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R&B Today Vol. 13

© Paula Chase-Hyman

Hear that? Its the sounds of summer rustling in the wind. I know summer isn't officially over until mid-September, but summer mentality slips quickly away by August's end.

So what has the season of hot fun brought us by way of music?Did the artists we thought would dominate do so? And who's going to mellow us out and keep us warm this Fall?

The fun is in the guessing.

Bringing The Heat * Jill Scott and Musiq continued to bring the heat - managing to ride the wave of success started last year this time. Fans anxiously awaiting sophomore projects from the two should remember one thing - they aren't Pop Stars. Soul music takes time to do right. Lets let them marinate in this success for a bit and hope that the next projects will produce flavor even better their their debut CD's. My prediction - new project for each early '02.

*Jaheim remained visible with the release of "Just in Case." I see good things in his future and don't doubt he'll take us into the Winter, just in time to warm up the ladies with his sexy vocals.

*Newcomers Alicia Keys and India Arie are my candidates for artists with the most perfect timing. At a time when Pop music dominated the soundwaves, Jill Scott broke out with a new sound. For an R&B audience hungry for real music she was the cure. India and Alicia were able to ride that wave, providing us with even more unique sounds. More power to these sisters for trying to put the Soul back into R&B.

*Luther Vandross will always be the man, which doesn't necessarily mean he'll always top the charts. But this go round he's managed to make good on his reputation. Maybe its being with new record label - J-Records. Clive Davis is out to prove to the industry and his old home, Arista, that he still has it! And Luther is his secret weapon - a veteran singer with a lot more hits left to churn out.

What Happened? *Tamia and Jon B. just didn't get the kind of love they deserved. But check out Jon B's work on Luther's project. Track 2 "Grown Things" was written and produced by JB - so he was still bringing it from behind the scenes!

*After blessing us with a rare dance track this Spring, I haven't heard much from BabyFace. His CD dropped on July 17th, but with little fanfare. I'm assuming that interest will pick up in the coming months, after all, this is Face.