Teyana Taylor - The Cassette Tape 1994
Teyana Taylor's "The Cassette Tape" is a great tribute to 90's R&B. She adds a modern touch to popular tracks from the decade while embracing the era's unique vibe. Teyana Taylor is one of few who could pull this off. With her passion for the 90's, vocal ability, sensuality, and help from the likes of Eric Bellinger, Kanye West, Da Internz, J.R. Rotem, and her boyfriend Iman Shumpert, she's given us a very reminiscent and enjoyable mixtape. I just wish the project was longer.
B.o.B. - Psychedelic Thoughts
B.o.B takes on pop more than hip-hop in this album. He is definitely a talented rapper but he shows his singing ability more. It kind of reminds me of Drake, except Drake wouldn’t put out an entire album full of singing. I did not expect that when I pressed play. The tracks are valuable but I just think they’d be better if someone else sang the hooks. Like when his girlfriend, Sevyn Streeter, appears on the track “Love Life,” it’s a great example that the tracks B.o.B wanted to execute alone, have the potential to be so much better.
Jordin Sparks - Right Here Now
“Right Here Right Now” shows a tremendous amount of growth since Jordin Sparks’ American Idol days. She remains a vocal threat in this industry and she uses her voice effortlessly on this album. Some songs are more playful and not as vocally challenging as others, however, I think there’s a good balance between those two types of tracks. This project has some clever writing and I always appreciate that. Also, B.o.B, Shaggy, 2 Chainz, Elijah Blake, and J-Doe make appearances, but I don’t think they’re really significant compared to Jordin. From her sexy cover art to the production and song content, Jordin Sparks makes a statement on this album. She speaks to females through passionate R&B records and Pop party tracks also. Her work on this album is definitely applaudable.
Wondaland - The Eephus EP
This EP is black excellence. Janelle Monáe leads this incredible label, Wondaland Records, as she, Jidenna, Deep Cotton, St. Beauty, and Roman GianArthur breathe life into today’s music industry. Each track on this project holds it’s own. Outside of the established success of Jidenna’s “Classic Man,” “Classic Man Remix” featuring Kendrick Lamar, and Janelle Monáe’s “Yoga,” the remaining artists continue the groove and momentum of those singles. This EP contains the R&B and soul that’s been missing in today’s music industry but also the popular sound that we’re used to. It’s a little different, but I love it. I’m a definite supporter for Wondaland artists in terms of their music and what they bring to society. They stand up publicly against police brutality and they’re using their platform to make a change. Their track “Hell You Talmbout,” which was performed during their protests, was released recently and it supports the “say their names” campaign, which sheds light on many of the victims of police brutality. This movement is very positive and I’m looking forward to other singles and albums.