5 Songs I Love w/ KERI ELLE

Following the release of her latest single 'COMMUNITY', Flex caught up with rising US R&B/Soul artist KERI ELLE to find out more about what influences her eclectic sound. If you enjoy KERI's picks, be sure to check out 'COMMUNITY' at the end of the article.

1. Lauryn Hill - Lost Ones

Lost Ones is the first on the album “The MisEducation of Lauryn Hill,” the project that changed the trajectory of my musical journey. I was heavily into RnB, Soul and Gospel music. I was raised listening to those and sang in the choir at church. 

When I first heard this song, it was like hearing the part of myself that I had not seen represented in those spaces. I kept rewinding it over and over. Lauryn had been in the group The Fugees for a while but hearing her make her own statement, singing and spitting-seamlessly merging the flavor and attitudes was life changing for me. She was giving her message through rhyme and song from a feminine perspective on life and love, and doing so with an emphasis on her spirit and mental vs. her body. 

Gritty, unapologetic, authentic, melodic, soulful, and dropping truth bar for bar.

 It wasn’t before hearing this that I could see myself merging all of those aspects together in my own creativity and standing alone. Shortly after hearing the project I began to express my poetry through rhyme. 

2. Prince - Kiss

The energy on this song is contagious! It never fails. It’s my loud- turned to the max- want to look in my mirror- sing- dance-air guitar and go crazy- song. It gives all the sexy, grown, unfuckwit-able vibes you will ever need on anny day! Prince. SO Good. 

3. Aretha Franklin - I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)

I grew up hearing Aretha in my house on Saturday mornings. This song is one that, even before I knew what Heartbreak felt like, I felt in my soul. Maybe it was experience I’d witnessed, that made me identify with the story… or just Her vocals…raw, transparent and powerful. Ms. Aretha is one of those artists that inspired me to sing from my soul without abandon, and made me subscribe to the idea that music should always invoke a feeling. 

4. Marvin Gaye - Come Get To This

Marvin is always on my list of favorites, though the songs may change depending on when I’m asked. His vocals are so smooth and soulful. I feel him in EVERY song that he does, to include common favorites like What’s Going On and Let’s Get It On.  I love Come Get To This for a few reasons. First it is a whole GROOVE and VIBE! I often think I was born in the wrong era, because I would definitely be so comfortable during this time. The retro swing is serious. The music is recorded live, and between the horns, the background vocals (which I’m always drawn to) and the chord changes- the song’s feel is the best of nostalgia. When I hear it, I want to dance and lounge on velvet couches in rooms lit only by red light. It’s a mood.

5. Stevie Wonder - These Three Words

Stevie Wonder is one of my favorite songwriters of all time. The lyrics always evoke emotion and imagery. Given that he cannot physically see, it’s ironic and powerful that his music paints such vivid pictures. the melodies are complex and unique but unforgettable. 

These Three Words is one of many songs I love by Stevie, to Include Love’s In Need, Overjoyed As, Jammin’, Knocks me off my Feet, You Will Know, and Ribbon in the Sky. His vulnerability and perspective on matters of the heart and social justice are personal…and I feel it.

These Three Words is special to me because of the overall message to take the time to tell those you love how you feel, while you have the chance- how powerful saying the simple three words, “I love you”, and being present, can be. As an only child, growing up in a single parent home, seeing broken relationships, being distant from family, this hits home for me

My fave lines in the song are… 

“ The one for whom you'd give your very life

Could be taken in the twinkling of an eye

Through your tears you'd ask "Why did you go?"

Knowing you didn't always show

Just how much you loved them so”... 

Watch KERI ELLE - COMMUNITY