The Music Tip

Photography by Matthew Charof

Written By: Clay Duda

Artist: Adrienne Mack-Davis

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Release: “Music in Me: The Process”

Date: May 27, 2010

Genre: R&B / Hip Hop

Producer: Mikey Fresh

Website: amackdavis.bandcamp.com

Adrienne Mack-Davis called from a noisey hall outside her artist loft in Brooklyn, NY. I should have known what she was saying, but the slamming doors and crackly reception made me ask 3 times, “You studied what?”

“Oper…” she said.

“Oprah?!”

“No opera. I studied opera.”

And that makes sense. Anyone who has ever seen her live can attest to that. Adrienne’s voice has the volume of the opera and the tone of a song bird. It’s powerful.

With a degree in Studio Composition Adrienne’s making her first solo stretch into the lime light. It’s rare that a freshman release would illicit such coverage, but the product’s far from mediocre. This girl has a degree in performance.

Adrienne Mack-Davis – B-Cuts from Matthew Charof

“I love like the process of sitting down with a producer and writing to a beat. I love the fact you can put a beat to anything. It’s like really versatile, that’s what I love about hip hop.”

Listening to the 9-track album it’s evident the girl’s got skills that set her apart from the crowd. She’s a legitimate vocalist in all aspects of the word. Hell, she’s got a college degree that says so, but even she attests that this is ground zero – the launching point for things to come.

Adrienne’s doesn’t have an overwhelming online presence. Normally, in this day and age, that’s a bad thing, but she does have substance, ambition and an album up for free download.

“I would have been sitting with my face in a computer at school and I didn’t want to do that.” In a way it’s a testament to the grit and grime roots of hip hop. Yeah, being online is essential, but type-hype can only take it so far. Making real moves takes it further, faster.

The album launched from the cozy, vibrating walls of Ella in NYC’s East Village along with a thumping line-up of the city’s best up-and-comers. MizMetro was kicking-off her European launch and Kosha Dillz his “Doo Doo” video (which is much better than it sounds).

The album definitely fits the Rhythm and Hip Hop bill, but not so acutely the Blues. The music is pop in the sense that it’s fresh and familiar. It covers the ground of our lives tackling love, soul and our mistress Mary. It flows from slow and careening vocals to rhythmic and hand-clapping head bobbers.

Adrienne stresses that it’s just that kind of release. There’s no limit to the sound, just the mission to be positive.

“There’s a revolution that has to happen within people right now. This world is fucked up…” she said. “I want to change the world … and not on any arrogant or conceded shit. It’s just all I know is how to do is change myself.”

An opera singer since age 12, Adrienne fell in love with hip hop following her move to the streets of Brooklyn at 19. Now 26 she has the tool kit to dismantle generic stylings and push in whatever direction she wants.

It’s not like she’s been riding the bench during her time at school. Her other group True Theory – towing the lines of soul, jazz and their own signature of R&B –  have been cranking out a fluid stream of notes with since 2007.

From her work with both titles you get a glimpse at life through Adrienne’s eyes. She’s sensitive, spiritual and loves nature. She won’t settle for less, but does the best with what she’s got.

“It’s shocking being a sensitive person. It’s like a culture shock.” Adrienne loves the hip hop culture and it’s appeal, “How gritty it can be and fresh it can be. Everyone can relate to that.”

Adrienne Mac-Davis: Soul Up from Matthew Charof

Is it redefining a genre? Probably not, but it’s putting style into hip hop and impacting the world one syllable at a time. As far as the future for this young MC it’s largely up in the air. She loves the popped collars and enduring nature of the genre, but won’t limit herself to a single sound. I guess we’ll just have to keep our ears open.

Want to see more? Check out photos of Adrienne Mack-Davis in the Gallery section. Courtesy of Matthew Charof Photography.

Catch Adrienne live:

• July 22nd @ Public Assembly –  Brooklyn, NY. w/ Otis Clapp and Friends, Coppertonic, Skeptic Tank and more. 9pm, $10.
• Aug 3rd @ Amarachi Lounge – Brooklyn, NY. w/ True Theory.

Click below for FREE DOWNLOAD - ”Music in Me: The Process”