Her Name Is Algebra
Class is officially in session as Ms. Blessett teaches the underground soul world a thing or two with her honest lyrics and supple vocal ability.
Many recording artists’ careers begin a journey of self-discovery, an evolution of sorts with their music reflecting as much. While there is nothing wrong with that, it is rare and refreshing to happen upon a golden nugget of a musician with a sound and message as mature as that of Algebra Blessett. Class is officially in session as Ms. Blessett teaches the underground soul world a thing or two with her honest lyrics and supple vocal ability. Her free-spirited approach tops it all off which she clearly demonstrates on her bold introductory single, “Nothing To Prove,” a track that is a shining example of her soul-baring artistry – flaws and all. Algebra Blessett makes no apologies for who she is. She embraces all her qualities wholeheartedly and by doing so encourages her listeners to do the same. Music lovers from all walks of life can relate to Blessett’s tunes because of her sweet candor that cuts the bitterness of popular music’s conformity. She’s simply real and our interests to learn more are piqued.
Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia the epicenter of all things musical, Ms. Blessett has become legendary in her own right, performing at ATL nightspots such as Apache formerly known as Yin Yang. She developed her own sound and style by writing and performing her own music at these clubs because she had trouble memorizing other people’s music. Blessett has sung backup for the likes of neo-soul and R&B artists Bilal and Monica which she says helped with ear training. She has also written for many artists including India.Arie. With all of this experience and talent in the background it was inevitable that Blessett step into the spotlight. Though, when asked about her talent, Blessett’s humble nature shines bright. “I’ve come a long way and I have so far to go. I’m happy to be here.”
Drawing from her distinctive Arabic name meaning, “To bring things together,” Algebra has indeed gathered the best parts of various genres to create what she calls merely, “good music” on her 2008 album Purpose. As she expressed to journalist, Abiola Abrams when asked for a description, “I’m trying to bridge the gap between so many different genres of music but starting in one place… [It’s] music that’s very honest…Something other than what you hear all the time.”
Blessett shares that the album’s title came after many of the tracks were completed. She dreamed of a t-shirt with the word “Purpose” printed across its front. This inspired her to have t-shirts made in the same fashion. Soon, her fans were gushing about how much her music meant to them. Blessett admits that when she realized she was touching other people, then she realized that this must be her purpose for her music. As the newest protégé of Kedar Massenburg, who has also steered the careers of artists like Erykah Badu, India.Arie, and D’Angelo, Algebra Blessett has truly shown forth her gifts on this album with tracks for every mood and life story.
Her first single from the album, “Run & Hide” on which the talent of hip-hop legend Kwame is felt, speaks about self-love and “looking for something in all the wrong places only to find that you’ve had it all the time.” The sultry and laid-back feel of the single draws listeners in while the candid lyrics hold their attention. She soulfully explains to her love interest why she appreciates them so much on “U Do It For Me” and tries to understand what has gone wrong in what was believed to be a happy relationship on “What Happened?”
Purpose boasts Blessett’s versatility and honest reflection of a commonly complicated yet beautifully simple life. It also showcases credited production and writing by some of the industry’s most well-known heavyhitters including: Kwame, Brian Michael Cox and Jonte Austin.
When asked what instruments Ms. Blessett uses to write her music, “My voice, an ink pen, and a piece of paper,” is her simple response. And she admits her guitar is nothing more than a writing tool. “I play a little bit…a couple of chords here and there… I’m no Santana,” Blessett states modestly with a laugh.
Though she did not get the chance to collaborate with many artists on her current album, Blessett plans to do so in the future. “I’m learning to enjoy the ride instead of what I want to do. [Saying] ‘This is where I want to be in five years.’ I’m learning to enjoy the process. But if I never do another album again, I think I did pretty good.”
Here is Algebra Blessett’s video for her single “Run & Hide.“
Don’t forget to check out Algebra’s Myspace page!
