The Definition: Neo-soul is a musical genre that fuses contemporary R&B and 1970s-style soul with elements of hip-hop. It differs from contemporary R&B in that it's obviously more soulful, and it also tends to have deeper messages and meanings than R&B.
This artist is truly the essence of what this definition personifies......from me to you.....ENJOY!
ERIC ROBERSON
I was first introduced to his music in 2007, my sister let me hear one of his songs on her Zune, I was like okay, he sounds good. So I asked her how did she hear about him. She told me that there was a concert in 2006 in Charlotte, NC, and that Eric Roberson was the opening act for some people she had never heard of, but that was also the first time she had ever saw or heard of Eric aka Erro. Needless to say, she became a fan instantly. She has all his albums from the "Left" to the "Vault 1.5". Well about 2 weeks ago, I was on FaceBook and one of my friends was featuring Eric Robersons video from YouTube Softest Lips, so I took a listen, then I clicked another video, and another, until I just went and downloaded about 5 albums which includes his new one Music Fan First.....all I have to say is FIRE!!!!
I put together a couple of my favorite tracks off the new album I hope you like!
I truly enjoy all types of music, but I have to say that I’m rather partial to R&B and it’s sub-categories. When I’m on the computer, I’m creating all types of play-lists and checking out YouTube. Well the other night (Friday) to be exact, I was listening to Eric Roberson (NeoSoul Artist…simply FIRE!!!)
So anyway, I just randomly started listening to various artists, then I decided to click on some of the homemade videos, and I must tell you, I think that YouTube is the next American Idol; the raw talent is just phenomenal. I came across two young ladies one by the name of Alyss and the other Dondria aka Phatfffat.
Dondria’s YouTube journey earned her this blog. Her video diary started with this performance of “Joyful-Joyful:”
Then 10/17/06 she recorded “Unfaithful” by Rihanna:
Then 8/20/2007 she recorded “Listen” by Beyoncé and announced her unofficial start to her music career with Producer Jermaine Dupri:
I had to include this video, because I love duets, and they simply laid this one out. This is Dondria aka Phatfffat and Corey aka Broadway on 10/03/2008 singing “No Air” by Jordin Sparks ft Chris Brown:
This video was recorded in the midst of her recording her music for her album. She truly appreciates her fans, and I know that will carry her along way....your fans can make you or break you, so staying true to them and keeping your word is important.
She mentioned in one of her videos that she was going to keep on making these home videos, and I understand why, if you read the comments on some of her YouTube pages, people have song requests, and Dondria actually reads her comments and answers those requests by dedicating that song to them.
This gives her fans a personal connection with her that they might not get on the album. Can you imagine being able to contact your favorite artist and for free, and have them sing one of your requested songs as if you were on the radio and calling the DJ and telling them to play your favorite song.....well, that's what Dondria aka Phatfffat is doing, she's giving her fans the ultimate experience, and that's what they want. This is what will make her unique and stand out from the rest.
Dondria truly has a promising career, her voice is beautiful, her singing is effortless. As I clicked on video after video, I have to admit, I was looking for her to bomb, but she stayed consistent. I was like WOW!
Now for the album, what I really hope JD will do, is allow Corey aka Broadway(a good friend of Dondria, they have a few duets together on YouTube) to be featured on one of her singles, their voices blend so well together.
In my opinion, if packaged right she could be put in the same category with Rihanna, topping charts and crossing over.
Click here Dondria aka Phatfffat to continue to follow her journey into her musical career.
I want to thank YouTube for helping to launch careers, making dreams come true, and giving us the "Next Rising Star"! Who will be next......?
