Old School Flashback: Jamiroquoi

We all know that music is a universal mode of expression and that people from all backgrounds have the ability to excel in whatever they strive to do.

That being said...

With what we know as Black Music, there is a tendency - right or wrong - for folks to look at those who are not Black a bit strange when they roam into certain music genres, especially when it comes to Hip-Hop and Soul Music and R&B.

It can be questions in regards to legitimacy of the artist, on if the music is actually hot, who is behind the artist and their marketing, if its a plot by "The Man" trying to water the music down, etc..

For example:

For every Tina Marie, there can be a Fergie.
For Every Eminem, there can be a Vanilla Ice.
For Every Malcolm McDonald (former Doobie Brother - no argument), there can be a Michael Bolton.
Etc.

In this age, I personally don't think its as bad for white R&B and Soul Music singers as it may have been before. Lately, it actually seems like getting a white dude who can belt out an R&B hook or tune with some decent production is the fast track to a hit or at least some mainstream attention.

Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke are in the the 3 way race apparently for being the Nate Dogg "I Need to Be on Everyone's Hook" Black Music Acheivement Award for 2007 along with Akon and they had some pretty good albums for various reasons (Robin's for overall vibe and Justin had the Timbaland beats).

It hasn't really been a bad year for the ladies either - Joss Stone gets props from multiple publications (a little bit overrated - but she does have talent) as well as Amy Winehouse (one of the few albums I highly recommend for people to cop period for 2007 that still gets played on the transit and the whip).

The FuseBox Radio Broadcast and BlackRadioIsBack.com likes to give props where due, regardless to those who make quality and dope music. And with this posting, one of the groups we want to give props to is UK Funk & Soul Music crew Jamiroquoi.

While lead singer Jay Kay might be a little too loving of the Stevie Wonder school of falsetto and enunciation, this group always had some serious grooves, songwriting and beats throughout all of thier albums, from Emergeny on Planet Earth to Dynamite.

Here's some videos for some of my favorite songs from the group - what do y'all think?

Jamiroquai - Little L



Jamiroquai - Space Cowboy



Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity




Jamiroquai - Don't Give Hate A Chance



Jamiroquai Official Website