Dave Leonard, NBC5 Street Team, (Video)
From the moment I met this soul diva back in high school, I knew she had a voice sent from heaven. Rhythm & Blues runs through her blood (literally) and you can hear it in every lyric and every note she delivers. She’s had three major album releases, which in this day and age of the music business is rare…most artists get one shot. She’s hit three in a row…So why is Syleena Johnson “R&B’s Best Kept Secret”??? Well, the secret is finally out.
Chi-town’s own soul siren is “delivering” another chapter in the book of Syleena with her fourth album release, “Chapter 4: Labor Pains” set to hit retail and online distributors on September 2nd, 2008, the day after Labor Day. There is more significance and irony to the title because the release date is also Syleena’s “born day” and like her previous releases, the inspiration for the album is drawn from life experiences such as becoming a wife and a mother over the past year.
In this day of digital downloading and decreasing album sales
, this album is even more of a “labor of love” since this is Syleena’s foray into the independent route. She recently launched her own label Aneelys Records (Syleena spelled “Backwards”) which came via an exclusive worldwide distribution deal through Federal/Universal Music Group. Instead of having a major machine with the major marketing dollars, all the risks and hard work will be taken on by Syleena and her “A-Team”.
Syleena kept the production in-house (so to speak) by enlisting hometown producer Toxic for her amazing lead single, “It Is True” which is now getting rotation at Urban AC radio outlets. This heavenly ballad professes Syleena’s true love for her new family in a beautiful and compelling way. The listener will get drawn in from the opening angellic harps backing Syleena’s sultry voice as she weaves a tale about “girl meets boy”, they fall in love, and grow old together.
Although a lot of Syleena’s music deals with the pains and struggles of women, one continuous message throughout her music and everyday life is the strength she gets from God. “Labor Pains” I’m sure will be no different in that regard.
As always, support your local artists and make sure you check out “Labor Pains” when it drops. Real Rhythm & Blues is coming back!




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If I’m not mistaken, she’s the one who sings the hook in Kanye’s song “All Falls Down?” If so, she’s got a wicked voice!
She’s an awesome singer. I love the new song!
Yes, Syleena is the one who sings Lauryn Hill’s hook on All Falls Down…and she does a wonderful job.
I’ve supported Syleena Johnson since Chapter 1: Love, Pain, & Forgiveness. Her voice is the real deal and her lyrics are passionate and always on target.
She has a song on Chapter 2: The Voice called So Willingly and another on Chapter 3: The Flesh called Only A Woman and they both take me there.
I checked out her new song and it’s everything I expected from her.
The phrase “R&B’s Best Kept Secret” is right. Jive records didn’t know what to do with her, so the independent route is probably best.
I still support her either way and can’t wait to get her 4th chapter. The title sounds lovely.
Go ‘head Ms. Syleena
Syleena has always shown growth with each Chapter
I love this girl!!!! Amazing new single!! Come to India!!!!
Leena is an unbelievable singer! I’m VERY happy to hear her new CD is about to drop. I hope all of her fans give her the support she deserves.
I am soooooooooooo in love with Syleena Johnson and her music. She is one of the realest soul singers today. I’m all the way from South Africa and I think I can confidently say we love her waaaaaaaaaaay more this side. I’m glad she’s releasing again, and I’m hoping for some killa ballads.
“It is True” is only a taste of what Syl J has in store for music lovers.
I’ll support Syleena until the 100th chapter!
Look out for these tracks (my all time SJ favorites):
Can’t Get Over You (from Love Hangover)
He’s Gonna Do You In (Chapter 1)
Baby I’m So Confused (Chapter 1)
So Willingly (Ch 2)
I Believe in Love (my ALL TIME FAVORITE – Chapter 2)
Guess What (Guess Again) – single – remix of Guess What
And from Chapter 3…
Still Open
Leave Me Alone
Another Relationship
Time
Can anyone tell me where I can get the bonus track (Joined on the Hip) from Chapter 2? I want every song by that woman.
This woman’s voice is so incredible! Syleena’s music is so inspiring to me and it is due time the secret is OUT!!!
I have all of Syleena’s music and I’m anxiously waiting for this project too.