Double Up was the last R. Kelly CD that received heavy playback on my iPod. The CDs that followed were either too one dimensional or beneath his caliber for my taste. Ironically, R. Kelly got it right on 12 Nights of Christmas. The project is his 14th studio album, but his first full length Christmas album. The title alone is cause to snicker, as it brings to mind his breakthrough release, 12 Play. I was a bit skeptical of the music on his holiday CD. He surprised me with his new music though.

12 Night of Christmas features 12 original songs from R. Kelly. He opens the set with “My Wish for Christmas”, his plea to better the world and lift the spirits of the less fortunate. “Home for Christmas” is a smooth love song that sounds like classic R. Kelly. He details his plans to surprise the one he loves for the holidays. I can easily see this one being a big hit for the holiday season. He plays Santa Claus on “Mrs. Santa Claus”. R. Kelly croons here to the tune of “Me and Mrs. Jones” (originally performed by Billy Paul). He slyly requests to unwrap Mrs. Claus and then demands that she unwraps her present: him.

“I’m Sending You My Love For Christmas” is one many listeners (including myself) will surely repeat. This is one of the standout tracks and his tone is reminiscent of Stevie Wonder here. The delicate ballad “Once Upon A Time” sounds like an instant Christmas classic. He recounts all of the fun things like playing in the snow, exhibiting generosity and delicious treats during the holidays. R. Kelly knows how to show appreciation for his woman. On “The Greatest Gift”, he cleverly sites all of the reasons why his lady is the reason for his joy in the holiday season. The production on the song offers one of the more uptempo dance numbers. Think “Step In The Name Of Love” for Christmas.

“Christmas Lovin'” ushers in an old school, deeper soul vibe. He simply asks, “What about some Christmas lovin’ babe?” The lyrics are minimalist here, but rightfully so.  This song showcases one of the many reasons R. Kelly’s music has spanned nearly three decades. He closes out the holiday CD with the mellow, yet poignant title track, “12 Days of Christmas”.  This is the R. Kelly that has been missed. This is the R. Kelly that is arguably the most influential male R&B artist of the last 20 years or more.

Look for R. Kelly to go on tour in support of 12 Days of Christmas. However, he is only doing a small number of dates. So, if you live in Nashville, Brooklyn, Chicago Milwaukee or Minneapolis, you’re in luck. There’s no word yet on additional shows that may be added. Nonetheless, I’m hopeful that this is a symbol of a new era for R. Kelly. He doesn’t have to bow to the current trends of today’s music. Truth be told, he set many of them. At least we can raise our glasses of sparkling cider to a job well done for 12 Days of Christmas.

You know you have reached iconic status when the world still adores your first solo studio project, released almost 20 years ago. People still talk about how The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill changed the face of music .  Since then, Lauryn Hill has released an Unplugged album. She has released several mixtape derived works. She has dropped some surprise singles. Ms. Lauryn Hill even paid a beautiful tribute to Nina Simone on a stirring tribute album for her. Now, she is giving us yet another glimpse into her musical genius. Her latest song, “Rebel/I Find It Hard To Say” may evoke feelings of deja vu.

The song was actually featured on her 2002 MTV Unplugged 2.0 release. She originally meant for the song to be a tribute to Amadou Diallo, a victim of police brutality. She decided to rework the song in the wake of today’s current social and racial climate. Lauryn Hill always remains relevant and conscious. She re-introduced the song by tweeting, “Old tune, new Version, same context, even more relevant now. Sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Lauryn Hill also performed at the Tidal X 2015. She hasn’t released a studio album in nearly two decades, but her artistry still reigns supreme.

What are your thoughts on “Rebel/I Find It Hard To Say”? Would you Bump It or Dump It? This is the original version of the song. The latest version can be heard exclusively through Tidal.

Let’s hope this means we have a new Lauryn Hill studio album soon! Music is missing her dearly.

Maroon 5 has always been one of my favorite groups. I have seen them in concert twice. The second time was even better than the first. Their lyrics are genuine and they know how to connect with their fans. Songs like “Wake Up Call” and “This Love” spoke for us when we didn’t have the courage to say how we truly felt. Plus, Adam Levine’s voice has one of the most unique tones in music today. Maroon 5’s track record has been consistent with the release of their CDs. The group releases a new collection of material about every two years. My personal favorite project of theirs is It Won’t Be Soon Before Long. However, the group hardly ever disappoints on anything they record.

Now, Maroon 5 is back to stake their claim as the reigning Pop/Soft Rock group around. “Don’t Wanna Know” featuring Kendrick Lamar is their latest single. The song speaks of wishing to remain oblivious to who their ex is involved with now. The production is reminiscent of tropical lands and summer vibes. The chorus is a bit too repetitive for a group that’s usually so lyrically prolific. Nonetheless, this is Maroon 5 we are talking about. All in all, the song is pretty good.

Kendrick Lamar’s verse was a well thought out collaboration. I can’t say I could have pictured these two artists together on one song. Honestly, his short 18 second verse really kicks the song up a notch. The group keeps things light-hearted in true Maroon 5 fashion for the song’s music video. They opted for a concept that borrows from the current Pokemon Go craze. Kendrick Lamar’s verse (and presence) is scrapped for the video version of the song. Could the video’s meaning really be bringing light to our obsessions with social media and entertainers today? Maybe so. There’s no word yet on whether or not the song is the first single for a new album. Either way, we’re always ready for new music from the bad, yet good guys of Pop music.

So, check out “Don’t Wanna Know” and its hilarious music video below. Also, see how many cameos you can pick out. There are quite a few guest stars. What are your thoughts on the song? Would you “Bump It” or “Dump It”?

I have waited for this moment for quite some time. Emeli Sande has made an impressive name for herself in a short time. However, her debut album, In Our Own Words, was a stellar effort. Plus, she has written hits for top notch acts like Mary J Blige and Alicia Keys. Now, she’s back at center stage to command our attention with her mesmerizing voice.

“Garden” is the first single from her upcoming sophomore effort. The song features Jay Electronica and Aine Zion. The song actually took two years to complete. Aine Zion’s poignant poetry was added first. Jay Electronica’s jagged, forceful rap wasn’t added until the next Summer. “Garden” is a seductive, slick and ironically rough sound that’s different for Emeli Sande.

Nonetheless, Emeli Sande gives just enough edge to satiate the ever changing pallet of music consumers. She still stays true to the core of her sound though. The British singer states that her new album will be very raw and honest. Her first album seemed pretty honest to me, but I assume she will go even further now. Emeli Sande has the kind of voice and songwriting ability that will give you chills. Get Long Live the Angels everywhere on November 11th. I make my prediction now that it will be one of the biggest releases of the year.

So, what are your thoughts on “Garden”? Would you say “Bump It” or “Dump It”?

Hear the song for yourself below. Also, check out some of Emeli Sande’s shining moments.

Before this week, I didn’t know who Melissa Jefferson was. However, I quickly sat up and took notice when I discovered her new EP, Coconut Oil, on Tidal. The 29 year old singer has a robust sound that’s well beyond her years. Her style is brazen and bold, much like her activism stance when she’s outside of the booth. She can’t really be put in a box. Her musical style is part Hip Hop, part alternative and part R&B/Soul. She may remind you of Fergie, with lyrical similarities to Elle Varner. Although Coconut Oil is her third release in three years, she has the boastful delivery of a veteran.

Her sound is refreshing and playful. “Worship” and “Phone” will make you laugh and bob your head simultaneously. “Scuse Me” encourages women to feel good in their own skin and love themselves. “Deep” shows another facet of her artistry with a reggae tinged flavor. Just think of Rihanna, with real vocals. The soulful sounds and blaring horns on “Good As Hell” find her standing tall after a breakup. The title track “Coconut Oil” closes out the project on more of a serious note. She drives out any inklings of self doubt here praises coconut oil as her sole surviving element.

How could I forget to mention that Lizzo is from my home town of Houston too? Her music definitely exudes southern roots and she’s here to make people (especially women) feel good about themselves along the way. Sure, there is room for the bad girl, raunchy female in entertainment. Lizzo takes the high road, focusing on self esteem as her banner of choice.  Just like the many benefits coconut oil can be used for, Lizzo’s artistry is just as essential.