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B I
O G R A P H Y There
comes a time when a man must become introspective to better understand
how he relates to the world. Whether his soul-searching
exposes truth and wisdom that may be deemed taboo, a man can always
find solace in giving voice to his personal convictions. That man
is Gerald Levert. The R&B dignitary breaks his silence to share
his unadulterated thoughts about life, love and politics with the
masses
on his newest effort, Do I Speak For The World? Celebrated for
robust vocals and ardent lyrics, the Grammy-nominated soulster
has earned a throng of loyalists since
his 1985 musical
inauguration as the foreman of the soulful trio, Levert. However,
it was his 1991 solo debut, Private Line, which touted him
as a prolific performer, songwriter and producer. Nearly 20 years
later and now
eight albums strong, Gerald has proven that he not only epitomizes
rhythm and blues but is the genre's quintessential posterman. Both
poignant and relevant, Do I Speak For the World?, aptly serves
as a global musing and testament to the evolution of his artistry.
At
38, the Cleveland, Ohio-born crooner is artistically liberated – no
longer suppressing his opinions and unapologetically tackling controversial
issues. "I always wanted to do a "What's Going On" [a la Marvin
Gaye] type of album. I'm not a preacher or a politician. And I don't
feel an obligation to speak for my fellow man. However, my question
is, does every man and woman feel the same way I do? Are you seeing
the same things that I see or am I the only crazy one in this world?
Are you understanding what's going on and are you trying to make
the proper steps to make a change?" says the son of the O'Jays
phenom Eddie Levert. "The reason I wanted to do this now is
because I'm not the same person I was a year or two years ago. I'm
the same entertainer, I have the same love and the same voice, but
my constitution is different. I'm talking about a lot of different
things like politics, not dogging it, but just trying to understand
it." Levert and co-writer/producer Darrell “Delite” Allamby
deliver 16 candid musical dialogues, offering a lyrical balance
that his previous projects lack. Enlisting the help of two of Black
America's
intelligentsia, Gerald orchestrates a forum for Dr. Cornell West
and Tavis Smiley on the title-track to spew their philosophies
about the state of mankind and the simple necessities required for
its
maturation and survival. "They gave my album the spirit it
needed," explains
Levert. "It speaks to the spirit of the reality that I have
grown, and it isn't about how many girls or how much money I have." Amid
syncopated beats, he continues to push the envelope with the thought-provoking,
revolutionary anthem "Crucified," addressing issues of
patriotism, activism and religion. In addition, Gerald earnestly
pledges his allegiance to the improvement of life for everyone
on the socially conscious inspirational "Greater Later." For
those R&B devotees who fear succumbing to a G-withdrawal,
the smooth-singing velvet teddy bear provides more than a healthy
crop of tantalizing, signature love songs. A master of coddling
the ladies, Gerald never disappoints when it comes to sensuality.
The
seductive lead single "One Million Times," is an ode
to the incomparable love of a special lady; while the makeup-to-breakup
torcher "Lay U Down (Make It Alright)" and the remorseful "Everyday," talk
about rekindling failed romances; and the obligatory "So What," pays
homage to single mothers and fatherless children. Creating legendary
masterpieces has become a benchmark for Gerald's success. His laudable
career has spawned scores of No. 1 hit singles,
gold and platinum albums, as well as numerous accolades including
several Soul Train Awards and NAACP Image Awards. Even his peers
have been inspired by his artistic standard and eager to collaborate
with him. In 1996, Gerald teamed with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill
to form a musical alliance that garnered the multi-platinum LSG
and chart-topping partystarter "My Body." Once again, the
man with the gripping baritone proved that his melodic formula was
one
that the industry craved. After more than a decade, Gerald has
amassed a 300-plus musical archive, producing works for the industry's
glitterati
including the O'Jays, Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti Labelle,
Stephanie Mills and The Winans. Undoubtedly, Gerald's musical journey
is far from nearing the end of the road. "My father always told
me, 'Don't miss your window.' This album is my window – my
time to shine. I have to be my own man... I don't know how people
are going to receive it, but I
hope they'll listen and feel the passion I have for this project." As
he unleashes his latest musical allegory, it is evident that Gerald
has embarked upon his right of passage: maturing into a pensive
soulman who communicates with the world through one simple language – the
gift of song.
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