Ep 11. Angie Stone

UnSung is a compelling documentary series that takes an in-depth look into the lives and careers of talented musicians who are often overlooked in the mainstream media despite their significant contributions to the music industry. In season 8, episode 11, the spotlight is on the soulful and sultry singer-songwriter Angie Stone, who is known for her powerhouse vocals and signature sound that effortlessly blends soul, R&B, and hip-hop.

Angie Stone was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina in a music-loving family. Her father was a gospel singer and her mother was a jazz vocalist, and she grew up singing in church and participating in talent shows. After moving to New York City in the 1980s, Stone joined the female rap group The Sequence as the lead vocalist, and they scored a hit single with "Funky Up My Life" in 1980.

Stone went on to become a prolific songwriter and an in-demand backing vocalist, working with the likes of Lenny Kravitz, D'Angelo, and Mary J. Blige. However, it wasn't until she released her solo debut, Black Diamond, in 1999 that Stone became a household name. The album spawned the hit singles "No More Rain (In This Cloud)" and "Brotha" and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.

Stone's music was deeply personal and introspective, often addressing topics such as love, heartbreak, and self-empowerment. Her sound was informed by her southern roots and her love of classic soul and gospel music, and she was often compared to legendary singers such as Aretha Franklin, Millie Jackson, and Patti LaBelle.

Throughout the episode, we hear from Stone herself as well as her family, friends, and musical collaborators, who discuss her upbringing, her early career, and her rise to fame. We also get a glimpse of Stone's personal life, including her struggles with her weight and her relationship with her ex-husband, the hip-hop artist D'Angelo.

As with all episodes of UnSung, the focus is on the music, and we get to hear some of Stone's best-loved songs as well as some lesser-known gems from her discography. The episode also touches on some of the setbacks and obstacles that Stone faced throughout her career, including label disputes, health issues, and the changing landscape of the music industry.

Ultimately, the episode is a celebration of Angie Stone's talent and legacy, as well as a reminder of the power of music to inspire, uplift, and console. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering her music for the first time, this episode of UnSung is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for one of R&B's most soulful and underrated artists.