In the aftermath of all that was last night's free Lauryn Hill concert at Wingate Field in Brooklyn, this post in the Who's Got Your Back summer series, is the music edition featuring two ladies who more than rock the mic - M.I.A. and Amel Larrieux (to your left and above respectively). Refusing to give into the booty-shaking norm of women in the music industry, these talented ladies are truly the agents of their own musical destiny. Using their music to speak on female genital mutilation, child refugees, war, poverty, and of course love. But like many gifted female artists, they don't get the level of shine they deserve (especially Amel. Meanwhile Rihanna's income is equivalent to Barbados' GDP).
Now a little bit about the artists...
Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, was born in London, but spent much of her childhood in Sri Lanka, her family's native land, where her father was a member of rebel Tamil group. During her youth, she bounced from Sri Lanka, then Madras, India, where her family went into hiding due to her father's revolutionary actions. From there her mother and siblings went back to Sri Lanka, finally settling in London as refugees in the '80s. Her personal history, love of hip-hop ignited in the music she heard pumping from the boom boxes of fellow residents of the counsel houses (aka, British projects) heavily influences her music, which is best described as an insanely danceable mix hip hop, baile funk, electro-clash, reggae, and bangra. In other words, its fire. Her first album Arular, released in March 2005 was widely acclaimed by critics and fans alike. And finally two years later, we are being treated with another taste, her sophomore effort - Kala (her hot album of remixes with DJ Diplo, notwithstanding). Check out her website for more - http://www.miauk.com/
Native New Yorker, Amel Larrieux, is been keeping the spirit of soulful R&B alive. Born into an artistic family and raised in the Village, her parents encouraged the young Amel's creative side. She even went to her high school prom with ?uestlove from the Roots. After singing in the popular duo, Groove Theory (remember the hit, "Tell Me"?), she parted ways and went on to pursue a solo career. Her sound has hints and influences from gospel and soul roots, as well as Middle Eastern and African beats.Although she was dropped by her major label after the release of her first album "Infinite Possiblities", she went on to create an indie label Blisslife. Since then, she's produced "Bravebird", "Morning" and a jazz record, "Lovely Standards". Get more Amel at her site -
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