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R&B Today Vol. 15

© Paula Chase-Hyman

Just because the weather is cooling off doesn't mean the music scene is following suit. If you didn't know these jams were hot, you'd better ask somebody!

*Angie Stone's "Brotha" is an even jam with groovy undertones. Neither a dance tune or a slow jam, "Brotha" displays the diversity of R&B music, while paying homage to black men of all walks of life. The first cut off of Stone's "Mahogany Soul" which is being distributed by J-Records, chalks up another hit for Clive Davis. The man may be getting old but damn if he's not getting better spotting the hot artists. "Brotha" gives me chills - I love the words, the beat and the sincerity and the video matches perfectly. Go Angie!

*The O'Jays have been around for nearly 40 years - no easy feat in the fickle world of music. The key to their longevity may very well be their ability to stay true to their own distinct sound, no matter the decade. "Let's Ride," their first single is a solid jam. The track manages to be very O'Jay with a modern twist.

*We all know Ronald Isley AKA Mr. Biggs is too damn old to be "catching a case," but he can sing the line and be convincing even at his age...which has to be well over 60! About to hit nearly 50 years in the biz, the Isley Brothers continue to bang out hits, thanks to their ability to work with younger stars such as R. Kelly, Chante Moore and Jill Scott. "Contagious" dominated the airwaves in recent months - but the CD, "Eternal" offers other notable tunes in classic Isley Brothers style. Check out the duet with Miss Jill.

*Kenny Lattimore may never be totally radio-friendly - think Eric Benet before his break out hit with Tamia, "Spend My Life" - but he's a strong R&B artist just the same. Although not quite as complete as "From The Soul of Man", his latest CD, "Weekend" provides us with the good stuff - including the title track, "Weekend" and "Baby You're The One."

*This may sound strange for an R&B page, but Jay-Z's "BluePrint" offers some nice beats. If you can get over the cursing (which you may not because there is quite a bit) you'd be surprised at the 70's style samples througout the project. Despite my growing intolerance for nonsense music, Jay-Z has delivered a tight project. Among my favorite tracks is "All I Need". If sanitized of the language, it would easily make "the collection."

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