Singer/songwriter Salakida (sah-lah-kee-duh) classifies her sound as “Blippie Funk” or Black Hippie Funk. Her unique style merges different elements of hip hop from her Oakland roots while adding pop, rock and some good ol' Georgia soul (where she now calls home) to the mix. Salakida was inspired early on by Alanis Morissette and Meshell Ndegeocello - both whom write their own songs as well - to learn how to play the guitar. Salakida’s writing prowess is evident in her self-titled debut released in 2005 with songs like “Sick Days” (that explores the “joy” of working for someone else) and “Good Woman” (the woman as the person who destroyed the relationship). Salakida can take a typical topic such as love lost and lyrically flip it with her beautiful voice as a vehicle to carry out her name’s meaning – “spirit song”. Thus far, she has been honored to work with such artists as Kenny Lattimore, D’wanye Wiggins, Blackilicious and Jaguar Wright. TIRM spoke with Salakida about her affiliation with Wu-Music, why she admires Khia and her upcoming album, The Resurrection.
TIRM: You're not signed to Wu-Music but there’s some affiliation there. How did you become acquainted?
Salakida: RZA heard some of the songs that Trae (producer) and I did and was interested in signing us to Wu-Music. He has been really supportive of the music we made and exposed us to Wu fans, which has helped bring us more attention collectively and as individuals. I'm grateful.
TIRM: Who would you say are some "unlikely" artists that influence you?
Salakida: Well, unlikely to other people would probably be… Khia!
TIRM: “My neck, my back” Khia?
Salakida: [Laughing] Yes! She made a classic song. You knew exactly who I was talking about and how old is that song? She doesn't seem to care what other people think of her and I admire that. From a musical and not personality standpoint, I love System of a Down.
TIRM: Should people anticipate the same vibe and messages found in Salakida with your upcoming release, The Resurrection? What are you trying to get across with this album?
Salakida: Yes and no. I'm in a different place now. I’ve experienced some loss and rebirth and a reconnection with self which is why I'm calling the album, The Resurrection. I'm doing production on this album but my writing style will still be recognizable. It's always going to be my spirit coming through the speakers.
TIRM: So when can people get their hands on The Resurrection?
Salakida: I'm toying with the idea of an EP because I have about 9 songs at this point that I really love, and I'd like to do a few more before calling it the full album. Either way, there will be new music for public consumption come the end of July!
TIRM: Not excluding music, but in addition to it, what can you see yourself doing in entertainment, the community, etc?
Salakida: I want to work with young girls in our community. Also, I want to own a natural beauty salon. I want to write for other artists and help develop them. I want to learn to ride a bike, have wonderful love affairs and have an awesome Behind the Music [laughing]. I just want to live and leave a mark.
