Letoya Luckett slammed naysayers when she released her debut breakout single, “Torn”, in 2006. She rode the wave of that success with her debut album, LeToya. Her sophomore effort, Lady Love, followed in fairly quick succession. However, it took 8 years for her to release her latest album, Back 2 Life. The former Destiny’s Child songstress focused more on acting during her musical hiatus. However, an 8 year gap in between albums is an eternity in today’s music industry. Few artists can pick up where they left off after such a lengthy break.

Back 2 Life defies any doubt that LeToya can still deliver solid music. The title track and lead single, “Back 2 Life”, showcases her more mature side. She sounds sexier, more confident and composed than ever before. The song’s slick mini movie style music video continues on the sassy second single “Used To”. There’s a common thread that’s quickly detected on her latest release. Although love may have scorned her, she won’t let it get her down.

In fact, she shines brightest when she grabs love by the reigns and calls her own shots. Songs like the seductively suggestive “Weekend” and “Higher” highlight her sensual side. Ludacris serves as the sole featured artist on the call him to the carpet love song “Grey”. She calls out a lover here that can’t make up his mind to commit. Back 2 Life was primarily produced by Joseph “Jo Blaq” Macklin, which was a smart move. The album has a very cohesive, current, yet original sound. This is extremely evident on standout tracks like the catchy, unforgettable, “Middle”.

Back 2 Life is a coming of age tale from a woman who knows what she wants and needs. The album has already seen quick success with being the #1 R&B album on the iTunes charts. LeToya may have been gone from music for years. She was definitely not forgotten though. Back 2 Life is a steamy, sultry pot of audible soup that deserves to be consumed.

Organized Noize is responsible for some of the biggest hits of the 90s including TLC’s “Waterfalls”, En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go” and much of OutKast’s early catalog. The accomplished production group consists of Rico Wade, Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray. The men of Organized Noize always find a way to make it back to the music. Now, they are back to with their new self title EP, Organized Noize. There are guest features sprinkled throughout the project, including the Dungeon Family staples Big Boi, Joi and Cee-Lo Green. However, Andre 3000 is nowhere to be heard on the project. Nevertheless, the group puts forth a solid effort. Organized Noize always stood in a class of their on. The 7 song self titled EP proves they are still original.

“Anybody Out There” starts off as a reminder to who they are. They boast about the incredible 20 year plus run, while Scar and Joi provide a sultry R&B infused groove. This is the kind of song that is made to get the crowd hyped before a live show. “We The Ones”, featuring Sleepy Brown, Big Boi, Cee-Lo Green and Big Rube is a social call to action. The song urges people to stand up so their “children will never lose”. The track is a poignant wake up call, while avoiding to come across offensively. They just want us to stand up against any type of injustice. “Chemtrails” is a jazzy, upbeat offering that warns us to run for cover from “Chem”.

“Why Can’t We” picks up where “We The Ones” leaves off. The song begs to know why we can’t all peacefully coexist together. The song isn’t necessarily single potential, but a worthy addition to the EP. “Kush” is the sexy song from the EP, primarily due to Joi’s bedroom growl plastered all over the track. Actually, this is the most catchy song on the project. Rapper 2 Chainz (a non Dungeon Family member) is featured here as well. The song is so enticing, it may make some want to have their hands out waiting. “Awesome Lovin'”, a solo track from Sleepy Brown, continues the love train. I have always been a big fan of his voice. The instant vintage sound of the track pairs extremely well with his vocals here.

Organized Noize closes out the EP with the outer space, hypnotic boogie that is “The Art Of Organized Noize”. The song is primarily void of any vocals and the message here is clearly to just ingest the production. Organized Noize is truly underrated. When you think southern Hip Hop, their just credit has to be due. They put the Atlanta sound on the map in the 90s, with a fresh new sound spread like wildfire. Their music is always funky, fresh, soulful and intentional. Who knew noise could sound so beautiful?

Check out “Kush” from their new EP, below. What are your thoughts on the song? Would you Bump It or Dump It?

Dawn, Cindy, Terry, and Maxine ruled the Billboard charts in the early 90s. The Funky Divas picked up where the Supremes left off. They took the doors off the hinges for groups like Destiny’s Child to follow years later. No other female group sings as well as they do. Don’t agree? Name one female group where each member can sing with the equal level of skill. Yep, I’ll wait. However, we all know the story of their complicated fate. Lead singer Dawn left the group in the late 90s. Her and original member, Maxine, formed their own version of En Vogue (which later disbanded). 

Now the group has returned. Well, Cindy, Terry and Rhona have. Rhona is a newer member that was added after Maxine and Dawn’s departure. The trio has released their latest single, “I’m Good”. The new music popped up out of nowhere. The fact that the song sounds great is not surprising. Whether together or apart, the group knows how to deliver compelling music. The surprise is that the group even recorded any new music. 

The group kept their main formula, with a slick R&B sound. Raphael Saadiq produced the record. He used to be in the group Lucy Pearl with Dawn (from En Vogue) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (from A Tribe Called Quest). Their sound is classic and they should at least be commended for not trying to chase current day trends. “I’m Good” will be featured on their upcoming album, Electric Cafe. Unfortunately, that release will not feature all the original members. Nevertheless, this is a nice welcome back from En Vogue. Now if we could just get all 4 original members to reunite. 

Check out the song for yourself below and reminisce on some of the group’s highlights. What are your thoughts on “I’m Good”? Would you Bump It or Dump It?

OutKast (Antwan “Big Boi” Patton and Andre “Andre 3000” Benjamin) reunited at Coachella 2014. Many of today’s current generation remembers “Ms. Jackson”, “B.O.B.” and “The Way You Move”. Although those are some of the duo’s biggest hits, they have been around for over 20 years now. Their last studio album was the commercial juggernaut (and Grammy Album of the Year), Speakerboxxx/The Love Below,  was released in 2003. Let’s give them credit for the Idlewild soundtrack, released in 2006. However, that was still over 10 years ago. 

Big Boi has always been the worker of the pair. Andre 3000 has distanced himself from music in recent years, sparingly appearing as a guest artist on various songs. Hip Hop is still feeling the void that OutKast so cleverly filled in their hey day. They didn’t disappear because they flopped. In fact, they were as popular as ever the last time we heard from them. Now, Big Boi is back, with a brand new single called “Mic Jack”. He enlisted some help from Maroon 5 front man, Adam Levine. 

I must admit that I was leery about a Big Boi, Adam Levine collaboration. I am a big fan of both artists in their own right. However, I just wasnt sure how this would turn out. The song is the lead single from Big Boi’s forthcoming solo album, Boomiverse. Big Boi has come back to remind us of his stature in Pop music, let alone Hip Hop. His delivery is as bold and confident as ever. The song feels like the summer of 2003 all over again. Plus, Adam Levine’s edgy vocals on the hook are a perfect fit. Although the track has a definite mainstream sound, I’m curious to hear the direction of Boomiverse in its entirety. 

LA Reid divulged in his memoir, Talk To Me, that Speakerboxxx was just supposed to be Big Boi’s solo album (without Andre 3000). Miraculously, Andre 3000 called two weeks before its due date to add in his piece. I’m secretly hoping the same thing happens again this time. Either way, it’s exciting to hear music from at least one of the members of arguably Hip Hop’s greatest duo. 

Check out “Mic Jack” below. Plus,  hear “Kill Jill”, another new Big Boi track with Jeezy and Killer Mike.

What are your thoughts on Big Boi’s new music? Would you Bump It or Dump It?

Daley is like that secret weapon that comes out of nowhere to create mass destruction. Although it’s only been 6 years since his debut EP, his voice has the maturity of a seasoned veteran. His debut album, Days + Nights, still gets heavy rotation on my iPod. He previewed his current single “Until The Pain Is Gone” last year. Daley just recently released the full version of the song. His voice alone is enough to melt the tweeter in your speakers. However, he adds beautiful insult to audible injury by adding the likes of vocal powerhouse Jill Scott. Daley says he kept hearing Jill Scott’s voice while he was writing the song. Let’s just say we should be thankful he did.

Daley claims the song is a personal story that details a stagnant relationship. “Until The Pain Is Gone” sounds like refreshing vintage soul. The song is lifted as the first single from his upcoming EP. Jill Scott’s voice is a perfect marriage with Daley’s. In fact, there are times they sound just alike on the song. I’m eagerly anticipating this new collection of songs from the soulful crooner. There is no word yet on the title or release date of his EP though. Until then, you can catch Daley on tour now with Leela James.

What are your thoughts on “Until The Pain Is Gone?” In my humble opinion, he pretty much slaughters any other male R&B slow jam out right now.

Kendrick Lamar’s build up to Damn has been a short lived, yet intense ride. First, there was the release of “The Heart Part 4”, a track that is not found on his new release. Then he dropped the juggernaut that is “Humble” the following week. The beat alone on that song is so infectious that it evokes all feelings but humbleness. Apparently, everyone else thinks so to. The song is Billboard’s fastest rising rap track in 7 years. “Humble” is also poised to be the biggest commercial hit of his career. However, “Humble” is just an enticing snack to a meal that cannot be ingested in one sitting. 

Damn solidifies Kendrick Lamar’s place as the unassuming guy that always comes to throw us off the status quo of Hip Hop. His voice is needed right now, more than ever before. “DNA” boldly tackles racism and policy brutality. The song is also a celebration of his heritage. ” I got loyalty got royalty inside my DNA,” he raps. His flow is rapid and aggressive. Although the album has a few features, the album’s most memorable tracks come from Kendrick alone. However, Rihanna trades some worthy verses on the standout track, “Loyalty”. U2 teams up with him on the religious and political track, “XXX”.

Kendrick Lamar gets emotional and introspective on “Fear”. He recounts three instances of turmoil in his life at different ages. His counterpart, Drake, tends to have the effect of an agonizing toothache when he digs deep into himself. Kendrick manages to relay his feelings without making the listener feel drained. Although Kendrick Lamar takes a gamble with releasing albums in such quick succession, he has a knack for making it worthwhile. His delivery has always been less about gimmicks, headlines and club rompers. He is the frustrated voice of a generation, who knows how to have a good time. Kendrick Lamar grows weary at times though, as evident on the negative chronicles of his stardom on “Feel”. Nonetheless, consciousness remains his driving force. 

Remember when producer/singer duo Groove Theory (comprised of singer, Amel Larrieux and producer, Bryce Wilson) ruled the charts for the summer of 1995? “Tell Me” was the perfect, steamy butterfly love ballad. Fast forward 20 plus years and you have Lion Babe. The duo consists of vocalist Jillian Hervey (daughter of former Miss America, Vanessa Williams) and super producer Lucas Goodman. Their self titled debut EP was released at the end of 2014. The duo has now returned with the debut full length LP, Begin. Lion Babe’s music can’t be boxed in one category. However, I like to think of them as eclectic supersonic bass funk.

Begin roars loudly straight out of the gate with “Whole”. Jillian tells her man that he should consider himself lucky. She usually doesn’t take this kind of treatment from a man. So, it must be love then. Right? “Jump Hi” features a memorable verse from Childish Gambino (the album’s only featured artist). This song has a strong Erykah Badu vibe. Just rewind back to her underground hit, “Jump Up In The Air” with Lil Wayne.  “Wonder Woman” is a crazy, sexy and cool warning of Jillian’s feminine superpowers.

“Impossible” is a fast paced, dance track that sounds like an instant radio hit. The song has a groove that makes it impossible to sit still to. This track sounds like one of the good songs Fergie wishes she recorded first. “Stressed Out” is a heavy bass driven reminder for us all to take it easy.  The sensual production and seductive vocals on “Satisfy My Love” are a match made in heaven. Jillian opts for a lighter, more airy tone here. She challenges her lover to be original in his approach. “On The Rocks” is a suggestive invitation to make a move. This is one of the most memorable songs from the album.

“Jungle Lady” is one of the few songs from the EP that also appears on Begin. Jillian’s voice sounds slightly intoxicated here, as she purrs about being the perfect woman of the jungle. However, she isn’t afraid to stand up for women with extra curves. “Got Body” is a bold declaration that states, “I got body, no matter what I wear”. “Everyday Life” is the perfect cure to life’s hangovers. Here, Lion Babe opts for a message to help deal with life’s many ups and downs. “Treat Me Like Fire” is as much of a cautionary yellow light as it as a glaring green one. Her vocals have a deep southern drawl here, as she plays with the idea of being more than just a tease.

“Little Dreamer” is a gentle lullaby that closes out the album. Lion Babe reminds us to still believe in magical things, amidst a subtle guitar backdrop. There is nothing about Begin that says “first time”. In fact, Lion Babe’s full length debut sounds like the crafted work of a veteran artist. Their melodies are tight. The vocals are syrupy and crisp. Oh and let’s not forget the stellar production. Something tells me that once these lions are out of the cage, no one will be able to contain them.

Check out some of the music from Begin for yourself.

Also, here’s Lion Babe’s latest single, “Rockets” featuring Moe Moks. This one is not featured on their album.