Leroy's Column - No. 5
Lots of news from Leroy:
LEEROCK PRODUCTIONS Ltd.
A DIVISION OF BURGESS ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES INC.
What's da deal, y'all...
It's been a minute since I last kicked it with you, so I thought this would be a good time to do so.
First off:
Props and respect to all the faithful. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. It makes everything all the more special knowing y'all are out there listening.
Second:
The first of the new singles is now on the market. "Sweet Thing" by Slippery People (featuring me) is on RipADip Records out of Stockholm, Sweden. It's a pretty hot house track with a lot of the elements from the 1980s... great beat, cool arrangements... the whole nine yards as we say here in the US. I had a lot of fun singing it and I think it's a great track to get this whole new thing started. Hope you guys like it.
I am returning to Sweden on June 11th to record another two songs with the group. I will also be performing at the Swedish Music Festival with them (and perhaps a surprise visit from a couple of members of Da Drew Crew). That ought to be way cool. Hope to see some of you there.
Third:
Did co-lead vocals on a very cool song with Belita Woods (y'all remember her from the group Brainstorm) called "The Best Of Me". It was produced by Teddy and Jay from The Basement Boys. Another hot house joint (though a very different vibe than Sweden)... reminiscent musically of Chaka Khan's "I Know You... I Live You" during the chorus. And damn.... are Belita's vocals kicking! I did it mostly just to get a chance to sing with her. She is way beyond amazing!
Fourth:
The "Back At Da Drew" Preview singles are about to be dropped on MP3.com sometime this month. The titles are "Shortie" and "My Block".
Written, produced and arranged by yours truly (with lyrical and melodic assistance from my nephew/stepson Andrew Jackson).
Total R&B/hip hop flavor like the rest of the Drew album. Something new and different. Besides me, the songs feature Andrew Jackson and Julian Rosado on the rap flows and.... a new kid named Black I. P. doing the lead vocals on "My Block". Awesome pipes on this guy... believe me!
Fifth:
Went back to Chicago last weekend (February 9th thru 12th). Originally, I was to again work with Glenn Underground... to complete the mix of "Let Me Know You're Feelin' Me" but something came up and he wasn't available. So, we did two new songs with rising star producers Ron Carroll and Josh Collins. Slated for mid-spring release on Dusttraxx Records and part of my Chicago project which includes Glenn and Patrick Adams, these are powerful house/garage joints...
...heavy on the vocal harmonies and pulsation. A pleasant surprise I'm sure!
Sixth:
The LeRoy Burgess Anthology is due out around April/May on Soul Brother Records out of London. A compilation of hits I've worked on in some capacity between the years of 1978 thru 1986. A two CD set which some of you guys might want to get your hands on.
Seventh:
The publicity campaign begins in earnest with the publication of an article on page 29 of the February 17th issue of Billboard Magazine. It's a pretty cool piece you might want to check out. (By the way... the "Back At Da Drew" album is not an Aleem project but rather my own production. I merely said that 'some of the tracks have an Aleem-like flavor. Billboard took a few liberties with the text in the editorial process.... but it's all good).
Eighth:
The entire "Back At Da Drew" album is slated for release around June/July on BE (Burgess Entertainment) Recordings through MP3.com. 12 new songs all in the R&B/ Hip Hop flavor.
That's all for now. Keep in touch with the site for further updates and news. May the Lord bless each and every one of you out there with all the things you desire. I ain't got nothing but LOVE for you guys. Hold down the fort, keep the faith and keep listening. That's what makes it all real.
Peace, y'all....
LB out.