Dawson's Ink

It’s DAY TWO of ROUND ONE, as MARCH MADNESS is just starting to get good. We’re proud to be celebrating Women’s History Month with this unique challenge, and after over 200 VOTES from you yesterday, it seems like you’re feeling it, too. Please know that you can continue to vote for your favorite artists from the EAST up until NOON EST tomorrow. So get on it!

Today, we’re rocking with the shawties from the SOUTH. We call this…

Please join Nina in applauding these ladies, as all of them are worthy of your attention and admiration. And they can sing, too. Seems this division is the land of the one-named artists, save for the veterans. Heh. As was the case yesterday, there could be some huge surprises when all is said and done, so make sure you listen to the songs and VOTE for your faves. It only takes a minute and doesn’t cost a thing.

I’d be an idiot if I didn’t acknowledge the team behind MARCH MADNESS. Shouts to my ace Soul Afrodisiac, who provided today’s profiles, and much respect to my boy Fave, who has been a beast with the daily graphics. Can’t say ‘Thank You’ enough.

With that said… on to the battles. LET’S GO!
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Home: Denver, Colorado/Atlanta, Georgia
Ranking: #1, SOUTH
Site: www.indiaarie.com
High Notes: Singer/songwriter, 20 Grammy Nominations, three-time Grammy winner; loving and natural brown-skinned boho; all around Stevie Wonder lover.

Analysis: This songbird has the will to wrap listeners around her finger with her lyrical savoir faire and down to earth demeanor. But could Maysa take her out of the game with that deep sensual growl? We’ll just have to see about that.

“Ready For Love” India.Arie
Acoustic Soul
(2001, Motown Records)

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Home: Baltimore, Maryland
Ranking: #8, SOUTH
Site: www.maysa.com
High Notes: Sang background vocals for Stevie Wonder; has a son named Jazz; former member of the R&B/Jazz group Incognito; new album A Woman In Love (2010, Shanachie) is her eighth studio album.

Analysis: Will this Jazzy vocalist who was hot enough to jam with Wonderlove pull off what would be the biggest upset to-date? If it’s all about the vocals, it might just happen. Take a listen… and then cast a vote.

“When I Fall In Love” Maysa
A Woman In Love
(2010, Shanachie Records)

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Home: Columbia, South Carolina
Ranking: #4, SOUTH
Site: www.angiestoneonline.net
High Notes: Singer/songwriter; a member of one of the first female hip hop acts – The Sequence; three-time Grammy Nominee.

Analysis: Angie will never be able to live down her association with the one Michael Archer, but we know she doesn’t need any support when holding down the mic. Her natural do and smokey vocals caught our attention from jump. Is that enough to get her over?

“No More Rain (In This Cloud)” Angie Stone
Black Diamond
(1999, Arista Records)

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Home: Severn, Maryland
Ranking: #5, SOUTH
Site: www.tonibraxton.com
High Notes: Six time Grammy Award Winner, singer/songwriter; Broadway actress (Aida & Beauty and the Beast); first African-American act to headline in Las Vegas; new album Pulse is set to release May 4, 2010.

Analysis: This smoldering Braxton sister knows the meaning of sensuality and how to work it. Whether it be hot and sexy or a simple love ballad, Toni seems always ready to take one for the team. Think she’s ready this time around?

“How Many Ways” Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton
(1993, LaFace Records)

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Home: New Orleans, Louisiana
Ranking: #2, SOUTH
Site: www.ledisi.com
High Notes: Four time Grammy Nominee; singing chameleon; could sing you into submission.

Analysis: Who would really want to go up against Ledisi? That spirituous voice, southern hospitality and fierce delivery all rolled into one coming at you like a steamroller on a mission! Yes…I didn’t think so.

“In The Morning” Ledisi
Lost & Found
(2007, Verve Forecast Recordings)

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Home: High Point, North Carolina
Ranking: #7, SOUTH
Site: www.fantasiabarinoofficial.com
High Notes: American Idol alum, Eight time Grammy nominee, Broadway run with The Color Purple, unpredictable firecracker; new album slated to be released in March.

Analysis: Where do I begin? Who best to go up against Ledisi? ‘Tasia’s Aretha Franklin/Gladys Knight chu’ch infusion, accompanied by her Shirley Caesar raspy growl is enough to make your hair stand on edge and jump out your skin.

“Truth Is” Fantasia
Free Yourself
(2004, J Records)

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Home: Atlanta, Georgia
Ranking: #3, SOUTH
Site: www.monica.com
High Notes: Grammy Award winning artist;, the unforgettable debut album Miss Thang; church-reared vocalist; Still Standing slated for release this year.

Analysis: Best known for singing circles around Brandy, this southern belle had absolutely nothing to prove after the release of her debut album. Her vocal prowess is ridiculous, leaving nary a victim in her path.

“Angel of Mine” Monica
The Boy Is Mine
(1998, Arista Records)

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Home: Washington, DC
Ranking: #6, SOUTH
Site: http://www.myspace.com/yahzarah
High Notes: Operatic training and scale; sang backup for the ethereal Erykah Badu; recently signed to Foreign Exchange Music; release of The Ballad Of Purple Saint James this year.

Analysis: Yahzarah’s flamboyant flair and scale are the right match for Monica. We know Yahzarah would never back down from a good showdown. And this one right here? This is it.

“Blackstar” Yahzarah
Blackstar
(2003)

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