(ThyBlackMan.com) A few years ago, Dr. Samori Swygert went through a bad breakup after a long term relationship. So what? Many of us have gone through a bad breakup. But this man, a pharmacist by trade, concocted the perfect formula for an amazing piece of art out of the hurt he suffered from the demise of his relationship.
One evening in Virginia, after walking eight miles to clear his mind, he sat on his porch to reflect upon the direction of his life. That’s when he heard the most amazing music echoing off of a nearby stream. Right across the bridge, less than a mile from his home, the 
Hampton University band was practicing. And the rest, as they say, was history.
“I jumped in the car and drove right over there,” Samori said. “After the band finished practicing, I told the assistant band director that I was a Hampton alumni and I was putting together an album, although I really wasn’t at the time.”
He was invited to sit in on another practice where he brought the band pizzas and was personally introduced to them—from there he met the key players who would be instrumental to his record. Born out of this experience was the album P.O.R.N.
P.O.R.N. which stands for Poetry, Oration, Rhythm, Narratives, touches on every aspect of a relationship. From the good to the bad, the breakup to the makeup—all the way to the Wedding Day. The album has been called the new millennium version of the “Love Jones” soundtrack, and it has been on Amazon’s best seller list four times in the quiet storm category, twice beating out legendary R&B artists like Marvin Gaye.
Samori said, “This album is very creative and introspective for any listener, and it’s going to force them to examine their love journey from a different perspective.”
The adult themed album has a very mature sound which is quite surprising being that more than half of the musicians who worked on the album were all under the age of 24.
“Our main producer was Jonathan Easter—he produced 95% of the album. You also have Dondre Jackson on Sax and Brian Austin on piano. Robert Simmons who is the oldest out of the all the musicians plays the electric Saxophone on the song ‘The Wetness.’”
Samori wasn’t skeptical about using young musicians on this project. He credits Shannon Ladson from Hampton University’s music department for gathering together the young men who worked on his album. “Shannon is very meticulous and detailed oriented. He knew which students I would be interested in, so I trusted him in his selection.”
The music that is played on today’s urban radio is polluted with messages of misogyny, disrespect and apathetic attitudes from both men and women, especially as it relates to romantic relationships. It’s refreshing to hear music from a Black man expressing his love and appreciation for the Black woman, in a sensual, sexy and sophisticated way.
When asked what he hopes this album would give to the world, Samori said, “I want people to walk away knowing that there is still healthy intimacy, healthy romance and healthy passion in this world. And for those who already know that, they aren’t alone in their thinking. I also want people to develop an appreciation for good music.”
P.O.R.N. certainly won’t disappoint.
You can get the album on ITunes, Amazon, Google Play and CDBaby.com.
Check out the song that is taking over the underground airwaves. It should be the nation’s next big wedding anthem.
Staff Writer; Yolanda Spivey
This Talented sister is also founder of Black Insurance News. She can be reached at biancawhite76@gmail.com or you can visit her Facebook page.
