While the powers that be have spent the last decade or so trying to save hip-hop, its elder companion, R&B, has been suffering a slow and dreadful decline. With everyone trying to recapture early 90s house/techno craze (I’m talking to you Usher & Rihanna) the art of hearty vocals and love stories have been replaced with fuck sessions and airy ass falsettos.
Don’t get me wrong, the few aspiring newcomers that injected the genre with it’s first shot of innovation since The Dream receive my utmost support. Rochelle Jordan is beautifully talented; The Weeknd’s rock&B wave is stellar; and, Frank Ocean’s songwriting is incredible for one his age. Not to mention Rico Love putting in work on the boards. But the need for true R&B – vocals, lyrics, love - is needed.
I search for new music drops every day and get hype when I come upon quality rhythm & blues. This week’s diamond in the rough is Luke James and his #Luke EP. Formally apart of a R&B duo, Luke seems to be readying more music for the 2012, and what’s presented on this 9-track offering is promising.
Standout track right now is the mysteriously arranged “Signs of Rain.” I like songs that play with minor keys, and this one supplies a different feel.
