Music Review: Life Experience EP
“My destiny only known by the Man above / First you live / Then you learn / Then you love.”
Amanda Diva - SOB's, 2008
Even though her favorite emcee, Nas said that hip-hop is dead, Amanda Diva Seales proves that it has in fact been resurrected. The postgraduate hailing a Masters degree from Columbia University stepped onto the hip-hop scene as an emcee in 2004 and is slowly climbing her way up the ranks into the major league. In December 2007, she released her first EP of the “Experience Trilogy” Life Experience.
She has no shame in expressing her various talents as an actress, painter, spoken word and hip-hop artist on mixtapes, but now it’s time for her to shine on her own. She released this album on iTunes through her independent organization DivaWorks, Inc. and brings hope to the seemingly extinct population of talented female rappers (did I mention that she can sing too?). Life Experience pours out inspiration, encouragement, soul and bits of Diva’s witty sense of humor.
This ten-track album combines hip-hop, neo-soul, old school R&B and Caribbean flavor into a beautiful blend of harmony. The lyrical content provides the chance to drift into one’s own experiences and daydreams while getting a glimpse into a day in the life of a brown girl from Harlem by way of Orlando and Grenada. Unlike a lot of hip-hop stars, she refuses to rhyme about the monotonous topics of materialism and graphic sexuality but instead voices her intelligence, integrity and confidence.
Amanda Diva sets her stance as a strong, independent woman early on in Life Experience with “Supa Woman” which not only celebrates her womanhood but encourages others to celebrate their own inner beauty and originality. Its themes and harmony of female vocals are slightly reminiscent of Queen Latifah’s “Ladies First.” She also teamed up with classic hip-hop artist Q-Tip in “40 MC’s” and slams rappers who are in the game for all the wrong reasons.
“Windows Over Harlem” exposes a true but not completely pleasant picture of Harlem discussing issues such as gentrification while also singing about its rich culture and powerful history that gives me pride as a Harlem-native. Diva marks her place as a talented artist in “Brown Girl” with a dynamic wordplay and energetic delivery. In “I Know (Better World),” she takes us back with an old school feel and an original rendition of “God Bless The Child.”
The album gives a quick taste of what’s to come from this rising artist but its short length leaves listeners wanting more. Life Experience picks up where Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation leaves off with its teaching spirit and heartfelt words. It allows us to experience life through her eyes and thoughtfully contemplate our own beliefs and surroundings. It’s perfect for those who are wondering where all the female rappers have gone or doubt whether women have a place in the hip-hop world because Amanda Diva answers both questions. It’s a breath of fresh air for hip-hop heads and soul music lovers.