Soul is defined as the emotional part of human nature; the seat of feelings or sentiment. When referring to music, it is defined as the deep felt emotion as conveyed by the performer or artist. With that being said and understood; it's safe to say that not everyone these days have soul.
Is there a way to get some soul in your system? Can you study at some school and acquire the intricate workings of it? The answer to that question depends on who you are and where you were born. Take Mack Smoke and Jae Floe, the duo known as Soul City, for instance. Both of them were born during the 70s, the decade of soul, if you will, in a place where soul is synonymous with its name, Memphis TN. Add the fact that both are products of the historic Orange Mound community where the lessons of game, pimping, and hustling were just as much a part of the curriculum as algebra at their alma mater, Melrose High School---and indeed, soul is mixed perfectly in their DNA.
From the very beginning, Mack Smoke and Jae Floe have been friends. Through it all they have developed, honed and largely become the NEUsoul of Memphis. Rep'n the Orange Mound area of Memphis, this talent packed singer/songwriter/entertainment duo have grinded for NEUears. Smoke and Floe, born Tyrone Taylor and James Flood jelled and began singing together
at Melrose High School." It was on". Recognized for their stage presents and pure gift, the duo experienced many tests. From group name changes to plain ole bum deals and false promises, their following continued to build. Having built a loyal fan base on the home front, they traveled to make a name for themselves. Smoke and Floe are focused on destiny. They will be a driving force in the realm of
Adult/Urban/Contemporary/R&B music.
This may explain why you hear the faint riffs of Otis Redding in Jae Floe's dusty falsetto or the game of Al Green when Mack Smoke explains one of the reasons why he loves his woman, 'You're that righteous, sophisticated woman when you need to be and the ghetto's own queen when you gotta be.' But let's get something straight. Soul City is not some old school throwback cats; their music is definitely relevant----but because they are born of soul, it's also real, which unfortunately, is a rarity these days. Record labels continue to manufacture artists with very little depth; nothing about them really impresses you. Soul City, on the other hand, will not only impress you, they will linger---because what comes from the heart reaches the heart. Plain and simple.
So there it is. You have been schooled on soul. You should have a better understanding of it and, by now, you should be able to know it when you feel it. More importantly, you have been formally introduced to the two brothers holding the keys to Soul City, where the doors are open. Now, put your hands in the air!
