Simply Naomi’s “Mello-D” is Here!

Hey y'all. BL Shirelle here.

This is truly one of the best days of my professional career yet. I'm humbled and proud to introduce “Mello-D,” by Simply Naomi 🎶 💙 🎶

For those of you who may not know, I met Ms. Naomi when I was a young girl. We were incarcerated together in a facility in Pennsylvania called Cambridge Springs. My interaction with her at that time was from a far away perspective. She was the lady I curbed my cussing around. The lady who drew everyone to church no matter your religion, lifestyle, race or crime. We all just wanted to hear her sing.

Her voice made us feel hopeful, the conviction of her notes made us feel strong. The skill in her runs made us feel like we were witnessing something we should be paying for. I would leave the chapel feeling fulfilled, and reloaded to withstand the next week in the belly.

I left there and always remembered her. I would hear certain songs and it would remind me of her. My friends and I would ask every person recently released, "How's Ms. Naomi?" "Any luck with her case?" It was evident in her walk alone that she was a lifer. She had that dignified walk. Like her purpose was greater than even her understanding. It always made our hearts heavy when we thought about what we considered to be good people, people who taught us something, never having the opportunity to see life outside those gates.

I took that right for granted for sure. Which is why 18 months later I was seeing Ms. Naomi again. This time I got closer to her. She taught me about harmonies and composition for the musician who lacks technical knowledge. I was amazed at how she knows just as much as a skilled musician just off vibes. I also learned things from her leadership. I learned to stop complaining so much. I learned to be more appreciative of even the smallest of things. I learned to garner the healing energy of music.

I told her about the Die Jim Crow album, how I was going to work with Fury when I got out and she didn't seem sold on it. Her situation at the time — being one of over 5,000 lifers in Pennsylvania with life without parole — wouldn't allow her to dream of the possibilities. Possibilities that are a reality today. I couldn't be prouder or happier for you Ms. Naomi. You deserve it all! I'm humbled that I could be a part of bringing your art to the world. We love you.

Album cover by Fury Young