I didn't take any pictures during Angie's session because it was just too intense. She came to our studio with her protégé, Jonathan Richmond from Memphis Tennessee and laid down some tracks. Boy, is he talented! He can play, program beats, then sing his lungs out. Of course Angie is as mesmerizing as usual, too. They started by writing 2 songs this time before she had to go back to the set in Atlanta for a movie shoot. Yes, she is also riding the Hollywood tide. I just can't wait to see her again. -K

Lucy Oyster? Or Lucy Clam? No, it's just Toshi with Ali Shaheed and Sy Smith after their writing session. (Sy has been working with Macy Gray in the studio and also on tour, if you noticed her) Ali is so nice, and Sy is so sweet. Of course, their talent is out-of-the-ordinary. But Ali is just a little ahead of our time. A little too far, maybe? On one of the tracks he came up with, I had a hard time counting where his snare was. But one day, it all made sense, just as I had spent hours trying to figure out how to view 3-D graphics. It doesn't really make sense, but all of the sudden the image pops right out. He is certainly an innovator from another tribe called Quest. -K

Toshi posing with Ivan Barias (right) and Carvin Haggins (left) at their Mama's Home Cooking Studios in Philadelphia, the home of Musiq and Neo Soul grooves. After the writing session, they took a break and gave me this look. They got along so well and came up with some smashing songs. But they could certainly loosen up a little for the picture shoot. By the way, the wood columns in the background are not Hanukah candles. -K