Christmas 2010 was a bit blue with the loss of "Ivory Queen of Soul" Teena Marie. The R&B diva had an amazing career that spanned 4 decades and 13 albums, fostered by Berry Gordy and Rick James. Even with music monster names in her corner, "Lady Tee" proved her capabilities time and again by writing and producing much of her own music. Upbeat, electrifying hits like "I Need Your Lovin" alongside transforming ballads such as "Portuguese Love" made her the voice of a generation...and a legend of her time.
Though Teena Marie was marked by R&B and Soul greatness, her passing also comes as a blow to the Hip Hop community. Her influences are unmistakeable, with music sampled by the Fugees, Mary J. Blige, Redman, and many, many others. To this day, Lady Tee is credited with being among the first mainstream artists to incorporate rap into their music with her playful verse in "Square Biz." The ever fresh and evolving songstress surprised fans when she signed to Cash Money Records in 2004. Her studio album La Dona went gold, released under Cash Money.
"Lovergirl": we honor you. Your music and legacy will live on forever.
R.I.P. Teena Marie 3/5/56-12/26/10
