How to Hire MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO For Your Event!
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aka: Michelle Lynn Johnson, Meshell Suhaila Bashir-Shakur, Me’Shell Ndegéocello
Born in: Germany
Raised in: Washington, DC
Based in: New York
Based in: Brooklyn
Hire: Meshell Ndegeocello
GRAMMY award-winning Meshell Ndegeocello was born to a military family, as her father, Jacques Johnson, was a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and a saxophonist. Raised in Washington, D.C., she grew up in a musically rich environment, influenced by the city’s vibrant go-go music scene. She attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts and later Howard University, where she further honed her musical skills.
Career Beginnings & Breakthrough
During the late 1980s, Ndegeocello became a prominent figure in Washington, D.C.’s music scene, playing bass and performing under the name Meshell Suhaila Bashir. She later adopted the name Meshell Ndegeocello, which means “free like a bird” in Swahili.
In the early 1990s, she became one of the first artists signed to Madonna’s Maverick Records. Her debut album, “Plantation Lullabies” (1993), showcased her blend of funk, soul, jazz, and hip-hop, with socially conscious lyrics. The album featured the hit single “If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night),” which earned her a Grammy nomination.
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Major Career Highlights & Discography
Meshell Ndegeocello has released more than a dozen albums, each reflecting her deep musicianship, genre-defying style, and willingness to experiment.
- “Plantation Lullabies” (1993) – A mix of funk, jazz, and R&B with themes of race, gender, and sexuality.
- “Peace Beyond Passion” (1996) – Nominated for a Grammy, this album addressed religious and social issues, featuring the hit “Leviticus: Faggot.”
- “Bitter” (1999) – A more introspective, stripped-down album that leaned toward folk and jazz influences.
- “Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape” (2002) – A politically charged album inspired by black history and activism.
- “Comfort Woman” (2003) – A departure into psychedelic and reggae influences.
- “The World Has Made Me the Man of My Dreams” (2007) – A fusion of electronic, rock, and jazz sounds.
- “Weather” (2011) – A mellow, intimate album with personal storytelling.
- “Comet, Come to Me” (2014) – A mix of funk, soul, and covers, including a reimagining of Whodini’s “Friends.”
- “Ventriloquism” (2018) – A covers album featuring interpretations of 1980s and ’90s R&B classics.
- “The Omnichord Real Book” (2023) – A genre-blending, experimental work that further cements her legacy.
Musical Style & Influence
Meshell Ndegeocello’s music spans multiple genres, including R&B, funk, jazz, hip-hop, soul, and rock. She has been a key influence in the neo-soul movement, inspiring artists like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Jill Scott. Her bass-playing skills are widely respected, and she has collaborated with artists such as Prince, John Mellencamp, The Rolling Stones, and Herbie Hancock.
Personal Life & Legacy
Ndegeocello is openly bisexual and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. Her music often explores themes of love, identity, politics, and spirituality.
Her legacy is that of an artist who never conformed to industry expectations, instead forging a unique path that continues to influence and inspire musicians across generations.
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