The sultry new single from Simone is an incredibly smooth R&B soul track that portrays and important message.
"Black King" is meaningful and powerful for so many people out there. I think we need this song right now. A song that might help us unite and appreciate one another more than we did before.
The song is a radio friendly and addictive track that even feels familiar at times but with it's own fresh twist.
The artists gorgeous and passionate vocals flow seamlessly as you get washed away by the track.
With such an impactful release, we had to sit down with Simone to talk shop. Here's what happened.
RAG: Okay so let's start with "Black King", This track has a lot of soul and R&B flare to it. Where did this come from?
Simone: I actually came up with the song right after George Floyd’s death. As gruesome as the footage of that event was, you’d think I wanted to write about something angry and vengeful but I realized that we were just living in a time that seemed really hopeless; his death coupled with a pandemic nobody wanted to be in. I wanted to give a light to my people, an anthem that men young and old could listen to and feel good about. You’re hearing that soul/R&b flare because that’s truly my favorite genre of music.
RAG: How long have you been doing this? How did it all start for you?
Simone: I’ve been singing since I was a little girl. My grandmom was the choir director and my dad was the organist of the choir I sang in. I sang in church growing up, did some YouTube covers and “hooks” for some locals artists but never took it serious !! I think I’ve always wanted to take music serious but I had to get serious about myself. I was in a relationship for a few years until the end of 2019. I wasn’t making the best choices for myself and decided to make some changes. I wasn’t happy with where I was going so I went back to what I always knew I had. I started putting some covers on my Instagram and a local artist asked me to sing and write a hook for his track in January and it’s been my priority ever since.
RAG: I hear so much heart in the record. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Simone: Definitely a huge Mariah and Toni Braxton fan. I love me some Monica and Christina Aguilera as well.
RAG: Have you played live shows before? Do you think you'll be performing live when the time comes?
Simone: I have performed yes ! But none of my original music yet ! I didn’t have the chance to before the pandemic affected those things. I most absolutely will be back to perform, I love a crowd and I love to put on a show !
RAG: What's next for you as an artist?
Simone: That’s a hard one to answer! What’s not next?! I’m here to make a statement. I’m putting my heart into every track and visual so I’m just on a journey of giving people something real to hear and see. I’m working on a visual for a new single that’s very personal. I don’t want to give any illusions I want people to get to know me.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Simone: Being a mom to my wonderful son Zion. He’s 10 and definitely a huge factor in why I’m back at it. I’m a social worker and apart of this amazing band called Suede Lace ! (Check them out ! @suede.lace on Instagram !) other than that, I’m rolling a blunt, getting quarantine fluffy with unnecessary calories at times, or sitting at a park with a lake writing. (Many personalities I know !)
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Simone: You owe it to yourself to live with no regrets and “what if’s”. Don’t let yourself get in the way of what’s real and true to you. Be unapologetically you and you’ll never fail.