Nicci Gilbert
Grown Folks Music
© 2005 Brownstone Music Group LLC (825346918921)
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This is R&B music at it's finest past or future.... It's "Grown Folks Music" from a woman's point of view
tracks
- 1 Stop Messin Around
- 2 Woman In Need
- 3 Think Again
- 4 Summer
- 5 Can't Forget
- 6 This Woman
- 7 Rhythm And Blues
- 8 Grey Skies
- 9 Hint Of Love
- 10 She'll Never - featuing Dave Hollister
- 11 My Side Of The Story
- 12 I Got It Bad
- 13 Down With This
- 14 It Is What It Is
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Nicci Gilbert
If you feel like R&B is in a slump, then you're ready for the return of Nicci Gilbert. A graduate of the mid-nineties trio Brownstone, Nicci has taken her sexy style and sultry sound and wrapped it around honest lyrics about love and relationships on her solo debut, Grown Folks Music. Her influences of Phyllis Hyman, Chaka Khan and Donny Hathaway are evident in the searing vocal performances she delivers on Grown Folks Music.
"Music and singing for me is so much more about passion," says Nicci. "And that is not something to say because it sounds good. It feels better to me when I think about singing from an emotional perspective versus making sure that I am [technically] doing this right." Nicci made sure she did no wrong on her new album, co-writing and co-producing most of the tracks.
Before she executive produced her solo debut or even before she rose to the highest of heights with Brownstone, Nicci spent her formative years in the musical city of Detroit. "It was a lot of sitting on the front porch with my sisters listening to the radio, watching people breakdance, playing kickball in the middle of the street-just the normal, Midwestern, seven steps from the ghetto life," says Nicci of her childhood. But what was different about her upbringing was that, as the child of a single mother who was a touring jazz singer and an often absent father who was a Motown staff writer, she was constantly surrounded by music as a kid.
Nicci always knew she would perform, but she felt she was a little eccentric-and her high school classmates agreed. "I sang "Crazy For You" by Madonna [in a talent show]. I was in an inner city school so nobody was really into the music. I went out on stage they started to boo me because they weren't familiar with the song. But by the time I got to the hook they were like 'wait a minute, she can blow' and I got a standing ovation," says Nicci, who got her first taste of fame when she won first place in that talent show.
After stints in her high school's honors chorus group, band, drama club and orchestra, Nicci was off to Eastern Michigan University on music and drama scholarships. But fame was calling her name and she had to answer-immediately. She and a friend, inspired by the "Carpe Diem" theme of the film Dead Poets Society, left college after two years and headed for La La land. "We took our financial aid money and flew to LA. Didn't know a soul," recalls Nicci. "My mother had a fit. We went out there, got an apartment and hustled up for years and years."
Those years had Nicci working jobs everywhere from Taco Bell to department stores, while trying to get into the business in local talent shows, hoping to catch the eye of someone that could put her on. She got some celebrity encouragement after one of those performances. "It was three o'clock in the morning, we were waiting at the bus stop and Damon Wayans drove by us in his limousine" she says. "He rolled down his window and he said 'All I have to say to you is that you're going to go somewhere. You're going to be big. Keep the hustle. Keep the grind. Something is going to happen for you.'"
- more -
Nicci made that something happen for herself when she put an ad in a few Los Angeles music magazines in early 1994 saying she wanted start a group. She ended up with the members of Brownstone, who got their deal with Epic Records by performing for the King of Pop. "We didn't know he was going to be there. It never registered to any of us. We had lights in our faces. We were more interested in singing our hearts out to try to get this deal. Later we were told it was Michael Jackson," remembers Nicci. "Afterwards we were on our knees praying every single solitary night that we would get the deal."
A week later they were signed to Epic and went on to much success with two albums, Still Climbing and From the Bottom Up, which included their mega-hit "If You Love Me." Wanting to pursue separate interests, the group split up in 1997 and Nicci lived out one of her childhood dreams, to become an actress, with roles on "Living Single," "Sister, Sister," "Martin" and in the film Woo. She also started a management company, Charmed Entertainment, under which she manages artists and producers. "I'm trying to be Sylvia Rhone, Whitney Houston and Halle Berry all at the same time," says Nicci of her various endeavors. But her first love is singing. "I sing because it is a part of who I am. Its in my blood, running through my veins," says Nicci. "I do this and I will be doing this because I love to do it."
Her love comes through on Grown Folks Music, an album she describes as "straight-up old school Midwest R&B." Most of the album is derived from what she says are the high and low experiences including relationship drama that she went through while she was on hiatus. She puts her own spin on romance in songs like the let's get down to the nitty-gritty tracks "I Got It Bad" and "Hint of Love." And when she's over you she's over you - as exemplified on the keep-it-moving-brother songs "Woman In Need" and "Think Again."
But Nicci doesn't take herself too seriously either. She gets her party on the club jumpers "Hot Spot" and "Headlights" and the head nodding, two-step inspiring "I Can't Forget." The hardest song to write she says was the Dave Hollister-collaboration "She'll Never Love You," because it was based on a real life situation and recounts her fight "between being honest and saving face, like not putting myself out there," she says. "It came off a lot better with me putting myself out there."
She gives more of her all on what she says is her favorite track, "Woman In Need," a slow-dragger that deals with the theme of "when a woman is through, ain't nothing you can do but walk a mile in her shoes," says Nicci. "It's an anthem for sisters. I'm feeling very good about my sisters right now."
In August 2004 Nicci,was blessed with the opportunity to
portray "Vera Brown" in "Tyler Perry's national hit stage
play production "Meet The Browns" which has continued to
sell out around the country.
With the material on Grown Folks Music, there is no doubt that the affect Nicci will have on people will be so tremendous, that if you're not ready, you better get ready. Because Nicci Gilbert is back and she ain't playing.
reviews
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"Nicci Baby"
author: K Keevon YoungShe Said it, Did it, Showed it and Proved it ya'll. Nicci Gilbert "puts it down" on her solo project, "Grown Folks Music". From her impeccable vocals to her soulful, heart-felt lyrics and delivery on each track, Nicci takes each listener to a "back in the day" moment without compromising her fresh, 'right-now' sound. Mad Kudos!!
Poetic.... I met Nicci in Savannah.. She is a blessing!
author: Tonya TroupThis CD is a three year old in my collection but it is like a newborn because I play it just like I just bought it from Nicci.
I actually ordered the cd for my boyfriend, but I to enjoyed it very much.
author: danielle shedrickI listened to the cd and enjoyed it very much. I am a big fan of Brownstone and still listen to the very first cd all the time.keep up the great music Nicci.
From start to finish ...
author: Alex... this cd is good. It's very rare that one can say that about many albums that come out nowadays. Been looking for it for about 2 years and it was definately worth the wait...Love ur music Nicci...be blessed !!!
too good to be tru
author: jprincethe cd is with every penny. 2 years of looking for it and every song can be a single.
Groovy Throughout
author: Marilyn ZeiglerI am truly proud that I followed my instincts to find out who was that lady was in Meet The Browns and to find out you sang with Brownstone my favorite lady group. You are so talented and your lyrics to this cd are so strong and to the point. I can't wait to see what is next for us grown folks. peace and love
Good album!
author: Mart van de StadtThe Brownstone girl soloalbum. Her voice is great, most of the songs are mighty fine. I am very satisfied with the CD.
FABULOUS!!!
author: DorisThe whole CD is great. I really recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys good music. Track #6 THIS WOMAN is my favorite. You will not be disappointed with this CD. Purchase it if you haven't already.
- author: Leslie
This is one of the best CDs I've heard in a long time. Most CDS have three songs worth listening to. This entire CD is worth it's weight in gold!
i was feeling it
author: chindora wrighti liked nicci gilbert after i seen her on madeas play she has great charecter and good music too i really enjoyed this cd.
- author: Dee
The cd is hot and nicci can sing her butt off. So if anyone heard snippets of the cd off the website needs to cop the cd.
Explosion!!!!
author: NickThis CD is HOT! Nicci is the Gladys Knight of our times. I love you baby. Keep that good music coming. You need to do some more joints with Dave Hollister too. That is my boy. That song is FIRE! Good Luck. Lets get you on Koch Records or somethings what's good with that?
OFF THE CHAIN!!!!
author: Angel El PoetaI am feel'n your vibe maybe we can do a show 2gether 1day check out the site and let me know if it can happen.
Nothing compares in 2005
author: ScottI just ordered it on Nicci's official web site(hopefull I get it) So far ,so good. Nicci's title "Grown Folks Music" is the only title that has the right to be called "Grown Folks Music" in the entire CD universe. Nicci,OMG! What strong sexy emotional vocals you have, what a voice! All this laced over tight production and well written lyrics and wahlah, this CD is flying off the shelves, as in out of stock.This is quite possibly the best CD I've bought in years that will never "get old" but forever remain a CLASSIC. I Absolutely love it!
- author: Anthony
d album name says it all , loved every track on d album ( no skipping ) the duet with dave hollister tops it up .. real good album , 4 grown folks...
Wow!!!
author: KMSR Enterprises NewsletterThis cd is long overdue. I have been a fan since Brownstone and loved you on Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns". You were hilarious! Keep it up and I am looking forward to the next Brownstone project as well. You have a longtime fine in Delaware....
The wonderful voice has returned in a big way.
author: Frank " The Doctor" CrenshawThis CD reminds me of how much I loved Nicci as lead singer in Brownstone. Her voice is as wonderful as ever. I only wished I could have purchased the uncensored version ( I wanted all she had to give ). I love it nonetheless ...Please don't stay away too long Nicci!!!
Yes , that's it !!
author: Goran JovanovskiWicked release of Ex-Brownstone lead singer Nicci Gilbert. Mellow tunes !! Fantastic. Can't wait for the forthcoming Brownstone album in 2006 !!
Worth the Wait
author: AndyI have been waiting a long time for this cd to be released! It was definitely worth the wait! There is no bad song on the disc. My favorite is My Side of the Story. Great Job Nicci! Keep the music coming.
- author: Fatima (of Create Path Works)
I saw Nicci perform in Los Angeles recently and I was so amped!! She delivers her vocals with such emotion and intensity. I am glad to see her doing her thang on her own terms. I especially like the song, "This Woman"!!! Now that there is indeed the money maker. Music supervisors for film and tv would be doing themselves a favor by giving this song the exposure it deserves. One love!
Groves & Bass-Puts you in the mood!
author: AngelinaWOW! I took a leap of faith on the few samples from the site. This was the best money spent on music in long time, the only thing missing is actual lyrics so we can sing along word-for-word. This is in the car everyday and will be in dance class putting the heat back into my Rumba and West Coast Swing. Nicci grooves, her voice carries you away to places long forgotten - Thanks for bringing the "WOW!" factor back to adult music.
Excellent Debut Long Overdue!
author: Charles BradleyNicci Gilbert has the voice some of the new generations divas would kill to have. With Brownstone she showcased her strong vocals and on this debut she takes them to another level. From the songs WOMAN IN NEED, MY SIDE OF THE STORY to GREY SKIES her voice is pure heaven. This cd is a true r&b gem. Why it wasn't released sooner I will never know. Overall the songs are great. I think Nicci is best singing heart felt ballads. With those she can do no wrong. From GRAPEVYNE to IN THE GAME OF LOVE to MY SIDE OF THE STORY...Nicci Gilbert is a true artist who is defenitely underrated. Her debut is an excellent one long overdue!
SLAMMIN!
author: Bigdaddyg2k4I only heard the track "Stop Messin' Around" as a sample, and the song has a definite Grown N' Sexy vibe to it. Since the song is hot, I know the rest of the CD is HOT! Welcome back, Nicci!
Nicci...Glad You're Back
author: GregExcellent CD! The material is strong, the music is top shelf and the lady can belt out a song! So glad this album finally came out! You can't go wrong with this. "Stop Messing Around" opens the CD and from there it's on. My favorite is "Summer". A stunning ballad. I will be leaning on this one real hard for a long time.
Nicci gets my vote!
author: Fonseca "Zeke" Woodruff (Producer)This solo effort by Nicci Gilbert reminds you of the Brownstone sound but she is able to seperate herself and create her own individuality on this record. Her powerful voice that we have come to love is prevelant throughout this CD. There may not be a Brownstone reunion on the horizon anytime soon but a star is truly born!
- author: Derek Williams
Nicci Gilbert does a pretty good job on her first solo cd. I've been waiting for this for a long time, as I loved her voice on the brownstone recordings and can't wait for their reunion next year. "Grown Folks Music" is a mix of contemporary r&b and hip hop with vintage soul flushes. This is a great cd to listen to while chilling at home & just wanting something good to listen to while sipping on a little sumthin sumthin. Good Job Nicci!
- author: Black Diamondz Records
Girl... that's what's up you did the damn thing this is a nice CD. Look out for ours,from RAW DIAMONDZ.
Fantastic cd - great to have her back recording.
author: StellaFantastic cd, excellent songs particularly Woman in Need, a really great song. Brownstone's 2 cd's were amazing, still in the cd player regularly, and I missed Nicci's great voice, great to have her back recording.
Grown
author: Jaythe cd was phenomenal. I expected nothing less from such an artist. she bought it when she was in Brownstone and gave the same here. Tho, I wanted to hear more ballads and moment where I hoped she would go vocally, and just teased me throughout of it, she still delivered.
I love it!
author: Anthony DixonCongratulations...I love it! Love the groove on Stop Messin'
Verry Nice!!!!
author: BC Swang Music L.L.C.Your voice is tight, songs are well written, great production. It's added to my collection!!!! check my CD BC candyman "love letters" www.bcswangmusic.com also right here on CD Baby.
SUPERB! It's all in the Title
author: Gary FThis is what you call QUALITY music, music that you'll be listening to years from now. It was good to see that she took charge of her affairs and released this herself, evidently shows the artist and individual she is. A Superb Album from start to finish, my favourite killer track so far 'Rhythm & Blues' OOOOh sweet music, sweet lyrics.Definately spend your hard earned cash on this Album!
Everything about this project spells success!!!
author: Eugene BrownThis is one of the best projects to come out this year...I listen to at work, in the car and at home...I love it and you will too...Nicci Gilbert you outdid yourself on this project:)
- author: tally
good work Ill be back to order CD.
EXcellent
author: DeitrechYou Go Girl Excellent CD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome, Finally a Grown Womans Record
author: kieshaI love this record. I have been wondering what happened to Nicci, she is back. I love, love, love this record. "Woman In Need" is the hottest. I hear it on the radio it puts me in the mind of a female RKelly record. Congrats on a job very well done Nicci. Will there be another Brownstone album???? If not you got what it takes to make it on your own. Keep up the good work girl.