Album of the Day

Born Michelle Lynn Johnson in Berlin on this day in 1968, Meshell Ndegeocello was one of the first signings to Madonna's Maverick imprint, and the buzz generated by her acclaimed debut for the label only grew with sophomore set PEACE BEYOND PASSION. The 1996 collection spun off three singles that reached Billboard's Dance Music/Club Play chart: “Stay,” “Leviticus: Faggot” and a cover of Bill Withers' “Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?,” which hit #1 on that chart. And while the grooves coursing through her music are undeniably danceable (Meshell is a talented bassist as well as a singer-songwriter), there's also a dream-like feel to the multi-layered arrangements and thoughtful lyrics that adds to the allure. PEACE BEYOND PASSION was a Grammy nominee for Best R&B Album and remains Ndegeocello's most commercially successful collection.