In 2004 Usher released the critically acclaimed "Confessions" that went DIAMOND in sales, spawned world tours and spoke of his revelations in his personal life. Now in 2008, he stands to release his follow-up, "Here I Stand." But this blog isn't about Usher's grand achievements but the overlooked brothers in his own profession. In the past four years, some of the best male r&b material has been released and no one has said a word. We know hip hop is dead, alive and revived, but male r&b is growing. So many newcomers have came and dropped very solid debut albums including J Holiday's "Back of my Lac", Dream's ultra sexy "Love Hate" and the revival of a career in Jamie Foxx's "Unpredictable." Then there have been the once in a lifetime artist like John Legend who released "Get Lifted" in 2004 and came back and dropped an ego trippin switch in "Once Again." His mellow tone and lively figures leave bedrooms and backseats in awe when he plays. Another artist who has given the public two doses in this span is the metro's own Raheem DeVaughn. "The Love Experience" premiered in 200, but was an underground classic because it wasn't marketed well. However, due to the growing popularity of "Love Behind the Melody" new fans are referring back to the classic RDV. Also, one man has been the heart and go to guy of this writing thing for a while and thats Ne-Yo. Including his own albums, Ne Yo has generated nothing but fire from under his pen and pad. His detailed lyrics and steady beats keep the night afloat and I can't wait for the "Year of the Gentlemen." The most consistent artist of the r&b crooners is Musiq Soulchild. After taking his own four year hiatus, "luvanmusiq" was released and was a quiet storm at first. Later it would rise to gold in sales and recieve a Grammy. But the biggest surprise had to be Puff's reality tv experiment in Making the Band. Later to be named Day26 (which no one still doesn't know what that means) they would grow up right before out eyes in three seasons of hardships under Puff's guidance. When the self-titled album dropped in 2008, alot of people were skeptical and weren't trying to fall under the reality hype. However, I can honestly say this IS the best male r&b group CD i've heard since the Dru Hill days. Take my word for it. But even through all this success, there were failures and setbacks. Tank is still a one hit wonder, Tyrese left to do movies and TPain still has his technology and rap chorus hooks. But what I am trying to get you to understand is that r&b isn't just a one man band, but more like a dream team. I suggest if you haven't copped or heard any of these albums, I say you burn them, purchase them, do what you do.
NOTE: Only sex, love and baby making can be made to these CDs-no fucking! enjoy!
