Soulversations with Russell Taylor (Russell Taylor)

Trina Broussard, singer, songwriter and true RandB/Soul gem began her career in 1997 when she covered Minnie Riperton's song "Inside My Love". A year later, Broussard signed a recording contract with Jermaine Dupri's label So So Def, and the rest is history...still in the making. On the Soulversations couch, we talk about everything from theater to gumbo to nursing school. Find out what makes this Houston native low-key comedienne tick and what's next on the horizon...only here on the #Soulversations virtual couch!

The first Hip Hop Cultural Envoy to travel with the State Department, Blackman served in Senegal, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Botswana and Swaziland where she also delivered lectures on hip hop music and culture.[6] Toni has also travelled throughout Europe, Angola, Brazil, Canada and toured Southeast Asia (the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan) as a part of Jazz at Lincoln Center Rhythm Road Abroad program, working in the world's most war-torn countries to promote reconciliation and rehabilitation to those regions.[7] Blackman has performed alongside Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Guru, The Roots, Wu Tang, the Lilith Fair, Def Poetry.[4] She performed in a host of venues including the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and at Lincoln Center in New York.

Multi-genre producer, writer, singer, educator Curtis Richardson has worked with some of today's marquee talents such as Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Joss Stone, LL Cool J, John Legend, Deborah Cox, Craig David, David Guetta, and Tiesto. And it is his GLOBAL presence in the Asian and European Markets, working with superstars such as Taemin, NCT Dream, SHINee, Kumi Koda, Tohoshinki, Super Junior, Yuri (from Girls Generation), Kahi, Agnes Carlsson, Sandy Lam, Jun Kung, Kary NG, that informs us that Curtis is no monolith-trapped in a BlackBoyBox. Curtis' pen lives on albums that have sold in excess of 30 million records worldwide to date. I am delighted to have him on the Soulversations (virtual) couch. Take a listen and you'll hear why! (Apple Music Songbook): https://apple.co/3mMUoJr (https://apple.co/3mMUoJr)

Emcee, painter, actor, fashion designer, activist et. al., interdisciplinary artist Wes Felton slows down just long enough to bless the Soulversations stage. Drawing from his rich Washington DC musical familial legacy, Wes has traveled the world touching hearts and nodding heads alike. On this episode, my friend and I get to sit down and chat about life, love (& hate), and the pursuit of soulfulness. His performances never disappoint. Find Wes Felton at @WesFeltonDC on Instagram and Twitter and his music on Bandcamp.

Just as beautiful as she is brilliant, the soulful chanteuse Cecily is here with us on the Soulversations couch. On this episode, Cecily a native Washingtonian and I chat about old souls, life pursuits and the artist's journey. Cecily's soulful light is evident in and out of her songs, you'll see (or hear). Find Cecily at @CecilyAlexa on Instagram and Twitter and her music is available across all digital platforms. Visit www.cecilymusic.com or www.soulversations.show for more info!

An award-winning jazz bassist, Ben Williams is a versatile performer whose style crosses easily between acoustic post-bop, contemporary fusion, hip-hop, and R&B. The winner of the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, Williams garnered attention playing with artists like Stefon Harris, Jacky Terrasson, and Marcus Strickland. His first two albums, 2011's State of Art and 2015's Coming of Age, showcased his vibrant blend of acoustic jazz, hip-hop, and fusion styles. He also won a Grammy for his work with Pat Metheny's Unity ensemble and has contributed to projects by Jose James, Eric Reed, Robert Glasper, and others. Williams added singing to his repertoire with 2020's I Am a Man and collaborated with singer/songwriter Syndee Winters on the R&B-infused 2023 EP Butterfly Black.

From Carnegie Hall to The Kennedy Center to the symphony in Moscow, artist Sy Smith is a phenomenal artist born to shine. My friend and I get to sit down and chat about life, music, #blackgirlmagic and she sings a few tunes with the Band. Find Sy Smith at @Syberspace on Instagram and Twitter. Sy's music is available on all music platforms.