jaqi

You are personally invited to attend the Official Album Release Listening Party for DC's own, JAQI -- celebrating the debut recording, "just jaqi" on Friday, November 18, 2005. To be held at The Metropolitan - Penthouse (7620 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814), the event will showcase the talents of one of the area's most impressive songstresses.

In her debut project, JAQI marries clearly stated lyrics with aggressive yet soulful melodies and rhythms, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Born in the nation's capital, Washington, DC, JAQI attributes an essential part of her artistic growth and development to her collegiate experience at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she studied and performed with various accomplished musicians. However, it was the spiritual awakening after college that transformed JAQI's song and reconstructed her life. The debut album, "just jaqi" is a delectable blend of urban musical stylings and powerful lyrical artistry.

For more information, visit www.justjaqi.com.

- The DC Gospel News Update

“Every now and then there comes an artist on the scene that’s driven by their passion and not by the economics of the recording industry. I believe that Jaqi is one of those artists. Motivated by her God-given desire to minister to God’s people, she has produced a wonderful array of neo-soul, gospel songs that will have you turning up your CD players in enjoyment!” - Pastor William Becton, Recording Artist

By Rene Williams

Jaqi, a brand new artist on the gospel music scene, has just delivered her debut project called "just jaqi". Hailing from Fort Washington, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C., Jaqi’s musical adventure started at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she studied and performed with a number of accomplished musicians. Jaqi’s introduction to the world of gospel music comes in the form of a self-titled 21-track CD. Writing a large majority of the tracks, Jaqi’s style is soothing and comforting. One can hear from the first listen that Jaqi’s sound is fresh with some urban, R&B, and smooth jazz influences.

With a spoken word intro over a funky rhythm bass line, Jaqi opens with the stylings of Me'Shell NdegéOcello. "Get It Right", a smooth, urban track, beckons the listener to get their lives right with loved ones before it’s too late. It’s a danceable track as is the thankful "Blows My Mind". Many will like the relaxing vibe of "Call" and the smoldering vocals of "Stand". Continuing to reference life-changing scriptures, Jaqi pulls out Philippians 4:13 for the track "I Can".

"Green Grass Syndrome", written by the artist herself, is a clever track. Dealing with keeping up with the “Joneses”, the song reminds us to be grateful for what we have. The neo-soul song also catches Jaqi tackling real-life issues. "Bite My Tongue" finds Jaqi expressing herself about how we as Christians must not “bite our tongues” in response to the wrongs in this world. Giving us a taste of Erykah Badu, Jaqi deals with the topic of Playa Hatin’ on a soulful groove. The song even gets its own reprise. "So Excited", a sultry ballad, is a song about romantic love between a husband and wife.

"Reap & Sow", an eclectic mix of symphony and soul, is one of the strongest tracks on the project. Co-written by Virgil “T.r.u.-L.i.f.e.” Byrd of the well-known hip hop Christian group Cross Movement, the track is hot and includes a rap by E.J. “Chill” Leatherbury. Closing the CD with a glory-giving track, Jaqi makes sure God gets what’s due on the uplifting track, "No Matter What". Jaqi calls on Sam Kendrick of Seven Sons of Soul and world-renowned drummer & bassist, Eric Valentine as producers on "just jaqi" and provides some inspiring and inviting tunes to listen to.

For more information about Jaqi, go to www.justjaqi.com

- GospelCity.com

Summertime is officially here and the 4th Friday in June certainly did bring the HEAT!! Songstress JAQI began to worship in the presence of the Lord with “You Are Awesome in This Place” and “You Deserve the Glory”. She then offered several tracks from her new debut CD entitled “just jaqi”. In the funky mid-tempo track “I Can”, JAQI reminds us that we are “more than conquerors” and “mightier than lions”. And with faith in Him, we can do what He has called us to do. In the R&B groove “Blows My Mind”, JAQI expresses her wonder about how God has mercifully saved her from sin and death. The most thought-provoking song of the set was “Green Grass”, which focused on coveting. The song warns us that we destroy the joy of what God has blessed us with when we believe what others have is better. Now my favorite song of the set was “No Matter What”, where JAQI reminded us that no matter what, God is worthy and deserves all the praise. I was quite impressed with the production and vocal arrangements on this track. This jazzy groove easily made us bob our heads as we got our praise on! - Gilliam Vocals Inc.