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.

I hope all is well with you and yours this Holiday Season. Life is well for me as our family prepares for  a new arrival in just a few more months. 2008 has been a blissful year and a challenging year.

My album is still doing well although I have not promoted it often. Family is the most important thing to me, so they always come first, but my love for music is always in my heart. Being an independent artist gives me the freedom to do what I want, when I want to and it allows me to take care of what I need to take care of when necessary. So I am grateful for that.

One thing  I have learned about myself is that I am very creative and I do have a lot of ideas. Implementing them, however, takes more time for me. I think many artists, whether audio or visual may face similar challenges. There’s so much, it may be hard at times to stay on any one idea to see it through. My hope is, since 2008 was the first time I actually produced a complete product with the album, that next year, I will be able to follow through with more projects I have set in motion.

As you know, also, The Yasu Embassy is not just about music, but there is a mission. My purpose is to always shed light upon life’s situations and to write about them. The good and the bad, the happy and the sad are all included in my lyrics and the book I have been working on. All this time has not been idle, I have been developing the story for the book I plan to publish some time in 2009. Along with that, I am always exploring ideas about what I can do to promote the arts and unity in this community. There have been set backs with the theft of my laptop, but I still have the ideas jotted in notebooks, but all that I have written so far has been lost and there was no back up for me. SO I do have to start over  with a lot, but I at least still have the ideas and concept for new songs,  music, and books.

It is the hope that this Holiday Season will bring you all Love, Peace and Happiness!

Peace and Sound,

YASU

About 100 guests gathered Uptown at The Truth Art Gallery and Event Center to experience The Imitation of Life for the first time. Plenty of smiles, well wishers and music lovers greeted one another in celebration of a great accomplishment in the Toledo Community.DJ M.P.R.E.S.S, also representing Soulbeat, played the best in Neo Soul while Yusuf Lateef and UGE’s Adonis took photos. Imani “The Hype” Lateef hosted the event in his own unique way, giving accolades, moving the crowd and keeping them at the edge of their seats.Everyone waited patiently for the short live set as Yasu, singers Maurice Williams, Leonard Wilson and Chele Parker and musicians, J’Cole, Gavin Harvey, Akeem Coker and Jazmund Lyons handled the instruments.It was a great night for networking, supporting, showing love and experiencing Yasu’s debut album both on the turntable and in person.
In attendance were The Imitation of Life Producers, Mark Smaw, Jr., Chalie Numbas, Symonphoenix, J’Cole, Gavino, and Barry G. Yasu gave thanks for the gifts she received by meeting and working with these great producers, engineers, artists and writers. She looks forward to the next project already in progress.Video Production by Project360 Studios.

YASU RADIO X Doww Jones, T.Roe (WXUT)!

Where the journey began.

Earlier this year, YASU was introduced to Barry G, of Put It Down Productions and one half of Sol Control (Brother J is the second half). A rapper for certain, “BG” holds it down as an emcee that demands attention. Ah, but the secret weapon, is the fact that he is a producer and a force to be reckoned with!

It was all a part of Imani’s Master Plan…he brought YASU, new to the urban community, to Still Grimey Studios. YASU and Barry shook hands, and it was to the booth instantly! She laid vocals to some beats that she had written to, and upon the conclusion of session #1, he pressed play on his PC to share some things he had created, and it was on from there.

The thing of it is is that the music Barry produces are well composed, top-of-the-line, industry beats. What he sometimes meant for a rapper, YASU snatched up and wrote to; melodies that turned out to be a perfect match. So Yasu to lyrics is what Barry is to music, Phenomenal!

This is just one more of the hidden treasures in The T.O.L. Stay tuned as we reveal all of the jewels we have discovered on this treasure hunt.

His name is Wyze-Pro! and OH-MAN, he is Ohio’s secret weapon. He’s got that soul in his beats that drives YASU to delve into her soul and pluck out melodies that penetrate the mind and bob the head. A collaboration like Ohio has never seen! The isthmus between music and lyrics, Imani Lateef is the mastermind behind this duo, as with all the producers YASU works with.

Distance doesn’t halt the creative process, either. The excitement surrounding the release of The Imitation of Life, has everyone producing beyond the space the disc will allow. And that is ok, cuz if there is a debut, there’s got to be a sophomore, and you know it’s in the works.

So keep your ears tuned for the hottest segways and nu-soul tunes you’ll be humming in the very near future!

Takin’ a break to pose in the great town of Toledo, YASU is smilin’ big because she is pleased with the progress on her upcoming project, The Imitation of Life. Not relaxing too much, however, she has been on the move since earlier this year when her quest began, as far as recording is concerned…

At OPM Music Werx she has been working with the Best in the Midwest DJ Chalie Numbas and Symonphoenix. (After all, they did work with pop sensation, Amanda Mills)They are the Pillars of her Production and Engineering team. It has been like Mission Possible as they have collaborated to create some of the most diverse, and powerful hits Toledo has ever seen!

“You write like a rapper!” stated Numbas at a recent session. Yes, it’s true. YASU produces lyrics like a factory outlet. She sets the ink to the conveyor and rolls out song after song. Although she feels most comfortable singing live, she has grown more accustomed to the studio each session. She has familiarized herself with the booth and works hard at laying trax like brick and mortar. Layer after layer she stax her trax and moves right along. She doesn’t spend all the day and night workin’ at it either. She goes in to do what she came to do and she exits, just like that. No Tom Foolery!

Whomever it is she is workin’ with, YASU is recording a new sound and she is excited to share it with the T.O.L and beyond. Are you ready?

Its delivery has been labor-intense
and shall prove to be worth the weight I have
carried for many moons. I am excited
to be presented as Singer/Songwriter and Storyteller-
of haunting, daunting and enlightening tales.
I will journey the roads less traveled with my voice.
I will chant, whisper, shriel, wail, lament and belt
my interpretations of
The Imitation of Life.

-YASU

Track Listing

1. Creation
2. Heartbeat
3. Y’all Don’t Hear Me
4. Happyness (Dj Aotobon Mix)

All Tracks are Written and Arranged by YASU for The Yasu Music Suite. “Creation” produced by Yasu. “Heartbeat” produced by OPM Music Werx; “Happyness” produced by DJ Aotobon.

Visit the Music Page for more information.