R&B artist, Musiq Soulchild performed at War Memorial for

this year’s McDonalds Rhythms of Triumph this past weekend.

A great sound for sore ears is what R&B powerhouse Musiq Soulchild brought to the stage as he sang his heart out for this year’s McDonalds Rhythms of Triumph this past weekend.

This annual program, sponsored mainly by the fast-food empire, Greensboro R&B radio station 97.1 QMG and gospel station 1510AM, serves as a celebration of black history. In addition to providing a concert of soul, this program also served as an arena to recognize local individuals who have given back to their respective communities.

Julius Clark, Shawan Gabriel, and Julianne Malveaux were the recipients from High Point, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro respectively.

Breaking up acceptance speeches from the winners were sounds from local artists Vanessa Ferguson and Aggie alum Bertha Young. It was evident that these too vocal divas had talent, however a crowd antsy to see the main event quickly noticed their lack of stage presence.

Not many seemed to know their music, which caused a loud roar of chatter during both performances. Maybe if they sang famous cover songs and mixed in their music they would have had a better reaction from the crowd.

After 90 minutes of speeches and bad performances it was time for the singer simply known as Musiq to take the stage.

Musiq began by taking the crowd back to 2000, he livened these R&B boppers to one of his first singles “Just Friends,” which immediately caused almost everyone in War Memorial to stand and groove to the beat.

In an industry full of one-hit wonders, hip pop, and other music that causes ears to bleed, it was refreshing to know that the true essence of soulful music lives.

The vocal range that Musiq possesses is truly unbelievable. When he belted out the crowd pleaser, as well as one of my personal favorites “Love,” he ranged from baritone to a high soprano.

The rest of his hour performance was a playlist of favorites including “Halfcrazy,” “SoBeautiful,” “B.U.D.D.Y.,” “IfULeave,” and my life’s anthem “Teachme.”

As a person who is a little edgy about commitment, I found this song to somehow portray my feelings toward love — well if it was sung from the female perspective. This song truly explains that just because one does not show love and affection at first, doesn’t mean they are incapable of learning.

As a self-proclaimed concert junkie, this show has join the ranks of Earth,Wind, and Fire, Kem, as well as Eric Benet in terms of my favorite concerts. Only thing I would have added to this dynamic show was a longer set, as well as a live band instead of a DJ.

[email protected] and follow us on Twitter @TheATRegister

• Kelcie McCrae, Editor in Chief