India.Arie

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230 fans

albums

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- Acoustic Soul
- Released 2001

- Voyage To India (Limited Edition)
- Released 2002

- Testimony Vol. 2: Love & Politics
- Released 2009

- Testimony: Vol.1, Life & Relationship
- Released 2006

biography

One of a handful of neo-classic soul artists to emerge following the late-'90s success of artists like D'Angelo and Lauryn Hill, Atlanta's India.Arie stood poised at the beginning of 2001 to make a major impact. A studied songwriter and guitar player rooted in the R&B, soul, Motown, and blues of the past, but grounded in the post-hip-hop urban world of today, Arie's debut, Acoustic Soul, was rich with textured songs, hooks, and impressively mature lyrics, considering the artist had only been writing songs for five years.

Born in Denver, CO, to parents from Memphis and Detroit, music was always in Arie's life. The family moved to Atlanta when India was 13 and after high school she began playing guitar at the encouragement of her mother. Involvement in the fertile Atlanta urban music scene led to the formation of an artist's collective called Groovement and an independent label, EarthShare, which released a compilation CD featuring Arie's first songs. A second-stage slot on the 1998 Lilith Fair tour garnered major-label interest, but Arie eventually signed with Motown after being assured of having full artistic control.

Work on Acoustic Soul dragged out over nearly two years, but Arie's relentless pursuit of perfection and musical integrity yielded very pleasing results: as successful a graft of classic soul and modern hip-hop-style productions yet attempted. The album's first single, "Video," received strong radio and club play early in the year, and the full-length followed in March. Just over a year later, Arie had completed her second record, Voyage to India, and it appeared in September 2002. Four years later the singer hit number one on the Billboard charts for the first time with Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship, which also netted her three Grammy nominations. Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics was released in February 2009. ~ John Duffy, All Music Guide

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comments

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- - Oh my
  - - By JAZZFREDERICK
    - 9/7/2009 06:15:39
  - This sister is as good as it gets, earthly brown, beautiful and musically down
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- - PHEWW!!!
  - - By RJAYKON
    - 4/7/2009 22:39:46
  - INDIA IS SOOO POWERFUL. EACH album shows her growth as a person and artist. Im in love with her new album. For the thinking MIND!
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- - Lady B
  - - By bernicewilliams
    - 4/2/2009 16:57:40
  - Her work is GREAT! I absolutely love her!
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- - Happiness!
  - - By Kayenigma
    - 3/18/2009 03:56:42
  - I love your music. Every song I hear seems to remind me of my experiences or observations. I am never in doubt of your skills.
    
    Thank You So Much!!!!!
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- - Volume 2 is the next chapter!
  - - By Phate of Osiris
    - 2/11/2009 15:37:46
  - When I saw her new album came out, I went and immediately bought it. I listen to it at work, but with all the hustle and bustle at work, it didn't appeal to me. But once I got home and listen to it again everything was right as rain. I will say my favorite songs on there are Yellow and Better Way.
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