252lyricallyspeaking

[252lyricallyspeaking]

Luv Toxicity by FLYNZLPHNT “For what its worth, I hope you find some piece of mind up in this earth...”

There is something to be said about a person that is willing to be vulnerable for their art. Kendrick Lamar completely opened himself up in what’s arguably one of his best contributions, “U”, as he spoke of his feelings of abandonment. The visual to go along with the song showed the effects of depression and alcoholism. While some may think this is “soft” by hiphop standards, it is the true nature of the art. See when hiphop first began in the basements, apartment lobbies, and parks of New York, it was a means of expression for people who felt they had no other way to get it out. Grand Master Flash and the Furious 5 dropped “The Message” to talk about life in its rawest form. They were able to show people what life was like to live in city that was literally on fire, populated by those who had fallen to the crack epidemic as well as the daily violence that surrounded them. That is Hip Hop. FLYNGZLPHNT has the same honesty flowing through his veins that bleeds on smooth lo-fi tracks. However, he is not focus on the struggles of the streets or the battle of demons that manifest in drugs and alcohol. In this seven track release, he focuses on the battle with in himself and the demons of relationships/love and its toxicity.

Sympathy, produced by Illuid Haller, is an introspective conversation with himself. While his heart is dictating his behavior, his mind is trying to convince him to follow his moral and ethical compass. In the second verse he says to himself “You ain’t a drug dealer, you ain’t a doctor. You gotta a decent gig, money’s not a problem. You single, ain’t got no kids. Got a lot of option. Got you a good piece of pussy now you out here wildin’. But little do you know, its a game that she playing. She force you to play your hand.” While this self advice is more than sufficient, his heart and loins have the hormone filled rebuttal “Ok I heard what you said, but I’m gone get me some head. Yeah her kids are some pest, but that kitty so wet. It aint all about the sex see my feeling in it...”. Through out the song he continues to try to talk sense into himself as well as question his own security. By the end of the song he comes face to face with his own jealousy to a point he senses his own rage and instead of making a detrimental decision, he is convinced its not worth it as he foresees a dire future.

“Indifference” is my personal favorite from this project. The beat has a grove that reminds me of the production of J-Dilla. The simple boom bap of the drum pattern leaves space for the airy synth and baseline to carry the track without crowding the vocals. The track starts with an intro from Patrice O’Neal who delivers the thesis of the song. “She’s not walking out of your life unless you’re crushed.” In the first verse, Flynzlphnt raps about the acceptance of the fact that he is over all the fighting in his relationship and breaths a sigh of relief when she decides to leave, but when she realizes that her leaving is not breaking him, she drops the bags and what she is wearing to get back her power. The track features MacDaBlackSheep. Mac lyrical acrobats on this track is just as complicated as the relationship he is speaking on. However, his situation is opposite of Flynzlphnt’s. Mac is just trying to have a casual thing with the female and she is trying to push a relationship. He raps “How you gone be my girl, when you ain’t even my peace...”. Knowing he has the upper hand in the situation he doesn’t stress the fact that she is on her way out the door but again, when she realizes he isn’t crushed, she suddenly has a change of heart.

“Swim Away” is the perfect conclusion to this introspective project. From the start, this project was an open confession of a man trying to navigate a a toxic relationship. The ship is sinking. There is no saving it. “I ain’t plugging no wholes. I ain’t complaining about the captian. I’m gonna grab my life jacket and swim away.” FLYNZLPHNT use of metaphors is nothing less the genius. Even the choice of beat for this song sounds like acceptance and release.

This is hip hop on a deeper level. Its not the flashy car and iced out chains rap that we have become accustom to from the industry. This is what I mean by the independent artist is the life force of creativity hip hop music and culture. Well done Sir!

[252lyricallyspeaking]

Let's talk about Christian Rap. The first time I heard it, all I could say was “NO!!”. As a person who has loved hip hop as well as gospel music and for those worlds to collide was just a travesty...at that time. Many years later artists like Kirk Franklin broke into the mainstream with “Stomp”. You actually heard it in clubs. While I still wasn’t completely sold on the idea, it did make me pay attention. Over the years, I heard a few others that were tolerable and some I actually liked. Lacrea and Dee-1 stood out to me because their music was inspirational, their flow was immaculate and the music was just fun to listen to. However, no one has caught my attention and made me sit down and really pay attention like Erica Mason. Hailing from Gainesville, FL not only is she a skillful lyricist and an incredible vocalist, her project “Seek Life” delivers a personal message that is reassuring and uplifting even for those of us who do not consider ourselves as part of the Christian faith. 

“The Conversation” is the first and the standout track from this project. I have always believed that the best rappers were either able to tell stories or have conversations within their music. In this track, and throughout the project, she is having a conversation with God. To deliver this as masterfully as she did, forced a lot of soul searching and acceptance. She talks about her fears, insecurities, and while she never questions her faith, she does admit to finding herself questioning her creator. The response from her creator is the most striking lyric she delivers. She raps, “ So when you cried those tears, I was the one who bottled them, when you popped those pills, I was the one who swallowed them.” To be that open about a subject most are uncomfortable takes a level of courage and skill that few MC’s have. 

“Talks With Loneliness” is Erica at her most vulnerable. She shows that vulnerability and and her vocal acumen as soon as the song begins with “I am afraid to be alone sometimes, I'm afraid to get outside my mind. I'm afraid of being vulnerable, cause...but if I can never let you go”  There is a simplistic beauty to the beat. The guitar riffs change subtly through out the song that keep the ear interested as she seamlessly goes back and forth between beautifully singing and rapping. Erica continues her conversation with God asking for guidance to deal with her loneliness while also acknowledging that she is never alone because God is always with her. She confirms this at the ends the song with “Just because I feel alone, doesn't mean I am alone.”

“Wake Up Call” is 2 minutes and 59 seconds of straight testimonial heat! Let's start with the beat. It begins with a simple rhodes piano and builds and the bass begins to drive the song. The drums creep in introduce by a simple kick and a syncopated snare drumroll. As the beat build and fades so does Erica’s lyrical delivery, but not her intensity. EVERY LINE...every one of them are important. I hate to point out any in particular because I do not want to diminish anything she lays down in this song. However, there are a few in this line that hit so hard they can not be ignored. The line that stands out to me the most is, “That’s why I gotta be the difference. It's time to redefine the meaning of a Christian. These hypocrites don’t make the people want to listen so instead, they support these rappers killing off our children.” This line hit me in a special way because for years I tried to find a way to be Christian and still be myself. I went to countless churches on Sunday just to feel condemned by the hypocrisy of so called ministers that I would sometimes see in the club the Saturday before. I read the Bible and many other religious books to try to understand and see what I was missing. What I found was only more questions. To this day, I do not consider myself a Christian. However, if I were to start to walk down that path of rediscovery, I believe Erica’s verses would be a good start. 

Without diving too deep into my own struggles with faith and religion, I can say that Erica Mason’s music is a true inspiration because it is so personal. In this 5 track project, she is opening herself up for the world to see and her unwavering faith in her creator is refreshing to hear and see. Take the time to go see her visuals @https://www.youtube.com/user/masonerica11/videos. She is truly an amazing artist.

[252lyricallyspeaking]

Evolution is essential for the growth of all art form and especially to music. Robert Johnson couldn’t have imagined when he sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads (urban music legend), he would inspire the brilliance of Jimmy Hendrix. Sultry jazz vocalists like Billie Holiday and Eartha Kit had no idea they would inspire the likes of Erykah Badu and Jill Scott but that is the beauty of art. 

Today, R&B is still evolving. R&B has changed from the classic format of hook/verse/bridge to a conscious stream of thought. Artist like Solange and Willow Smith have taken this format and exposed it to the world and opened the door for an artist like Jia to step in and shine. This singer, producer, songwriter has entered the field with her own stream of thought that is vulnerable, expressive, and has a mainstream appeal. 

“Exposition” opens the project with the sound of waves crashing and a beautiful guitar riff just as Jia begins to sing. It is really difficult to pick apart her lyrics because of her unique writing style and that is not a bad thing at all. It is simply a vibe. The song is super short but it serves as a beautiful intro.

“Rising Action” turns dark musically. The same beautifully played guitar from the previous track is plucked in erie fashion that puts you on the edge of your seat. The solo sub-base drum beat is simple but has a major impact that she moves in and out of the song with perfect timing. Lyrically, she seems to be fighting with her inner thoughts. The line that stands out most to me in this track is “Commitment seems a little lit, yeah, but it also seems way to legit yeah. Feeling like its never ending…”. While she doesn’t seem to be quite ready for commitment she says at the end of the song “He doesn’t think I would leave. Loving is not is not stopping me…doubting my privilege.” Here it sounds as if she is ready but whomever she is dealing with should not take for granted that she is there. Play with her if you want to….she just might walk.

“Climax’ is a song you have to listen to at least 3 times in a row. The first time is simply for the music. What sounds like soft solo violin starts the song and then comes a layer 2nd and 3rd strings to accompany the melody. Then followed by a base and it  is a symphony...until...trap drums and high hats, but just for a sec. That was disappointing to me until I heard the transition, into once again that erie guitar. I must say I have become a fan of the way she uses it. The second time you hear it,the words will pull you in and she is clearly tired. It is a one way conversation basically saying she’s had enough. “You are such a liar, burn you in the fire, never see your face again. I cannot be a crier boy, retire from them cheats, you ain’t never getting the cheeks.” Doesn’t get much clearer than that. No explanation needed. The third time you listen to it, it is just to enjoy the vibe of the track. Who doesn’t like a woman scorned track every now and then?

“Falling Action” is my favorite track from this project. If I were to start into the lyrics of this piece, I would have to quote the entire song. These lyrics are soulful, heartfelt, and somewhat urgent. This is obviously something that she needs to get off her chest and I will not diminish the meaning of this song for anyone else that may listen to it. It deserves individual attention from anyone lucky enough to hear it. I will mention one thing that made this track a musical masterpiece in my ears. The transitions. It is just her voice and an acoustic guitar. However, this song has three transitions and each transition feels like it is trying to redefine the stages of grief. First stage is the realization that this is going to be the end. The first transition gives a backdrop to the second stage. Self affirmation that “I’m going to be OK.” The second transition is the third stage. Acceptance. This may be a bit of an artistic reach on my part but this song will definitely bring you to some point of emotion. 

“Resolution” is the final song on the project. It attempts to lighten the mood of the album and its much needed. With the exception of opening track this project has been emotionally HEAVY!! Musically this song on the lighter side of this. The major chords brightens the mood just a bit and there are...ready for this...drums in this track!! I really got excited because I thought this was gonna be a fun summer time feel good song because the high hat sounded a bit like Ghost Town DJ’s “My Boo” was about to drop. However, I was wrong and sorely disappointed. I really wanted to be a bit of a dance track. I HOPE THERE IS A REMIX COMING!! (AHHEEMM). Lyrically, she is just talking her shit. The line that stands out to me in this track is “back and forth they trying me, they loving me they dine with me, want all these connections but they talent not surprising me.” Ouch!! 

This was a difficult project to critic. This project is clearly a stream of thought that she decided to share with the world. How does that rate? Opinion and thoughts are not obligated to be objective right? So who am I to judge it? What I can say is that this project grew on me big time. Honestly, because this style of R&B is still somewhat new to me, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to give it a fair review and it took me a while to get into it. Then I couldn’t turn it off. It captured me. I don’t think I will ever learn any of these lyrics even if I listen to it everyday as I have for the last week. The entire project is a conversation that poses questions and answers that everyone can relate to. I am really looking forward to what Jia does next. She is a fearlessly talented artist and definitely needs to be heard.

[252lyricallyspeaking]

Ghetto Boys and Dead prez are two of my all time favorite hip hop groups. The commonality among them, although their deliveries are completely different, is that they all had this hunger to rap their way out of their particular situation. With raw lyrics and gritty melancholy beats, they told stories that not only describes the life in the inner city but also gave you a view into the trials and tribulations of trying to get out while spreading a message that there is more to life than the troubles that they were facing. From Petersburg, VA, VSoul has entered with their own brand of hip hop with the same hunger. They are versatile lyricist with a message of progress and awareness.

“Woke” is my favorite track on the project. I love this beat. WIth its slow tempo it give room for each artist to deliver poignant lyrics. The hook alone calls out the ones that use the term simply because it fashionable. The first half of the first verse is vicious. “Lets pop a pill and listen to Drake...NOPE! Say fuck the skills just hop on the wave...NOPE! Let's get braids on top of a fade...NOPE! Let's get paid and act like a slave...NOPE! Let another nigga write my verse...NOPE!!...”. SHEESH!! I can name at least ten current MC’s this applies to just typing this.. My absolute favorite line in this song is “MUSIC IS LIFE, you take it we die. We spiritual inside. It's the rhythm that keeps us alive. They poison our minds with these ignorant rhymes, i’m bringing conscious back.” This is what hip hop needs and why I love independent artist. It is really about the art. Labels are about revenue. What these brothers have to say is way too important to be subdued by the bureaucracy of the music industry.  

“Round Here” really hit home for me. Being from the surrounding area, I’ve seen the struggles that the people of Petersburg, Va go thru. While the song is not a party track, I can imagine the good people of Petersburg hearing this and just sitting in tears. The pain of violence, death, and police brutality rings clear in this track. The piano riff sound like a soap opera but the kick in the drum beat reminds you that this is the beat of the city. Steady...heavy… and with impact. Lyrically it is a sad autobiography of young men that are clearly trying to rap their way out. The line in this track that shook me was “Even if I fast, bitch I’m gone eat!” I took this to mean that even if the hustle requires him to go without food , he will do whatever it takes to get himself out of his current situation. The delivery of this line was steeped in pain and determination. Well done sir!

“If You Knew” was unexpected and I absolutely love this track. Anyone that knows me knows that I am an old school R&B head so when I heard the sample of Pattie Labelle “If Only You Knew”, my ears perked and I was shaken out of my edible cloud. That was a bold choice of a sample. To pick something that iconic you better kill it with lyrics. As I listened intently I was wondering “Where is this song going? These brothers have been rapping about the black experience in Petersburg, Va and this sample is nothing like anything else on the project...WTF are they doing!?!?!” But then...it's a love song. Its VA Version of Nelly's “Dilemma”. With the speed of this track, there was a lot packed in there lyrically between the artist, but it reminded me of the days when rap was actually fun and you could listen to it with your girl without her feeling totally disrespected.   

I was thoroughly impressed with this project. I was more surprised that these guys were in my own backyard! Production wise the sound is clean. Lyrically its soul stirring. While I am only mentioning 3 songs in this review, over all this project is a great example of the ability of independent artist speaking the truth of their art. This album has everything from motivation, self empowerment, to a love song! It's just a great mix that gives you everything you would want from a hip hop group. I can’t wait for the next project!

[252lyricallyspeaking]

Bianca Jade - ”Use To This”

The difficulty with R&B is finding artists who have their own voice. Not everyone is going to be Beyonce or Mary J. In order to stand out in a field full of talented artist that all sound pretty much the same you have to have something that makes you special. Bianca Jade is clearly finding her way. Jade Vol. 1 feels like an exploratory project. It is a blend of R&B, Pop, Neo-Soul and a little bit of rock. Even though the project is only 4 tracks, Bianca packs a lot into each song. Lyrically, vocally, and musically, she is fearless.

“Use To This” is my personal favorite track from this project. I find value in simple and elegant production. The song is carried by a melodic bass line layered with airy pads, Rhodes piano chords with a sprinkle of jazz guitar. Like all the other songs on this project, the vocal performance is phenomenal. It actually took me a few times to listen to this track to get into the lyrics because her voice is so pleasant to the ear, it makes it easy to drift into your own thoughts. The song is about the realization of heartbreak. After jumping through hoops to make things work in a relationship, she has come to the realization that her determination has only made her look like a fool and has decided it is time to move on. A story as old as time. 

“On and On” is a bit more upbeat compared to the other songs on the project. Musically it reminded me of Lauryn Hill’s “Sweetest Thing”. It is not overly complicated but has just enough variation to keep the ear interested. Lyrically the song is a prelude to “Use To This”. She is recognizing the changes that are happening in her relationship but is still reaching to find reasons to stay in love. The line that stands out to me in this song is “When we fight like this, I just can’t get over the feeling. Your so cold to me, like winter ice, you cut me deep in. Still my love goes on…”. This is probable the most poetic way I’ve heard anyone say, “Your an asshole, but i’m gonna love you anyway”. 

“Inside” is anything but subtle. The song starts with beautiful and simple Rhodes piano chords and I really wish she would have left it there. The drum beat comes in with the bass line and it's not over powering the track but when she starts singing over just the piano chord, it is almost angelic.  I do take issue with this track lyrically. In the first verse she sings “Sunrise and those brown eyes make me feel like nothing can go wrong. When we wake up and make love there ain't no other way I’d rather start my day.” While she sings it beautifully, it is a little too close to Daniel Caesar verse on his song with H.E.R “Best Part”. As the song continues to the chorus, it ss seductively surprising. She does not leave any room to the imagination about what this song about when she “Your love brings tears to my eyes, so good that I just cry. No way that I can denie, the way you make me feel, when your inside, when you’re deep inside. Sends chills down my spine” Now i love artist that make you think with metaphors and double entendres but sometimes it is just best to say it plain and simple, and she sings it beautifully. At the end she really flexes her vocals with this crazy high note to end the song. Well done! Well done indeed!!

“BS” is the perfect end to this project. The song sounds live. If you close your eyes you can see Bianca on stage next to her lead guitar player just singing her heart out. I would consider this to be the most honest song on the project. You can always tell when an artist is being honest and vulnerable in their music. I am not going to quote any of the verses from this song because it I believe this song is going to be something different in meaning to each individual listener and I do not want my favorite parts of the song, which is a lot, to influence any listener who may read this. This is what good music is supposed to do. Create conversation and be thought provoking. Although “Use To This” is my favorite song off this project, I feel that “BS” is Bianca at her most pure form. It is just a great song. 

[252lyricallyspeaking]

Devenaire “NO PRESSURE”

“Levels/Love“ By Devenaire

My first love will always be Hip Hop. I remember the first time I heard my uncle playing Eric B and Rakim, I was hooked. For years I've compared every MC to Rakim. Then I heard Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt. I learned every song word for word. The way Hov delivered his lyrics felt like listening to the news for the first time. Hip hop has always been a commentary of what was really happening in the lives of artist. Storytellers like Slick Rick, B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Andre 3000 are just a few among many that used their words to paint vivid pictures of what life was like for various areas of Black America. So an artist like Devenaire is a very necessary voice in a genre that has been overly saturated with the lil’ hair color, skinny jeans, molly popping artist that have been pushed into the spotlight as of late. His entire project is a story of self reflection, love lost, love of self, and recognition of struggles to come that only makes him hungrier to grind harder.

“Levels” sets the tone for the album.  It opens up with a smooth vocal sample and some light piano chords before the beat drops. It actually feels like an R&B song before he speaks. The track seems to be highlighting the internal conflict. “Big pimpin. No limit. Cousins and uncles gave me the game since I was a lil’ one.” He is saying that he knows the game. Been around the OG’s that taught him how to move. However, just a few lines later in the track he says, “All these women at my damn job throwing dirt on my name about that and this...don’t even know the half, I just laugh ‘too many hoes, Sis?”, as to say you only think you know me. While he explains, he knows how to play the game it doesn’t mean that's necessarily his style. The song goes back and forth between contradictions but in the end he states he just wants to elevate women even if it hurts their feelings.

“Life” is an exceptional track because it's personal. Devenaire reaches in the corners of his mind to speak about love lost. A relationship that never came to fruition due to his shyness to even speak. In present time he sees a pic and decides to finally speak up. Not so much to spark some old flame but more so to give her a piece of his mind. Seeing her now reminds him of how she used to be and because of her poor taste in men, how far she has fallen. Fellas be honest...we all have one of those.  

“Love”, for me, is the best song on the project for me. Everything about it is perfect. From the sample to the simple boom bap of the drums.The intro is a little long but that sample is done so well that you could play it in the car and just ride around for hours. Lyrically it is pure brilliance. Its only one verse but the care put into carefully choosing every word is astounding! Have you ever heard a verse that made you want to look at someone and say “Love yourself as much as I love you!!”? This song does that in a way that just beautiful. I know that's a strange way to describe a rap verse but I don’t have another word for it. One thing that I would like to point out that I really think is genius about this verse is a quick reference to who I would consider to be one of the greatest lyricist of all time. Common. Devenaire raps “I would never call you my bitch or even my boo, there's so much in a name but so much more in you. Sound common I know it…”. While this is a line lifted straight from Common’s “The Light” off the Water From Chocolate album, Devenaire uses it in a way that not only sticks in your memory so that you can recite it to someone you may feel a certain way about, but it also pays homage to the Chicago MC by simply saying “Sounds Common, I know it..” The thought that went into that line alone makes this track stand out from the rest of the project.

“Glad” is a social commentary on being an adult and an anthem for those of us who chose not to give up on our dreams. The beat itself is fun and almost playful. The way the sample is manipulated and used in different ways throughout the song reminds me of when J.Dilla was producing Slum Village.  Lyrically he touches on everything from how we fail as a society to prepare our youth with the skills needed for life as an adult, to the lack of talking about mental health, and even the struggle of student loans. However, through all of the trapping of life, his lyrics are defiant in the face of the odds because he knows his purpose and will push forward to achieve his goals. Because he speaks from his real life experience these lyrics are relate-able to everyone.

“Insecure”  was a bit of a disappointment for me. It's not a bad track but it falls flat in comparison to the rest of the album, especially because it comes right after “Glad”. Lyrically it fits with the concept of the album. He seems to be admitting his flaws as a man due to the examples that were set before him as he acknowledges  “All a nigga knows is how to fuck a good thing up, sins of my father I inherited...”. He realizes that those flaws it will eventually come back to him by a woman doing the same dirt to him, but expresses that his flaws do not define his love. Even though I didn’t love this track, there is a deeper understanding when you look at the album as a whole. Throughout the album he has been spot on with pretty much everything, but because he is admitting his flaws on this track, the flaws of this track at the end of the album maybe his way of putting an exclamation point of that very fact. If so, it's kind of genius.

[252lyricallyspeaking]

“Like I do”(Dancehall) By Keely Ferguson 

“The ELMNT” - Keely Ferguson I LOVE R&B!! I love it more when it's new, fresh and bold. Keely Ferguson fits the bill. On her project “The Elmnt”, Keely brings the seductiveness of Sade, the pointed lyrics of Jazmine Sullivan, and the vocals to carry it all. The project is not without its flaws. However, it stands on its own in a field of copy and paste female R&B performers we have seen in recent years.  

The first song, “Right Now” is a statement. “I’m here! This is me...and you're gonna love me!” The laid back tempo flows so easily you could get lost in the music if it were not for the syncopated vocal delivery of lyrics like “I ain't gonna back down, living out loud. I ain’t gonna stop, bout to push it to the limit”. The track has a sense of urgency to live life to the fullest and to do it right now!!

“Like I do” is ok. Favorite line that stands out in the song is “I know what makes me happy, and I know what makes me insane.” I love Keely’s lyrics and her vocal delivery, unfortunately the song falls flat due to lack of production. The track feels as if something is missing. To fill that void there is a misplaced feature by Dre Butterz. This is the reason I’m not a fan of duets.The track feels cold. If there is not a good connection between artist, it can make the song almost uncomfortable to listen to. Thankfully, there is a remix with just Keely and the production of the song has been renovated and gives the song a vibe that's much more enjoyable to listen to. 

The track I can not stop listening to “Tidal Wave”. It’s my favorite song on the project and everyone should hear it. This is the perfect example of less is more. A simple falling piano intro that seamlessly blends into an acoustic guitar riff layered with the sultry voice of Keely inviting you to take a cruise with the top down. The song builds with a simple baseline and finger snaps before eventually incorporating hi hats. The thing that impressed me the most about this song is Keely’s homage to the Mary Jane Girls “All Night Long.” She perfectly fits the melody into the song in a way that anyone can appreciate without completely ripping off the orignal. This song is brilliant in my book. 

“Up and Away” is the song I was waiting for as soon as I started playing the album. Keely’s voice is sexy. No other way to explain it. So I was looking for a track that was a little “risque”. Again, less is more with this song. It's not incredibly complicated. Its produced in a way that keeps the ear interested without overpowering Keely’s vocal, and we should all be grateful. The sexiness of her voice is undeniable but when she hits that falsetto...MY GOODNESS!!! Turn the lights down when you play this one and really feel the vibe..

“Happy For Me” is a throwback and I love it. As soon as the song starts, Prince “Raspberry Beret” comes to mind. When Keely starts to sing, it immediately made me think of Apollonia 6…so basically Prince again. It's so much fun. You can play this song right after the Gap Band at your family reunion and your Aunt and Uncle wouldn’t miss a beat. It shows that Keely is not just some cute girl with a nice voice. She has depth to her musical background and like her reference to the Mary Jane Girls in “Tidal Wave”, this song pays homage to the Purple G.O.A.T. (RIP PRINCE)

“Missing Me” is a fitting end statement of the album. The grove of this track is perfect for an outro. The lyrics are unapologetic and to the point.  “I’m not sorry you feel out of place, I’m just sorry you made your mistakes…” I’m not sure who this song is for. I don’t think Keely cared who liked or disliked this track. This track is for her. There were some things she needed to get off her chest and she didn’t hold back. The authenticity of her lyrics makes this track one of the best on the album.

[252lyricallyspeaking]

#LoveGoneTrend

R&B culture has been pillaged by artist that seem to think a catchy melody and auto-tune makes their music the best thing since sliced bread and then expect us, those who value true R&B, to accept it. Then comes Michael ALLN. With his fresh take on R&B, he has cultivated a style that is catchy enough for the younger generation to sing along and dance to, yet, still has the foundation that is traditional enough for a generation that has been steeped in the likes of D’angelo, Bilal, Erykah Badu and Lauren Hill can appreciate all the same.

The Intro(LOVE) of this album I have to say is my personal favorite on the album. Musically it has a feel that Mint Condition gave us with Pretty Brown Eyes. Lyrically, Michael makes himself vulnerable from the jump with the phrase “I surrender it all to you babe…”. A vulnerability that we don’t typically find in artist that have come out in recent years. The song continues and almost feels as if he is asking for permission to love and be loved.

In “Testify” Michael has reached back to his hip hop roots but is definitely not what his previous hip hop recordings where. His lyrical delivery is reminiscent of Tobe Nwigwe and he is able to infuse church organs and pianos over a drumbeat that has characteristics of the boom bap era with the freedom of jazz drummer.

“Air” is what I would consider to be the crown jewel of this album. It has pretty much everything that you could ask for. Whether you are pregaming for a night out, ready to step on the dance floor, or just trying to wind down after a night out, this track has the ability to fit all the moods. The airy chords and subtle dancehall drumbeat is invigorating, refreshing, and relaxing all at the same damn time. Everyone will enjoy this one.

“Insecure “ slows things down. Simply put, it's a vibe. It's not overly complicated musically. It has a simple elegance that captures the ear and stirs the loins. Michael speaks directly to the heart of women who may not be feeling themselves at the moment. It serves as a lyrical reminder to men that we need to remind the women in our lives that we value, love and appreciate who they are because of and in spite of their flaws.

“Right” in a word...CRAZY. The song plays tricks on the ear in a good way. Because it is arranged in a ¾ time signature it is both upbeat as well as a laid back track. Lyrically, while the song is highly sexual, he is being straightforward without being overly vulgar.  However, lets be honest...its a song written, produced and engineered for sex. Some vulgarity is needed. I do take issue with how short this song is. Just as you are getting into it completely, the drums fade and it leaves you lingering with an airy 80’s pad. Maybe we will get lucky and he will release an extended version.  

“Throwback” is a fun track. I’m usually not a fan of duets because they usually come off cheesy and forced. It's typical for that to happen when labels throw artist together for revenue but there is no real relationship between the artist and the lack of authenticity shows in the music. However, it is easy to tell that there is more between Michael and Kelly Ferguson. The song feels like a conversation. Two people putting it all on the table and willing to share their vulnerability for each other with the world.

“Love Ends” is flat out a dope track. Totally different from the rest of the album, it’s a trap banger. Michael is airing his grievances with people that changed up on him overtime and reminding those that stayed in his corner that he has not forgotten about them. This also serves as a reminder that Michael is not just an R&B crooner. He is still a well versed lyrical MC. Don’t sleep.

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of listening to this album. It is emotional, vulnerable, and fun. To me the most important part of this album are the interludes where it is just him and Kelly talking about their relationship. Those small conversations tie the album together to give you an insight, not just into their relationship, but also to the state of mind that Michael was in during his creative process. With music like this, there is no doubt that #LOVEGONETREND.