The Ground Level Coffeehouse is located at 2636 W. Central Ave. Toledo, OH 43606

Join Game Savvy Latenight host Andre Savage as he interviews YASU and she performs her number one single “Heartbeat”,  live with The Jam band! Toledo viewers can see the show at 1:00 am following Saturday Night Live on NBC 24. If you miss the show or are not local, you can view it online @ www.gamesavvy.tv

People want to know where YASU is and what is she working on next.  She sits down to answer the most recent, frequently asked questions from her listeners.

Are you still “doing” music?

The short answer is yes.  The long answer is: Music isn’t just something I “do”. There was quite a process from being a choir member, to being  a worship leader, and ultimately becoming a recording artist.

I don’t write for the sake of, “this will be catchy”, “this will be a hit”. I write from my heart and I sing it to myself, until I am feeling it. If I am not, then I won’t pursue it.  I tend to write what comes to me as opposed to writing based on a certain theme specifically for an album. From the songs I record, I can decide what would make the album and what will be saved for another project.

If my more recent efforts catch on, and my following increases, I still would have the same focus-organic artistry. I do what comes natural to me and the joy of being an independent artist allows me to be myself and share the depth of my music, with my audience.

What are you doing/have you done to promote your album?

From the moment I began recording, Imani, my husband, set up this website for me. We have used online network sites and some tangible promo packages; but the greatest promotions have come from live shows. Because I have worked with a community of artists, they, too have spread the word about my music, so I am grateful for that.  When I have something coming up, I do alert my fans, however, that shows room for improvement since many of the events I have participated in have been short notice.

Are you working on another album?

Over the last year and a half, I worked on a collaborative effort and enough music was recorded to distribute an album, however, there is no word on a release date at this time. The album was a fusion of hip hop and neo soul. I am proud of my growth in the studio and as a writer. This project allowed me to expand my ability to write and arrange hooks, verses, and interludes.

Other work includes a single, soon to be released. As far as new music and a new solo album, I’ll keep that top secret for a little while longer

Why haven’t you done many shows since your album release?

“Shows” are key to promoting a musical product. But due to changes in our family and some serious health issues, I have spent much of the last year or so at home with my family and working toward complete health. Because my husband is co owner of a local coffeehouse, which also serves the artist community with an intimate venue for live shows, I have done shows there and have developed a nice following. I have also appeared on Game Savvy Latenight, a local television show that airs after Saturday Night Live on NBC.

Since I had been home much of my time recently, I have also appeared on another album Data Frequency by Ras Enoch from DC, and I have been a guest columnist for Reversed Ink Magazine. I also began writing my book, and have written (but not recorded) more music than I can mention here.

How do you feel about the success of your album debut?

Recording an album was a result of years of writing tunes and melodies, poems and short stories.  All of that was reflective of my life experiences. When the opportunity to record arose, I had an idea of what I wanted everything to sound like, and I had developed a language all my own whereby I write.  Although melodies were in my head, not being a seasoned musician, I was not able to implement the music exactly how  I imagined and yet the music produced for me was very reflective of my eclectic taste in music and the depth of interest of multi genres in  music.

The purpose of recording The Imitation of Life was not to become “famous” or to ” make hits” as many see making music entails. I wanted to narrate a story, illustrated through tones, melodies, lyrics and instrumentation.  Most important, I wanted to be “the difference” in local music, and I believe that I accomplished that.

So are you Neo Soul, R & B or Gospel?

There is so much in my environment that influences my music and because I am so connected to culture and limitless artistic creativity, it would be hard to enclose myself in one category. What tends to happen to artists, is that they are categorized in one genre, and it may limit their ability or desire to branch out and try new sounds.  Technically, I am closest to Neo Soul because of the lyrical content and the instrumentation of my music.  However, even that is changing in music today, since many are making cross genre music, and have been placed under the very broad umbrella of POP or R & B.  I write music that speaks to both the spiritual and natural person therefore,  I can’t pick just one, because that is not who I am. I am a rainbow-a large arch full of colors that blend one into another, and are anchored by a pot of gold

Side Note: I look at artists today who have made a point to defer themselves from their original image. Head wraps and dread locks are being replaced with kangols and shaved heads. The heavier ones are slimming down and straightening their fros. The R & B stars are collaborating with Rock Stars, and the in every genre, including country, women are trading jeans, slacks, dresses and classy attire for Sparkly Onesies, bejeweld eyelashes, and strobe lights on their belt buckles! And our rappers are singing, even if it’s auto tune!

What is unique about your image?

LOL well now, my image is very plus sized.  Where I was a more classic dresser, A-Line dresses and skirts which are my faves-I am now rocking the sundresses or maxi dresses with shrugs, leggings with uniquely cut blouses, and wedged heels which are replacing my stilettos for a while. I like bright colors, still, but I am more careful with print selections- I wear more solids now, and I am loving bangles and earrings.

I have locked hair in which I am able to wear a variety of styles, and I opt for a bare face and sheer lips. I arch my eyebrows and that is all. Everything else is asnatural as it gets.

What’s next for YASU?

It is time to release a single, and that will be coming soon. I didn’t make outrageous goals when I began my recording career. But I do believe that in between albums, I should release at least 2 singles. Since my album was released in 2008, there should have been singles from my recent efforts released in 2009-in retrospect, I was able to do some shows which kept things alive and has my audience simmering. But I don’t want to overcook, so it’s time for some fresh oil

Do you have any tips for upcoming artists?

BELIEVE! That is key to even getting your music career off the ground.

PLAN! I did  have a plan for my recording career, however, it wasn’t complete, and there wasn’t a “what if” or “plan B,C”  section. So I have learned a lot from the first album to now, like what to do AFTER the album is released and how to set up shows, etc.

WORK! It takes work to get results. What ever amount of work you put in is what you get in return.

PROMOTE! How much you believe in your work will show how much you promote your work. I was very timid at first and was so afraid of putting myself out there. Fortunately, I have a manager who held me up and encouraged me to continue. My biggest obstacle in the beginning was myself.

NETWORK! Ask questions, learn from others in the business, and offer what you now-it may help someone else. Meet new people and bounce ideas, you may create a masterpiece.

SUPPORT! Not only do YOU need support, but it is a good thing to support others in their efforts. So many are afraid that others may try to take their ideas or try to show the next person out, but if you know who you are and are confident, you would have no need to fear others’ intentions. There is no one else who can be you, but you.

Want to know more?

Send your questions to YASU: yasuembassy@gmail.com

WATCH TOLEDO’S PREMIERE SHOW FOR LOCAL PERSONALITIES AND ARTISTS EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT AFTER SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE ON NBC 24!

YASU appears 4.17.10 singing “Maybe, Because”. Please Tune In. Visit www.gamesavvy.tv for more details and information on past and upcoming shows!

The Odyssey was a poem written to document the many wanderings of one Greek man Odysseus. He went on a mission to fight a war he wanted no parts of and spent a great deal of time in captivity until he is rescued and released…he doesn’t return home, however, and is made to wander endlessly seeking  to find a people who have never heard of an oar or the sea…

I’m no Greek godess wandering aimlessly through space and time looking for anything yet I live to have  Peace and  (a) Sound mind. In case you aren’t aware, YASU is a part of my name which means Peace and Sound. After countless years of being teased, I have come to embrace such a unique and perfect name, and find it appropriate to live for after all that I have endured in my lifetime.

Long before I “laid any tracks” I have been singing to the tracks in my spirit. And I have sung   publicly for more than 15 years, in several choirs, ensembles and as back ground for many artists. I was encouraged time and again, to record an album… When I decided to record my first album, it was more for personal reasons than anything else. I wasn’t trying to achieve star status nor was I attempting to become bigger than life. I simply had a story to tell and wondered if I could do it. There were many who said they would like to help me tell my story, but when it came down to it, those same people were “unavailable”.  So I wrote and wrote and registered my lyrics with the US Copyright office, and I sat and sat. I began working with someone and recorded 13 songs, no one knew of it, and at the end of all of that, that person skipped town, losing his recording equipment and all. Everything I had was gone.

Again, I took to the pen and pad and worked with someone else, an amazing musician! We created concepts for the songs and then they became unavailable for personal reasons. Again, I was left with melodies in my head. Nearly 5 years after all of that, I ran into someone from high school, who is now my husband/manager Imani, and we spent a lot of time talking. He was no producer or music mogul, but he knew people who knew music and connected me with them, and I am grateful for that. He listened to what I wanted to do  and he helped make everything happen!

Without realizing it, my vision became a reality. I worked day and night with producers Chalie Numbas, Lapala Crawford, Barry G, and J Cole, writing and recording songs and one day I looked up and there was enough for an album! With less talking and more doing, I’d accomplished a big thing.  They didn’t care about where I had been, but could see where I was going, and they didn’t need a spiritual awakening to see it, they just tapped into my vision and used their knowledge to help me reach it. They never pushed, they just showed me many valuable things that created an album- with a number one song, and a platform to tell my story.

I didn’t do a lot of pushing of the project because there was a point where I was so happy to have done something, I was undecided about the next steps. I had some great ideas and concepts, but couldn’t pull it all together the way I wanted to. So I opted to do nothing, if it wasn’t going to be good.  A number of people came to me wanting to work with me, and even offering a bit of criticisms-though that came from some of the same people who said they would work on my project, and ultimately disappeared.

By the time I released my album, I was married, with a large blended family, and starting a new family-all at once! Timing…timing is important, but for a person like me, who has had more obstacles, daggers and dragons in her life than pleasant strolls, guided tours and princes, this was a good time for me. At my listening party, there was great success, only my voice gave way to the elements, and I couldn’t sing my songs like I wanted to. Still, I pressed on, we had a fabulous time, thanks to a great band, with producer Jesse Coleman, Jr, the late and cherished Jazmund Lyons, Keem Coker, and Gavin Harvey.

My album was distributed locally, and still is sold on itunes and amazon as well. The buzz was good, the progress slow and steady, though I didn’t do many shows thereafter. Sales continued, and people were listening…

What happened next?

I spent the following year carrying and subsequently giving birth to a beautiful baby boy. I was rarely seen during my pregnancy, but had begun a work with Indie Sol Rey, comprising of producers Reed Russell, Sidd Deluxx,  and Emcee Elevated Thinkin. (You can listen to “Perfect” by following the link)

My husband and his business partner acquired a coffee shop/venue for local artists. That in and of itself, is a huge task. Almost one year into business, to date, they have been awarded The Best of Toledo for Spoken Word and Open Mic. Being the wife of a small business owner is a whole new world, to say the least. Through many challenges and sacrifices, the business is thriving.

www.groundleveltoledo.com

Once I gave birth to my son, I just knew I would be “back”. My body was in the best shape ever and I was feeling good, getting back to the studio to continue work with the band. But in less than two months after my son’s birth, he became ill with H1N1. We were isolated in the hospital for days and were terrified for weeks after that.  When he was out of the woods, I went to the Dr. for a routine procedure that landed me back in the hospital at least once a month for most of 2009! I had surgery and missed a huge weekend of performances with musician Jesse Coleman Sr., Chorale Director, Brian Thomas, several show and talent opportunities throughout Toledo with non profit organizations, churches, clubs and time in the studio to complete the work I began with Indie Sol Rey. I also missed funerals of beloved friends and even family members.

A confession…

A very hard thing to do was to take care of myself and my family, instead of all the ripping and running I used to do. And people who know me, know I was at every event, wedding, funeral and so on, and I realize now I cannot do those things as I did before. I was always the one there early and staying late, filling in for someone or something, setting up, cleaning up and so on… But today, my health is first, then I have my family. They mean the world to me, and I cannot come back strong if I don’t take care of my foundation. I will sink for sure if I don’t.

Upon recovery from the surgery, I returned to my Dr. for a follow up and received a routine medication. I also began working a full time job in nursing. Within one month of working at my new job, I was back in the hospital, with an allergic reaction to the medication I was given in November. Today, I am still feeling the affects of the medicine, with little help from the Dr. who gave me the drug, less cooperation with my primary care physician, who didn’t give the med and knows not what to do to help…and an uphill battle of consulting attorneys and reviewing medical records. In spite of that…

…In December, I teamed up with Phillip Jay,  Monnie Soul, and my band for a Concert, “Soul-OH, Sounds of A Season”, that included a Spirited Christmas set. (There are videos) The band, David James-keys, Gavin Harvey-bass, Keem Coker-drums and Yusuf Lateef- percussion, made it all worth while. Every genre of music was represented, and audience participation made for an amazing night. This was my first “live show” with a band.

It is now Spring of 2010, and my son will be 1 year old. And for all the time I have been away, being human, time  has seemed to stand still. In music, I am writing more than I have before, and I receive music, which I have written to, but the journey back to the booth is slower than before. Before, there were no newborns, new jobs, or health issues.

And with all that I have had to deal with, I have recorded a number of songs with Indie Sol Rey; And on a better note, despite my health issues, my spirit is well, and I am encouraged to continue writing and telling my story. I am better than in recent months, not 100 percent, although my voice is, and so due to popular demand, I am arranging for Soul-OH to return to The Ground Level, (the coffeehouse).

My goal is to continue writing whatever songs come to my heart, and singing them, telling my story, your story, our story…

I have read many articles on famous artists, actors and such, and at times they have given “their public” an inside look into their lives, sometimes to better understand them, and most often to be the ones to tell the people who they really are, so they don’t have to hear it from other sources. I too, want to take an opportunity to share with you my trials and triumphs. I’d like to thank my loyal fans who have stood and stand by me; my sisters and brothers, cousins and ‘nem, who prayed and continue to pray for me; and my musical family who continues to encourage me and remind me of my potential.

When you see me, I may not be as I used to be, but once I get a good report from a physician, I will be back! Until then, keep listening out for a new sound…

From Yours Truly,

YASU

YASU has been enjoying “new” Motherhood. Her son is now 5 months and healthy! Though she has spent the last year with her family, she has still worked on a few projects…

Music

She is featured on “Afterlife” by D.C. MC Enoch 7th Prophet, produced by King Cee. It was the first single released from his 4th  album, Data Frequency (available online). Enoch is the host of Mental Salvation Radio which won Podcast of the Year **2008** respectively.  An independent artist, Enoch’s pod cast introduces its audience to Independent Artists from singers to authors to emcees. If you tune in, you will not only hear some of Indie music’s hottest rising artists, but you will have the opportunity to chat as you listen to the cast, call in, and also comment on the show. The topics range anywhere from how music affects children to relationship issues, and the business of independent music. Check out his Myspace page to see where you can hear him Live. To purchase his album please email enochtones@gmail.com. Check out the video below and feel this moving story.

Enoch 7th Prophet “AfterLife” feature Yasu & Lucille (Produced by King Cee) from Enoch 7th Prophet on Vimeo.

YASU has also collaborated with local MC Elevated Thinkin’, DJ Sid Deluxx,  and Producer Reed Russell to form the new group IndieSol Rey.

They have been recording since last summer and have a few songs in their catalogue. They introduced themselves in a live performance for SOUL-OH, a musical experience, showcasing Northwest Ohio’s Independent Soul Music artists, which YASU also hosts once a month @ The Ground Level CoffeeHouse. You can listen to “Perfect” written by MC Elevated Thinkin’, recorded locally. Mc Elevated Thinkin’ is the kind of emcee that speaks to the heart of any matter, whether it be social issues or the love of music. There isn’t an emcee who can illustrate a lyric as he, and you have to see him live to witness it for yourself.  The music of Producer Reed Russell is heard throughout the region and is contrived manually. He is a musician and demonstrates his skills from song to song. His data base is vast and he still creates new music daily! He is passionate about his work and is diligent in seeing things to its end. DJ Sid Deluxx has the respect of his listeners! Currently in Columbus, OH, he is spinning throughout this region! His timing is perfect! He captures his audience from the first sound that is projected from his hand! If DJing was a fine art, and it is, he would be displayed in a museum.  Also a producer, Sid has created some of the hottest tracks ET and YASU sing and rhyme to. Stay tuned to hear more from them.

Business

YASU also writes a column, The Solo Culture, for Reversed Ink Magazine. This online entity highlights The Hottest in Indie Recording Artists, Filmmakers, Authors and Models.

Let’s mention that since YASU has spent much of the last year on the home front, she has taken on the hobby of jewelry making. She is revamping her other website, but some of her first works can be seen and purchased here.

Last but not least, YASU is the resident host for Toledo’s SOUL-OH! A showcase for local independent artists, held once a month as a concert series. She has welcomed local gems, Leigh Ashley, Aye Dee, Darron Scott (all of UGE); Jesse Coleman Sr. (saxaphonist) Poets Naki Akrobettoe, and Melvin Douglas Johnson and IndieSol Rey.

An extension of SOUL-OH! is The Soul of Music Faith Edition which has showcased Toledo’s rising stars in the Gospel music Industry. Tymara Spears and Brotha Al of Project360 Records were recent features as well as Apphia and Heart Musik, MC/Poet Eternal Fiyah and Open Mic. The next Soul of Music Faith Edition will be Friday October 9th @ 8pm. Featured artists will be MC Kelsey Heard, Phillip Jay, Tiffanie Campbell, Monnie Soul, Poet Levarine, Pastor Bryann Rogers and Open Mic. You don’t want to miss this event!

This is all possible as YASU has taken on a role with  the events team for The Ground Level Coffee House co-owned by her husband Imani Lateef and Jesse Lipman. Lipman and Lateef are poets who have been featured throughout the region, Lipman making an impact in Hawaii and Chicago. Lateef has been host to local ciphers for over 10 years. The Ground Level serves locally roasted coffee, produce and pastries. Open Mic is on Mondays and Thursdays. The event room is available for meetings, reuinosn, Cd releases, theatre and more. Call for information 419.671.6272 or Visit them online www.groundleveltoledo.com.

UT Impact was in the house!!! Whoop whoop! Old fiends from school and church; and from growing up were all there. Family, friends and co laborers in the ministry all came out to support an awesome night in the Lord!

We laughed and joked, went old school and were all the way live!! Many thanks to the <3 Musik band. Cam, Gav, Keem and Dev!!!! Yall were HOTTTTT!!! Check them out on MYSPACE!!!!
GP and True Religion, Win So Cal, Project P Hood, Beatmaster

A devoted husband,father and business partner (project360studios) Brotha Al hyped it up with 2 Holy Hip Hop Joints, The Race (my fave, and On the Move (pardon if I got the title wrong). His CD, plow the dirt is available at www.cdbaby.com/brothaal.

Eternal Fiyah spit “His Eye is on the Sparrow” an original poem that reflected on what we take for granted that even the birds appreciate and give God praise for. He also held it down with an original track (Jesus on my heart) That’s a hot track! There was some finger snapping and toe tapping. E.F. tells the truth in a common sense way that people can understand. He is deep but not so far away that people can’t be reached. I like that.

Apphia and Heart Musik, Lord, her writing is amazing! Not only was the music a perfect blend of acoustic soul, and an occasional jazz chord (lol)), she still took us to church with her lyrics and the delivery of a message so powerful! Released is THE song, every time I fall in love with one of her songs, she comes with something new that inspires me all over again. She has a soul winning ministry and it is a true testament to who God is to her. The crowd was on their feet singing “…anoint my head with oil”…hands uplifted…Thanks Apphia <3

Tymara!!!!! She is a powerhouse with a message and a sound that commands attention! It will certainly destroy yolks, her voice is an authority! You must listen to the way she executes each lyric, you know they come from her heart and soul. She sang “Infatuated” and it was great! Everyone felt it as she sang about the way she feels toward God. She is working on an album and it is sure to top Gospel charts the moment it is released! You can download her single, “My Prayer” at www.cdbaby.com/tymara

We also had open mic and that was filled with surprises! Brittony came forth with an original tune, “Plan for Me”. Now her voice is like that of a hummingbird, sweet and airy. She has this Debra Killings meets Lisa McClendon sound…

Armonn followed up with a song that went into a “Yes” mode, and we worshipped! I like this guy He had a raspy voice that made each note sound like it was an instrument-a tenor sax. You can tell from the way he sang, that he was sincere and yes, the whole coffee house joined in to sing with him!

Andrea took us to a place of worship with her rendition of “I Love you Jesus”. We all joined in to share the worship experience. She has a nice full voice with those velvety tones that we love to hear with India Arie and nem Thanks, Andrea for sharing your gift with us and you looked lovely, too.

Clarence came and danced to “Yesterday”. While Coko was playing in the background, the peeps cleared the floor for him to dance. When he took his shoes off, they said “It’sserious when the shoes come off” LOL We had a few LOL moments ya know? But he ministered in his own unique way, that young man can dance!!! Everyone watched attentively as he went forth, and of course sang along. (How can you not) He was excellent.

Our last open mic performer was Bruce Kelley. He sang an original song called “As we go”. He reminds me of the crooner Aaron Neville who has a southern feel to his vocals. He is an honest singer/songwriter who conveys a message of encouragement as we walk with the Lord. I’ve known he and his wife Rachel for years now. They are a couple who honors the Lord in their marriage and with their lives. Thank you for coming to support and lend your gifts as well.

Yours truly sang a few tunes (Yall don’t hear me, Never Say Never and Made It Thru-you can iLike my music on FB:)) I was the host and DJ ( ima need some equipment-lol) and I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting this event. It could not have happened without you. The only thing I forgot was my camera, but I saw video cams, tripods, cell phones and digitals, so if you have footage and pics, PLEASE post them and tag them or email them to me yasuembassy@gmail.com

So Toledo, you cannot say there isn’t a place for you to enjoy good coffee, good company and good music! Many thanks to Jesse Lipman and family and Imani Lateef who lent the space, and served the best in locally roasted coffee, fruit smoothies, and foods.

Visit www.groundleveltoledo.com for upcoming events, the coffee/smoothie/food menu and to print coupons.

This year I resolved to re-establish myself and complete my book this year. Since I have recorded my first album, there is still work to do as far as promoting my music.

For all who still endeavor to do something, there is nothing like making it happen, utilizing whatever resources you have. It’s not always money, but you may be able to help someone as they help you. I am a firm believer in helping others and have become more comfortable in asking for help when I know I need it. We may, at times, feel like a superhero, but just wearing the cape isn’t enough. There’s always someone to be accountable to or to hold you accountable for your actions or lack thereof.

To all of my producers, from OPM Music Werx, to Put It Down Productions to Project 360 Studios, I am ETERNALLY grateful for having your support and your encouragement as I went through the process for the first time. JCole was always patient and kind in the recording process, Bay and Lapala were always coaching and pruning the sound, and Barry was always encouraging me to be creative and to just go for it!!! You all have taught me a lot and I think on it frequently.  I look forward to getting back into the studio and doing something new this year. Patience yet, is a virtue, so as I have acknowledged there is still much to do with the first work, I am excited that there is an opportunity for a second work.

To Imani Lateef, husband and manager, thank you for continuing to believe in me. What made this whole endeavor possible was your committment to helping me believe that I actually could when others said I could but watched from afar, hoping that I wouldn’t.

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to share with listeners and fans everywhere! God Bless and Keep you this New Year and always!

Peace and Sound,

YASU