Plantation Lullabies

Me'Shell NdegeOcello

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 19, 1993)
• Original Release Date: October 19, 1993
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Maverick
• ASIN: B000002ML4
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #40,642 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz
In the 1990s, bassist and vocalist Me'shell Ndegéocello took the music world by storm. That storm's winds blew so hard, they threatened to knock down the walls that separate jazz, funk, R&B, and hip-hop. On "Step Into the Projects," from 1993's Plantation Lullabies, Ndegéocello managed a sound that expressed rage, beauty, and coolness with a brand-new vibe - one that carries a vital thread of black music into the future. She was aided by some of mainstream jazz's brightest stars, including saxophonist Joshua Redman and pianist Geri Allen. Redman, in particular, was so enthralled with her achievements that he donned a journalist's hat to interview Ndegéocello for JAZZIZ's April 1997 cover story.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Easiest 5 Stars I've Ever Given, June 23, 2001

By	Mecca Egypt (Gardena, CA United States) - See all my reviews

I have so much to say, that it's hard to find where to begin. I will first start out by saying that I bought MNd's Bitter last year and was blown away. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of purchasing her debut disc "Plantation Lullabies" and needless to say, I was not disappointed at all. The album is immensely beautiful and subsequently has not left my CD player.

From track to track the lyricism, musicianship and artistry is just utterly incredible. What a great introduction from a talented artist. My standouts are Two Lonely Hearts (On The Subway), Picture Show, Soul On Ice, Sweet Love, Diggin' You, the intro, Call Me, Dred Loc, Shoot'n Up & Gett'n High (that song is raw a* funk), If That's Your Boyfriend, Untitled, Outside Your Door (lover's anthem). LOL, did I list every song? Yep.

The funk encapsulated on the disc just makes you want to bust a soul clap, I mean damn, it's funky. I wish I would've purchased this album sooner. I would've had so much fun with it back in those budding high school years. Please don't make the same mistake I did, BUY THIS ALBUM NOW. I will be purchasing Peace Beyond Passion soon, so expect a review.

*List of things to do*: Get Bitter -- CHECK, Get Plantation Lullabies -- CHECK, Get Peace Beyond Passion --WILL DO

Me'shell please release another album. I'm waiting feverishly with my credit card when you do.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Original, Funky and soulful debut, July 28, 2000

By	"williedynamite" (PlAnEt EaRtH) - See all my reviews

From out of basically nowhere Me'Shell Ndegeocello burst upon the music scene with what i think is an excellent album (hence the 5 star rating)Plantation Lullabies. Plantatiioon lullabies is an excellent album and one of the most original debuts i have heard in a long time. What makes Me'Shell different from other supposed R&B artists is the fact that she entirely doesn't sing, she rhymes them, almost like a spoken word artist. The songs on Plantation lullabies range from the love and desire, I want you song. Im digin you like and old school record, Dreadlocks, and the wonderfully melancholy outside your door. Me'shell also has a very political side which she shows on Plantation on songs like step into the projects and soul on ice. There's even a song about infidelity, from a very different prespective the funky I that was your boyfriend. But what most stands out on Plantation.. is Me'Shell soulful lyrics and funky grooves which make this album a must have for fans of good music.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Digging It Like An Old Soul Record!, August 8, 2004

By	Andre' S Grindle "Funk Meister" (Bangor,ME.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having only had this CD for a day I still feel as if I've
been hearing 'Plantation Lullubies' for years.Yes I've been
exposed to Me'Shell Ndegeocello's 'Peace Beyond Passion' album
for years but THIS one only just came to my attention.This is
a vibrant patchwork quilt of black music in America,from jazzy
funk to homemade hip-hop-deeply rooted in classic 70's rhythms,
notably on the synth-drenched instrumental title song but also in the bouncy "I'm Diggin' You (Like An Old Soul Record)".Not
only that but Me'Shell comes down stupid HARD on her bass-
attacking each song with a deeply ferocious musicality!Most
of the lyrics focus on the deep-voiced singer/rapper's
favorite subjects-drugs,sexuality and racism and she rails at
the status of each on every brilliant,scathing rap and lyric.
Most of the album flows together in one highly
harmonious groove,without the songs segueing.She also flaunts
her complete creative control over the music-playing many of
the hip-hop and funk licks herself rather then using a computer
and mixing songs with a voice with a couple instrumental.The
emmerging of a brilliant new talent that I hope will one day
be recognized in it's proper context!