"MOJO" is the natural sequel to a way of thinking that Crystal Senter Brown had already expressed with her previous albums "Bee's Are Admired" (release in 2001), "Easybreezybeautifulcoloredgirl" (2004) and her children's book "Osirus". Her mix of Jazz and R&B beats and spoken words is very pleasant because it pays attention to both sound quality and poetry. But her sensitive lyrics also convey a simple message: love yourself and your own body for what it can do and how it makes you feel, not what it looks like. Such a message wishes to be an encouragement to all women who have weight problems and urges them to take care of their health. The first track "The DJ in Makema's Basement" reminds me a lot of Davina. The following song is more acoustic with a refrain that recurs frequently and repeats "In the dark..." The tracks follow one another quickly: the spoken words are accompanied by a few instruments, now by jazzy beats, now by R&B and hip-hop beats, now by bare tunes as, for instance, in "I need". The most catchy tune is the one which entitles the album "MOJO (Large and Lovely)", just dedicated to those who are plus sized. The next track is perhaps the worst of the album. Nevertheless in "Change Of Seasons" Crystal has a vocal style that remind me of the best Mary J Blige, the Mary who used to sing about ten years ago. This song has been written together with her brother Jerome Joseph Senter, just like the last track that close the CD with a very nice ballad. Maybe it's my favorite song of the album. All songs are produced by Jarreau Pitts of Beat City Productions. The artists who accompaines their spoken words with music aren't my cup of tea but i can recommend this CD to the fans of that genre.

Claudio Balestrino [Just Soul]

I’ve always been a supportive listener of records that have a soulful Jazz quality and this one definitely did it for me. Everything about ‘Baduizm’ is original, from the CD cover, lyrics and music to her significant jewellery and head wrap. Erykah Badu innovates the human spirit through meaningful poetry and hypnotic rim shots. She is highly responsible for the new Soul movement during the mid-90s, which means she is a very important figure in modern day black music. Her Billie Holiday like vocals sound sweet and innocent. Her murmuring melodies and harmonic tones rest easy on the beat driven tracks. ‘On & On’ and ‘Certainly’, are both polished and sexy. The Badu style is reminiscent of Sade but with her own defining stamp. This record has an imposing collection of jazz tracks mixed in with classic soul and hip-hop. She is the goddess of intelligent R&B music. Artists like Ciara, Ashanti, Brook Valentine capture minds into the artificial world of fake music, where in between the thighs gets more exposure than what’s in between the ears. She is a true inspiration to people of all ages and cultures. She has an ability to reach you from within and it feels effortless. Erykah always brings something fresh to the table, and this disc will make you fully aware that Badu is here. Tracks like ‘Appletree’ are up beat and enjoyable. ‘Other Side of the Game’ to me, is a 90’s new Soul classic. ‘Sometimes (Mix No. 9) show’s us her true love for old school beats and her frequently used jazz lyrics like ‘ye yo’ or ‘oh wee’. ‘Next Lifetime’ is a deep romantic track over five minutes long. ‘Afro (Freestyle Skit)’ is a beautiful live set with stunning trumpet and fender keyboard. ‘4 Leaf Clover’, ‘No Love’ and ‘Drama’, feed the soul with heartening lyrics. This will remain a favourite of mine but in 2005 soul music has evolved since February 11, 1997 (the birth of ‘Baduizm’). Over the years the quality of the record has diminished but something is telling me that the best of Erykah Badu is yet to come.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Wajeed and Saadiq are the two members of Platinum Pied Pipers and ‘Triple P’ is there debut. The sound that they bring is hip-hop with a soulful twist. You will find no nonsense on this album, like a lot of hip-hop acts bring (this time I won’t mention names). For example you won’t find any ‘I love you’ lyrics by high-pitched singers who have a restricted vocal range but tries to look nice on video. It’s a hip-hop album that represents the real talent that lurks in the streets of Detroit. From intellectual rappers to vocally impressive singers, ‘Triple-P’ showcases these talents by the original works of Wajeed and Saadiq. The up and coming stars featured on this record are UK’s talent Steven SpaceK (who is slowly making his way through the American underground-scene), the two female vocalists are out standing and they are called Tiombe Lockhart and Georgia Anne Muldrow. Other acts include Ta’Raach, Zeno, Jay-Dee, Sa-Ra Creative Partners and more. The production is really unique and detailed; the album is suitable for those who listen to soul music and hip-hop, managing to avoid the commercial sound of mainstream R&B. It is difficult for me to pick favourite tracks but the obvious ones (in my opinion) are ‘Your Day Is Done’, ‘Detroit Winter’, ‘Stay With Me’, and ‘Act Like You Know’. But as I said, it’s pretty tough to choose songs from ‘Triple P’ as all are spectacular. The impressive guest appearances are the two female vocalists, and rappers like Ta’Raach and Jay-Dee. Steve SpaceK brings a whole new vibe to the album, while Sa-Ra Creative Partners sound quirky in a nice way. The album is definitely soulful, but with many other musical elements brought in. If you like your moody chilled out soul ballads you won’t enjoy this album, and if you like you’re commercial hip-hop you possibly won’t like this either. However, if your open minded, with a musical ear for distinctive and creative sounds, this will be the album for you.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

‘The Song Lives On’ is a great live jazz album from Joe on piano and Lalah on vocals. The duo comes together, brings us there musical talents and what a wonderful sound they create. Daughter to Donny Hathaway, Lalah has a voice that is incredibly similar to the legend himself, and Joe’s piano is played in a perfected jazz style. Songs that captivated me were ‘Come Along With Me’, ‘Living in Blue’, ‘When Your Life Was Low’, and ‘When the World Turns Blue’. ‘When Your Life Was Low’ is so heartfelt, it melts you when you hear it. ‘When The World Turns Blue’, has lyrics that uplift, comfort, and relax. Joe Sample plays the piano in a way that all musicians can admire. You can tell that he feels his music by the way his fingertips touches the keys. Some may find this album a little too sophisticated; however, I found it pleasantly cool. It’s romantic with out being too over the top; it's something that can surely set a particular mood. Lalah Hathaway takes you back down memory lane and touches a soft spot with ‘For All We Know’, which was originally recorded by her father, Donny, who is my musical icon. It’s an album that I think Mr. Hathaway would be proud of; Lalah’s voice has a sound that is far beyond her years, but pulls it off naturally and with instant ease. Joe Sample does get a fair share of input on this release, by doing instrumentals on tracks like ‘The Song Lives On’ and ‘Bitter Sweet’, among others. The two are talented individuals that can certainly set a high standard for vocalists and musicians. If you want to listen to music that will inspire and invigorate, ‘The Song Lives On’ will be for you.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

I always enjoy seeing how artists will put their songs together when taken out of the studio. And this was done as you would expect if you know India's albums well. Very raw, uncomplicated with stacks of soul. Built around acoustic guitar, lots of percussion and a couple of backing vocals, and of course India's amazingly heart felt vocals. India was taken to Bahia, Brazil as one of many artists in a series of DVDs put together called ' Music in High Places ' ( Produced by Earth Escapes, L.L.C. ) Which takes varied artists from varied genres and films them in exotic locations all around the world. The locations that have been picked as backdrops for this shoot ( which include playing on a sail boat as well as on the beach, in the water ) just sit so well with what India's music is all about. Enjoying life for life. It's not perfect but beautiful and full of simple pleasures. Between the song performances India and band are also meeting locals experiencing their culture through dance, local singers, trying out local percussion instruments, and even perform with a local percussion group who play along on India's performance of ' Video ' This DVD is as inspiring as India's lyrics, and captures so well what she sings about.The only thing I wish were different was that it were longer. The DVD features 7 songs, 6 of which come from India's debut album Acoustic Soul. Including ' Always in my head ', ' Beautiful ', ' Strength, Courage and Wisdom ' with a track named India's Song being the only song not featured on one of her albums. I have to say the songs chosen for this are among my favorites of her recordings and sound amazing with the atmospheric surroundings mixed in. Very raw yet smooth as well. India's music is a beautiful addition to the world. For music that heals the soul you can't go past India.Arie.

Jeff Sheppard [Just Soul]