Jaheim, a New Jersey-based singer, is currently on “The Love Hard Tour” after a significant break from the music scene. This week, for our Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to revisit his highly anticipated third album, “Ghetto Classics,” released on February 13, 2006. It had been four years since the release of Jaheim’s second album, and while they couldn’t see him vocally, younger singers like Omarion and Chris Brown were the current rage in R&B.
Jaheim, with his unique blend of R&B thuggery and the soulful voice of an older soul singer, always stood out from his peers. For the first single, “Every time I Think About Her,” Jaheim collaborated with producer Bink and got a Hot 16 from the lyrical MC Jadakiss. Bink’s production, which sampled “The Sly, Slick, and Wicked” by the Lost Generation, added a fresh twist to Jaheim’s signature sound. The song delves deep into a relationship’s intricate emotions and challenges, exploring love, loyalty, confusion, and commitment themes. The emotional depth of Jaheim’s crooning of the lyrics is genuinely captivating, evoking a strong sense of empathy Jadakiss seamlessly fits into the song, and Jaheim’s velvety smooth vocals shine without auto tune, adding an elegant touch to the beat.
The second single was “The Chosen One,” where he reunites with longtime collaborator KayGee. Here, the singer samples “I Choose You” by Willie Hutch and croons about his unwavering commitment and devotion to his partner. The lyrics express a deep gratitude and appreciation for his significant other, emphasizing the priority of their relationship above all else. The final single, “I Ain’t Never, “contains excerpts from “Stay with Me” as performed by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Jaheim, who has a co-writing credit on the song, infuses it with his personal experiences, giving it an autobiographical feel.
Jah’s fans, who know all too well of his past mistakes and struggles, including involvement in illegal activities and losing faith, can’t help but feel empathetic towards his journey. However, when life has him down to nothing, he meets a significant other and finds a sense of purpose and a newfound appreciation for love. The lyrics convey a profound sense of personal growth and transformation through the power of love, leaving a lasting impact on the audience and inspiring hope.
Jaheim’s third album came out when I was living in the UK while in the Air Force. If you’ve followed my reading, then you’re aware at the time, I was a DJ who was known for his slow jam mix CDs. Revisiting the album put me back in the mindset that the album was missing that one-bedroom banger. Given that six of the eleven songs have a sample, “Ghetto Classics” has more of a mix CD feel than a cohesive album. Nevertheless, his vocals are in top form, and the album set the stage for the Urban A/C lane, which Jaheim would find his way to on subsequent projects.
Final Grade: B
“Ghetto Classic” is available on all streaming platforms.
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