New Orleans marks the Cash Money imprint’s first step toward broadening its already wide appeal, thanks to a hit-making and award-winning roster that includes founder Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj. And there’s no better ambassador to musically personify that message than Morton, whose self described “soulful pop” seamlessly spans multiple genres from gospel and R&B/funk to pop and rock.
“I’ve always pushed boundaries,” says Morton, “but I always remain true to who I am musically. New Orleans is a natural progression of who I am. I can’t explain it except through my music. That proves it better than anything I can say.”
Building that case is “Only One” featuring Stevie Wonder. Quickly garnering strong reaction following its January premiere on Billboard.com, the song is the lead single from New Orleans. Armed with an infectious hook and a head-boppin’ groove, the up-tempo number showcases Morton’s velvety tenor, songwriting skills and musicianship, accented by Wonder’s distinctive harmonica.
“Stevie joining me on the track is the ultimate start. It’s my dream come true,” says Morton of teaming with Wonder. “I want to continue the legacy he represents: musicianship and positivity.”
New Orleans itself stems from Morton’s acclaimed 2012 EP, Following My First Mind, featuring guest cameos from Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, Lil Wayne and Jazmine Sullivan. A nod to Morton’s hometown and musical roots, the forthcoming New Orleans finds Morton at the keyboard playing with a full backing band complete with horns and strings. The result is a lush, melodic yet organic 10-track set that grabs listeners right from the opening title track.
“New Orleans is where I learned how to play music,” recalls Morton. “It’s the physical and mind space I was in when I fell in love with music. It wasn’t about marketing, radio and publicity. It was just about making music because I loved it. It made me feel good. Young Money wanted me creatively as I am. That’s why I’m excited about this next chapter.”
Also featuring rapper Busta Rhymes, New Orleans comes packed with a diverse slate of musical influences. There’s the reggae-infused “Hard Enough,” which explores relationship issues. “I’m looking for a love unconditional / Not one that goes wherever the wind blows,” declares Morton as the song opens.
The self-described “Dr. Love” traverses the same landscape on the mid-tempo “Work It Out.” Set off by a touch of synth and a hypnotic drumbeat, the song once again spotlights Morton’s tantalizing tenor. Also noteworthy is “Heavy,” a song revamped from Morton’s 2012 EP and featuring Adam Levine. Sporting a funk/rock track reminiscent of Sly Stone and Prince, the song’s lyrics were inspired by Morton’s frustration at one point with his indie career.
“It was at a point where I was trying to figure out what the next step was,” says Morton, who hadn’t yet connected with pop hitmakers Maroon 5. “This was me getting those feelings out. Since that frustration, I’ve had one of the biggest years in my career. It’s crazy.”
Influenced by acts ranging from the Beatles and James Taylor to Wonder and Donny Hathaway, the New Orleans native is the son of gospel singer Paul S. Morton. His formal foray into the industry was as a member of the band Freestyle Nation, which debuted in the early 2000s. But it was as a songwriter/ producer that Morton left his first indelible impression. He won a Grammy Award for his songwriting/ production of India.Arie’s “Interested” from her 2002 album Voyage to India.
That opened the door to more collaborations (Jermaine Dupri, LL Cool J, Monica, Musiq Soulchild, Trinitee 5:7) and additional accolades (Dove and Stellar Awards) for his work with gospel singer DeWayne Woods. Woods’ “Let Go, Let God” spent a record 70 weeks on the gospel chart. Along the way, Morton released several acclaimed indie solo albums. He also attracted the attention of Academy Award-winning producer AR Rahman (“Slumdog Millionaire”), who asked Morton to contribute a song (“Sajna”) to the soundtrack for the Vince Vaughn comedy “Couples Retreat.”
Morton’s next big break occurred three years ago, when he was asked to audition by friend and Maroon
5 music director Adam Blackstone for a spot in the band as its keyboardist/vocalist. Soon after, childhood friend and Young Money Entertainment president Mack Maine championed Morton’s music and vision to Cash Money co-CEO’s Roland “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams. With Lil Wayne co-signing his approval as well, Morton is ready to bring his journey full circle with New Orleans.
“My indie years and working with various artists, including Maroon 5, have helped me understand who I am as both an individual and an artist,” says Morton. “It has allowed me to create a fan base that will forever be with me. Now I’m being given the opportunity to do on steroids what I’ve been doing for years.”
New Orleans
PJ Morton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Making music just because that's what I love to do
Now I have to
Now so much is different I don't understand
Now all I hear is radio spins and what kid in place
Can it be fun again?
Like it was back in New Orleans
The place where I know what it all means
I done care what people thought of my songs
Yes I think it's time to go back home
‘Cause all my soul's lost and it's been too long
PJ Morton’s song, New Orleans, explores a burning longing for joy, authenticity and creativity. The first verse of the song shows Morton reminiscing about how he used to spend hours in his room making music just because it’s what he loves. It then transitions into a worried voice as he evaluates how much has changed in his music career, and how he doesn't understand the industry anymore. The current reality for Morton is the pursuit of radio spins and what is considered viable by the industry. The chorus of the song is a cry for something that once was and now is lost, for a place where Morton knows what it all means, a place where he can express himself creatively without the pressure of pleasing anybody else.
In the second verse, Morton expresses that he no longer cares about what people think of his music, indicating a sense of liberation to do what he loves. This verse ends with Morton realizing he needs to go back to New Orleans because "all his soul's lost and it’s been too long." Morton ties the whole song to a strong sense of nostalgia of being in New Orleans, where he can feel authentic, free, and joyful - as expressed through the line, "I had dreams in New Orleans," which emphasizes the creativity and dreams that came out of being in the city. New Orleans represents freedom for Morton, where he can be expressive in his music without the pressure of adhering to the music industry's definition of success.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to sit for hours in my room
In the past, I would spend long hours making music out of love for the craft.
Making music just because that's what I love to do
I crafted music merely for its sake; my love for music was enough motivation to see me through.
Now I have to
Presently, I need to:
Now so much is different I don't understand
Various things have changed, tampering with my understanding of the current setting.
Now all I hear is radio spins and what kid in place
Currently, all I'm exposed to is radios playing officially released music produced by a younger generation.
Can it be fun again?
I wonder if I can experience the joy of music production, just like before.
Like it was back in New Orleans
Those good old days feel like they were only real in New Orleans.
The place where I know what it all means
New Orleans is that place where my music made sense to me and bore a deeper meaning.
I had dreams in New Orleans
I had aspirations and a vision for my music in New Orleans.
I done care what people thought of my songs
Back then, I created music that wasn't subjected to public opinions.
Yes I think it's time to go back home
Therefore, It seems like an ideal time to return to my music roots in New Orleans.
‘Cause all my soul's lost and it's been too long
I feel like I've lost touch with the soul of my music, all due to the long absence from New Orleans.
Contributed by Henry Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.