Ah yes, music. No matter how crazy our lives become, music is the one constant in our lives. And because the music industry is nothing more than a microcosm of the rest of the world, it too changes almost daily.
So what did 2001 hold for us? Here's what I heard:
*Newbies*
Alicia Keys
Where did this chick come from? Is it just me or since Jill Scott's arrival on the scene does it seem like new R&B/Soul artists come out blazing!? Artist of late are marketed with in your face tactics backed by musical talent that can't be ignored. Alicia Keys was no different. She hit us hard with "Fallin'" and kept the vibe going with "Woman's Worth." I'm looking forward to following her career, she has lots to offer the Soul game.
Tank
Not to be ignored were the fellas. Tank, a Washington, DC native, came out with his sleeper, "Maybe I Deserve" and then followed up with "Slowly." Although that deep voice of his is nice, there is something lacking in his music. I can't quite put my finger on it...but its just on the edge of being there. Let's see what he follows up with, maybe then he'll prove himself the real deal.
Blu Cantrell
She posed for "Black Tail" back in the day - honest to God that's the name of the nudie mag she was featured in - and had tongues wagging. But, what's got me scratching my head is how Blu came on the scene so strong but faded out quicker than my patience for Destiny's Child. "Hit 'em Up Style" had all the R&B stations proclaiming her heir to the Diva throne - but R&B fans must have agreed that this Faith look and sound-alike, just wasn't original enough.
Jaheim
Comparisons to Teddy Pendergrass made this sultry singer the ladies' choice during the summer. Jaheim laid down a unique blend of R&B and hip-hop tracks on his debut project, "Ghetto Love," setting the stage for younger R&B artist to establish their own claim to the genre. I believe that if Jaheim's music matures as he does, we'll begin to see some straight R&B hits from him.
