I’m kinda likin’ this joint! I respect both Nas and John Legend as masters at their art forms, but together this is a great song. It’s set to appear on Khaled’s new Victory album, which will have guest appearances from Usher, Rick Ross, Soulja Boy and Busta Rhymes among others. I’mma go ahead and stamp this joint APPROVED, what say you? Read the rest of this entry »

A new sound for John Legend and I must say I’m impressed with how he’s evolving his sound. Just when I was getting bored with the elevator-style, he steps it up some more. Really diggin Freak Out! Kinda mellow, kinda mysterious…

Audio: John Legend – Freak Out

John Legend is determined not to end up in that box of singers whose music becomes the stuff of elevator rides and grocery store visits. Although this song isn’t set to appear on an actual album, it will be on the new mixtape from DJ Storm: Desert Storm South R&B Radio Pt. 6. Ludacris and Estelle bring an edginess we hadn’t yet heard next to John Legend but it works, and it’s a nice spin on the Lionel Richie sample too…
Audio: John Legend ft. Estelle and Ludacris – All Night Long

Not sure if this is the official video or fanmade, but I think it’s most appropriate. If you let them, the media will focus on any negative thing they can find about celebrities, so a lot of times they have to take it upon themselves to accentuate their own positivity. T.I. captures a lot of that positive energy in this video for SlideShow from his latest album Paper Trail.

Mack: Just when I started wondering where John Legend was with a followup to Green Light, here’s the video for Everybody Knows, the second single from Legend’s Evolver album. Legend is again tugging at the heart strings with a clip about our interactions and experiences. Check this joint, let me know what ya think…

Artist: John Legend
Album: Evolver
Release Date: 10.28.08

An evolution is just what the doctor ordered in the case of John Legend’s music. After his previous release, Once Again, I was a little worried that Legend would wander into that boring elevator/lounge singer type music. After listening to this album, it’s clear that the five-time Grammy winner is all about keeping the music fresh! As the title implies, this release really does show an evolution in Legend’s sound, adding elements of reggae and hip-hop to his purely soulful vocals. With guest appearances from Andre 3000, Kanye West, Brandy, Estelle, and (guess who’s bizzack!) Teddy Riley, Evolver is the album that expands Legend’s range and relights the buzz created by his classic debut.

Green Light was a brilliant choice for lead single; it introduces a new style and sound for Legend, adding the infamous Andre 3000 for an extra boost of eclectic energy. The cameos continue throughout the album, with Kanye (and his auto-tune enhanced vocals) on the get-over-it-themed It’s Over. This song abandons the meaningless wordplay and gets right to the point: “What do ya keep standing there for? It’s over…” Brandy steps in on Quickly (Mack’s choice!), a nice mid-tempo joint about the urgency of love in uncertain times. Estelle adds her reggae tinge to No Other Love and there’s a feel good vibe on the old-school flavored Satisfaction. Other highlights include the forlorn Everybody Knows, the rhythmic Take Me Away and the uplifting If You’re Out There. The latter was performed by Legend and the Agape International Choir in support of future president Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in August. The only track that didn’t really do it for me is the ultra-depressing I Love, You Love; the song just tends to drag on and Legend’s falsetto becomes borderline whiny and whimpering.

Props to John Legend on stepping it up with his third studio release. Evolver is everything it should be – it shows growth in his style and a better more modern sound, making it a step above Once Again. It’s not that John Legend’s previous albums weren’t good; in fact the first album was a certified classic! It’s just that another album moving in the same direction could have proved detrimental for him. I’d definitely recommend this joint, it has a lot more to offer and will surely reach a wider range of fans.

-Mack-

I’m wondering if John Legend was reading my mind when he decided to make this song. I’d say I’m a fan of his, I’ve got his first 2 albums and his first live album. I’ve seen him perform here a few times. But honestly, he was starting to turn very lounge singer meets elevator music meets grocery store Muzak to me. The opening to the video kinda says that maybe he was feeling that way too, but releasing this single was total genius: it showcases a different, more modern sound for him, and Andre 3000 is one of those artists who makes everything hot – song AND video! Get down bruh, go head get down! Greenlight is the lead single to Legend’s 3rd album, Evolver due out October 28th.

This track is a match made in musical heaven. Andre 3000 ’s style totally complements John Legend’s new style with this new single from his upcoming album, Evolver. As you’ve probably noticed, a lot of R&B acts are takin that crossover route into pop. John Legend is no exception and this definitely follows suit with the new releases of his R&B counterparts
Take a listen, u feelin this joint?