Angie Stone calls herself a neo-soul diva, but she's not new to the scene. She's been recording for a decade and been nominated for a Grammy twice — for "More Than a Woman" with Joe in 2003 and "U-Haul" in 2004. On her new album (The Art of Love and War) and new label (Stax), Stone crafts her most diverse group of songs to date.
"My People," which the actor Idris Elba wrote for the singer, is a serious and hilarious song about black empowerment. "I'm certainly hoping that that song speaks volumes to a generation of people that need to hear and be educated on who they are, what they are, their worth," Stone says.
Despite a serious health problem that Stone developed at 26 after a chemical spill in the lab where she was working, the singer says she feels stronger and more beautiful today than she ever has. "I think my spirit is far greater than it's ever been," she says. Her song "Happy Being Me" reflects that.
Stone's move to a new label presented a welcome challenge to the singer. She says she's not daunted by the storied legacy of Stax, home to legends such as Marvin Gaye and Isaac Hayes. "I feel like something magical is going to happen," she says, "and I feel like all the stars have finally lined up perfectly for Angie Stone."
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