Readers do you remember Derrick Ashong who became blog famous for his interview outside an Obama campaign stop earlier this year? Refer back to my February 28th post on the young guy who gave answers to an impromptu street interview. Guess what? Homeboy is a singer and he’s pretty good too. Actually he’s the leader of the trio Soulfege.

Soulfège (’sOl-fezh) is an Afropolitan Fusion band. The best way I can think to describe their sound is a combination of American styles and Afropop sounds. You can definitely here some African and Carribean contemporary influences throughout their tracks.

Well the band is releasing their newest beats today. According to band member, fam, “On July 15th our band is releasing the digital version of our new record “Take Back the Mic,” which is our statement on the power of music with meaning.” fam afforded me the opportunity of a sneak peak of the new release with a MP3 download link. I like the sound.

Here’s more on Derrick’s background.

Check out the increasing amount of press and critical acclaim the crew is garnering. Let’s pump these guys up and pass their name and links around the blogosphere. Send an email to fam and ask for a link. Check out their Clear Channel Network,Facebook, MySpace, ReverbNation and Eventful links as well.

I had the privilege of previewing the tracks and I’ll give you a personal review of the eleven selections.

1. Damoshi - It contrasts the popular imagery of entertainers with no content versus those with a conscious message in their music or a positive vibe in their life. It’s a Diasporic view, “…the time is now.”

2. Do Right - Has a driving rock beat that will remind you of Lenny Kravitz style-wise. “…we’re not the ones to be trifled with…you know we’re gonna get ‘em, so you better do right, do right.”

3. Jonny’s Song - It’s a melancholy sounding song. The message is about how influences can affect the future of a child. Kinda reminds me of the TLC’s Waterfalls from years ago. Johnny is getting closer to going over the edge the older he gets with the bad habits he picks up every few years.

4. To Be Free - Good reggae beat. The trio even sings it with the syncopated Caribbean style. “What would you give to be free?…” The song addresses finding your way in the world.

5. Just Me - Has a 60’s R & B guitar running through out. Kelley will remind you of India Arie when you hear her in this selection. It’s about finding your own identity, “let me be me”.

6. Funkadocious - DNA leads with a rap on this one. As the refrain will tell you they “bring the funkadocious”, the group’s international flair. A respectful reference to Chuck Browne of Jamaica Funk fame is even thrown in there. Kelley joins in to take the second rap verse. Nice song.

7. Once - A forlorn love song of a relationship hoped for but perhaps lost for good. A nice mix of singing and rap riffing with a brass section carrying the song nicely.

8. Beans ‘n Rice - A nice up tempo jam using red beans and rice to flavor the theme. It gives the song a perfect background cultural reference. There are conga sounding drums or some sort of traditional percussion running through this piece. It encourages you to get into the Afropolitan sound.

9. Sweet Mother - This one is simply about PanAfrican pride. The mother of the world, Afrika. If you’re familiar with South Africa’s national anthem, Kosi Sikeleli Africa, then you’ll appreciate this song on that level.

10. From the Soul - Another heritage song. Refers to the souls of the past calling to us to get it right in the modern day. If you’re familiar with the legend of the Sankofa bird you’ll appreciate this song on that level as well.

11. Fight On - The final track tells us to take a look in the mirror to look at what we’ve become. It’s a song of strength encouraging you to fight on through life’s challenges and discouraging moments.

This is a great collection. You guys should definitely buy Take Back the Mic right away. You’ll enjoy it thoroughly so go ahead and jam up those web servers with your downloads and let’s all jam some Soulfège!