It will forever be a head-scratcher why Melanie Fiona’s introductory soul-pop gem “Give It To Me Right” never quite became the chart-topping uber-smash it seemed destined to be, but even with that single’s surprisingly modest success, we still get the feeling that as more and more ears become acquainted with the Canadian-born singer’s amazing pipes, she’ll be ranking high amongst today’s R&B greats soon enough.
Aiding in establishing further proof why Mel is all that and a tube of Pringles is her newly released pre-debut album teaser mixtape WQST Radio Presents Melanie Fiona Meets The Illadelphonics (A Live Remix Jam Session of The Bridge), an unsurprisingly solid collaboration between her and much-respected tastemaker ?uestlove that slaps her previously-heard original material and a couple killer covers against some skillfully-constructed organic arrangements.
Hands down, our favorite moment is Fiona’s taking on of the Sam Cooke classic “Cupid”. Yeah the song has been covered so many times over the decades that the idea of yet another artist re-doing it feels instantly tiresome, but once you hear the sound of Fiona’s crystal-clear chops yearning after the title character’s help against nothing but a single guitar backing, it’s like being stung by the record’s doe-eyed poetics and simplistic melodic charms for the very first time.
Download the entire set here (if only to hear her reggae-tastic tackling of Kanye West’s “Heartless”); Fiona’s official debut, The Bridge, arrives later this Summer.
On this remix to Melanie Fiona’s “should’ve been a smash by now” sultry debut single “Give It To Me Right”, Busta Rhymes and Raekwon (is anybody else as overly excited for the Only Built 4 Cuban Linx sequel as us?) are brought on to give the tune a bit of a public interest bump.
Donning their sexiest “inside voices”, both men enthusiastically respond to Fiona’s naughty, below-the-belt cravings. “If you let me give it to you/ I’m-a give it to you good”, Bussa-Bus promises, trying his best to soak her undergarments by conjuring up fantasies of sex sessions on the hoods of cars and tops of dressers. Meanwhile, the Chef opts to shower her with bags and pumps, before announcing a desire to lick the boogers off her face. Ugghhh.
TMI-littered rhymes aside, hopefully their contribution will help “Give It To Me Right” become the super-smash it deserves to be.
Slinking her way through the sludgy, psychedelic soul groove and suggestive sighs of an instantly familiar Zombies’ “Time Of The Season” sample, R&B/ pop newbie (and Kanye West tourmate) Melanie Fiona makes a strong first impression on premiere single, “Give It To Me Right”.
Fiona, owner of some confident chops, is in heat, and she’s quick to point out that if her man isn’t going to fully satisfy her downstairs cravings right this moment, she’ll just as soon snatch up the next available offer (“Either you make the time or just forget me,” she ultimatums). Her Pussycat Doll-like seduction is definitely intimidating, but that doesn’t at all excuse the fact that her target is surely a fool for leaving someone who sounds this sexy in such a heightened state of need in the first place.
Many will cry “BLASPHEMY!!!” at the old school-thieving musicality, but fuggedabout them; this steamy debut hints that a new pop superstar could be in our midst.
Fiona’s debut, The Bridge, is set for a Spring 2009 release.
As nice as it is to get free music, think of how much better your soul would feel if you purchased it the old-fashioned way.
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(MP3 posts are for promotional and/ or previewing purposes only; if any artist or their representation wish to have the links removed, contact me and I will happily comply!)
It will forever be a head-scratcher why Melanie Fiona’s introductory soul-pop gem “Give It To Me Right” never quite became the chart-topping uber-smash it seemed destined to be, but even with that single’s surprisingly modest success, we still get the feeling that as more and more ears become acquainted with the Canadian-born singer’s amazing pipes, she’ll be ranking high amongst today’s R&B greats soon enough.
On this remix to 
Slinking her way through the sludgy, psychedelic soul groove and suggestive sighs of an instantly familiar
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