soleil rare 16 - ain't nuthin new.

Donnie - Classifieds. 

Born in Kentucky in 1976, Donnie did not choose the most recognizable name for a Google search. But the few facts one can grab about him can explain a lot. 

As a child, Donnie moved to Atlanta, and grew up between the Pentecostal church and the remembrance of his cousin, the great Marvin Gaye. With such an inspiration, Donnie devoted his life to music very early. Now, his style reminds of Donny Hathaway. 

After a remarkable first album "The Colored Section", Donnie released a sophomore of equal quality "The Daily News". That was in 2007. Now, it calls for a sequel... Let's be clear, Donnie's music isn't your usual R&B. It's plain soul, just like old times. Live instruments and powerful choruses, Donnie took the whole recipe and makes dope music out of it. That's the kind of stuff you will hear on "Classifieds". This man could save black music.

Prince - Cinnamon Girl. 

For now, black music stands of this little man's shoulders. Prince is probably today's best live act in the world, and blessed us with classic albums. But in the net of his unstoppable creativity, he also released tons of average (or less understandable) music. That must be the fate of geniuses. Another paradox with the man is that, despite his obvious abilities to play all the instruments that can possibly be used, he often used machines to create music. 

Two of his "recent" albums, "The Rainbow Children" and "Musicology" signed Prince's return to acoustic music. And wow, what a result. "Musicology" might be in the best Prince's albums ever. "Cinnamon Girl" showcases loud drums, crazy guitar riffs, and overall a perfect songwriting. The perfect mix of rock, soul and funk. Well, Prince all the way. 

Miguel - Ooh Ahh !

"Ooh Ahh !" was available on the "Mischief -The Mixtape" project that Miguel released for free in 2008. Although being one of today's most promising R&B talents, Miguel remains pretty discreet. He released his first album in 2010, but seems to count of featurings to keep his name alive. He collaborated with underground acts Blu, Wale, Asher Roth... 

The truth is Miguel seems to be worth a lot more than a few sung choruses, considering the ton of shitty music that pollutes the FM waves all day long. So, please Miguel, get your shit together. 

Platinum Pied Pipers feat. Neco Redd - American Pimp. 

There's more in Waajeed than a simple Dilla's protégé. Somehow, it seems that he was feeling comfortable sitting in the shadow of the MPC monster, until he expressed his creativity with his own band, Platinum Pied Pipers, alongside Saadiq (not Raphael though).  

With its heady and stomping drum pattern, its dark piano and Neco Redd's Truth Hurts-styled voice, "American Pimp" will make your head nod. Maybe even make you dance a little bit. Let your ass get funked. 

Michael Jackson - Dirty Diana. 

You just can't front. MJ rules and "Dirty Diana" (for Diana Ross, not Lady Di) is one of his best songs, featured on the "Bad" album. Michael is responsible for both the music and the lyrics of this song, making it obvious that the legend was talented enough to exist outside the shadow of Quincy Jones (although Mr. Jones is credited as producer of the song). 

"Dirty Diana" is branded a pop song, but touches rock like never in MJ's repertoire. 

The main help was provided by guitarist Steve Stevens, who gave this hard rock feel to the track. Folks, this song hit the top of the charts in 1988, and could still rock any crowd. MJ forever. 

Peven Everett - Do It Again For The Last Time. 

Another underrated singer, Peven Everett is a bridge between R&B and deeper soul. But who knows him outside a few black music lovers ? that's a pity, because he deserves a better career. Who knows he released an album, "Medicine Man" in August this year ? Even Discogs doesn't. 

On "Do It Again For The Last Time", Peven barely sings whole verses, rather short sentences, making it clear he's talking to someone. The feeling also is clear, it's a love song, y'all. Peven Everett is that kind of guy, a young R.Kelly, singing love all day long.    

Mary J. Blige - Sweet Thing. 

Do you remember that time, when Mary J. Blige was called the "Queen of hip-hop soul" ? I think it came from Puff Daddy, now Diddy. Well, it's true Mary shook a lot of lines with her debut album "What's The 411 ?", executive produced by the Bad Boy nabab in 1992. 

The whole album, and of course "Sweet Thing", breathe the air of 1990's R&B, inspired by veterans like Whithney Houston and Chaka Khan. That was the time of "hip-hop soul" and "new jack swing" (who uses these genre names now ?). "Sweet Thing" is a cover of a Chaka Khan's song, but Mary J. owned it without a doubt.  

Raphael Saadiq - Oh Girl. 

Raphael Saadiq enjoys a wonderful career. But, like many music geniuses, his incredible abilities kept him in the back for a long time. With a career starting in 1984 (yeah, the guy is now 45 years) as a backing bass player on Prince's world "Parade Tour", you would expect more than 4 solo albums under his belt. 

Along the way, Raphael was part of Tony!Toni!Toné!, Lucy Pearl, The Ummah, so you can't say he remains inactive. But still, his own name remained unknown. He collaborated with the cream of rap, R&B, and pop, including songwriting credits for another neo soul star, D'Angelo. 

Released in 2008, "The Way I See It" marked Raphael Saadiq's return to an old school flavor, almost impersonating Motown style. As a matter of fact, "Oh Girl" sounds like a Marvin Gaye's song. Fans knew for a long time that Raphael could deliver such an album, and there's no denying Saadiq vocal abilities are on point. Critics were all positive and I joined this trend. Since then, ex-rappers Aloe Blacc, Mayer Hawthorne and Pigeon John followed Saadiq on the singing road. Inspiring then. 

Frank Ocean - Acura Integurl. 

I've already been a follower of Odd Future when this free mixtape by Frank Ocean surfaced, in February 2011. Considering Tyler and Earl's violent first tracks, I was surprised they sponsored an R&B singer.  but curiosity won and soon enough I kinda fell under the charm. Inside OFWKTA, Frank Ocean is the mature guy standing in the back or on the side. 

When I copped this project, I predicted that the whole pop world would be all about Frank Ocean six months later. Even though I was a little bit too confident (for my defense, his album has been postponed without any releasing date), since then Ocean was featured on Jay-Z and Kanye West duo album, wrote for Beyoncé, and was even covered by new rap-star Justin Bieber. All this without a proper album on the shelves, only this mixtape. I won't tell everything about Ocean's story, but it's interesting enough to deserve a link. 

Well, bla bla bla, i'm talking, but "Acura Integurl" isn't even on the mixtape ! It was released shortly after as a video. R&B with harsh words. Love it. Enjoy the future.