Previously known as one half of acclaimed undie hip-hop duo Emanon, Aloe Blacc is poised to get some solo shine on his debut release on Stones Throw. Though previously known as an MC, the emphasis in these two tracks is on Blacc's soulful vocals (which in their quieter moments invite comparisons to Dwele), over some very engaging productions - "Want Me(1)" is a clipped, frenetic synth-driven banger, while "Arrive(2)" is my favorite here, swathed in gorgeous, swirling atmospherics floating on a bed of skittering, un-quantized hi-hats (ed's note: that was pure, un-quantized Language right there, folks). These two songs manage to sound effortlessly futuristic and original without the least bit of self-indulgence, and they really don't sound much like anything else out right now. I've had the pleasure of hearing a whole CD's worth of unreleased heat from Aloe, and believe you me, there's a lot more where these came from. Recommended if you dig the Sa-Ra/Platinum Pied Pipers soul vibe. Two tracks in all with instrumentals for both.

reviewed by Language