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The Truth About Fantasia

© Mecca Donna

North Carolina native Fantasia Barrino, now known only as Fantasia, has finally shown the world exactly what she is made of. November 23, 2004 she released her debut album "Free Yourself" and she wastes no time reeling you in!

The first single from "Free Yourself" is radio friendly single "Truth Is". Although I think "Truth Is" lacks the trademark Fantasia "umph", it has undeniable popularity with the Program Directors in Urban and Crossover Radio. They want Fantasia to succeed because they know she can really bring the curtains down.

However, "Truth Is" leaves me with a slightly empty feeling. It feels as if someone put the reigns on that beautiful down-home chuch (not church, but chuch) voice of hers. In this one instance she doesn't free herself. This is not one of Fantasia's better, stellar moments. But, it's candid storyline makes for reasonable anticipation for the video. Don't get me wrong, she has a few cuts that are her saving grace.

The truth is, this young burgeoning star is astronomical in terms of sheer talent and vocal ability. The 13 track album featured Fantasia in a myriad of creative settings with a little help from the platinum touches of Missy Elliott, Jermaine Dupri, and Jazzy Pha.

Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott collaborates with Fantasia on "Selfish (I Want You to Myself)". Missy also made another contribution with Jazzy Pha on the track "Don't Act Right". These are your finger snapping delectables.

Producer and record label extraordinaire, Jermaine Dupri (you know Janet's man) wrote and produced "Got Me Waiting". Fantasia puts you dead smack in the moment! She makes you feel the frustration of unrequited love and takes you to a place where we've all been at one time or another. Fantasia really does and excellent job reassuring you why she won the American Idol 3 title.

More often than not, she flaunts that soulful, country, down to earth voice. She draws you in on drifting drawls and spine tingling ad libs. On the Gershwins' cover "Summertime" she wow's you with a grand rendition--Fantasia style. She breathes a whole new life into the classic and that is an understatement.

By now we all know the obvious reason why Fantasia is a formidable artist on today's Rhythm and Blues scene. It's that deep fried-southern soul in her gospel-esque voice; however, what makes her a STAR? Well,it's her ability to "keep it real" as they say. She can connect with the everyday people side of her fans. She is not without fault. She doesn't seek to gain accolades by claiming to be a squeaky clean virgin like some of today's artists.