Goapele

Hailing from the Bay Area, Goapele is without a doubt a star on the rise. Blessed with an ultra-smooth singing voice and ear for quality beats, she shines brightly on her solo debut. Even Closer also features collaborations with some of the Bay's nicest emcees, including Pep Love and Zion I.

Even Closer is a showcase for Bay Area singer Goapele Mohlabane's distinct vocal
sensibility: a balance of steamrolling Chaka Khan power and yoga-girl suppleness that's full
of promise. Highlights: the intense "Catch 22," and "Romantic," a searing song where she
sings, "You're so fucking romantic," again and again over a minimalist funk rhythm provided
by groove jazzers Soulive. TOM MOON (RS 925, June 26, 2003)