LEEJAMES LA SOUL VIBE: SY SMITH LA'S UNDERGROUND SOUL SONGSTRESS

Sy Smith began her career fronting an all-female Washington, DC go go band.[1] After graduating from Howard University with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a minor in music therapy, she moved to Los Angeles, CA. She soon charted territory singing backup for Usher, Eric Benet, Me'Shell NdegeOcello, Ginuwine, Brandy, and spending more than a year on the road with Whitney Houston.[1] Among it all, Smith made appearances in GAP advertisements, as well as being a regular fixture behind Vonda Shepard on the FOX television show Ally McBeal.

Cover of the shelved release Psykosoul.
Smith later signed a solo recording contract with Hollywood Records and lead off with the single[2] and music video[3] "Gladly" in late 1999. Another single "Good N'Strong" followed in 2000. Her debut album Psykosoul garnered early critical acclaim,[4] but never saw an official release and was ultimately shelved. Only her cover of Edie Brickell's "What I Am" received an official release with its inclusion on the television soundtrack album of the animated series The PJs.[5] The album was eventually re-issued independently with bonus tracks and remixes in 2005 as Psykosoul Plus.[6]
Between releases, Sy served as sometime lead singer for British funk outfit Brand New Heavies on their album We Won't Stop.[7] She continued to write, produce, arrange, and sing background for other artists. Smith duetted with soul legend Al Green on the theme song to the Showtime series Soul Food.[8] She also made an appearance on the solo debut of Ali Shaheed Muhammad's Shaheedullah and Stereotypes album in 2004.
Smith emerged with her independent debut The Syberspace Social in 2005, which featured contributions from gravelly-voiced vocalist Anthony Hamilton[9] and famed neo-soul stalwart producers such as James Poyser (of Jill Scott fame) and Victor Duplaix. The album has since been reissued as an expanded special edition.
Most recently, Sy Smith, along with Sharlotte Gibson and Kenya Hathaway, daughter of Donny Hathaway, have been highly visible as featured background singers on American Idol. Smith also appeared on The Article 3, a 2006 EP release from bass guitar impresario Me'Shell NdegeOcello in addition to opening for the artist. Sy Smith released her first live DVD Sy Smith Live: Worship At The Temple, recorded live at Temple Bar in Santa Monica, CA.

WORSHIP AT THE TEMPLE DVD

So had a chance to listen to my home girl Sy Smith's new album and i was blown away with the selections,, A up and down journey thru the galaxy...Yes her new album "CONFLICT"..... One of the tracks that stick out the most for me is "THE ART OF YOU" with a soulful drum n bass feel love it and very unexpected. And that is what i luv about sy always pushing the soul envolope......So to all the people out there looking for a fresh new sound please go out and cop this new cd and others she has done trust me worth a couple of dollars............im out LEEJAMES