The BC CDC

R&B/Soul

11-20

The Writing's on the Wall — Destiny's CHild
Why I Bought It: Any time an album spawns six singles, I generally purchase it under the "This is clearly an album that caught the public's attention for a time, and is thusly important" corollary of music fandom.
Why You Should: Destiny's Child was in its four-person combination here (plus Latoya and Latavia, minus Michelle Williams), and simultaneously broke through and peaked with this record. The two L's were bounced before the release for Williams, who subsequently reaped all the benefits of a stellar album. You should, too.
Only Get One Shot: "Say My Name "

Get Lifted — John Legend
WIB: Some cat I knew from the J-School at UNC covered "Used to Love U" at this hip-hop show and people went crazy. I asked who sang it, and decided I needed to check dude out.
WYS: There's not a miss on here. And you can't go wrong with Kanye rhyming from the point of view of his penis on "Number One."
OGOS: "Alright"

The Soul Sessions — Joss Stone
WIB: I had heard much about this Joss Stone lass, and decided to see what she had.
WYS: She's got a command of old-school soul that belies her youth. It's something to hear.
OGOS: "Fell in Love with a Boy "

The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill — Lauryn Hill
WIB: Everyone bought the Fugees first solo albums. Well, 'Clef and Lauryn's at least. (Sorry, Pras)
WYS: This sets the bar for female hip-hop music. She sings, she rhymes, she does it all. You need to own this album.
OGOS: "Fallen"

# 1's — Mariah Carey
WIB: As a dude, I was only owning one Mariah record. This was the most convenient way to attack the question of "which one?"
WYS: 13 No. 1 singles, plus "When You Believe," "Sweetheart (feat. JD)," "Whenver You Call (feat. Brian McKnight)," AND "I Still Believe"?? I mean, you're kidding, right?
OGOS: "Fantasy (feat. ODB)"

Every Great Motown — Marvin Gaye
WIB: I had to start somewhere …
WYS: Marvin. Good golly.
OGOS: "How Sweet it is (to Be Loved by You)"

The Boy Is Mine — Monica
WIB: Bunch of solid singles, and the video for "Street Symphony" was sexy as hell.
WYS: Monica did hers on here. And definitely won "The Boy is Mine" war with Brandy.
OGOS: "Street Symphony"

Mother Ming — Mother Ming
WIB: My boy Akie is the lead singer/emcee/pianist. Had to hold it down for my boy.
WYS: Moot point because it's out of print, BUT it's just awesome musically. Mr. Bermiss has great range as a vocalist ("Oh My Children"), and can bring the heat when he's rapping ("Precision").
OGOS: "Precision"

One Night Stand: Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963 — Sam Cooke
WIB: I had told my cousin Lizzie I wanted to get into old-school soul, and didn't know where to start. She hooked this up.
WYS: Sam Cooke is dope. Snoop swears by him. And this is one of Rod Stewart's favorite live recordings of all time.
OGOS: "Feel It [Don't Fight It] "

Candy Rain — Soul for Real
WIB: "Candy Rain" was AWESOME. And it was the finale to our 6th grade hip-hop dance show.
WYS: "Candy Rain" was AWESOME. Notice a pattern?
OGOS: "Candy Rain" (Duh.)