After catching the Bilal concert recently, I started to think about all the people who I used to listen to who fits in his same category. I quickly got on the internet and researched artists such as Erykah Badu, Common (whom I found out were Pisces like myself and Common’s birthday is after mine) and Talib Kweli. After reading their information, I thought about another artist who I enjoyed listening to.

Her name is Res (reese) who is a Philly born singer/songwriter who came out with her debut album How I Do in 2001. The album featured what I thought was a hit single, the song “Golden Boys” which also had a video where we see Res beautifully and artistically dressed, sporting her signature locks, surrounded by a crowd of hipsters of all color. I can remember flipping through the television and stopping on this video. Whether it was the music or the vibe of the video, something kept me glued to the television to watch all 4:05 of the video. Even though I thought she was talking about me, I enjoyed the video so much that I actually went out and bought the album, which was unusual due to the high prices of albums in those days.

From start to finish, Res debut album was a melodic journey that told stories of hustlers, lovers and self motivation. Along with “Golden Boys,” songs like “Tsunami” “700 Mile Situation,” “Ice King,” “How I Do,” and “I’ve Known the Garden.” Her second single which actually became a hit single “They Say Vision” is another good song on the album which also has a video featuring Res in a nice black and red cowgirl outfit backed by a live band against a white back drop as musical notes and words drift across the screen. Her debut album also featured song writing support from Santi White also known as Santigold.

Since her debut album, Res has performed background vocals for Gnarls Barkley. As she was on tour, she wrote some new material for a new album. She also got together with Brooklyn artist Talib Kweli and Canadian artist Graph Nobel to form the group Idle Warship. They debut their Hip-Hop and singing act at South By Southwest in 2008.

Res has recently come out with her sophomore solo album Black.Girls.Rock! From the title, I can assume that you will hear a bit more aggression compared to the first album but still get Res’s subtle voice in the mix. You can check out more of Res’s music at www.myspace.com/res. You can also visit her website at www.the1res.com.

Later Days…