This body of work is a mash up of Soul music with Reggae vibes, blended from my Jamaican roots, my New York upbringing and European cultural experiences. It highlights who I am, my hardships, struggles, strengths, desires, and my loves. I am dreamer, who refuses to settle, by paying strong attention to what's going on around me and in the world. I am about loving, experiencing, and sharing through song. Every song describes an experience. I was once called a vampire. "Why?", I asked. He said because you suck the life out of the situation for what you think it's worth, write about it and then move on. Well that was a harsh assessment, although, in some instances he is right. There is a lot to be said about learning from your current state of being and leaving what's not needed by the roadside, while still wishing it it's highest good. My joy cometh from within. My journey hasn't been the easiest, but I am learning to accept it, use it to my advantage and learn from it. This album begins with My Story. It touches on the down side of my up bringing; the abuse and absence of my father. My early years had me feeling discouraged because there was a lack of care and mistreatment towards me from my father's​ side of the family. It was a hard realizing I was indeed the black sheep in a family I didn't ask for. My spirit was broken for a good part of my life. I was always a smart kid, so the first chance I got to escape and return to my Mother's​ care I took, along with courage to speak up, and set distance between my father and I. I was grateful my mother and Grandmother did not force me to go back to live with him. From the age of seven he'd been absent from my life, never played an active role and offered no support. For many years​ I felt neglected, unwanted and it took lots of self care to realize that I was better off without him. I didn't let them break me down. Thanks to my mother and Grandmother who did their best to instill good values in me. Of course my mother and I had our challenges, as well, but we worked through it and her motivation, now, is why I am still here. Writing "My Story" was like chains being broken. It allowed me to let go of all the hurt I endured throughout the years. Music Produced by Zafer Kurus (djsmolface), Lyrics written by Artist and Songwriter Keishera James "I’m Addicted" I penned this tune in Germany, on my first visit! After experiencing a breakup, I met someone who gave me the same feeling of a previous ex, who even though I knew wasn't good for me, I couldn't leave alone. I was so addicted to his love, he made me laugh and when around each other it was so easy - no drama. The interesting thing was, we both wanted to explore the possibility but I were afraid of giving in because he was friends with my ex. He had my attention and it felt like Magic. The song was the result of letting go. It took me a good while to shake him. Music Produced by Zafer Kurus (djsmolface), Lyrics written by Artist and Songwriter Keishera James "Let Me Love You" I wrote "Let me love you" a few years ago. It's about realizing you want more from a casual situation, a love letter of sorts. I had a serious crush on someone, like never before and even though he had no idea how I felt, mainly because we are friends, I was afraid it would ruin our friendship. I got good song out of it. He later figured it out, but our distance was too great​ to pursue a relationship. So, I just let it be! Music Produced by John McKinely, Bass/Guitar by Lamont Savory, Drums by Deleon White, Keyboard by Luke Dixion, Lyrics written by Artist and Songwriter Keishera James "Ready Now" As an independent woman pursuing a dream and a career that takes a lot of dedication and focus, I wasn't interested in commitment. But I met someone who had me feeling like I am here for this, like I can do both; make room in my life to explore this. This man was special and kept my attention for a number of years. Music Produced by Giueseppe (flash) Coppola, Lyrics written by Artist and Songwriter Keishera James "Slave to the System" is about both inner city and world news I observed online. I felt like a fly on the wall, watching the ways of the world, my community, my people and thinking that 'The System' has us so messed up! It's not designed to heal but destroy. I was tired of seeing black on black crime, police brutality of innocent, minority and young black man--the shoot now and ask questions later approach on minorities, and also tired of seeing black mothers cry for the loss of a loved one feeling helpless. In the same vein, seeing our young women acting out on the internet looking for attention & validation of self! I wonder about our ancestors and their view of this generation! We were all becoming victims of systemic slavery. Music Produced by Zafer Kurus (djsmolface), Lyrics written by Artist and Songwriter Keishera James "Song of Hope” was a gift from God, I believe. I was on my way to the studio when I felt compelled to write this song outside Hoboken train station. As I was waiting for the producer to pick me up, I observed how systematic our world is. While waiting, I saw a homeless man rummaging through the garbage trying to find remnants of food, left overs from bottle to quench his thirst and picking up food off the ground. I just began to sing and the words flowed naturally. I wondered how we as a society, in a country so rich can be ok with seeing the hungry and disenfranchised​ and just continue to go about our business, in ignorance, without offering help because we are too busy with our own agendas. We choose not to see the need for help around us. We are caught up with ourselves. This song was written in 17 minutes while I stood at the train station, singing out loud. Not for an audience, however I didn't realize the homeless man was listening and at the end he asked me "are you a singer? I responded yes, he asked will you record it and release it?, I said yes, he then thanked me! Then he disappeared in a matter of seconds. it was a surreal moment because there's no way he could've disappeared so fast, so I consider this song a gift a gift from the God. Music/Guitars by Jermey Most, Written & produced by Artist and Songwriter Keishera James "Beautiful Mind" was written in Jamaica West Indies and is a response to the positive light and energy that I was feeling and being grateful for all that I was given! For all that I was experiencing, I just wanted to say thank you; for improving my life, and allowing me to find solutions to my struggles, for allowing me to be grateful in spite of all that felt messy! Through this song, I was saying thank you to God for his grace, for allowing me to trust that still voice and for shining his light on me! Music Produced by John McKinely, Bass/Guitar/Drums by Omar Johnson, Keyboard by Luke Dixion, Lyrics written by Artist and Songwriter Keishera James "Emotions" Was written about a year ago in the hopes of conjuring up love in my life. I am ready to truly love someone other than myself/ friends and family! I found that I had commitment issues! I wanted to let the universe know that I am finally ready for Love! Music Produced by The Collective Unit - Armando Colon, Lyrics written by Artist & Songwriter Keishera James I wrote "I Want You" while in a relationship that was lacking desire. I was struggling, though, emotionally because there was so much going wrong at time: It was me telling the universe about the love I was craving! And at the same time acknowledging what was lacking in my current situation. I realize that I haven't experienced a love that I really wanted wholeheartedly! I wanted to feel satisfied emotionally, physically and mentally while sharing with someone of mutual interest! I was subscribing to that magic! Music Produced by Zafer Kurus (djsmolface), written by Artist and Song writer Keishera James "Missing you” I feel is pretty self-explanatory! As a performer traveling a lot and investing in a long-distance relationship, I was missing my lover, feeling lonely, I was craving his affection transcribe through song! Music Produced by Andre Oneil Fennel, Lyrics written by Artist and Songwriter Keishera James "What we're Gonna do Now": is kind of like a warning song to my lover that was messing up and the consequences! You know how sometimes you’re in a relationship going through BS! It was my way of telling him, I won't tolerate disrespect, and I am not afraid to step away! There was so many issues that I was dealing with that in essence. For me my songs are an outlet. Music Produced by Daniel Singer, Lyrics written by Artist and Songwriter Keishera James "Pull over” is the result of the previous 2 song, we're about the same person! At first I was traveling a lot missing my man and then dealing with his insecurities that created massive hiccups in our relationship! It was like what are we going to do now" are we going to fix it because we just can't continue this way, and after just having enough! "Pulling Over" was the only option left in my eyes, is just basically like OK you know what! I want an out! "Pull Over" and let me off with this crazy ride! It was a decision to choose me, to do for me what would make me happy! I wanted to change the momentum of my life, energy and spirit and leave the drama behind. Music Produced by Frank "P'ollensi Pollak, Drums/Percussion by Giueseppe (flash- Big Finga) Coppola, Bass by Moritz von Korff, Keyboard bFrank "P'ollensi Pollak, Guitar by Florian "Stahl" Münzer, Trumpet by Mathieupé, Saxophone by Claudio Jolowicz", Lyrics written by Artist and Songwriter Keishera James and Delon Domalski, all Instruments recorded at Planet Earth Studio Berlin Kreuzberg, Germany "Mad Over Me” Is a song celebrating women but with an emphasis on tall girls, while not exclusive to us. It's knowing your worth, letting men know we won't be settling for less! It also speaks to the whole model stigma, seen in a magazines on television where the fantasy of many men is a tall sexy woman! They think we are trophies! But we are more than just good looks. We have brains too. So you better know how to keep our attention. I'm saying if you're gonna to step to me, come correct, or don't come at all! Music Produced by Zafer Kurus (djsmolface), Handel Tucker, edited by Daniel Singer, Lyrics written by Artist and Songwriter Keishera James All songs Mixed and Mastered by Audio Mixing and Mastering LLC follow me on https://www.twitter.com/keishera https://www.instagram.com/keisheraj https://www.facebook.com/keisheraj