The Silver Spring Penguin

South Silver Spring asks, “Can a sista rock a mic?” Eclectic songstress Stephanie McKay says, “Hellz yeah!”

Stephanie McKay calls on the spirits of soul, funk and roots reggae, then merges them with some hip-hop flare to create distinct, infectious grooves. She’s hot!

The song “Take Me Over” (below) has obvious reggae roots overlaid with McKay’s soulful style. She’s not the strongest vocalist, but her creative sensibilities really sparkle.

[youtube]nxHqxi40lT4[/youtube]

Courtesy of Stephanie McKay.

In “Tell It Like It Is,” McKay lays down thick funk grooves (think Bootsie Collins and P Funk) and stirs them with lyrics of urban lament.

Read it in the paper: A young brother with a bright future has been shot and killed.
Saw it on the news: A brother’s been accused.
How’s that supposed to make me feel?

[youtube]KEKD0MrgNZs[/youtube]

Video: R. Pace/SSP.

If the original funk version brings back too many vivid flashbacks, try the club remix. It’ll have every gay bar in the DC metro area spinning.

McKay’s “M.O.N.E.Y.” also brings on the funk, but tempers it with smooth soul and more urban realism. It’s a cool salute to Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City.”

Sample McKay’s music on her website, then catch her performance at the Summer Lovefest (at the Arts Alley, next to 8040 Georgia Ave). The free festival is part of the area-wide “Can a Sista Rock a Mic” festival and runs from 4:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m.