by Q-Tip: With Election Day being yesterday, less important news was overlooked. One of those things included albums that were scheduled for release on Tuesday. The Renaissance was one album that was released and I really like it. I’ve been listening to this album for about two weeks and it is hip-hop thru and thru. You won’t find that weird voice machine people have been using, nor will you find T-Pain on a single track! However there are some brilliant collaborations on this album such as songs that feature D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Amanda Diva, and Norah Jones – who happens to be the artist featured on my favorite track on the album, Life is Better. The album is a good mix of slow, upbeat, and chill music. The sounds are unique also. There are some old tunes sampled, but very modern. This is a great album and I doubt it will get the praise that it deserves since Jay nor Weezy are on the album. Although, I suggest that you take a good hour and jam to this musical creation that highlights lyrical expression without vulgarity.  

by D’Angelo: This classic, smooth track is an unforgettable one! The R&B community has a void that needs to be filled with artists similar to D’Angelo. Back in the mid 90s, this brother would sing from his heart and make music he enjoyed. Today rather, individuals make what they think is music from the heart but are instead mainstream “hits” that were produced to make money. It is rumored that D’Angelo will release an album in 2009. Let’s hope this rumor is true and his return can include a movement towards what I believe is good music! Below are the lyrics to the bridge. I KNOW I can’t be the only one who had trouble deciphering these words years ago! 

Is it just that you’re the finest little thing that I ever saw
Or is my imagination runnin’ too far
Or is it that my eyes are tellin’ me something you could never see
Somethin’ like me being with you and you being with me