Jesse Powell returns to the fray of mainstream RNB with 'JP ' his third release for Silas/MCA Records. Fresh off the heels of his gold-selling sophomore album, ‘Bout It, which resurfaced “You ” its #1 hit single.

Born in Gary, Ind. Jesse (who is the older brother to singing sisters Trina and Tamara) wears a few hats on this album serving as one of the executive producers as well as doing songwriter and arranger duties. The first single, “If I,” gives the general public a taste of Jesse's incredible voice that seems to reach four-octave range at all times.

'JP ' is a 12 song set that kick starts with 'I'll take the world ' a slow downed, mid-tempo groove that Jesse's voice utilizes with sultry ease, following suit is the current single 'If i? ' and I'm sure you're aware of this one (if not - where the hell have you been hyphenating?) One note here, the album piano intro version that's being played on radio is not featured on the album so you will most likely have to buy the single to get that version of the song. 

The majority of the songs are ballads (85%) so you might have a hard time choosing between, 'I'm Leaving ', 'Go upstairs ' - (a 'get your groove on now' command), 'I didn't realize ' and 'Invisible Man '. 'I'd rather be alone ' - defines the feeling one experiences through heartache and the classic One Way track 'Something in the Past ' is revamped to perfection Jesse Powell style.  

Having come from a musical family background, (Mom, Dad and sisters Trina and Tamara all being singers) Jesse truly shines from the rest of the male sopranos by delivering his music straight from the heart, now that's sincerity. Another hit album in the works here released to the world on Mar 27th  but not to worry 'cos you will be hearing alot of the album on my internet radio show 'The Menu' on Mixx96fm.com - A definite Ty-D Pick.

TD 

 

 

Various Artists - Save the Last Dance: Orig. SDTK (Hollywood)

The year's last release in the soundtrack dept features a body of previous works with the likes of Q Tip (Breathe and Stop) 112 w/Notorious B.I.G. (Only you) and Chaka Demus & Pliers (Murder she wrote) leading the way.

Now don't get me wrong there are some new material here also including newcomers X-2-C pronounced 'ecstacy' (Bonafide) and Soulbone (My Window). Also featured is the latest from Pink (You make me sick), K-Ci and JoJo (Crazy) and Lucy Pearl w/Snoop Dogg (You). 

As a whole, the old mixes well with the new and the theme song bears a slight resemblance to the late 2Pac Shakur's 'Dear Mama ' (using Cyndi Lauper's 'Tru Colours '  as the hook) but nevertheless a decent collaboration worthy for your listening ear so go give a copy and give it a listen. 

TD 

Black Eye Peas w/Les Nubians and Mos Def - On my own (Interscope)

Taken off their excellent sophomore set 'Bridging the Gap', B.E.P comes correct (as they usually do) with this little gem featuring those French beauties Les Nubians and rapping maestro Mos Def. 

With their unique take on creating music they have produced a literal masterpiece with 'On my own ' by 'bridging the gap' (so to speak) between rap, jazz, funk and soul. Les Nubians voices are sweet delight as they absorb each chorus and you can say enough about Mos Def (definitely one of if not the best pure rapper on the rap scene today). 

No release date yet on this lil' beaut but don't overlook the entire album because it's one of the most underrated releases of last year.

TD