The 25-year-old African-American India.Arie from Atlanta, USA, is often referred to in the written press as a cross between Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. On her debut album, she combines hip-hop with acoustic music, and in that respect certainly approaches what Hill does on the 1998 album The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill. Her voice is also just as warm and soulful as that of the aforementioned singers.
Apart from hip hop, India.Arie loves traditional singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Donny Hathaway and Oleta Adams and it shows in the songs. Released on the Motown label, Acoustic Soul contains 16 laidback songs with r & b, soul and hip hop influences. Just like two aforementioned women, the young multi-talent writes, arranges and produces everything himself, sometimes assisted by co-producer Mark Batson. She also plays all guitar parts. Named after Mahatma Ghandi - she was born on his birthday - India.Arie awaits undoubtedly a very successful career in music. (BP)more
