Hip Hop and R&B (What you need to know)

MARSHA AMBROSIUS: LATE NIGHTS & EARLY MORNINGS

CD Review: Marsha Ambrosius "Late Nights & Early Morning"

In 2003, when neo-soul duo Floetry (now group has separated) appeared on the scene with their hypnotic, groovy debut "Floetic", the world was introduced to the beautiful poetry of ‘floacist’ (Natalie Stewart) and the beautiful lyrical and vocal stylings of songbird Marsha Ambrosius. These days, eight years later, fans are getting a proper session with Ambrosius, thanks to the long-awaited arrival of her solo debut, "Late Nights & Early Mornings".

Encumbered with her trademark deeply emotional lyrics and a voice rich with yearning, the album delivers moving, beautifully writen R&B-soul jams like “Far Away” and the play-it-to-death title track, on which she lets loose during the song’s gorgeous refrain. Many of her notable features throughout the years have leaned towards sexual content. It’s a staple of hers to bring out the best in all of us who want to take our partners inside of a room, crank up an Ambrosisus song to the max and watch the walls vibrate. As "Maxwell" liked to put it, “Til the Cops Come Knockin”. While the album’s intro has a warm and fuzzy foreplay feel, “With You” is slow burning romance (co-written by Alicia Keys). From purrs and moans of the impatience of being with her love, Ambrosius creates possibly some of the most melodic soul soothing much when it comes time to baby-making. Before those that title strictly belonged to "R. Kelly". Now Ambrosius has swooped in and rested her beautiful voice on that throne.

Lastly, she gives her fans all the sensuality they want, her trademark vocals glide her through a Lauryn Hill penned song, a Portishead cover as she hooks up with a range of producers to add variety to her sound.

-Side Note- The wait had us all wondering where she would go with the album and I am glad we have the fruits of her labour to further prove to us what we already knew: Marsha Ambrosius is an unique, distinctive and progressive singer who can write for any given artist on any given day.