4.0 out of 5 discs

Angie Stone
The Art of Love and War

4.0 out of 5 discs

Rahsaan Patterson has been a longtime favorite of mine. Ever since hearing his self-titled album back in 1997, this former Kids Incorporated child star is one of the best kept secrets in good R&B and Jazz music. Working with souls artists like Brandy, Ledisi, and Trina Broussard as well as jazz favorites like Brian Culberson, Jimmy Sommers, and Jonathan Butler in the areas of songwriting, production, and vocals has been Patterson's bread and butter for the countless years, all while trying to make a name for himself as a solo R&B artist as well. With his latest effort Wines and Spirits, he offers consistency with a touch of experimentation to keep his growing fan base pleased. "Stop Breaking My Heart" is a great lead-off single since it showcases Patterson's signature sound the best. Songs like the gentle melody "No Danger," the inspiring "Higher Love" and the sweet serenade on "Feels Good" also have a more traditional sound that people are most familiar with in comparison to his previous work. He delves into some Hendrix-laced material on "Pitch Black" with a subtle guitar background that rides behind his near battle-cry lyrics and piano riff. The 1930s musical flashback on "Delirium (Comes And Goes)" is better than it sounds and grows on you after a few listens. "Time" continues the musical expedition to the past with elements of hip-hop infused throughout the song. "Oh Lord (Take Me Back)" is a bluesy joint with a touch of gospel that Patterson seems to be the most comfortable with since he grew up singing in the church. With such an ensemble of stellar selections, it's apparent that Wines and Spirits is Rahsaan's Patterson's affirmation to provide the world with quality R&B music each and every time.

4.5 out of 5 discs

Trey Songz
Trey Day

Trey Songz busted on the scene back in 2005 with the hit single "I Gotta Make It" from his debut album of the same name released later that year.  With his released singles and his numerous cameo appearances before and after the release of his album, he was immediately seen as good-natured R&B singer.  Well, with Trey Day, Trey Songz is definitely out to show the world that he's not the softy that was often portrayed on previous work.  The lead-off single, "Wonder Woman" is evidence of that edgier side with a hard-nosed beat and Trey Songz giving his 16 bars of rap lyrics to start off the track.  "Can't Help But Wait" is certainly a switch back to his smoother self and was probably picked as the second single due to the lackluster reception of "Wonder Woman" among the listening audience.  But Trey has a lot more "grown man" songs on this album that should still resonate well with fans.  "Grub On" talks about a woman being the main course, "Sex For Yo Stereo" talks about women listening to his songs as a way to fantasize and get them through their moments of need, "No Clothes" is Trey visualizing a prospect in her birthday suit, and "Role Play" should be self-explanatory.  The standout has to be "Store Run" where Trey talks about running out of protection and making a quick run to the local corner store before the mood is gone.  Those who like Trey's gentler side will enjoy songs like "We Should Be" and "Last Time."   Trey dabbles in a few experimental songs like the 80s computerized sound of "Missin' You," the hip-hop infused "Fly Together" featuring Jim Jones, and the horn-heavy "Long Gone Missin."  Trey Day is a well-rounded sophomore effort from Trey Songz.  With Gotta Make It not cracking Gold status, hopefully Trey Day will lift this growing star to the next level and beyond.

3.5 out of 5 discs

Chamillionaire
Ultimate Victory

4 out of 5 discs

With the departure of long-time group member and resident producer 9th Wonder, you would think that Little Brother would lose their direction and fall on their face. It's one thing to have superior lyrics and rhyme flow, but they've always coupled that with outstanding production as well. With their new album Get Back, Phonte and Big Pooh don't miss a beat and pull off yet another banger for the masses. "Can't Win For Losing" is the quintessential blueprint for the majority of the songs on Get Back with its all-star production and killer lyrics depicting the push to move on despite the roadblocks the group has had to face. "Good Clothes" is the lead-off single with both calculated verses and humorous tidbits to lighten it up a bit for the listening audience. "Step It Up" features production from Hi-Tek and his R&B protégé Dion and speaks on what Little Brother has had to do as both men and as rappers to be respected in the rap game as well as the real world. About the strangest idea ever thought up that actually worked out for Little Brother would have to be the collaboration with Dirty South's own mega superstar Lil Wayne on the standout track "Breakin' My Heart" featuring the only song on the album produced by 9th Wonder before stepping away from the group. "Extra Hard," produced by Danaun Porter (known to the world as the singing Mr. Porter on various hip-hop joints as well as rapper Kon Artis in the group D12), is another gem that goes along the same lines as "Step It Up." "After The Party" featuring Carlitta Durand and in-house producer/Justus League brethren Khrysis has a short comedic skit to start it off and goes into quips about the scene in the parking lot when the club is closing and fools front to try to get into something for the night. Daniel Brockington provides some soul for the hook on the otherwise upbeat, easygoing "Two-Step Blues" produced by Nottz (Busta Rhymes' "Pass The Courvoisier", Snoop Dogg's "That's That"). "Dreams" (produced by Chicago-based producer Rashid Hadee) is a self-explanatory track about aspiring to be the best rapper possible. Little Brother come with it on Get Back, an album that will ultimately help them get back in the limelight one day.

4 out of 5 discs

9th Wonder
Dream Merchant Vol. 2

Respected by the likes of Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, and other top level artists as the real deal, 9th Wonder has opened a lot of doors for himself as one of the hottest deejays on the seen today. After emerging on the scene with Big Pooh and Phonte as supergroup Little Brother in 2003, the North Carolina native slowly gained the attention of the underground rap arena. A few mixtapes and guest spots later as well as his first debut Dream Merchant Volume 1, 9th Wonder had already laid the groundwork for his inevitable split from the group after the release of 2006's The Minstrel Show. Now riding solo, 9th Wonder goes back to familiar territory with Dream Merchant Volume 2 where he showcases his production prowess alongside known and unknown emcees. Mos Def and Blacksmith signee Jean Grae bless the track "Brooklyn In My Mind" while Little Brother still offer their expertise on "No Time To Chill" Big Pooh rides with Buddy Klein for the song "What Makes A Man." But the majority of Dream Merchant Volume 2 consists of a lot of independent talent. The best tracks would have to be the laid back "Sunday" featuring singer Keisha Shontelle and rapper Chaundon, "Special Remix" featuring Strange Fruit Project and Median, and "Shots" featuring Big Dho and Sean Price. Honorable mentions go out to the Midwest Wreckin' Crew (rappers Royce Da 5'9, Naledge, and Vandalyzm) for their song "The Last Time," the one-time promising Bad Boy signee Ness alongside Skyzoo for "Let It Bang," and the under-appreciated duo Camp Lo for "The Milky Lowa." 9th Wonder has compiled a dynamic collection that is sure to please any lover of the true essence of Hip-Hop.