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By: Cheryl Smith
December 20, 2006
Teena Marie is no light-weight and her latest CD is proof-positive that she has staying power and deserves to be taken seriously. The popular songstress has out-done herself this time around. Not that her previous 13 weren't chart-toppers and critically-acclaim-ed, but the talented Teena Marie brings you lyrics that are sure to stir up memories for those old-schoolers who grew up listening to her rap on Square Biz and pour out her heart in duets with the phenomenal Rick James-who died about a month after their last concert appearance in Dallas together in 2005.
For Teena Marie, who paid special tribute to Mr. James at the BET Awards in 2006--a year after they shared the stage at the awards program--working on this project was therapeutic. "I was writing my-self out of my pain," she said during an exclusive interview following the CDs release. "He was very special to me."
And special is just what "Sapphire" is. Picking your favorite on "Sapphire" is going to be hard.
Lady T picks Sapphire (Resilient), Somebody Just Like You, Cruise Control, Romantica, Baby Whose Is It and Love Is A Gangster."
Although Ooh Wee was the first release, if you stop there, you're missing out on quite a bit. Sure Ooh Wee is delight, lyrics and all, but you have to hear, the rest of the CD. Like the late Marvin Gaye and Phyllis Hyman, or Teddy Pendergrass and Miles Jaye, every song will move you.
During our interview, Lady T asked me what did I like best of her works. It was hard not to sound like a fan because the sister has done some dynamic work over the years. Yes, I was with her as she got "Be-hind the Groove" and rocked the house to "It Must Be Magic," "I Need Your Lovin," and "I'm a Sucker for Your Love."
I also did my share of swaying to "Dear Lover," "Ooh La La La," "Out on a Limb," "Déjà vu" and the tribute to the magnificent Marvin Gaye, "My Dear Mr. Gaye." Singing along with her and Mr. James to "Fire and Desire," well, it just doesn't get better.
Since her debut on Mo-town in the late 1970s and despite a 10-year hiatus, she still remains in heavy rotation on R&B stations Whether collaborating with the legendary Smokey Robinson or rapper Kurupt, the four-time Grammy-nominated diva shines through with so much emotion that you can't help but believe that she has experienced love at every level. And yes, the love she shared with Mr. James, is evident throughout the CD as she makes that declaration to him, saying, "I love you Rick," and "I'll always be your Lady T."
The California native said she enjoyed working on this CD and felt that Mr. James was with her when she was writing. Also, she said, Mr. James would refer to her as his Sapphire. "I like the project be-cause it all fits together, it has a flow," she explained, adding that it was fun also to work with her 14-year-old daughter, Alia Rose, who you will be introduced to in a big way.
That flow Lady T talks about will have you singing along and moving to the beat. And the lyrics can only be described as spell-binding, reaching into the depths of your most mem-orable relationships and putting a smile on your face as you recall good times.
Featured on the CD are Gail Gotti and her sister Queen, Gerald Albright and George Duke. What makes this, her second release with Cash Money Records, even more enjoyable, is knowing that this talented vocalist/producer/arranger won't be going on hiatus again. She has been touring heavily, including appearances on Tom Joyner's Fantastic Voyage and the Steve Harvey Morning Show. And, you can look forward to her new project, which will feature inspirational jazz.
Whatever she does, expect it to be good. After all, she is La Dona.
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