A refined musical palette assumes the need for a balance between mindless entertainment and artists whose output runs counter to mainstream influences. As fly by night profiteers frequently enter and leave our consciousness, it is the vanguard who employ a brave and nearly haphazard unwillingness to compromise their creative visions that are remembered through time’s annals. Production impresarios Madlib and Georgia Anne Muldrow (most recognized for appearances on Mos Def’s The Ecstatic and both parts of Erykah Badu’s New Amerykah series) are two such evolved figures beloved for disciplined approaches placing the root of their craft at a much greater premium than a quick payday. Together they have combined energies resultant in Seeds, the latest addition to their already extensive legacies.
Given her habitual predilection for going against the grain throwing left of center experimental curveballs, Georgia Anne Muldrow’s presence has been a consistent misfit within popular urban culture. Seeds finds her carrying forth a divine self-appointed mission and a progressive aesthetic descendent from a time and dimension altogether foreign to the age we live in. Bolstered by the show stealing versatility of Madlib’s sampling forte, the project is a heartfelt manifesto for improving humanity reminiscent of antiquated ideologies from the ’70s, evinced by the title track’s dedication to the youth. Where Georgia’s driving passion to the heal the world is reliant on her personal ethnic foundation as she chants African harmonies on “Calabash” and “The Birth Of Petey Wheatstraw” stems from a blaxploitation reference, she also sets sights a broader scope with the subversive message of saving water wells on “Best Love.” A slight drawback comes as the comprehension of her lyrics often requires greater effort than today’s most commonly absorbed songs, but her vocals are comprised of an honest and raw essence that speaks to her uniquely honed talent.
Georgia Anne Muldrow carries a lofty plan to enrich humankind through her music, as Seeds teaches the spiritual lessons she’s learned in the ways of love and experiencing life’s offerings that arise from understanding. While her voice may be a point of contention for newcomers and the album’s content risks going over heads in its catering to the progressive sect, openminded listeners will find fortune, self-esteem, and inspiration from her constantly growing womanhood.
