If I received a dime every time I heard “Yo son, I can rhyme, I can sing, or I got beats,” I would be a very rich man. Nowadays EVERYONE wants to be in the recording business— either as a label, a promoter or a performer. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be in the business or chasing your dreams. However, the issue about the music business is twofold: Do you really LOVE what you do and do you understand your craft? “Winslow Dynasty,” is one group that surely knows what it means to be in this business!
A husband and wife duo, Winslow Dynasty is a music group with a mission to change the world. The group has a unique identity and sound that sets their music apart from other bands. Dontae Winslow, trumpeter, film composer and music producer has performed in bands of musical heavy weights, including D' Angelo, Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, Common, Gary Thomas, and currently Jill Scott. Mashica Winslow is an amazing singer, songwriter, arranger and vocal producer. Dontae and Mashica have been featured soloists with Darin Atwaters' Soulful Symphony as well as Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, featuring Yo-Yo MA.
Collectively, Dontae and Mashica have recorded and/or performed with a veritable Who's Who in the music industry, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mary Mary, Xzibit, David Banner, Avant, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. They are the proud parents of a beautiful son, Jedi, an aspiring actor who recently starred in the popular commercial, "Yo Ho Let's Go! Summer" for Disney Junior Network. The Winslow family believes that the world can be changed through the arts and that the lives of children can be changed by music, love, education and health.
On Saturday, September 24, 2011 Winslow Dynasty officially released “The Life Album.” In support of the project, Winslow Dynasty hosted a CD release concert at the Baltimore School for the Arts and they did not disappoint. The over 300 people who attended the event got to see a real LIVE concert, which featured a full string
section, horns section featuring Dontae, drums and guitar with background singers.
In order to fully appreciate MUSIC you have to be able to give props to those who came before us. Winslow Dynasty definitely understands that. During their performance, in honor of Nicholas Ashford (Ashford & Simpson), Mashica belted out classic “Solid,” which brought the audience to its feet. One of the memorable songs of that evening was a Winslow Dynasty original song “In Love,” which Mashica sang from her heart to her husband letting him know how and why she loves him. It was a very emotional moment. Another emotional moment was Dontae’s tribute to his mother. “Mama” is a song that will have you calling your mom just to say ‘Hey Mom, I love you.’ Dontae is a genius with music. Watching him on stage command the band and conducting the strings, then turns around and drops a hot rhyme, he definitely gives you a show. The highlight of the night was when their son Jedi came on stage and showed his performance skills. To see love of husband, wife and family on stage unified through music was fantastic.
The performance by “Winslow Dynasty” that evening is definitely one for the ages. From their performance, it was clear to see that they love to perform and to entertain their audience. Their music has a purpose and they want to share their love, pain, joy and spiritual journey with their audience.
Winslow Dynasty: The Life Album is truly a gem! For additional information about Winslow Dynasty, visit www.winslowdynasty.com.
More “Indie Soul” is available at www.baltimoretimes-online.com.
“Indie Soul” welcomes your questions and comments. For reviews and interviews, contact Phinesse Demps at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call
443-863-6886.