Three beautiful YahZarah wallpaper designs by Tobias Rose of Kompleks Creative

Since 2001's Hear Me, R&B soul singer and early Badu background vocalist Yahzarah has been bubbling just underneath stardom. With a siren image and a mezzo-soprano that reaches Nirvana, for eight-plus years Yahzarah seemed to be ready- made for "big lights" fame, each year seeming to get closer to her destiny than the last. Throughout, Yahzarah's gone through some exciting visual changes, refining it with the times, chipping away at her early neo-soul imaging from her debut until she became a '70s blaxploitation goddess, with cropped outfits, a tiny natural, and plenty of 'tude. Today, Yahzarah's image is iconographic, every marketing photo, every image captured screams star. It is a well-marketed identity that now has more prominence and immediacy in public recognition than her sound. To be memorable, a signature sound is every bit as important as a signature look; ask Jill, Tina, Lalah, Erykah, Natalie, Patti, Gladys, Maysa, Chrisette, Anita Baker or even Janelle Monae-you immediately know them when you hear them, regardless of song or producer. Four projects deep, with a different Yahzarah sound appearing on every one, The Ballad of Purple Saint James begs the question for some: who is Yahzarah, the artist? Given just how stunningly strong most of this 13-song set is most newcomers to her music won't care, at least, not yet.

Photographer Stephen Stewart got behind-the-scenes access to the videoshoot for ''Why Dontcha Call Me No More'' and captured YahZarah, Phonte, Nicolay, Aimee Flint and many more +FE Music friends and family members as they work the green screen donning outrageous wigs, spandex and plenty of eyeliner.

Executive producers: Phonte and Nicolay for The Foreign Exchange Music and YahZarah · Produced by Julia Hoff · Directed by Matt Koza · Camera by Bunker Seyfert · Make-Up by Jessica Williams · Hair by Yarde Noir · Styling by Jermal Harris · Choreographry by Seku Grey

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YahZarah performance at the Health and Wellness Expo Entertainment located at Washington Convention Center in WDC, May 30

Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place Northwest, Washington DC 20001-3614 | (202) 249-3000

Little Brother exploded onto the underground hip-hop scene with 2003's The Listening, a classic debut that won accolades from top tastemakers like ?uestlove and Pete Rock. When the group signed to Atlantic for its controversial follow-up, The Minstrel Show, it looked like it was primed to cross over from the underground to the mainstream. But the trio's stint on a major label proved disastrous, and the album tanked commercially. Producer 9th Wonder left Little Brother before the release of 2007's underrated Getback, for which the group re-upped with the independent label that released its debut, ABB.

Frontman Phonte, meanwhile, branched out as half of The Foreign Exchange, an ambitious collaboration with Dutch musician/producer Nicolay; together, the pair compiled an album through instant messaging and trading sound files. The 2004 debut, Connected, was one of the best hip-hop albums of the decade, a lush, seductive masterpiece that perfectly fused laid-back soul with thoughtful, introspective, melodic hip-hop. The Foreign Exchange shocked many people by picking up a Grammy nomination for best urban/alternative performance for "Daykeeper" from its 2009 follow-up, Leave It All Behind, which abandoned hip-hop altogether in favor of R&B and soul, focusing on Phonte's singing. This year, Phonte reunited with the remaining half of Little Brother, Big Pooh, to release Leftback, the group's fourth and purportedly final album. The A.V. Club recently spoke with Phonte about ending Little Brother, music-industry bullshit, and beefing with 9th Wonder on Twitter.

The Foreign Exchange played The Masquerade in Atlanta last friday and photographer Paul Abrahams was there to capture some of the magic.

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There's a running joke amongst my friends that our generation has limited great and timeless music.

Our parents had groups like the O'Jays singing songs like "Forever Mine," while we had Snoop Dogg and phrases like "We don't love them hoes."

I'm here to tell you, things are turning around. For those of you who prefer commercial R&B, are hard-core old school junkies or hip-hop heads, let me introduce you to YahZarah.

The school bell has rung and the lesson for today is Music 101 and it's not just your ordinary Top 40 heard on the radio. But, rather a duo whose eclectic and eccentric sound which fuses "R&B, Hip-Hop and electronica," earning them a rave reviews and the much garnered Grammy nomination. The Foreign Exchange consisting of Phonte of North Carolina and Nicolay from Holland, is more than a group with a funky name but the group to watch. With a new album on the way,

AllHipHop.com: Your last CD was in 2008, are you planning to release any new music?

Nicolay: Yazarah (a fellow collaborator) has been touring with us and has been featured on all of our albums. She is actually one of the first artists that we are coming out with on our imprint. We are working on a new album for The Foreign Exchange for the fall. We definitely have a lot of music coming out this year.

Could it be that with the Foreign Exchange collective, hip-hop and soul have found the new-wave Soulquarians? The comparisons are striking, but in the interest of time, we'll save that for another conversation. What is important, is that the +FE camp has just unleashed another smashing album, this time by way of songstress YahZarah. The Ballad Of Purple Saint James is a progressive neo-soul album that is, quite frankly, far ahead of its time (and somewhat extraterrestrial).

The most striking feature of The Ballad is its musicality. Drawing from new jack swing, and 80s pop/rock/funk, the production on Yah's album is not what one would immediately expect from a traditional neo-soul project. However, given Nicolay and Phonte's penchant for pushing musical boundaries, perhaps this should come as no surprise. Numerous tracks recall the funkier side of r&b, with a futuristic makeover. "Cry Over You" features a guest appearance from Phonte and is a prime example of the spacey electro-soul evoked on The Ballad. The 80s funk meter gets turned up to high for "Change Your Mind", which, if not for YahZarah, would sound every bit like it was plucked right off the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.

+FE Music proudly presents the official music video for YahZarah's current single, "Why Dontcha Call Me No More"! Directed by Matt Koza and featuring YahZarah and the +FE Music family and friends

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The Ballad of Purple St. James puts The Foreign Exchange Music on the map

If anyone understands that love isn't always perfect, it's Yahzarah.

When she abruptly left her first love, music, to take a day job at Banana Republic in 2003, she knew something seriously had to give. Heartbroken after the release of her lackluster second album, Black Star, she was drained -- creatively, emotionally and mentally -- and needed to hibernate from the music industry.

The Foreign Exchange's show at a sold-out Yoshi's Jazz Club in San Francisco last September was professionally filmed by a crew from Pandora for the Pandora Video Series. The resulting footage is some of the Leave It All Behind era's best yet! Directed and edited by Charlotte Buchen for the Pandora Video Series

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The readers of SoulTracks have nominated The Foreign Exchange's Grammy nominated song "Daykeeper" (feat. Muhsinah) amongst the Greatest Songs Of the 2000s! You can click here to vote. When the voting is all done, SoulTracks will post the 100 Greatest Soul Songs 2000-2009.

Who is this girl? Maybe you know her or don't. After hearing this particular 'ballad', you will be familiarized with who she is and what hand of cards she's playing. And it's a good hand.

A year ago, Yahzarah was quite the mystery, to me at least, even though she isn't a stranger to the music scene as she's been in the game now for almost a decade. So a hop skip and a catch up into the future, with the conscience aware of Blackstar and The Prelude, two of the native's earlier recordings, it's clear that Yahzarah is one to watch, and with producing family, The Foreign Exchange in tow, the sounds of Soul shift gears for those that want something to really gnaw on.

Meet & greet / performance with YahZarah, celebrating her recent release The Ballad of Purple Saint James at Moods Music in Atlanta, May 20

Music Addikts & Harmony in Life present 1st Hit Listening Lounge

The Ballad of Purple Saint James meet & greet with YahZarah

Come to Moods Music in Atlanta for a very special intimate performance by the vocal power house YahZarah. Be sure to pick up your copy of The Ballad while you are there.

Sounds by: DJ Phaze

CLICK HERE to preview The Ballad of Purple Saint James

Moods Music, 1131 Euclid Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 653-0724

Enter now for your chance to win tickets to see The Foreign Exchange LIVE at The Masquerade in Atlanta, courtesy of SoulBounce and album prize packs, courtesy of FATS

Right now there are a couple of different giveaways going on for the Atlanta area in celebration of our return, on May 21 to The Masquerade, in over 1.5 years. We are looking forward to seeing all of you out there and best of luck to all those that enter.

Win tickets to see +FE live via SoulBounce

We're capping off our week of giveaways with something special for our Atlanta Bouncers. The Foreign Exchange is coming to town on Friday, May 21st, and we're hooking up two Atliens with a pair of tickets each to see the show. As folks who've already seen The Foreign Exchange live can attest, their concert is not to be missed. Phonte, Nicolay, YahZarah, Darien Brockington and Zo! break it down for it to forever be broke on stage. They'll be hitting the Masquerade and unless you want to miss out on a great night filled with even greater music, then you need to hit the show, too. To lock down your attendance, tickets may be purchased via Ticketmaster. However, if you're in it to win it, then hit the bounce to enter.

CLICK HERE to enter the SoulBounce & The Foreign Exchange Atlanta Concert Ticket Giveaway

-or-

Win album prize packs via From Afros To Shelltoes

As you ponder the perfect jams for the cookout at Craig's house or the remedy to chase the "over due bill blues" away, we have the perfect soundtrack for all occasions. In support of The Foreign Exchange show May 21 @ The Masquerade (Atlanta, GA), From Afros To Shelltoes (FATS) will lace two (2) lucky winners with the following FATS Prize Packs courtesy of our play cousins at The Foreign Exchange Music:

FATS Prize Pack 1: Nicolay - City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya

FATS Prize Pack 2: Yahzarah - The Ballad Of Purple St James

CLICK HERE to enter the FATS & The Foreign Exchange Album Prize Pack Giveaway

For your convenience, we have put together a comprehensive list of physical and digital music retailers that carry The Ballad Of Purple Saint James. The list is as complete as possible and will be updated frequently. If you have a hard time finding the album in your area, please don't hesisate to leave a comment and/or to contact us via email, so that we can help you find your copy.

As always, thank you very much for your support!

Check out YahZarah's performance of Cry Over You on Fox DC!

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If you listen to indie soul, chances are you've heard of Yahzarah. She is one of the hardest working women in the business and next to Sy Smith is one of indie soul's most recognizable figures, touring constantly with the Foreign Exchange and as a solo artist. She is also one of the scene's most dynamic performers, consistently delivering assured vocals and a mesmerizing stage show. It's no surprise that Yahzarah's latest offering, the compellingly diverse The Ballad of Purple St. James, reflects the singer's relentless work ethic and professionalism. Overseen by Nicolay and Phonte of the Foreign Exchange, the album hits all the right notes, showcasing Yahzarah's considerable artistry with a set of tracks that stands above and beyond the pack.

There is a vintage feel to The Ballad of Purple St. James yet somehow the album sounds fresh and new. Yahzarah was obviously inspired by the depth of R&B from the 80s and 90s but nothing on the album feels dated. First single "Why Dontcha Call Me No More" is proof enough of this; the pop/soul kiss-off is a surprisingly potent track that is as fresh and bubbly as it is unexpected. The 80s synthesized vibe is all over tracks like "Cry Over You" featuring Phonte and the seductive "Change Your Mind", but Nicolay's talent as a producer prevents things from sounding cheesy. Instead the music soars, mirroring Yahzarah's effervescent energy. But the slower songs are the true standouts here as they both shine light on Yahzarah's ability to emote and display her incredible range. A duet with fellow FE member Darien Brockington will immediately appeal to fans yet it's "Last To Leave", a lengthy emotional saga of a ballad, that truly casts a spell. The track encaspulates everything we've come to love about the talented diva. This sexy gal can SANG with the best of them and delivers a truth through her music that very few artists can attest to. With The Ballad of Purple St. James it appears that Yahzarah is ready to take things to the next level and we anxiously watch as she soars to higher heights.

I don't even know where to begin.

It's taking everything in me to keep my composure long enough to channel my feelings about The Ballad of Purple St. James into cohesive statements. This highly anticipated album -- from the uber talented Yahzarah -- has been released into the universe today and it is definitely a game changing body of work that galvanizes her voice into soul music excellence. The constellation of musicianship, heart-wrenching life stories and impeccable vocal execution makes this LP one of the most tantalizing releases of 2010.

Anyone who stops by this site with any sort of regularity will know that I have been anticipating the release of The Ballad Of Purple St James for a little over a year now. There have been a few setbacks along the way, but YahZarah and her new label, +FE Music, have finally blessed us with her 4th project.

A few weeks back the first single, 'Why Don't You Call Me No More' was released for free as a digital download and gave us a taste of what was in store. The 80′s influenced, new-wave/soul sound wasn't what I was expecting but is a pretty good indicator of what to expect on BPSJ. There are more 80s-inspired tunes, in particular 'Have A Heart' and the synth-heavy 'Change Your Mind', however as long-time YahZarah fans will know she is no one-trick pony.

I usually don't take up valuable album review space with my own personal declarative statements, but in this instance I believe that it's important for two reasons: context and (hopefully) a call to action.

First, this may be one of the easiest reviews that I've had to do(more on the reasons why, later). Secondly, I may represent(or I used to)a vast majority of lover's of great music in this country who are still(I was until about a year ago)stuck on channel zero(more on that in the conclusion). Finally, this album has made me realize(along with so many other epiphanies over this past year)that it's time to stop talking and really do something so that what we know as mainstream music now, can become a bad memory.

Monte J. Wolfe of Brave Soul Collective talks to YahZarah about her new album The Ballad Of Purple Saint James.

Our artist feature this month epitomizes what it means to be an artist, and she is truly a 'Brave Soul' in a league of her own. Critically acclaimed R&B vocalist YahZarah returns with her long-awaited album "The Ballad of Purple Saint James," dropping May 4 on The Foreign Exchange Music.

YahZarah's debut on +FE Music, The Ballad Of Purple Saint James, hits physical and digital music stores today!

To purchase your copy of The Ballad, click on the music retailer of your choice below:


Listen to the full album by clicking here!

The Foreign Exchange with YahZarah, Darien Brockington, Zo! and live band

Festival Pier, Columbus Boulevard @ Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 | (215) 629-3200

The first official review of The Ballad Of Purple Saint James!

YahZarah's fourth album could be heard as the third part of a trilogy that began with the Foreign Exchange's Leave It All Behind (2008) and continued with Nicolay's City Lights, Vol. 2 (2009). Like those earlier albums, The Ballad of Purple St. James is driven by Nicolay and Phonte and involves input from members of the extended FE family, as well as the Real Focus. YahZarah had worked on and off with the duo for several years, but never in a concentrated burst like this. The album allows the singer and songwriter to flash her vocal and thematic flexibility in ways her previous albums did not. Most salient is "Why Dontcha Call Me No More," a gracefully hurtling kiss-off. It could be covered by No Doubt and taken to the Top Ten, but it's probable that the song would lose some of its bite. YahZarah, whose voice here resembles that of Gwen Stefani, albeit with none of the cutesiness, delivers one of the most commanding scorned-lover performances in recent memory. At the point where an ad-lib or something innocuous is expected, just as handclaps and "whoa-oh"s enter, she slips in an additional verse that begins with "I hope you have a little girl, and she's the apple of your eye" -- uh-oh -- and ends with "I hope somebody makes her cry" and a vaguely brainsick laugh. There are other moments when the singer's magnetic forthrightness is on display, as on the pulsing and intense "The Lie" ("If you gotta go through hell with somebody, why won't you do it with me?") and the prime Neptunes/Kelis-like "Change Your Mind" ("I can turn your world around in a heartbeat, and bring you to your knees again"). The more sensitive songs, including a gliding duet with Darien Brockington, a devotional ballad resembling a Teena Marie session in Memphis, and a gleaming Afrofuturist anthem, are just as affecting.

During Grammy week 2010, The Foreign Exchange (Phonte + Nicolay with YahZarah) performed a short "acoustic set" at the 2nd Annual Pre-Grammy Brunch. Sandrine Orabona (cinematographer of Michael Jackson's This Is It) and crew captured the performance and sat down with the trio to discuss The Foreign Exchange's long and winding road to a Grammy nomination. Narrated by KCRW's own Garth Trinidad, and featuring Phonte, Nicolay, YahZarah with special guest Questlove of The Roots sitting in on drums.

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Bobby Rox of The FLOW talks to YahZarah and plays several tracks from her upcoming album, The Ballad Of Purple Saint James.