Caged Bird Songs

Dr. Maya Angelou famously was an author, poet, professor, and American icon before her death in 2014. But she also released a calypso album in 1957 and wrote songs with Quincy Jones, Roberta Flack, and others. Here, producers RoccStar and Shawn Rivera (who’ve recently worked with Jennifer Lopez and Chris Brown) take readings that Angelou recorded over the years and put new hip-hop beats and sounds behind them. Angelou was always a dynamic speaker; her proto-rap/sing-speak style makes for a natural combination with the modern production. The recurring themes of hope and equality leave no question as to whom you\'re listening to.