The Progressive Underground: The sonic odyssey of Ideeyah
On this edition of 5-on-5, we explore five tracks that define the dynamic artistry of Detroit-based singer-songwriter Lakeisha Johnson, aka Ideeyah.
Detroit artist Lakeisha Johnson, aka Ideeyah.
Ideeyah is a Detroit-based singer, songwriter, and powerhouse performer whose eclectic style fuses funk, electronic, and R&B.
Born and raised in Detroit’s rich musical tapestry and influenced by its house, soul and funk scenes, Ideeyah started her musical journey working on her craft from the age of 6. Influenced by such acts as Alice Coltrane, Grace Jones, Zap Mama, she would define her style as “electronic soul.”
She would go on to co-found the group Collective Peace, an ensemble made up of some of Detroit’s top emerging musicians and release an album that would place them as a major player in the city’s musical ecosystem.
5 essential tracks by Ideeyah
1. “Let The Music Play” – Collective Peace
“Let The Music Play,” from the album “Introducing Collective Peace,” was the group’s signature cut featuring Ideeyah on lead vocals. Always meant as a launching pad for its artists, Collective Peace would eventually transition as its members moved onto various solo careers and/or played with other groups.
Ideeyah would redirect her focus to her solo career and drop a track celebrating one of her heroes, Grace Jones, reimagining one of her classics “Pull Up To The Bumper.”
2. “Bumpah” – Ideeyah
Ideeyah would go on to release her acclaimed debut album “Brave,” which features our next track.
Produced by renowned Detroit-based artist Dean Beanz for his record label imprint Evry Music, the album would bring Ideeyah’s musical evolution full circle — providing a bold statement of self-confidence and empowerment.
3. “Bait” – Ideeyah
Over the years, Ideeyah has also been a go-to artist in various studio collaborations. This next cut highlights Ideeyah’s collaboration on an album work from noted Detroit artist and producer, Waajeed.
On the Strength EP, Ideeyah makes the most of her cameo appearance as her voice soars over Waajeed’s deeply textured electronic production.
4. “Strength” – Waajeed, Ideeyah (Jon Dixon Remix)
For more musical journeys like this, tune into The Progressive Underground every Saturday at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET or stream online at wdet.org.
More from The Progressive Underground:
- The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week (Jan. 20): ‘Why? (The King of Love is Dead)’ by Nina Simone
- Erykah Badu’s ‘Mama’s Gun’ is a soulful shot heard around the world
- The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week (Jan. 11): ‘Listen’ by Brainstory
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WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »In the continuum of Detroit’s music scene and beyond, Ideeyah isn’t just a vocalist —she’s a storyteller, a musical chameleon and a force for collaboration. Her work, whether as a solo artist or a featured performer, carries the unmistakable essence of Detroit’s creative spirit: fearless, innovative and deeply rooted in community.
Her artistry lies in her ability to create music that pulses with life as she delivers themes that continue to challenge, inspire and motivate. We’ll end this segment with another track from her album “Brave” as we sample one of her signature works.
5. “Static” – Ideeyah
For more musical journeys like this, tune into The Progressive Underground every Saturday at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET or stream online at wdet.org.
More from The Progressive Underground:
- The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week (Jan. 20): ‘Why? (The King of Love is Dead)’ by Nina Simone
- Erykah Badu’s ‘Mama’s Gun’ is a soulful shot heard around the world
- The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week (Jan. 11): ‘Listen’ by Brainstory
