“I feel like I’ve been on this earth many times before
once I was a white gazelle on horseback riding free
searching in the darkness for a piece of me.
I can feel this for sure….I’ve been here before.”

– Déjà Vu (I’ve Been Here Before), Teena Marie; 1979

Known as the Ivory Queen of Soul, Teena Marie cranked out an abundance of hits in the early to late 80’s such as “Square Biz” “Ooh La La” (later to be sampled by The Fugees), and her most popular hit, “Lovergirl.”  A protégé of Rick James, Teena was one of few female artists to break through the glass ceiling and wear a number of musical hats, being as she wrote, produced, and composed all of her songs.

Even to this day, she is one of the few artists to create music so pure you are able to go back, re-read the lyrics, and still feel inspired and enthused.  I mean, you can actually peel off the beat, the ad libs, and all of the extra fat and still be able to feel the aura of the music.

Upon her untimely death a few weeks ago, I felt like a part of real music had died as well.  Lady Tee, you will be truly missed.  Whether if it is sampled through socially conscious rap songs or cheesy pop ditties…your music will live on.

What’s your favorite Teena Marie song?

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