Kenneth "Baby Face" Edmonds: PLAYLIST

10 time Grammy award winning Writer, Producer, Performer, Label Owner--- are only a few of the words that describe Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds. He was introduced to the world as part of the R&B group the Deele, which made the song TWO OCCASSIONS famous while simultaneously creating a permanent residence for itself on my slow jams PLAYLIST.

Since that initial "deele," he went on to combine forces with Antonio "LA" Reid and Arista Records, to form La Face Records which became an industry standard. Throughout his iconic career, he is recognized as the force behind artists like Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Outkast, Pink, Usher, Brandy & Boys II Men just to name a few. His meteoric rise to the top of his career cannot be denied but through most of it, he has also been a family man. He is the Father to sons, Brandon and Dylan (like Bob Dylan) and former husband to Tracey Edmonds.

We have watched his private life unfold before us most recently due to his finalized divorce as well as his ex-wife's connection to comedian Eddie Murphy and thus Melanie B (aka Spice girl). For those that would rather focus on "Baby Face" and his contributions to the world of music and entertainment, there could not be a better time then now for him to cease the moment. There is a saying that goes, "when one door closes, a window opens." So, from that window, "Baby Face" is set to release his 11^th album, due out in stores September 18, 2007.

As part of his media tour, "Baby Face" took some time out to speak with me about his life, times, and of course, his PLAYLIST. Referring to the new album, Baby Face says; "What's cool is that it's familiar, but it's fresh. I want people to hear something they know as if they're hearing it for the first time. And I hope a lot of people really care for it, because I would love to do more - and pull out more of my favorite memories."

PLAYLIST includes three decades of popular music with titles and original performers like:

"Wonderful Tonight" (Eric Clapton); "Shower the People," "Fire and Rain" (James Taylor); "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (Bob Dylan); "Please Come To Boston" (Dave Loggins); "Longer" (Dan Fogelberg); "Time in a Bottle" (Jim Croce), and "Diary" (Bread). About the collection he says that "these songs came from memories, and these songs helped shape who I am - and they're still shaping who I am. They shaped my past and now they're shaping my future."

So, join me for a candid, informative and laid back chat with the legendary Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds.

Saba,Ink: I've always wondered about your name. I mean what do we call you when you're 80 and still kicking-Do we still call you "Baby Face?"

Baby Face: (chuckles). Only if it applies...

Saba,Ink: (laughing) so you wouldn't mind if we changed it up a bit then ..

Baby Face: Exactly....

Saba,Ink: "Vote For Change" was an election anthem from you a few years ago. With the advent of You Tube, My Space, Hillary & Barack all affecting the climate around change this election season, do you have any thought for anthems?

Baby Face: Um...No I don't. I hadn't really thought about it....

Saba,Ink: What in your childhood experiences, besides going out to the car during church services to listen to music on the car radio and losing that boxing match (thinking you were going to be Ali) contributed to your passion and musical success?

Baby Face: Well, there was music all around me. But my older brother had a guitar that he forbid us to touch. He was the first one that got me into guitar. He would be going to school and doing gigs and music like James Brown and other funky stuff. I started sneaking it (the guitar) while he was away and teaching myself how to play. I liked James Brown and the other stuff but when I heard the Beatles that was more along the line of what I could relate to.

Saba, Ink: You have built such a musical dynasty around you. With Brandon's Way (recording studio) and your other son named Dylan (Iike Bob Dylan)...What would you think if they decided not to go into music?

Baby Face: I didn't exactly name my son after Bob Dylan, it seems to be something going around. He was actually born the night Bob Dylan won his Oscar and I thought it would be pretty cool to name him that. (If they didn't go into music), that would be fine with me. It is not something that I would push but they do enjoy the similar genre of music I do. They might listen to hip hop a little bit but they like The Beatles as well.

Saba, Ink: So, let's talk about your PLAYLIST. At this point in your career, I'm sure it is about doing what you love and being passionate about your music. So, are you concerned if it gets Billboard, MTV, BET or other hype?

Baby Face: I think it is about doing what I love. I know this might not be for everyone especially hardcore R & B fans but it brings back memories of growing up and there are songs in there that can be enjoyed...given a chance.

Saba, Ink: With La Face Records and corresponding projects, you were able to set a standard for music and in many cases made history. What are your thoughts on the current stage of music and who are some artists out today that you might have signed?

Baby Face: of course anyone would say Beyonce. With all her popularity she really is very talented and she will be around for a long time. Also there is CorinneBailey Rae and this other artist who is on Island Def Jam, Chrisette Michele. She is really very special. The difference with music then and now is that...we used to have tons of artists that we could count on your hands; and hopefully we can get back to that. Now, it certainly does take a lot more work.

Saba, Ink: I understand that your ex-wife Tracey has teamed up with Bob Johnson (Billionaire/Entreprenuer) to form Our Stories, producing movies around African American stories and experiences. Considering your success with movie soundtracks like Soul Food, Waiting to Exhale & Josie and the Pussycats, can we look for any future work between you and Tracey?

Baby Face: We've talked about it extensively... (clears throat) but it is all about the right deal coming around. If the right deal comes around, I will look at it.
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Saba, Ink: My final question is about passion. What words of wisdom would you give to aspiring artists who look at you and your success? Any "Baby-Facisms" so to speak?

Baby Face: No real words of wisdom. I'd just say follow your passion....I did. It was always a sense that things would work out. There were more times that it seemed like it wasn't working out but I would sit back and look at the things that didn't work and learn from them, trying to correct them. I kept moving on. Always push yourself to rise and do music that inspires and takes you to a place you've never been before. It may not happen through the door you thought it would happen with, but it may open another door.

Baby Face: All I wanted to do was play guitar in a band as backup but all the other doors began to open up like producing. I just stayed opened to all the possibilities and opportunities.

Saba, Ink: So, to those people struggling to make it and have to listen to people telling them that they are crazy, what would you say?

Baby Face: (laughing).Well in some cases, you might be crazy. There are those that are really not that talented and sometimes it's hard because those people really don't know they're not talented. If enough of your friends tell you you're not good, you might want to listen. You want to listen to the people who don't have anything to lose. If they like it, that's great. If they don't then...

Saba, Ink: Any other projects going on outside the industry like a clothing or fragrance line, like some others artists?

Baby Face: No, Not really. I'm not that type of guy. I'm just happy with music and whatever projects that come from it. Other than that, I'm just planning to tour and do more shows.

Saba, Ink: Well, I thank you again. It has definitely been an honor and a pleasure.

Baby Face: (laughing). Thank you, I appreciate it...

My conversation with Baby Face ended with the words "Stay Healthy," because in the beginning of our dialogue, he disclosed that he would be working on cardio-training and exercises during our interview, and he really did it through our 30 minute chat....

Now that's what I call multi-tasking and staying power!