Quick Hit: Etta James, Soul’s Realest Singer of All-Time, Dies at 73

Just like the greatest rapper of all-time debate, the greatest soul singer of all-time debate can get heated, but there's no debating that Etta James belongs at or near the top of any legitimate list. So it's with a heavy heart that I write James passed away today at the age of 73. Few could match Etta's blend of heartbreaking emotion and often raunchy delivery, making her a favorite sample source for hip-hop producers (Kanye's "Addiction", Common's "This Is Me", Royce's "Security" etc.).

RIP Etta James, thank you for teaching me what true soul is.