A few months ago, I had the opportunity to interview Fatin and Aja Dantzler, the R&B duo known as Kindred the Family Soul. During the interview, I talked with them regarding their music and the importance of family. At the time, they had five kids, with a sixth on the way.

I asked Fatin how they juggle their family life when they have such a successful recording career. He explained that family comes first, and that it is actually the other way around, which means that they juggle their career around their family life. This juggling act has worked out so well that they have announced the arrival of their sixth child and the launch of their web-based reality series, “Six Is It!”

After being rejected by various funding sources, they decided to grab their Flip cam and begin filming what would be the first episode of the series. The first installment follows the then-seven member family on an 800-mile trip from Pennsylvania to Georgia, where they performed. On the way home, they ring in the New Year roadside in their 15-passenger van.

The Dantzlers have to have some of the greatest patience known to mankind. Many of us have kids plural. And if you have just one kid in 2010, you know it’s not an easy job. Can you imagine having six of them? That’s a lot of kids. (lol) I have three kids and two of them are teenagers. I can hardly stand to drive across town with all three of them.

I took them on a trip to Disneyworld a few years ago and I think I had to threaten to stop the car at least 7 times before we got there. By the time we made it to Orlando, I was already ready to go home. By the time we got back home, I was considering adoption.  

“Six Is It” series premieres this week and can be found on their newly revamped Web site, www.kindredthefamilysoul.com.

On Another Note: Basement Lounge

You really want to check out the Basement Lounge this weekend as we welcome local musician and composer Will Graves and Soul. Also on the bill is local comedian Stephon Smith, a.k.a. Reverend Uhh Uhh. We’ll also be wishing Will a Happy birthday, so come on out, enjoy the joy show and join in on the celebration.

The Basement Lounge happens this Sunday from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Rumba Room located at 303 South Main. Admission is only $10.

Ask Myron:

Q: “Has Lil Wayne begun serving his prison term?”


A: Actually, Lil Wayne began serving his one-year jail term this week in New York for gun charges. It should prove to be an interesting situation not only for Lil Wayne, but for prison staff as well. They say that he will be assessed just the same as the other 13,000 or so inmates that are housed there as well. His people have already requested that he be placed in protective custody. I hear that he has filmed nearly ten videos and recorded just as many new songs in anticipation of his absence from the industry. It will probably feel like he never went anywhere.

(Myron Mays is a freelance columnist and host of “Myron at Midnite” on WRBO Soul Classics 103.5. Got an entertainment question? Send me an email at myron@myronmays.com or catch me on Facebook and Twitter. If your question is printed in the column, I’ll send you a couple of free tickets to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.)