The last time I did a #MusicMonday interview, it was spent chatting with Popstar Jason Duerlo. This time around, I wanted to give someone their flowers before it is too late. Leela James is a vocal powerhouse who many may agree doesn’t get the recognition that she deserves.
James made her debut on the soundtrack to the 2000 Jamie Foxx film Bait on The Roots song “Work”, credited as Alechia James.
In 2004, James toured as an opening act for The Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray. That same year, she was featured on hip hop producer, DJ, and emcee Pete Rock‘s album Soul Survivor II, providing vocals to the track “No Tears” and has been making music magic ever since.
Fast forward to now, Leela James released a new single, “Complicated,” and has followed it up with a new video. The video premiered on BET/her, Bet Soul and Bet.com, and Chris Scholar for BOOC Productions directed it. Complicated is a reimagined version of the cult classic film “Baby Boy.” Known to “speak the truth” and deliver soulful messages through her music, Leela has not taken her foot off the gas with Complicated. A catchy, mid-tempo story that reflects James’ lyrical journey and musical excellence, “Complicated” is written by Rex Rideout and Leela James and produced by Rex Rideout. CLICK HERE TO VIEW “COMPLICATED”
I had a chance to chat with Leela about her musical journey, new music and more.
