Shot By Bishop
A VOICE FOR THE
VOICELESS
For, as Leela describes her lost love through stages of infatuation (“Sippin”), blissful desire (“I Want You”), and eventually, she resents and heartbreak (“See Me”, “Put It On Me”), her story is raw and messy, but she is undoubtedly at the center. It is through her perspective that we “see” the story.
The notion of quiet power applies to Leela outside of the scope of her storytelling too. Unlike the flamboyance and hustle culture predominant in the modern-day music scene, Leela James has spoken on PepTalk with a casual charm. Despite her successful career, Leela simply explains her artistry as her “trying to make music that’s good to me”. . At the end of Leela’s statement about her artistry, she gives a knowing smile. The kind of expression that you can only make after years of knowing and mastering the ins and outs of your trade. However, it would be a mistake to misconstrue Leela’s earnestness with a desire for invisibility. When Leela smiles, you understand that she is not flamboyant because she doesn’t need to be. With seven studio albums and chart-topping singles on the R&B charts (most recently her newest single “Complicated” peaking at number three).
With the release of “See Me” Leela’s role as a storyteller has never been more apparent, and the truths she has shared have a heart-wrenching resonance. We see now, Leela. And I reckon that we won’t stop looking.