It’s unfortunate when an artist’s personal life and industry dramas overshadow their career; casting a dark cloud over their every move. Dawn Richard is one of those artists who has been pushed, shoved in/out of the public eye, and often it’s for the wrong reasons instead of the right ones.
My love affair with this artist began back in 2005 when she appeared on MTV‘s Making the Band reality television show. Soon after Dawn became a member of the popular girl group Danity Kane.
Danity Kane was formed from the third iteration of the hit show. Dawn and the other members selected to be a part of the group were signed to Bad Boy Records by Diddy. The group gained worldwide success with hits like, Damaged, Show Stopper and most recently Lemonade.
Lemonade was the group’s most recent hit and their last. The group reunited in 2013, however, their reunion was short lived after reports surfaced that Dawn allegedly attacked Aubrey O’Day. Aubrey and Sharon Bex were allegedly conspiring to drop Dawn from the group. After the allegations and fight between the group members Danity Kane split. Aubrey and Sharon soon after formed their own group, Dumb Blonde.
Whether the allegations are true or not it’s all gossip to us because we weren’t there. What matters is the music. If you recall, Dawn was always a part of Diddy-Dirty Money only proving she’s ready to play with the big dogs and fight for her rightful place in the music industry.
Dawn’s under-marketed and under-appreciated CD Blackheart is a CD that gives music lovers a knockout punch. It’s also a CD many music lovers did not get to hear. We can blame it on marketing or the record label but it’s a treasure; a CD I listen to on a regular basis and one I highly recommend. Although, her EP Armor is my all-time favorite. Songs like: Change, Faith, Save Me From You and Scripture are rich with soulful and embedded with raw emotions; the type of emotions captured in songs by Sade and are some of the reasons why Armor is an all-time favorite.
Dawn Richard is putting all the negativity behind her by continuing to do what she loves… produce and release great music. She is definitely ready for 2016 and the proof is in the music. Dawn recently released a new single, Not Above That. The title insinuates she is humbled by her past and ready to move on and produce new music for her adoring fans.
Not Above That was produced by Machinedrum. It is electronic, upbeat, but playful. I am looking forward to her upcoming CD RED•emp•tion.
