During the Soul Train Awards this year, Leah LaBelle hit the stage to sing Teena Marie’s “Square Biz”, and Twitter immediately lit up with messages from people who were impressed by her singing and wanted to know exactly who she was. To catch you up to speed, Leah Labelle is a soulful artist who had a brief stint on the third season of American Idol, however, she was given her big break after Pharrell Williams found her on Youtube. He brought her to the attention of Jermaine Dupri and the two powerhouse producers are now co-producing her debut album. This month, she’s featured in the new issue of PYNK Magazine. Inside, she dishes on her biggest musical influence growing up, how she was discovered on Youtube and why she decided to sing R&B. Peep a few excerpts and her full spread below:
On What Made Her Want To Sing R&B “My mom listened to a lot of jazz growing up, but once I got into the gospel part—being around the other girls in the choir, I think I became more aware of R&B and that’s where my heart was drawn. My heart didn’t beat as fast with other music, but when I heard R&B, it was something about it that made me feel a lot different. I live in my feelings. So, I was happy to be able to connect in that way.”
On Her Biggest Musical Influence “Lauryn Hill was my biggest influence. After I saw the movie [Sister Act II] and she came out with the Fugees and then ‘The Score’ [Fugee’s album]—I was still too young to have the album, but I snuck. My mom found it and took it and I still went and found another one somewhere but she was everything to me. When ‘The Miseducation [of Lauryn Hill]’ came out, I was highly inspired by everything she represented at the time when she was at her peak. Her lyrics, her melodies, her stories, her voice, her tone, her runs, everything about her—I studied her. I thought I was her at one point. She was really my inspiration in forming my sound.”
Pharrell Williams interviews internationally renowned artists David Salle, known best for helping define postmodern sensibility, and street artist-turned-sculptor and limited edition toy & clothing designer, KAWS. A new take on the talk show format hosted by award winning producer, artist, designer, and businessman Pharrell Williams. Each episode will feature two special guests at different career stages to discuss their work, motivations, inspirations, and philosophies.
By Charley Lanyon. Joyce’s Central boutique was even more crowded than usual. The throng of high-fashion hang-abouts, some browsing, some buying, gave the impression that a secret sale was on. But many were carrying large coffee-table books, there was some semblance of a line forming and then black-suited bodyguards arrived. An expectant hush fell over the crowd as the lift indicator blinked red: Pharrell Williams had arrived. The rapper, producer and fashion designer had come to sign copies of his new coffee-table book, Pharrell: Places and Spaces I’ve Been, featuring conversations between Pharrell and some of the luminaries who have inspired him, including US rapper Jay-Z, Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami and German music producer Hans Zimmer.
On Tuesday night, more than 50 people stood in line for the chance of an autograph. Pharrell, who was named the world’s best-dressed man by Esquire magazine in 2005, was looking good if a bit sleepy behind designer sunglasses with a knit cap on his head. His drowsiness was understandable; he had arrived just the day before and was jet-lagged. Asked which of his favourite Hong Kong hot spots he was looking forward to frequenting, Pharrell answered slowly: “I think the experience has just been grand across the board. I’m in a state of delirium right now. It’s a mixture of jet lag and not really knowing what is real and what’s not, but it’s amazing. I’m very thankful.” From the looks on the faces of his many Hong Kong fans, that was exactly how they were feeling as well.
Last comments
[the one million company] A great idea , all is paerfect.Bon couarge, i like this idea and things
[visit here] Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually realize what you're talking ...
[Mika] Amazing Interview Aaron, thanks so much for this, can't wait to hear the Chad Shit !!!!!!
[Laurine Bartie] Wow this makes your mind go wow
[kevin75] Mika, do u still have the snippet of eve's all night long by any chance? Cheers mate!
[arabienne.blogspot.com] Hey there, my name's Dorris and I sometimes blog about this subject too. I actually do have some ...
[Calms] Eye shadow?
[nicole] HI PHARRELL WHAT HAPPEN TO YOUR GIRL WAS SHE SOOOOOOOOO DRUNK . SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE WAS OUT OF IT ...
[tiff.carter.321] Eve is back. Really 11 years? Lip Lock sounds awesome and she looks better than ever. DId you see ...
[richy] i am a huge neptunes fan been following there stuff since 2001 im making my own beats soon check ...
[Evan] First of all I would like to say great blog! I had a quick question in which I'd like to ask if ...
[Bergmann] I'm a student studying at Kansas State University and genuinely appreciate what you have acquired ...
[Nerdofsouthfield] In great anticipation of her project. My favorite artist on I Am Other thus far. Great vibe.
[sl6] Like most tracks on the Willpower album, SKIP.
[Mandrakke] "Celui qui craint d'être conquis est voué a la défaite" French power lol "The one who's afraid ...
[dobrarecenzja.pl] I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I've got ...
[Chris] Thanks so much bro i really appreciate it
[Cora] Hey there, my name's Cora and I sometimes blog about this subject too. I actually do have some ...
[them] When Robin Thicke first came on the scene I actually thought it was a spoof or joke. I said boy ...
[Mika] there u go mate Fam-Lay - Skrunt Owt (Alternate Version) ...
[YOLO] that look is cool on the low tho. P was real open here great interviews
[KG Hunter] Man, get lucky is such an awesome track. I was jamming to it allll night. I'll have to check twerk ...
[Chris] Can you send me a link for this
[Amelia Hennessy] Hottest song this year. Keep them coming
[brittney] I love this song !!
[kevin75] it might not be the same song but it says on several websites that the beat has been cooked by the ...
[Roberto] Definitely enjoy what you've got here, pleased you're getting it out there and what you have to ...
[Whitney] I absolutely love your website.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you build this web site ...
[Judith] I'm very happy for them....only they know what they need to keep the sparks flying...all I wish is ...
[YOLO] great song! so glad to see P finally is on the radio after 7 years of no hits
[kevin75] Alright then, do u think it was for the despicable 2 soundtrack or the new beyonce's LP coming up?
[alan smithee] I don't see what the big deal is...So what?..Some titties..But it does work,apparently. The only ...
[Mika] Snoop Dogg - Vato feat. Pharrell (Alternate Version) ...
[Mika] Because they have been only working for a different record
[kevin75] Mika, how do u know that pharell is not involved in the new JT album?
[Oz] could you upload this again please. the link is not availeble anymore. Thanks,
[Deango] I'm really surprised that three guys of this caliber would put out such a garbage video… ...
[Zay] Are we sure this will be the same song? I really hope so.
[Dave] Typical USA, some nudity and everybody is upset...G-ses grow up.. Im from holland and we dont even ...
[Marilyn Heath] Just thought I'd comment and also say nice theme, would you design it for yourself? Actually looks ...
[Mika] Nope, had no luck guys !
[robin] Hi, I've also got a remix ready for this and I'm in desperate need of a good acapella. Any chance ...
[hizlialgelsin] gerçekten harika bilgiler
[Gordon Rivé] Dre, I think this is just a Tyler production. But, obvious Neptune influences, like the rest of the ...
[cloudhopper] I spot a BBC leather wolfman jacket
[Autoankauf Essen] Awesome, thank you!
[Dre] Is this a Tyler/ Pharrell production or Tyler/ Neptunes production?
[Echelon] The best song on WOLF
[SineQuaNon305] Digging your vibe & excited to see what else is next. Keep em coming
[floridagator] smh