Meshell Ndegeocello on Blue Note: Synonym Interview

Meshell Ndegeocello is redefining the duet on her latest album ‘Synonym,’ a project that feels like a cultural moment wrapped in sonic brilliance. The neo-soul pioneer has spent three decades proving that familiar songs can still surprise us, and this collection is no exception. She pairs classics with unexpected voices—Chaka Khan on ‘Islands in the Stream,’ Destin Conrad and Moses Sumney trading lines on ‘The Closer I Get To You,’ Lianne La Havas on ‘Don’t Look Any Further,’ and WILLOW reimagining Temple of the Dog’s ‘Hunger Strike.’ What makes this project revolutionary is that every duet features two artists who share the same gender expression, centering queer collaboration and artistry.

Meshell Ndegeocello has described ‘Synonym’ as “an expression of queer liberation as a synonym for liberation of all kinds,” and that philosophy runs through every track. The album reunites her with David Gamson, the legendary producer behind her 1993 debut ‘Plantation Lullabies,’ creating a full-circle moment that honors her legacy while pushing boldly forward. This is more than just a collection of covers; it’s a statement about whose voices belong in our most cherished songs and how queerness expands the possibilities of what music can be. For BIPOC listeners, particularly those in the queer community, ‘Synonym’ feels like permission—to reimagine, to belong, to liberate.