When Soul Meets Spirit by Christopher Heron (Lisa McClendon, Izzy, Mail Music, Knagui)

When Soul Meets Spirit

August, 2009 on BlackGospel.com
By Christopher Heron

It’s easy to think of these 4 bold and bodacious warriors of the Word as modern-day disciples, even as a chapter of the church looks at their radical ministry with a degree of suspicion.

Lisa McClendon, Izzy, Mali Music and Knagui have all eaten from the bread of life and drank from the well that never runs dry, from their childhood to adulthood. All have served or now currently serve as ministers in their respective houses of worship and are in no ways ashamed of the Gospel. And all have presented a brand of ministry that’s so left of center most saints don’t know whether to call their signature sound sacred or sinful.

But perhaps what solidifies their status as 21^st century apostles is their uncanny ability to communicate to a new generation of both saints and sinners in a way that is unquestionably clear in message, surprisingly soulful in tone and deeply drenched with the Spirit of God. Their respective gifts to deliver the ‘Good News’ in poetic prose and stylish soul with a measure of the Holy Spirit is further evidence of their respective divine callings to minister to a broader audience that has sadly tuned out Christianity and Christ.

As in the Day of Pentecost, when the apostles were filled with the Holy Ghost, spoke in unknown tongues and were overcome by the Spirit, these righteous men and woman of God are dedicating their lyrical fluidity and musical pedigree to worship God in spirit and in truth, even at the cost of being misunderstood by fellow believers. These ardent servants for the Savior are cunningly communicating a compelling message that’s softening hardened hearts and transforming made-up minds into new creatures for the Kingdom.

Christopher Heron spoke with these forerunners of a righteous movement about their musical and ministerial influences, their experiences growing up in the church and their perspectives on how God is now using their sacred soulful sound to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Christopher Heron: Who are some of the artists each of you grew up listening to both during your formative days in the church and on your favorite radio stations?

Izzy: The artists that have inspired me through the years can be found all over the world and various genres, from Country to Classical. But the greatest inspiration came from artists like John P. Kee, Commissioned, The Hawkins Family, The Winans Family, The Clark Sisters & Mattie Moss Clark, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, and many more. I’ve learned so much about the soul of Gospel, the anointing, and the major ministry mind-set that is needed to have success in this genre by watching them all through the years.

Their willingness to brave the elements and attitudes and welcome those that might not take a pew every Sunday is what makes them so amazing in my eyes. I’ve seen John Kee minister to inmates and pay the rent of a young struggling mother during a concert. I have also witnessed Kirk Franklin openly embrace those that have been written off...that’s real ministry. As far as radio, I must say, in the earlier days Timbaland, Brandy, Musiq, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway were major influences.

Mali Music: In church, it was a lot of John P. Kee, a ton of Fred Hammond and Commissioned. Outside of that it was a lot of miscellaneous things...Broadway musicals, showtunes, the movie – The Wiz - a lot of Michael Jackson Period!...the songs from all of the Disney movies. Around 12 or 13 I was on D'Angelo hard and that’s where i got hooked on Soul! And I've been on ‘big boy’ (mature) music since...Folk, Classical. I think that’s where the maturity of my music comes from.

Lisa McClendon: I grew up listening to The Winans, Commissioned and The Clark Sisters. I also loved more underground artist like Mike-E, Margaret Bell (Vanessa Bell Armstrong's sister) and NuColor ( a group out of the UK).

Knagui: Man, I l grew up in a box called Holy Chapel Church of God in Christ. So there wasn't any radio unless we were listening to someone like Katherine Kuhlman or R.W. Shambach preaching during the week and Toby Young [radio personality] on Sunday morning. Every year, we'd watch The Wiz and still I didn't know who Michael Jackson and Diana Ross were until I was 9.

My family was all about church and Gospel music, so my musical heroes were Walter Hawkins and Edwin Hawkins and all the spin-offs from them. The Winans, Bob Bailey, Commissioned, Amy Grant, Becky Fender, Milton Brunson, Gabriel Hardemen, etc... Even though everything I was listening to was Gospel or Christian, it was all very diverse. My Aunt would buy some new album almost every week. Ah man, how could I forget Andre Crouch!!! Dude!!! My Aunt had a blue Pontiac Firebird with an 8-Track installed...I wore that Andre Crouch joint (the one with Jesus is Lord) out! Of course; both in church and on record, I listened to my godmother, Twinkie Clark and The Clark Sisters along with Mattie Moss Clark and my family. Brotha! You can't beat them Johnson's (my family).

Christopher Heron: Can you give us some insight on your upbringing and musical development that cultivated this particular style and expression of music you now represent?

Mali Music: Well, like I touched on in the latter part of the last question, I ‘found my soul’ early but hearing the older men and women (and I do mean older) sing with such power and conviction, I was always curious about what made their voices so wholesome, even though they weren't ‘runnin’ all over the place.

So I always would look to the elders in my life and eat from their hands, even as a young child. This taught me to be completely consumed not only in what your singing, but to literally bare your soul with every note, no matter how flat, raspy, or just downright wrong. If it makes your soul happy, do It.

Applying this to the spirit wasn't difficult at all after truly familiarizing myself with the art of it. It was actually easier because of the infinite source that the spirit pulls from and the thought alone of the suffering of a man for my soul’s freedom simplifies it even more. I can sing with purpose...a darn good one! Who can't sing about this Lord?

Knagui: Well; as I said before, I was the personification of a "Church Boy." Man, I would put my tape recorder in front of the TV when PTL or Oral Roberts or the 700 Club was on, so I could be up on the songs that no one else was singing in church. I'm tellin' you. I was corny as all...but when I was 10, my parents got back together and we moved to Jersey for a hot minute.

While we were there; my Pops introduced me to other artists and styles of music because he listened to Power 99FM all the time. He also had all these Soul albums. He was the church organist and he would interpolate musical chords like Word Up or Atomic Dog or whatever was hot into the service. Sometimes it would be during the high praise, other times in the break of a song that the choir was singing just to give it a little somethin' somethin'. Pops was a wild boy!

Still, I still didn't have any respect for secular music. When my parents split again, my mom went through this really dark period and naturally we [my sisters and I] were affected. This is when I really got deep into all genres of Christian music. I listened to everyone from Jon Gibson to Tourniquet to Michael Omartin, The Winans...the list goes on...Dude; nothing was off limits, but the crazy thing was I still had to hide this stuff from my mom because she just didn't believe it was "of God."

Part of my reason for listening to these artists was because it gave me a Christian alternative to what my classmates were listening to. More than the "cool factor" of being able to keep up with them sonically, the lyrics being sung by these artists raised me, so to speak. I was given answers and directions to navigate the things I was feeling and what I was going through. Many of their lyrics gave advice on how to be a Christian in the real world... I can't say anything against "Gospel" music... it has its place, but overall, it wasn't very relevant to my life outside of church. It's different now, but then...

So, long story longer... It was this influence of being relevant that influenced my early writing. Some of it was a bit too relevant. The thing is Soul music or whatever you want to call it, sounds good and talks about the things that are going on in the average person's life... Most times, they talk about the problem, but never give you a remedy. This is what's different and what drives us Original Soul, Inspirational Soul, or as you like to call us, Sacred Soul artists. We have the remedy and we try to sing from where you are to where your soul wants to be. Lyrical road maps, so to speak.

Lisa McClendon: Well, I had a lot of Jazz and Big Band influence growing up. I'd listen to Jazz radio for hours in my room, as well as watched a lot of old musicals. I think that infused with Gospel definitely cultivated my sound.

Izzy: Well, as many know, my great-grandfather was the founder of Mt. Calvary Holy Churches of America. So let’s just say I have truly been raised in the church and have always been surrounded by the most amazing Jesus Freaks known to man! My father, Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell, and mother, Rev. E. Faith Bell were sure to teach us at an early age to love and embrace this holy faith. I love them because they also gave us the liberty to learn without crushing and forcing it down our throats. This is what helped to develop my love for God and the music that drives our worship services and speaks to the souls! My mother was the choir director and skilled vocalist growing up and my father was a skilled musician and pastor.

Music was a part of my life growing up as far back as I can remember and continues to run through my veins. My father was in the U.S Army, so we moved quite a bit. This is what introduced me to so many different styles of music growing up and opened my eyes beyond the world of standard hymns and anthems. From the Pop movement that stormed Germany to the traditional rhythms heard from the Turkish apartment complex in Reilingen, I started appreciating other styles at an early age. I came to realize that everybody might not understand our “Church Jargon” or be able to identify with what we call and claim tradition.

So following the steps of Kirk Franklin and cats that came before me, I try to make songs that encourage those on the corner, eventually helping them to transition for the congregation. I mean to take an edgy approach as I intend to go after those that feel written off and have been hurt by the church. If it is authentic yet anointed and can be presented as a sound track to our/their everyday lives and experiences, then well it’s a start. They must first come before they can be changed...just like you and I, dawg. So, if some feel as if they aren’t welcomed at the door...then, I’ll minister to them on the corner.

So, in a nutshell, my God, my life, my deliverance, my experiences abroad & in the US, and my family are what influence the approach and sound. I try to be the safe hand that earns their trust and after a few counseling sessions, helps them to take the steps towards the Alter...I’ll even settle for a back pew...just as long as they make it there.

To be changed...they must first come! Gay or straight, Pimp or Prostitute, Pregnant or had an abortion, killer or molester, gangsta or gangstar....we must first come.

Please don’t get it twisted...I’m not the radical type that ignores the importance of the organization. I hope to encourage while being strategic in movement as I try to help them where they/we are...eventually encouraging them/us to come back and take the long walk towards the Alter.

Christopher Heron: Who are some of the artists, formerly or currently, you are fairly or unfairly compared to?

Lisa McClendon: I am still compared a lot to Lauryn Hill, which is a huge honor, as well Jill Scott and India Arie.

Izzy: I’ve been called the Gospel John Legend, fair or unfair, I view that as an honor. You’re always going to be compared to somebody, so it comes along with the territory of being a new/fairly new artist.

Knagui: Hmm... Man, I welcome all comparisons. I've read articles that mention the usual suspects...Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, etc... One of the funniest that I was told about happened at a performance in Cleveland. I was opening for this mainstream hip-hop artist and my manager was watching the show with the audience to get an idea of how they felt the show was going. I closed with "Blessed Assurance" and got the crowd to sing with me.

After I was finished she said there was this group of ladies walking away from the stage still singing, "I got Blessed Assurance" when one of the ladies said, "He looked like a broke [behind] R Kelly, but that was hot!"

I'm probably most honored to have been put in the same sentence with Pastor Marvin L. Winans, Sr. He's one of my lyrical litmus tests. And the Kirk Franklin quote that said something about me doing for Gospel Soul music what Kirk did for Gospel Choir music... yeah, that one gave me the big head for a good 4 days- then my people put me in check. Gotta love family, you know?

Mali Music: John Legend, Bilal, Bob Marley, Tonex, Tye Tribbett, Deitrick Haddon, and everyone says I look like Eddie Murphy.

Christopher Heron: I would describe your music as Sacred Soul music but how would you properly tag and describe the tone and tempo of your music? And why?

Mali Music: It’s Lifestyle Music. You can listen to it all of the time for all purposes. I don't know if it's just me but I don’t want to hear church all of the time! I love the organ but I don’t wanna hear it when I'm ridin’ to the beach, or about to chill with some friends, or about to witness to thugs!!!

I need something that'll put me in that ‘Let’s Get It’ mentality and still edifies God, something I can just turn on when I’m meditating and just wanna cool out and think, when I don’t feel like "sista tradition” hollerin' in my ear or on my dec, squallerin' in my ipod headphones, I'll turn on some Mali Music...it just fits. It’s Lifestyle Music. "Music you can live with because it speaks life."

Izzy: Kingdom Life Music is what I call it. However, if you don’t mind...I might steal that “Sacred Soul” tag...that’s kinda dope! Again, I try to touch on life situations with transparent lyrics so the listener can relate.

Lisa McClendon: I would describe my music as Inspirational Soul simply because that is what I do, inspire the soul through music. I believe my music is proverbial. The lyrics give instruction just as the Proverbs do in scripture.

Knagui: When "The Meaning of Love" was released, we really pushed this idea of Original Soul. In essence; music was built for the soul and when I write, I try to keep this and my experience as an adolescent in mind. Anyway, this idea of giving definition within a genre seems pettifogging, but it's important because, as minstrels, it's our responsibility to plant the seed and/or assist in the cultivation of what the Father has entrusted our listeners with. Music is the easiest and most efficient navigation system.

Christopher Heron: The style and sound of your music is very specific in rhythm and color. Not every artist can express music this way. Is your audience as specific? Better yet, who does your music and message appeal to?

Knagui: Wow! Well, in some regions, I share an audience with secular soul and R&B artists like Anthony Hamilton, Cameo, Angie Stone, etc... Angie was a major advocate of mine and she's a great mentor. She encouraged me to do that first album and based on her relationships and the other relationships that my team cultivated; I found myself performing in front of more secular audiences than in churches because I was opening for all these top cats. The truth behind that is: the same people who go to see these great artists get up for church on Sunday morning, so the fit was very natural.

In Europe, it's different because most of my audience there is non-English speaking, so for them it's more about the sound and the feeling. I love working over there because that's when I really experience the power of music when it's attached to a little anointing. Within the soul resides our emotion, and when I see people get emotional about a message that they can't understand, yet they understand it, boy...that's ministry!

Lisa McClendon: Years ago, I would have said, young adults or the transitioning listener, someone who is at a crossroad in life of decisions. But after traveling more and have the opportunities presented to me, I have found that I have been privilege to have supports ages 3 to 73 of all denominations and ethnic race. Praise God! The music of Love has no barrier.

Mali Music: Those who are hungry for change. You would naturally think that it'll be young urbanites, ages 17 to 20+ but a lot of pastors and older people are huge followers of this movement. So if there's some God in you, no matter your age I'm sure there will be something you can get with... something that will minister to ya. That’s my purpose, operating effectively in diverse genres, so the people can not only feel a move of God, but they can enjoy it also.

Izzy: I have found that the core audience are younger to middle aged saints and everyday people that are seeking or simply maturing for and in the faith. Those that have Mary Mary’s CD in slot 5...but also have Drake and Jamie Foxx in slots 3 and 4! This makes it more interesting as I have to be lead and write songs that minister to them where they are. Giving God my ear and them my ear is important in that moment. If I/We don’t somebody else will and influence them in a way that does not speak to their maturing spiritually. Telling them how it is without crushing or forcing is also important in that moment. Time out for the “scare tactics” the young people these days don’t respond to that...they do, however, respond to love and relationship!

Christopher Heron: There is a text that applies to my modern-day ministry which is I Corinthians 9: 22, 23 - "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings." What Biblical scripture or story serves you as inspiration and direction for your music ministry?

Izzy: Real Talk – The Same Text!!!!! Some wish to “Cross - over” for the fame and success for other reasons. I hope to go where they are to encourage them to follow me back over the bridge...back over to the other side of the tracks...I myself pray to serve as the fence itself. That way...I’m not so far gone on the “churchy side” that I can’t relate to the drug addict or so far gone on the worldly side that I totally dismiss the standard.

The line in the street is so important....just as the fence itself is.

They both present the opportunity and make it clear of what side is what...without confusing the two or confusing the traveler who is simply trying to find their way! lol!!!!! What is the inspiration and direction for my music ministry? God and his will for my life! Allowing the prophetic to speak through the music and minister...not just put together somethin’ fancy for impressin’. Unapologetic in approach, I hope to catch the ears of the mainstream lovers...so to minister to them where they are!

Lisa McClendon: Hands down the scripture that best serves as my ultimate inspiration is Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony..........." My music is my story as well as my victory in hopes it will bring hope for others.

Knagui: Among my friends; the joke is: "Who are you today, Peter or Samson?" No seriously, it's funny that you use this scripture because it could easily be a New Testament reference for mine. In the Old Testament; one of the tribes of Israel is Issachar. [spoken like a Pentecostal preacher preparing his congregation for a heavy word from on high] The Bible says, 'the sons of Issachar understood the times', but more than just "understanding," what they did was report the news and teachings of God in a way that was relevant to how the people were living. They were like chameleons, never changing ‘the Word’ just the colors. So I would say that this is what I try to be; a son of Issachar.

Mali Music: Hey!!! I like This I Cor.9:22, 23! Shoot! This is a blessing!!! The Great Commission....I do all this...for the sake of the gospel...that I may share in its blessings... who could ask for anything more!