Born on 22 May 1983 in Los Angeles, California, R&B star Leela James has been
outspoken in her criticisms of the lyrical content of many modern R&B and
hip-hop songs, condemning the genre's obsession with material possessions and
lack of respect for women. It's a topic she highlighted in the song "Music"
lifted from her debut album A Change Is Gonna Come, which was released in 2005.
She errs towards the classic, punchier style of soul singing reminiscent of some
of the famed Black singers of the 1960s. Her refreshingly old-school vocal
delivery has drawn comparisons with R&B icon...