Philadelphia continues to produce pioneers in the music industry, as native talent Wadud releases his second CD entitled, Between 2 Lines. A artistic blend of thought-provoking lyrics and cutting-edge funk/soul/hip-hop and acid jazz, this CD speaks to the new and old ears of music that has embraced the next level of music by a rejuvenating group of artists who capture the listener's mind, body and soul.
In his 1995 debut CD entitled "No Additives or Preservatives", this soothing and insightful artist transformed the old structure of poetic music, when artists would simply read poetry over background music that appealed mostly to other poets. No Additives or Preservatives captured the ears of the hip-hop generation as well as listeners of acid jazz and bee-bop.
Since his debut album, Wadud has traveled all over the world on three separate tours, primarily with internationally known bassist, Jamaaladeen Tacuma. Wadud has also toured extensively in the Northeast including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Atlanta and Delaware. Everywhere he performs, he enlightens the crowd with his own musical genre which he has shaped since his debut album. His popularity is also helped by his 6'6" frame and soothing deep voice, making him an attraction to women of all ages.
Band Members: Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Bass; Jean-Paul Bourelly, guitar; Gerald Veasley, Bass; James Poyser, Keyboards; Kwesi, Drums; Mike Davis, Guitar; John Blake, Electric Violin; Bernardo, Background vocals; Damon Williams, Background vocals; Vicki Miles, Background vocals
Between 2 Lines
At a time when much of today's music is prepackaged to fit into a popular slot, Between 2 Lines comes a refreshing drink. In his second release on Sosa Records, Wadud reaches further back on the foundation of hip-hop, that is, spoken word, and offers up a contemporary style of black music which is cross-generational. Between 2 Lines uniquely mixes elements of soul, hip-hop, funk and jazz, poetically. Wadud's style can best be described as Gil Scott Heron meets Maxwell and D'Angelo with a Chuck D edge. The CD allows you to dance, groove, bop your head while digesting the intensely descriptive lyrics. Wadud's lyrics speak poetry, but are clear and written in a way that invites the average person in, not just poets. Between 2 Lines features a host of talented musicians including Jamaaladeen Tacuma, John blake, Jean-Paul Bourelly, Damon Williams and Gerald Veasly. Indeed, Between 2 Lines is best captured in Wadud's own words, "I'm trying to add to the music in my own way and if I do my job right the next generation should add something to what I've done in their own way, " Wadud explained.