London-based artist Meleka might already be known for her work with Kelis, Gorgon City, and Basement Jaxx, but I'll bet you've never heard her quite like this. She's set to release a six-track EP this month, The Funkin' 90s, featuring six covers of 90s tracks by Aaliyah, 702, Soul for Real, and more.
I’m so excited to premiere one of those here today – her cover of Tevin Campbell's 1993 Grammy Award winning track "Can We Talk."
While the original was filled with ridiculously 90s-sounding open synths and clanky keys, Meleka's version has brought it way up to date. Sharp, stripped back and refreshingly soulful, it’s a perfect showcase of her incredible vocal prowess.
Plus, there's a little Destiny's Child mash-up around the three-minute mark.
Contrasting her strong voice is that seductive bassline, leading the rhythm section and creating a groove that I could listen to for hours on end.
Meleka is set to release a whole lot of original material throughout 2015!