Having been rested on the bench for a few weeks, The Best You Never Heard returns this week with little known cuts by Ashanti, Monica, UK trio Misteeq as well as LL Cool J. Do you have any suggestions for future instalments? Drop me an email at sam@thatgrapejuice.net
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Ashanti – Freedom
Despite the fact that Ashanti’s third studio album 2004’s ‘Concrete Rose’ achieved Platinum status, the record was largely dubbed a commercial failure for the once Princess of Murder INC. That said, I felt as though the LP was Ashanti’s most solid to date and served up what IMO is one of her strongest offerings in the form of ‘Freedom’. Raw, vocally lucid and a welcome change from her expected norm, the song is an awesomely constructed response to her critics.
Listen: Freedom
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Monica – Getaway
Though the ridiculous decision to release ‘Everytime The Beat Drops’ effectively rendered Monica’s 2006 album ‘The Makings of Me’ dead on arrival, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the LP was far from poor; the record stands as one of my more recent favourites. Album closer ‘Getaway’ sees the songstress show her vulnerable side in a ballad that reminds us of the rarity of this voice we have grown alongside with since her mid 90’s debut. Great track.
Listen: Getaway
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Mis-Teeq – Scandalous
Some of our UK readers will remember Misteeq; the trio, consistent of Sabrina, Alesha and Su Elise, for a brief moment in time dominated what is now the non-existent homegrown R&B market here in the UK. Though the ladies split in 2004, they left behind a selection of chart hits, including their most successful single ‘Scandalous’. Produced by Stargate, this banger, one of the girl’s last releases, ensured the ladies went out on a high. Random tidbit: the song was the theme to Halle Berry’s ill-fated ‘Catwoman’ movie.
Listen: Scandalous
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LL Cool J – Down The Aisle (ft. 112)
LL Cool J’s 2006 LP ‘Todd Smith’ oddly wasn’t billed as a collabo record, despite only one track featuring solely the rapper himself. Despite the album boasting joint efforts with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez and Ginuwine, it was the 112 assisted ‘Down The Aisle’ that was the standout IMO. Having left the bravado on the back-burner, the song’s concept – growing and tying the knot with that special someone – is real refreshing. Good stuff.
Listen: Down The Aisle (ft. 112)
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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?
Supermodel turned media mogul Tyra Banks appears on the June 1st cover of The New York Times Magazine. In her feature, the talk show host describes herself in as a mixture of Oprah Winfrey with a dash of Martha Stewart thrown in.
