Yo Majesty preview
Yo Majesty
Empty Bottle, Chicago
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Yo Majesty’s backstory is so intriguing in itself it hardly seems necessary to even listen to Futuristically Speaking . . . Never Be Afraid. Though, if you don’t, you’re missing out on music as intriguing as the musicians behind it.
Those musicians, MC tag team Shundra K and Jewel B, are lesbians – not dating each other, though. Because she’s so sure and proud of her sexuality on record, it’s tough to believe B – real name Windy Baynham – had an identity crisis that nearly ruined Yo Majesty. She actually bailed on the group for a few years, ditched her homosexuality, added God, and married a Christian missionary. Then, she ditched heterosexuality (and subsequently the missionary), kept Jesus, and rejoined K (real name Lashunda Flowers), a former track star. Don’t let the “Christian” tag trick you into assuming they’re tame, because quite the opposite is true. Futuristically Speaking is a super-duper potty-mouthed affair (the “fuck that shit” refrain of “Club Action” being the most obvious example), and the gals gained notoriety in 2007 when the smoldering Texas heat convinced the hefty-and-haughty B to take her shirt and bra off while performing at South By Southwest.
“50 Cent can do it, why can’t I,” was her answer to the praise and backlash the incident sparked, and why can’t she? Futuristically Speaking is certainly a much more interesting album than 50 has ever come up with, thanks to its mix of old-school, booty bass (you can’t help but draw parallels between Yo Majesty’s sound and that of fellow Floridians 2 Live Crew), futuristic electronic, and Dirty South crunk. It’s a party album, no doubt, but at the same time K and B have a lot to say about sexuality, gender, and faith. Hopefully that fact doesn’t get lost on those most interested in the novelty of a black, lesbian, Christian hip-hop act.
— Trevor Fisher
Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly
