Covered in shadows, the history of the girl group, Anjel, was always something left up in the air. LNN will shed some light on the clouded past of Anjel with the help Nativida Quinones (Nati, former member) who is setting the record straight for us once and for all, unlocking the mystery that was Anjel. Check out the audio of our interview at the bottom of this article.

In the year 2000, Linda Casey, mother of Jagged Edge twins, Brian and Brandon, had a talent search in the state of Connecticut to find members to join LeToya Luckett (soprano) and LaTavia Roberson (alto), formerly of Destiny’s Child. From the contest arrived Natasha Ramos who joined the group but due to altercations and wanting to continue school, she left the group but not before introducing to the team Nati, an old friend and former group mate of “Skim“. After a long talk with her friend and a nerve racking audition, Nati joined the group as Natasha left. She became the rapper (occasionally singing soprano).

From left to right: Nati, LeToya, Tiffany and LaTavia

On LeToya & LaTavia: “They’ve been through A LOT…just to see their strength, diligence and hunger [working with them] was a true blessing”

In 2001 a new addition was made to the group, college student Tiffany Beaudoin (mezzo-soprano), who was introduced by a mutual friend, auditioned and Anjel was completed. With the aid of Jagged Edge, Anjel recorded demos, in which 20 of them leaked (download them HERE), in Atlanta. They appeared at the 2001 Grammy’s where Destiny’s Child won a award for “Say My Name” but, although they collected their trophies, LeToya and LaTavia did not arrive on stage to receive and publicly gain credit for the song.

Soon Jermaine Dupri made the decision to take So So Def under Arista Records which caused trouble for Jagged Edge ‘s production company 581 Entertainment. Already with their own girl group, Isyss, Arista had no need for another and Anjel was not chosen to become part of the label. With the foundation crumbling and no label support the plan to release an album was cancelled and the girls of Anjel disbanded the group each going their separate ways.

“They must’ve had something they were looking for at the time and we probably didn’t!”

Nati, life after Anjel

A Puerto Rican fire house born in Bronx, NY, Nati, born Nativida Quinones is a singer-songwriter formely of girl group Anjel. Raised in Connecticut she came from a very musical family. Daughter of a singer-guitar player Nati had music flowing through her veins “I grew up in one of those house holds where we had a house party and at some point your uncles just jumped out with the guitars…”

Nati was introduced to Anjel by her friend Natasha Ramos who she was in Skim with for a year and a half. Natasha Ramos’s manager invited Nati to be his solo artist at first but after Natasha left Anjel, Nati was called on to audition for it. Reluctant at first she went through with the heart racing audition. “It was a nerve racking experience but at the same time I came ready to fight.” Her light shined through and she became the new member of Anjel.

She then went to the the Grammy’s for the first time after just starting in the industry professionally. She also had to bear witness to the controversial moment of Beyonce Knowles, Kelendria Rowland and Tenitra “Michelle” Williams going up on stage and receiving their Grammy while her friends and groupmates sat in the crowd and watch their award be given away. “I know if i was about to receive a Grammy or something and didn’t get the chance to do so…It would be really really hard for me to sit down and watch some one else go up there or see something I worked really hard to get.”

“I want to be able to fill that gap for other artists that are coming in and don’t know what they’re walking into”

Now with Anjel all said and done, Nati, who has now relocated to Texas,  writing and recording her songs with the Nati Q project and working on secret projects she did not devulge. Driven to hit the spotlight, Nati is determined to venture into our hearts from all venues, focused on the dream to be seen everywhere and anywhere.  Working as CEO of her publishing company Ready Writer she is well on her way to becoming a powerful female entrepeneur.

Reminiscent of J-Lo but with better vocals, Nati is a woman full of passion and drive. She is an idealist who wants to inspire the new generation and become a role model, showing them the way and sharing her knowledge and wisdom. “I want to touch lives” “I see myself filling that gap in the music industry and entertainment”. We wish to hear from her soon and hope that she hits it big. Maybe she should hook up with a producer like Timbaland or The-Dream to take her under their wing and let her bloom like the elegent flower that she is.

You can check  her out on myspace and follow her on her new twitter account.

Here is the interview. Hope you enjoy it. It is very informative. (It’s in 3 parts of about 10 minutes each. Click the right arrow to skip track)

LISTEN

Two of her songs here. We love them! If you do too, you can download them below.

1. Ultimatum (DEMO. exclusive LNN version with extra rap) (she recorded it years ago. She’s having new stuff coming up soon. Stay tuned with us for that we’ll keep you posted.)

2. Money Comes and Goes (Mase feat. Nati Q. from the “Welcome Back” album released in 2004)

DOWNLOAD

1. Ultimatum FREE VIA SENDSPACE HERE

2. Money Comes and Goes (Support and BUY from Amazon here)

3. Anjel’s demo album HERE (+ Anjel Photo Gallery)

Stay tuned with LNN for more exclusive reports.

Last week we had Cory Bold. This week we keep it with the super-producer interviews with Bei Maejor. At age 22, this producer has worked with the best in the music industry. Ginuwine, Trey Songz, Chrisette Michelle and (of course) LeToya are just a few artists Bei Maejor has worked with. In tune with his music, Maejor is a young rising star in the producing world imprinting his mark in the industry. An entity shrouded in mystery, Bei Maejor divulge a few things about himself  in our interview where you’ll find out his inspirations, future plans and other things you may not have known. Apparently the song, “Not Anymore” was not originally meant for LeToya but for another artist. Who is this artist? Well listen and you may find out. (interview in 2 parts)

Make sure you follow him on twitter and add him to your myspace.  Stay tuned for next week, we have another special guest for you ONLY on LNN.

Who do you think he originally made the song “Not Anymore” for? (Picture each one of these girls singing “Well I’ve been the super girlfriend…” and guess who would sound best)

1 – Beyonce

2 – Whitney Houston

3 – Britney Spears

4 – Rihanna

5 - Christina Aguilera

6 – None of the above (Specify)

Reply in the comments. Make sure you enter your email correctly…

Last week we had Cory Bold. This week we keep it with the super-producer interviews with Bei Maejor. At age 22, this producer has worked with the best in the music industry. Ginuwine, Trey Songz, Chrisette Michelle and (of course) LeToya are just a few artists Bei Maejor has worked with. In tune with his music, Maejor is a young rising star in the producing world imprinting his mark in the industry. An entity shrouded in mystery, Bei Maejor divulge a few things about himself  in our interview where you’ll find out his inspirations, future plans and other things you may not have known. Apparently the song, “Not Anymore” was not originally meant for LeToya but for another artist. Who is this artist? Well listen and you may find out. (interview in 2 parts)

Make sure you follow him on twitter and add him to your myspace.  Stay tuned for next week, we have another special guest for you ONLY on LNN.

Who do you think he originally made the song “Not Anymore” for? (Picture each one of these girls singing “Well I’ve been the super girlfriend…” and guess who would sound best)

1 – Beyonce

2 – Whitney Houston

3 – Britney Spears

4 – Rihanna

5 - Christina Aguilera

6 – None of the above (Specify)

Reply in the comments. Make sure you enter your email correctly…

This week we have a special treat for you. At only 20 years old this man has done more than others twice his age. From producing to writing, and singing Cory Bold is a man of many talents. An up-rising entrepreneur all his own, he has worked with A list artists including LeToya Luckett, Keri Hilson and Chris Brown. You may know him from the single by LeToya Luckett, “She Aint Got Shit On Me”, which he produced and co-wrote. Not stopping with just music, Cory has a project developed, Cory TV, which is a program explaining how he stays fit and healthy and sharing his ideals on fitness with the rest of the world.

Born October 24, 1988, Cory Bold has music running through his veins. His grandfather is Huey “Piano” Smith, who is an American R&B pianist whose sound was influential in Rock and Roll. Described as hard working, passionate and a drive like no other, Cory is constantly working on new endeavors and projects, flying from coast to coast spreading his influence through today’s society. We now have an exclusive interview with Mr. Bold hosted by our very own AL.E.G.

Cory is revealing to us the process of working with LeToya. and more.

Listen to the exclusive interview here at LNN. (It is in two parts, click the right arrow to go to the next track)

Make sure you follow him on twitter and add him to your myspace. You can also suscribe to his Youtube Channel Cory Bold TV. Stay tuned for next week, we have another special guest for you ONLY on LNN.

This week we have a special treat for you. At only 20 years old this man has done more than others twice his age. From producing to writing, and singing Cory Bold is a man of many talents. An up-rising entrepreneur all his own, he has worked with A list artists including LeToya Luckett, Keri Hilson and Chris Brown. You may know him from the single by LeToya Luckett, “She Aint Got Shit On Me”, which he produced and co-wrote. Not stopping with just music, Cory has a project developed, Cory TV, which is a program explaining how he stays fit and healthy and sharing his ideals on fitness with the rest of the world.

Born October 24, 1988, Cory Bold has music running through his veins. His grandfather is Huey “Piano” Smith, who is an American R&B pianist whose sound was influential in Rock and Roll. Described as hard working, passionate and a drive like no other, Cory is constantly working on new endeavors and projects, flying from coast to coast spreading his influence through today’s society. We now have an exclusive interview with Mr. Bold hosted by our very own AL.E.G.

Cory is revealing to us the process of working with LeToya. and more.

Listen to the exclusive interview here at LNN. (It is in two parts, click the right arrow to go to the next track)

Make sure you follow him on twitter and add him to your myspace. You can also suscribe to his Youtube Channel Cory Bold TV. Stay tuned for next week, we have another special guest for you ONLY on LNN.

Nice remix

Nice remix

OK now that album listening parties are popping all around the country I guess we can talk a little bit more about what’s in this long awaited “Lady Love” album. I called this “pre-review” because this ain’t really a review but by reading this it will give you a sneak peak of the album and we hope you appreciate it.

The tracklisting hasn’t been set yet so after listening to the album here is what I think in what order should the songs appear. You know how the song order of an album is very important. It can totally make you change the perception of the album. It can make an album sounds better…or worse if not well done. So the way of deciding that whole thing is not an easy task. Tracks need to blend with one another and the whole thing needs to make sense alltogether.

So here is my storyline of “Lady Love”. You can see this as if it was a musical.

The movie starts with a flashback. LeToya is introducing herself to a man she’s chasing….: Lady Love (Uptempo)
1. Lady Love: “Open your eyes you see I’m all you need baby”. Perfect song to open the album.

The flashback ends and we are at the time where they are a couple and fighting. The relationship is soon to be ending. She’s following him and find him at the club. She acts like it’s all good and start dancing in from of him and teases him. ….: After Party (laidback Uptempo)
2. After Party: While dancing she announces him that it’s over between the two of them. “baby watch me move, I won’t be lonely tonight”.

He’s wondering why she’s breaking up with him. She tells her about what she knows about “this chick who she thinks she’s all that” ….: She Ain’t Got Shit On Me. (uptempo)
3. She Ain’t Got Shit On Me: “Does she kiss like Me? NO!” “Does she cook like me?!! NO!” she says. LeToya shows him that she’s the shit and what he’s going to miss.

The boyfriend is begging LeToya to stay with him. He don’t want her to leave. But she doesn’t want to hear anything cause she’s just tired of love in general anyway….Lazy (mid-tempo/uptempo).[Note: New Background vocals in the hook need to be turned down. They are too loud and make the chorus too saturated].
4. Lazy: She just tells him to give up because she “don’t wanna hurt again” “I just can’t do this no more I hope u understand, I’m sorry”

Then she makes the DJ stop the music. Everyone’s quiet in the club staring at her wondering what’s going on. She puts her now ex boyfriend on the spot and she says “Everybody who are being abused in any type of way which could be racism, sexism, homophobia, relationshipwize, and any type of discriminations to stand up and have a fist up in the air and repeat “I don’t want it anymore!”… Not Anymore (ballad/mid-tempo)
5. Not Anymore: The whole crowd sings along with her that they “don’t want it anymore” and that “this is dedicated to”. Anthem. As LeToya says I don’t want it anymore Everybody repeat it.

A few days later we see LeToya is sad. She’s already missing her ex-boyfriend… Don’t need You (mid-tempo) [ Note for the breakdown: reverb and echo need to be reverted like they were on the leaked version. Latest version lost of its fullness]
6. Don’t Need You: “Nobody’s calling me”. She tries to convince herself “I Don’t Need You, Imma keep it moving”

Of course by thinking about him she channeled him. That same day he shows up at Lady Elle Boutique with red roses… Regret (mid-tempo) [note: Keep both bridge AND Ludacris not just one or the other)
7. Regret: She isn’t taking any apology from her ex and instead of that she pulls out her ghetto side (aka Gloria) and jump on the counter. She starts with her infamous accapella. “Until you started fucking with me” “I had your neck and wrist Oh so bright” ‘U lost the best you had” and finish him on the bridge:“There’s another one taking your spot”

The scene cuts. Awkwardly after all that drama we see them both together laying in the couch cuddling and talking (well love is full of ups and down, break up and make ups. So this shoudn’t be too surprising to professional lovers)…. Over (ballad)
8. Over: She’s warning him that if he cheats on her again “IT will be ooover”

She then brings “Tifany” into the conversation … Matter (ballad)
9. Matter: “She don’t love you as much as I do” “So there’s one thing we both know is there’s one thing I want in my life” “She don’t really love you”

He’s like “yes baby you’re right” and puts his hands on her lap….: Tears (sexy ballad)
10. Tears: “what are you doing?” “what is this feeling” “baby I want more and more and more”.

They are having some heated sex…: I need A U (sexy ballad)
11. I need A U: “kissin my lips, you hands in my hair” “I came for us to play” “ooh baby right there” “I’m so ready for you”

We see her alone in her bed waking up and she realizes that actually her ex-boyfriend was never there in the first place. It was just a dream.
She understands that she doesn’t wanna be alone ….Good To Me. (mid-tempo)
12. Good to Me: I didn’t put this song last because it is the weakest but because it is the perfect song to close the album as it ends it on a positive note after all that drama. It is actually to me the best song of the album and might as well be considered as a 3rd single before “Regret”. It shows that LeToya is now a single Lady ready for a new Love. “This is dedicated to all the good men” “Imma need a man” “I know how to give a man all this good love”. Excellent bridge part: “U need a good man. Throw your hands up! You see a good man throw your hands up”, “All my ladies in the house tonight say yeaaaah”

The circle is now complete. We can replay the album all over again… and again… and again…

Stay tuned with LNN. We’re going to give you detailed reviews for each song, one song at the time everyday. We’ll also post the lyrics.

We’re hoping it won’t be released the same date as Mariah Carey. Hopefully one or the other will change her release date. I personally am a fan of both and I want both bitches to have a #1 album.