The Pulse of Entertainment: Grammy Nominated Syleena Johnson Releases ‘Black Balloon' Single on the New ‘Legacy' Project on Shanachie
Entertainment
by Dr. Eunice Moseley
(September 27, 2024) - "‘Black Balloon' is my father's release
from the 60s on an album honoring black people," said Grammy nominated Syleena Johnson about
her new single "Black Balloon" off her newest album "Legacy" (Shanachie Entertainment).
"It's to uplift and inspired, like balloons rising to the top."
Syleena's vocals are legendary. It is very
distinctive singing voice, and it was made infamous to me as the featured voice on Kanye West's hit single "All Falls
Down." The single was from West's album "The College Dropout." Johnson's "Legacy" album is released
in honor of her father, veteran Blues singer/songwriter Syl Johnson. The "Legacy" album consist of 18 songs, each
sampling her father's music catalog.
"When Kanye came to me, I had two albums...he was a producer," Syleena said
when I asked about appearing on the hit song. "I basically wanted to work with him as a producer. I did not know how
it was coming together; I just did my vocals. John Legend (who played piano during a live performance of the song) was one
of his artists."
Syleena, a Chicago native, has been in the business of music for over 25 years. Her first release "Chapter
3" featured the support of R. Kelly, Anthony Hamilton, Twista, J.D. and Common. A powerful start to a career - I think.
"Chapter 3" was in honor of her mother, the first black police commissioner. In 2017 Syleena's father Syl, a Blues
Hall of Famer, produced her "Rebirth of Soul" project on Shanachie Entertainment. Syl is most famous for his "Take
Me To The River" song, which was covered by Al Green, Wu-Tang Clan, Usher and Kanye. Some of his other material has also
been sampled by Public Enemy, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg.
"We've had enough music that depicts social discord of our people,"
Syleena stressed as to the meaning behind the selections that appear on the "Legacy" album.
You can hear Syl sing on
the single "Black Balloon" because Syleena samples his voice to help ensure his "legacy."
"I did
it in honor of my father," she said with a sound of honor - if that is a thing that can be heard. "I hope my fans
can understand my origin, where my gifts come from - he (Syl) talks throughout this album. I allow myself to speak candidly
through this music."
The video of her performing the "Black Balloon" single on a front-porch was so inspiring
and her performance so grand. I see these performances a lot and hers provided such an upbeat and uplifting vibe that I asked
her about it.
"A lot of artists are doing front-porch (performances). It's a black owned platform," Johnson informed
me of her love for supporting black ventures.
Syleena Johnson is also the author of an inspiring book titled "The Weight is
Over."
"The book talks about my struggles in the industry,"
she pointed out when asked
.
Syleena Johnson's credits also include hosting "Sister Circle Live" (2017
- 2020) and appearing on "R&B Divas: Atlanta" (2012 - 2014). An upcoming performance by the veteran vocalist
is on October 20, 2024 at the City Winery in Philly. www.Shanachie.com www.SyleenaMusic.com
SYNDICATED
COLUMN: Dr. Eunice Moseley has an estimated weekly readership of over one million with The
Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations and Business Management Strategist and Consultant at
Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com EVENTS: "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (ULMII),
founded by Eunice in 1999, is into its 25th year. Next events are coming to Baltimore via Zoom Saturday
April 20, 2024, presented by Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times, and Los
Angeles via Zoom Saturday, November 9 2024. The ULMII event is a free entertainment conference
offering a Professional Industry Panel Q&A Session, a Professional Talent Showcase and National
Talent Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) where aspiring artists have a chance to receive over $19,000
valued in prizes/product/services. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.comor to RSVP for Zoom Access at EventBrite.com or email info@ThePulseofEntertainment.com.
