to embrace their imperfections.  It is nice to see a male hip-hop artist send such a positive message to women considering the rampant degradation that lives in music by some other rappers.  Cole has always set himself apart from the rest by having a mostly positive, socially conscious air about his work.  My favorite line, though, is about himself:  “I keep my twisted grill, just to show the kids its real.  We ain’t picture perfect, but we worth the picture still.”  

4.  “Take Me As I Am” by Mary J. Blige is pulled from her 2005 album, The Breakthrough, which, like No More Drama, is seen as one of her defining albums released at one of the defining moments of her life, for several reasons.  Mary sings to her haters in this self-love anthem.  “She’s confident this is not the end.  Ask me how I know?  Cause she is me,” sings Mary.  There comes a point in every person’s journey to freedom where they finally come to love who they are, as they are.  This song encapsulate’s that moment.

5.  “Pretty Hurts” by Beyoncé is another song dealing with the topic of imperfection, which was a theme across the BEYONCÉ albumHowever, “Pretty Hurts” is a bit different.  The song is beauty-pageant-themed, and opens with “Miss Third Ward” being interviewed, and asked what her aspiration in life is.  Her response?  “To be happy.”  And really, that is what the journey to freedom is about.  A journey to freedom… to find fulfillment, and happiness.  However, “Pretty Hurts” specifically deals with the unhealthy expectations to be “pretty” and thin that is placed on young girls in our culture.  Beyoncé ends the song with this affecting verse:

 

“When you’re alone all by yourself, 

And you’re lying in your bed,

Reflection stares right into you, 

Are you happy with yourself?  

You’ve stripped away the masquerade, 

The illusion has been shed… 

Are you happy with yourself?”  

 

Self-love is about finally being capable of looking at your reflection in the mirror, and loving who looks back for you… physically, and mentally.  When you can truly do this, then you truly love yourself; imperfections and all.  Beyoncé closes the song by answering her own question, with a ‘yes.”

6.  “I Can” by Nas is an uplifting inspirational track aimed at young people.  The song encourages the youth to follow their dreams and strive toward whatever dream they most desire.  Specifically, the song encourages young African-American children to aspire without limitation.  Nas serves a history lesson on “I Can,” with a flow and a vocabulary that few of his peers can compete with.  I still recall how impressed I was by Nas’ historical flow on this song when I first heard it back in 2002.

7.  “Can’t Take That Away” by Mariah Carey is also called “Mariah’s Theme.”  The song, released on the Rainbow album in 1999, came at a pivotal, transitionary moment in Mariah’s career.  She had just divorced her husband (and head of Sony Music), Tommy Mottolla, and was on her way out of the label.  Feeling as though “people” were out to get her and sabotage her career, she wrote this song about perseverance and self-love.  She also says that it was in part inspired by the tragic Columbine Shooting in 1999.  “Can’t Take That Away” also became a single from the album after an intense fight with the label ensued.  Mariah eventually won, with the help of a fan petition, and got the song released with an emotional video featuring her fans. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very successful.  Regardless, the song is a highlight in her catalogue for both personal and musical reasons.  The vocal run at the end of the bridge is perhaps one of her most impressive.  Its lyrics, while a bit cliché, are extremely relatable and inspirational, and often cited by fans as a song that has helped them through hard times.

8.  “Dot” by Destiny’s Child is a bonus track on the Charlie’s Angels Soundtrack which birthed the more notable “Independent Women Part 1.”  While it’s title really makes no sense aside from the fact that the sound is repeated on the song’s chorus, otherwise, the song is most likely born from a personal place.  Written by Beyoncé following the drama that swirled around Destiny’s Child in 2000, it features lyrics like, “if something’s wrong, blame it on me, B-E-Y-O-N-C-E.”  Undoubtedly, Beyoncé wrote this song to uplift herself after having been torn down by the media who called her dozens of harmful names.  Which would be a hard thing to deal with for any 19 year old.  Perhaps, that’s why she felt the need to pass this inspiration message along to her fans: “Love yourself enough to live life for you, and nobody else.”  

The post Journey to Freedom, Week 3: Love appeared first on THE 97.

]]>
1091
Journey to Freedom, Week 1: Freedom https://the97.net/featured/journey-to-freedom-week-1-freedom/ Fri, 15 Aug 2014 17:15:11 +0000 https://the97.net/?p=816 In preparation of the release of her fourth solo album, Journey to Freedom, Michelle Williams is hosting a contest via her official website in which fans must write journal entries about their own personal journey to freedom.  The prize is an all expense paid trip to spend the day with Michelle, discussing each other’s journey […]

The post Journey to Freedom, Week 1: Freedom appeared first on THE 97.

]]>
10533207_10152391369028681_7437812683740644708_n

In preparation of the release of her fourth solo album, Journey to Freedom, Michelle Williams is hosting a contest via her official website in which fans must write journal entries about their own personal journey to freedom.  The prize is an all expense paid trip to spend the day with Michelle, discussing each other’s journey to freedom.  Over the next six weeks, Michelle will be posting the “word of the week” that should be the theme of each of the six different journal entries.  The contest ends on September 9th with the release of the album.

This week, the word is freedom and I wrote my own personal entry detailing how the theme has been present in my own life experiences.  However, for the purposes of EST. 1997, I will highlight and discuss some songs that I feel best represent the theme of freedom.  This is a common theme throughout music, and there are many songs and even albums that are centered around it.

Freedom is a heavy word.  It can have so many meanings; it is connected and intertwined with so many parts of life.  It is something we all strive for – personal freedom, professional freedom, civil freedom, sexual freedom – there are many incarnations of the word.  It is ancient, historic, current and intrinsic.  It has shaped the world; created and resolved conflicts in history.  World wars occurred as a direct result of humanity’s desire to protect, or limit, the freedom of others.  However, it also can be very personal.  Specifically, musicians tend to delve into the theme through a very personal lens.  These next six songs do an excellent job of embodying the word “freedom.”

1.  “Free” by P!nk was a b-side to the “Trouble” single, and didn’t make the final cut for the Try This album.  However, in my opinion, it most definitely should have.  The song is a raw, honest rock ballad that soars through emotions with powerful and emotive vocals dripping with soul and a yearning for freedom.  The song is unorthodox in structure, with the only “hook” to be found being the line, “why’s it so hard to be free?”  The introspective nature of this song’s lyrics, combined with P!nk’s impassioned vocals make for a truly emotional experience.  It is close to 7 minutes long, but never feels drawn out.  She leaves vocal imperfections as they are, adding a genuine character to the song.  It is a highlight in P!nk’s catalogue, with some of her best vocals and lyrics.

“I’ve gotta get away, oh

From these conditions

Why can’t I just love myself enough?

Instead of looking outside

For what I should have inside…

…All these shackles that I’ve tied myself down with

They’re weighing me down

I wanna fly away, fly away from here, so far

Just give me wings

Oh, God, why’s it so hard, to be free?”

 

 

2.  “Free Xone” by Janet Jackson appears on her 1997 opus, The Velvet Rope, which will be discussed in greater detail come its anniversary in October.  On this particular song, Janet asserts that there is “one rule: no rules; one love, free zone,” essentially stating that all love is equal, and people should be free to love no matter what their sexual orientation is.  The song denounces homophobia, while celebrating the freedom to love.  Its lyrics are simple, but poignant, and it’s the overall vibe of the song lends itself to creating this sense of celebration and cathartic embodiment of freedom.

“He was on a airplane

Sittin’ next to this guy

Said he wasn’t too shy

And he seemed real nice

Until he found out he was gay

That’s so not mellow

Let’s get free…”

 

3.  “Free” by Jill Scott is yet another song titled “Free,” and it is more like a poem than a song.  Constructed of a series of similes that Jill utilizes to symbolize the feeling of free, the song is effective in creating imagery to evoke its theme.  Jill compares freedom to a host of different things, mostly related to nature, in this short but concisely crafty and insightful song.  It’s best if you just listen to it for yourself.

“Free like a willow tree

Free like a summer’s eve

Free like the waves are crashing

On the side on a solitary beach”

4.  “Freedom” by Brandy is also a song that, like P!nk’s “Free,” was left off an album.  It was recorded for her 2008 album, Human, but didn’t make the cut.  However, it is a great track that tackles this theme of freedom quite well.  While its lyrics are a bit vague and open to interpretation, it is a moving, full song with an epic sound.  There’s many possibilities as to what Brandy might be talking about.  It could be a personal, political or even love-related statement.  She refers to an “us” that doesn’t seem like simply a “me and you” kind of thing.  It almost feels like the song could be referencing civil rights and possibly even racism, at some points. Take a listen and decide for yourself.

“I see the cloaks on the judges

Flaws in the judgements

Beasts in the dungeon

That don’t scare me

And I’ll say it on a mountain

Say it all in public

Hold a press conference

To speak about my freedom, my freedom”

 

5.  “I Am Free” by Mariah Carey is a gospel-tinged song from one of her defining albums, 1995’s Daydream.  The song talks about how Mariah had once felt trapped, but it seems she is thanking God for helping to find a certain sense of freedom.  On this same album lies the song “Looking In,” in which she more vulnerably discusses how she felt trapped, as well.  Interestingly enough, the album to follow, 1997’s Butterfly (which, like The Velvet Rope, will be discussed on its anniversary in September) is considered to be Mariah’s first emancipation.  “I Am Free” is kind of a statement of her intentions before actually going for it with Butterfly in 1997.  She even references flight, a metaphor later continued on the song “Butterfly.”   See and hear the breakthrough below:

“Free to live

Free to laugh

Free to soar

Free to shine

Free to give

Free to love

Free enough to fly”

 

6.  “Free” by Destiny’s Child completes the list, of course… Michelle can’t be left out of an article she inspired!  “Free” is a song that Michelle always referenced as being her favorite song from Destiny’s Child’s final release, 2004’s Destiny Fulfilled.  On this track, the ladies revel in their freedom from a no good man.  It is a therapeutic song, that soulfully celebrates a newfound freedom after dealing with an oppressive relationship.  During the live performance, Beyoncé goes into a tangent, preaching “Ladies! Do you know what this song is about? This song is about truly feeling free.  You know you’re free when you finally find enough strength to tell that trifling, good for nothing man, you don’t want him, you don’t want him no more!”  It’s quite the hilarious little monologue, but it’s oh so empowering.  In July, Michelle performed the song during her set at the Essence Music Festival.  Check out both performances referenced below, as well as the lyrics to Michelle’s verse on the track.

“I gave you everything you wanted 

I gave you everything you needed

But you just didn’t do right

So baby I’m leaving

It feels good to be free”

Bonus:

Check out a clip of “Free,” from Michelle’s Journey to Freedom album in stores September 9th.

Other notable mentions:

The post Journey to Freedom, Week 1: Freedom appeared first on THE 97.

]]>
816