The Thoughts

	Syleena Johnson, Chapter 2: The Voice: This is by far one of the best CDs released in 2002; from the opening track Voice/Intro to the very last, Syleena truly owns this set. Stand out cuts are: Faithful to you, Now That I Got You, I’m Gon’ Cry, Tonight I’m Gonna Let Go, No Words, Guitars of the Heart, I Believe in Love.
	Mary J. Blige, My Life: One of the most prolific albums created by Miss Blige. My Life successfully captures the heart and soul of this gritty down to earth songstress. Stand out cuts are: You Bring Me Joy, I’m The Only Woman, My Life, You Gotta Believe, Be With You, Mary’s Joint, I Love you, No One Else, Happy.
	Heather Headley, This Is Who I Am: A dynamic debut by a dynamic talent. Heather Headley burst onto the scene after a successful run in Broadways Aida and took the dedicated R&B audience captive. Stand out cuts are: He Is, I Wish I Wasn’t, Always Been Your Girl, Four Words from a Heartbreak, Why Should I Cry, If It Wasn’t for Your Love.
	Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Bitter: What can one not say about the woman who actually created what is now called Neo-Soul? This set is a pure work of art that chronicles the path of a bitter heart break. Me’Shell at her best! Stand out cuts are: Adam, Fool Of Me, Faithful, Bitter, Sincerity, Beautiful, Eve, Grace.
	Kelly Price, Soul of a Woman: A great title for a woman who has enough soul in her voice to make you feel her every emotion in any given song. Kelly Price delivers on this album! Stand out cuts are: Friend of Mine, Secret Love, Soul of a Woman, Take Me To a Dream, Lord of All, Friend of Mine (remix).
	R. Kelly, TP-2.Com: A phenomenal artist despite his devilish ways. R. Kelly demonstrates the true meaning of R&B and his continued success of stepping out of the box from the average artist. Stand out cuts are: Strip for You, Greatest Sex, I Don’t Mean It, Just Like That, Fiesta, I Wish, Woman’s Threat, Feelin on Yo Booty, Storm Is Over Now.
	Maxwell, Urban Hang Suite: Charismatic, Sexy, Honest, Funky, and Smooth are but some adjectives one could use to describe the force known as Maxwell. His first effort is a debut fit for a king; and he’s kept it coming. Stand out cuts are: The Urban Theme, Welcome, Sumthin’ Sumthin’, Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder), Dance Wit Me, …Til The Cops Come Knocking, Whenever Wherever Whatever, The Suite Theme.
	Mariah Carey, Butterfly: This maybe the last time Mariah was really able to take flight. Mariah reminded the world how much we loved her when she gave her all. Stand out cuts are: Honey, Butterfly, My All, The Roof, Break Down, Fly Away.
	Usher, 8701: Who would have ever thought this young man would end up soaring to the top? He’s like wine, the longer its distilled the better it tastes. Watch out Michael Jackson, Usher’s got next. Stand out cuts are: U remind Me, I Don’t Know, U Got It Bad, Twork It Out, If I Want To, U Don’t Have To Call, How Do I Say, U-Turn.
	Toni Braxton, The Heat: One of the most slept on albums of the year 2000. Toni without a doubt brought the heat with a set full of banging beats and her heartfelt signature ballads. Stand out cuts are: He Wasn’t Man Enough, Heat, Spanish Guitar, Just Be a Man About It, I’m Still Breathing, Fairy Tale, Speaking in Tongues, Maybe, Never Just For a Ring.
	Janet Jackson, Janet: Her shinning moment which was a great follow-up to Rhythm Nation. Ms. Janet definitely stepped up her game with an album which generated an abundance of great music. Stand out cuts are: That’s The Way Love Goes, You Want This, If, Throb, Because Of Love, Again, Where Are You Now, Any Time Any Place.
	Joe, Better Days: Who says today’s singers can’t sing? Singer, writer, and producer Joe delivers on this heartfelt set a variety of treats for the lover in you. It’s hard not to love every track on this album, trust me. Stand out cuts are: Let’s Stay Home Tonight, Better Days, What If a Woman, Alone, Ghetto Child, Changed Man, I Understand.
	Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation: Wow! By far one of the most talented sistas on the face of God’s green earth. I fell in love with her way before the Fugees, believe it or not, she had me in Sister Act! Stand out cuts are: Lost Ones, Ex-Factor, To Zion, Doo Wop (That Thing), When It Hurts So Bad, I Used To Love Him, Every Ghetto Every City, Nothing Even Matters, Everything is Everything, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Can’t My Eyes Off You, Sweetest Thing (Mahogany Mix) .

	Babyface, Tender Lover: Before Brian McKnight, before Kenny Lattimore, before any other male artist you think is the shit, there was Babyface. Yes, the man that helped propel Toni Braxton, Boys II Men, and TLC to the top of the charts was doing his thang long before some of them were born. Stand out cuts are: It's No Crime, Tender Lover, Let's Be Romantic, My Kinda Girl, Whip Appeal, Soon As I Get Home, Given A Chance, Sunshine, Where Will You Go.
	Boys II Men, II: In the words of the immortal Gladys Knight: them boys can sang! Fast-tracks aside, Boys II Men have always hit us with the love songs we love to croon to ones we love. This, their second set, filled with their signature harmonies sent them straight to the top of the charts. Stand out cuts are: I'll Make Love To You, On Bended Knee, Water Runs Dry, Yesterday.
	Jodeci, Forever My Lady: Probably the only competition to the ever popular Boys II Men, Jodeci put it down. If Boys II Men were the good guys, then Jodeci were the guys your mama warned you about. KC and JoJo's gritty vocals came alive on this their debut album. A classic no doubt! Stand out cuts are: Stay, Come & Talk To Me, Forever My Lady, I'm Still Waiting, U&I, Xs We Share
	TLC, CrazySexyCool: At first you thought they were young right? So you didn't really pay attention to them right? But on their second release the girls showed you just how grown they were. Who could forget the video Creep? Everyone was like Damn!!!! Stand out cuts are: Creep, Kick Your Game, Diggin' On You, Red Light Special, Waterfalls, Let's Do It Again, Take Our Time, Switch, Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes.
	Blu Cantrell, So Blu: I admit, I hated on ole' girl in the beginning. I just take her song about taking your ex to the cleaners-many a chick has been shot of some shit like that-but after being put on by my barber I had to give ole' girl the respect she deserved. Be warned, the bitch can sang! Stand out cuts are: Hit 'Em Up Style, Till I'm Gone, U Must Be Crazy, The One, I'll Find A Way, 10,000 Times, When I Needed You, All You Had To Say, I Can't Believe, Blu Is A Mood
	Faith Evans, Keep The Faith: Biggie's old lady/baby mama laid it down from day one. Her second album found the widow/newly wed continuing to prove she can stand her own against Mary J. Blige, and any other diva bitch that dared to set up to the plate. Stand out cuts are: Love Like This, All Night Long, Sunny Days, My First Love, Anything You Need, No Way, Life Will Pass You By, Keep The Faith, Never Gonna Let You Go, Caramel Kisses, Lately I
	Dave Hollister, Things In The Game Done Changed: Although his first album was by far the best and most successful set this former Blackstreet star released, I choose his latest effort because it seems he reached back and brought with him his old ghetto soul. If you don't own a copy, I suggest you run out and get a copy…now. Stand out cuts are: It's Okay, What's A Man To Do, My Everything, Baby Do Those Things, For You, One Addiction, Love Hate Relationship, Tell Me Why, What Should I Say, Tonite, No One Else, We Gon' Make It (Mama's Song)
	D'Angelo, VooDoo: I honestly think everyone was so engulfed in the first video from Dee's second effort that nobody wanted to pay attention to anything else this sex god put out. But seriously, despite what you may have heard, this album was the bomb. Dee took us deep into the inner chambers of his mind and showed us where the funk originated. Respect for the insight pah! Stand out cuts are: Playa Playa, Devil's Pie, Left & Right, Send It On, One Mo' Gin, Spanish Joint, Feel Like Makin' Love, Untitled (How Does It Feel), Africa.
	Erykah Badu, Mama's Gun: I admit, sometimes with the self-claimed Neo-Soul artists, its kinda hard to get a grip on what the hell they're saying, or doing. But, I promise you, some of them really have talent. Though Erykah seemed to lose everyone with this set, she still maintained her down home feel. After about the fifth or sixth listen I actually started liking this album. Honest. Stand out cuts are: Penitentiary Philosophy, Didn't Cha Know, My Life, …& On, Cleva, Booty, Orange Moon, In Love With You, Bag Lady, Green Eyes
	Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore, Things That Lovers Do: Be honest, weren't you shocked when you found out that these two B-list stars got married? Were you not surprised when you heard they were putting out a duet album? I thought not, it was only a matter of time. I love both of their voices and happen to own every album they've recorded. Does that make me a fan? Maybe… Stand out cuts are: Things That Lovers Do, Your Don't Have To Cry, With You I'm Born Again, Here We Go. I really think these two great talents could have done better. Honest.
	Tamia, A Nu Day: Ahhhh…the young lady Quincy Jones thought to make a star. Beautiful. Talented. But, missing something…I never really discovered what it was but this chick just never did it for me, until she bellowed, There's A Stranger in My House! But then, just as quick, she lost me. Maybe next album. Stand out cuts are: Can't Go For That, Love Me In A Special Way, Stranger in My House, Tell Me Who, If I Were You
	Musiq, Juslisen: Ugh! This guy always does it to me. On the real, real, I'm not a fan, but he seems to always release a single that drives me crazy. This CD it was only one, Don't Change, last CD it was Love…I wish he'd stop making these one hit wonders so that I could finally put him to rest. Stand out cuts are: Don't Change. What, that's it.
	India Arie, Acoustic Soul: When she first hit the scene with Video I'm sure a few heads were like…what? But it grew into a phenomenon. Overnight she went from nobody, to that chick that's liberating females on Oprah! And as soon as the album was released we knew why she was destined to follow the footsteps of the greats. The girl had soul. Real soul. Stand out cuts are: Video, Promises, Brown Skin, Strength Courage & Wisdom, Nature, Back To The middle, Ready For Love, I See God In You, Simple, Beautiful, and Wonderful, a heartfelt dedication to her favorite artist (and mine), Stevie Wonder.
	Angie Stone, Black Diamond: From the opening interlude Freedom, you know Angie, better known as D'Angelo's baby mama, is about to take you on a soul filled journey. And she never, ever disappoints as she weaves melody, words, and passion into one complete set. Stand out cuts are: Freedom, No More Rain (In this Cloud), Green Grass Vapors, Everyday, Coulda Been You, Life Story, Bone 2 Pic (Wit U), Heaven Help
	Busta Rhymes, It Ain't Safe No More…: Since entrance into the rap game with group members Leaders of the New School, Busta Bust has been attacking the mike with a force only Redman or maybe DMX could understand. This man delivers hardcore lyrics mixed with his signature in your face bravado, and the sickest beats this side of Hell! One of his best in years! Stand out cuts are: Call The Ambulance, We Goin' To Do It To Ya, What Up, Make It Clap, Take It Off Part 2, Taste It, I Know What You Want, Riot, Together, Struttin' Like A G.O.D., Make It Clap (Remix, featuring: Spliff Star, Sean Paul & The Flipmode Squad)
	Clipse, Lord WIllin': Despite this groups love affair with the drug game, something I find completely played out, and over dramatized by too many rappers in too many songs, I think they can actually usher in a new type of rap, minus the glitz and glam of artists like P. Diddy, and Jay-Z. Hit producers the Neptunes did not hold back on the beats when putting together this first album on their new label Star Trak. Stand out cuts are: Virginia, Grindin', Cot Damn, Ma I Don't Love Her, When The Last Time, Let's Talk About It
	Eve, Scorpion: The First Lady of the Ruff Ryders continues to lay it down, and represent for females everywhere. One listen to this now classic sophomore effort makes it easy to see why this Philly bomb-shell made it all the way to the top of the charts. Stand out cuts are: Cowboy, Who's That Girl, Let Me Blow Ya Mind, That's What It Is, NO NO NO
	Jadakiss, Kiss The Game Goodbye: Jada is by far one of the slickest to do it, this guys lyrical prose is undeniable one of the best in the game. I really expected his debut solo effort to do better but hey, shit happens…he still got game. Stand out cuts are: Knock Yourself Out, We Gonna Make It, None Y'all Betta, Put Ya Hands Up, Kiss Is Spittin'
	Lil' Kim, Hardcore: Kim is the bitch other bitches love to hate. She's pretty, sexy, and rich as fuck! But guess what, BIG wrote it! HA! HA! HA! But you can't front, when honey hit the streets on Junior Mafia's album everybody in the world wanted to spit right along with her. Despite the death of her mentor Kim still manages to surprise her fans with edgy, sex-filled lyrics about what else…riding dick, hardcore. Stand out cuts are: Big Momma Thang, No Time, Crush On You, Drugs, Queen Bitch, Dreams, We Don't Need It, Not Tonight
	Missy Elliot, …So Addictive: Probably one of the hardest working females in the rap genre, Missy has never released a whack ass album, nor delivered a less than fantastic video. You love to watch her…to see what she's gonna do next…so that you can do the same shit yourself. Don't front, you know you were getting' your freak on. Stand out cuts: Dogs In Heat, One Minute Man, Lick Shots, Get Ur Freak On, Scream a.k.a. Itchin', 4 My People
	Johnny Gill, Let's Get The Mood Right: If ever there were an album more slept on than this, I don't know. Johnny Gill, the man with the velvety voice croons the draws off of you or anyone you want to seduce with this sincere ode to love and the pursuit thereof. Its amazing how we abandon those that have the ability to salve even our deepest ills. Go out and support Johnny folks, you won't regret it. Stand out cuts are: Let's Get the Mood Right, Touch, Maybe, Having Illusions, Bring it On, Take Me I'm Yours, It's Your Body, 4 U Alone, Simply Say I Love U
	New Edition, Greatest Hits: I grew up to and with New Edition and though they don't get the recognition they deserve as one of the hottest youth bands since the Jackson 5, you can't help but know it once you play one of their hits. Ralph, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ronnie and Johnny, I feel you guys, and thanks for the memories. Stand out cuts are: Boys To Men, If It Isn't Love, Can You Stand The Rain, Count Me Out, A Little Bit Of Love (Is All It Takes), Cool It Now, Mr. Telephone Man, Lost In Love, Candy Girl, Popcorn Love, Is This The End
	Lizz Wright, Salt: "How can you lose your song, when you've sung it so long? How can you forget your dance, when that dance is all you've ever had? It must be true: you can't separate the two. It's impossible to do. Just like the salt that's in the stew, it's all a part of you. One thing that life can't do, it can't take your song from you." You go girl! Stand out cuts are: Open Your Eyes You Can Fly, Salt, Afro Blue, Soon As I Get Home, Walk With Me Lord, Eternity, Goodbye, Vocalise/End Of The Line, Fire, Blue Rose, Lead the Way, Silence.
	Deborah Cox, One Wish: Despite the fact that she hasn't establish a true sound, or fan base Deborah delivered on her second set One Wish, a soul stirring ballad and a group of easy listening poppy tunes. This is to date her best album. Stand out cuts are: September, It's Over Now, Nobody's Supposed To Be Here, We Can't Be Friends, Couldn't We, One Wish, Just When I Think I'm Over You, I Never Knew, One Day You Will, Things Just Ain't The Same (Dance Mix)
	Destiny's Child, The Writings On The Wall: Let Me get this straight, how many members are in this group? This is the question everyone would ask as this group rose to the top of the charts. Needless to say in the end we all knew who was the destiny child. Stand out cuts are: So Good, Bills Bills Bills, Bug A Boo, Now That She's Gone, Where'd You Go, Hey Ladies, If You Leave, Jumpin' Jumpin, Say My Name, Stay, Sweet Sixteen
	Eric Benet, A Day In The Life: The man lucky enough to be married to the most popular black actress in the world Halle Berry can be summed up in one word: damn'! On the real, I like this cat, for one he has a voice, two, he can write, and three he's sexy as hell. Stand out cuts are: Georgy Porgy, Spend My Life With You, Something Real, When You Think Of Me, Lamentation, Why You Follow Me, Come As You Are, Love Of My Own
	Rachelle Ferrell, Rachelle Ferrell: When Rachelle sings, you feel it, in your heart, in your soul, in your mind. You know the feelings all too well. You know the joy, you know the pain. You know her. She's a friend, a cousin, a sister, a neighbor. She's that person that show's up out of nowhere and makes every thing seem just a little bit brighter. She is, in a word, perfection. Stand out cuts are: I'm Special, Welcome To My Love, With Open Arms, 'Til You Come Back To Me, Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This, I Know You Love Me, Sentimental, Peace On Earth
	Phyllis Hyman, Prime of my Life: It has been said that everything happens for a reason, and yet still the untimely death of one of the greatest singers to grace this bold green earth is still a mystery. Phyllis touched many through her honest lyrics and bold delivery. Stand out cuts are: When You Get Right Down To It, I Found Love, Prime Of My Life, When I Give My Love (This Time), Walk Away, Living In Confusion, Meet Me On The Moon, What Ever Happened To Our Love
	Sade, The Best Of: No one does it quite like her, and I don't anyone ever will. Sade makes love to every song she sings. It's as if it were written for her, and her only. Could you ever imagine someone trying to remake one of her classics? Damn, they best come correct, or not come at all, because a million and one Sade fans will storm their dressing room and make them pay. For real. Stand out cuts are: Your Love Is King, Hang On To Your Love, Smooth Operator, Jezebel, The Sweetest Taboo, Is It A Crime, Never As Good As The First Time, Love Is Stronger Than Pride, Paradise, Nothing Can Come Between Us, No Ordinary Love, Like A Tattoo, Kiss Of Life, Cherish The Day, Pearls
	Pink, Missundztood: What started out as a white R&B funk-de-fide singer, turned out to be (surprise) a white in-your-face alternative/R&B singer. Nevertheless Pink makes you want to switch favorite genres with this awe-aspiring ode to the confusion in all of us. I can't wait to see her further develop. Stand out cuts are: Missundaztood, Don't Let Me Get Me, Just Like A Pill, Get The Party Started, Family Portrait, Misery
	Brian McKnight, Anytime: Fuck Neo, Brian McKnight's the ONE. There I said it. So what? The man with the silky smooth voice reps to the utmost on this gripping, haunting set about love, life and all the good shit in between. Stand out cuts are: Anytime, You Should Be Mine, Show Me The Way Back To Your Heart, Everytime We Say Goodbye, The Only One For Me, I Belong To You, When The Chariot Comes

	Seal, Human Being: If I had to pick one modern artist I would most like to emulate today it would be Seal. A lot of black people, again, don't embrace their own. Seal is a force to be reckoned with. A talent that defines talent. A writer with insight so deep you really have to ask yourself is this man serious? Whenever I'm feeling down and out about the world, love and my sometimes all too hectic life, I throw on Seal and allow him to teach me what its like to be a human being. Stand out cuts are: Human Beings, State of Grace, Just Like You Said, Princess, Lost My Faith, When A Man Is Wrong, No Easy Way
	Alanis Morissette, Jagged Little Pill: The first time I heard Alanis was on the 1996 Grammy Awards when she gave a gut wrenching performance of her song You Oughta Know. Instantly I was hooked and found it odd that the song, its lyrics, and the desperation in her voice matched that in my own, perfectly. When finally I purchased the album I understood exactly why this simple young white chick was receiving rave reviews. The album simply put was amazing. I don't think Alanis knows this but she got me through a tough period in my life. I don't think I could have made it without her, or her determined message. Thanks. Stand out cuts are: You Oughta Know, Perfect, Hand In My Pocket, Right Through You, You Learn, Head Over Feet, Ironic.
	Shania Twain, Come On Over: When I purchased this CD I think everyone I knew thought I was going plum-loco. I swear the looks I received whenever I pulled out Shania and insisted they listen to her croon You're Still The One. Honestly, it wasn't until I heard the aforementioned did I really begin to pay attention to the country-bumpkin turned pop icon Shania. But after I popped in her CD I never looked back. Well, maybe I did since this is the first, and last CD I have ever owned by her. But, if she puts out another eye-opener, trust, I will not hesitate to plop down my eighteen beens. Stand out cuts are: Man I feel Like A Woman!, I'm Holdin' On To Love (To Save My Life), Don't Be Stupid (You Know I Love You), From This Moment On, Come On Over, Whatever You Do Don't, You're Still The One, Honey I'm Home, That Don't Impress Me Much
	Lenny Kravitz, 5: "They say that our love is all wrong, and that we should not carry on. But I say they're wrong, I want you so bad. We've been together for so long, how could they think we don't belong? But they'll never know what you and I have..." After reading the lyrics to Lenny's "It's Your Life" off the album 5 one couldn't help but applaud the man for writing lyrics that spoke clear in and for all lifestyles. Don't get me wrong, I don't know for sure who Lenny penned that tune for, but all I know is, for me its my: its okay to be me, song. With this album Lenny was amazingly able to snag the one audience that had eluded him his entire recording career: blacks. Admittedly, I was one of the ones to jump on the band wagon, and since doing so, I've never regretted it. Stand out cuts are: Super Soul Fighter, I Belong To You, Black Velveteen, If You Can't Say No, Thinking of You, Take Time, Fly Away, It's Your Life, Straight Cold Player, Little Girl's Eyes, You're My Flavor, Can We Find A Reason, American Woman, Without You
	Annie Lennox, Diva: I've always loved Annie Lennox, since back when she was a part of the Eurythmics crooning: "Sweet dreams are made of this. Who am I to disagree? Travel the world and the seven seas, everybody's looking for something. Some of them want to use you; some of them want to get used by you; some of them want to abuse you; some of them want to be abused." As a kid I remember hearing those words and amazingly feeling enlightened. Little did I know those words would hold true throughout my life. With this her solo effort she released the song Why, which would go down as one of my all time favorite ballads. Why is a song within a song with a meaning all to its self. "How many times do I have to tell you I'm sorry for the things I've done?" Damn' I love that line. Stand out cuts are: Why, Walking On Broken Glass, Cold, The Gift, Keep Young and Beautiful
	George Michael, Ladies and Gentlemen the Best Of: George Michael is arguably one of the best British imports ever to set foot on US soil. The mans talents far out reaches his years. He made a name for himself as a member of the duo Wham!, but when he went solo, it was as if you were learning him all over again. There was something about him that just reeked of sex, and desire, and damn' sex! After being caught in a rather compromising position in a L.A. bathroom the singer was outed overnight, but instead of hiding from the media, he stood tall and proud. A man, if I ever did see one. Stand out cuts are: Jesus to a Child, Father Figure, Careless Whisper, Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me, You Have Been loved, Kissing A Fool, I can't Make You Love Me, Cowboys and Angels, One More Try, Outside, Fastlove, Too Funky, Freedom 90, Killer/Papa Was A Rollin' Stone, I Want Your Sex (PT II), Monkey, Waiting For That Day/You Can't Always Get What You Want, I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me), Hard Day, Faith