Meshell Ndegeocello turns familiar songs inside out

Musician and composer Meshell Ndegeocello explores the intersection of identity, liberation, and musical arrangement on her latest album, *Synonym*. By reimagining classic duets, she challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the unifying power of music across diverse communities. Her creative process draws heavily from her upbringing, specifically the rigorous musical discipline instilled by her father, a military band saxophonist, which shaped her foundational approach to bass playing. Ndegeocello rejects the "neo-soul" label, positioning herself instead as a student of a broad musical lineage that includes funk, jazz, and go-go. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the influence of James Baldwin, the necessity of vulnerability in artistic growth, and the ongoing journey of finding freedom through sound, ultimately viewing her work as a medium for storytelling rather than a pursuit of genre-based categorization.