Artist

Jazzyfatnastees

Data may be outdated

Last updated: 3 weeks ago — Click refresh to get the latest statistics.

Vocalists Tracey Moore and Mercedes Martinez make up Jazzyfatnastees. In 1993, they were part of a vocal quartet that had landed a deal with Tommy Boy. But by 1995, the deal had fallen through. After drifting for a few years, Moore and Martinez found themselves in Philadelphia, their quartet reduced to a duo by departures. The two had known the guys in <a href="spotify:artist:78xUyw6FkVZrRAtziFdtdu">the Roots</a> for a few years, having opened shows for them in the past. For their debut album as Jazzyfatnastees, Moore and Martinez signed with Motive Records, <a href="spotify:artist:78xUyw6FkVZrRAtziFdtdu">the Roots</a>' imprint at MCA. The Once and Future, their self-written and -produced debut album, arrived in 1999. Filled with sunny harmonies and laid-back grooves, the album was ahead of its time, or at least ahead of the neo-soul movement, which would peak a few years later with the arrival of songbirds like <a href="spotify:artist:4ylR3zwA0zaapAu94fktwa">Macy Gray</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:7Gf3LSwa5hh8Cjo60WhVjC">India.Arie</a>. Nevertheless, the Jazzys persevered. They founded Black Lily, a showcase for artists of the very non-categories -- neo-funk and -soul, organic hip-hop -- in which they found themselves. They also began work on their sophomore effort, which arrived in September of 2002. The Tortoise & the Hare, released through the duo's new deal with Coolhunter/Ryko distribution, continued to hone Moore and Martinez's soulful, modern, and definitely groovy sound. With the rest of the music world having caught up to their sound, Jazzyfatnastees planned a third album for 2003. ~ Johnny Loftus, Rovi

Monthly Listeners

23,526