Tru-Skoo comprised of members Caramello Jenkins and Diggy Fontaine kick-off 2021 with their album Jukebox. Released on GodMan Music Group, the release is a throwback to the good ole days of R&B, and Hip Hop infused music. The duo opens the album with a throwback “Intro” that took me back to the days of talent shows at the Apollo or a juke joint deep in the south. The next track is “Rock Wit” (Interlude), where Caramello Jenkins and Diggy Fontaine trade Hip Hop bars back and forth over Boonie Mayfield’s production. The duo immediately pulled men with their flow and message in the music, so much so I wanted it to be a full song.
The album’s title track is up next and continues the vibe set in “Rock Wit.” One of the things I noticed throughout the album was they share a kindred partnership and love for the art of music. Neither gentlemen outshines the other, and it’s refreshing to hear as often times in duos one-man will outperform his counterpart.
The good vibes continue with “Steppers Delight,” which can easily be a stepper’s anthem and a huge hit were we not in the COVID. Now the next two tracks, I have tip my hat to the group as both songs deserve radio play. Up first is “Means So Much,” with a throwback sound courtesy of Boonie Mayfield. From the song’s opening chords, I pictured a video set to a scene in a Black Romantic comedy where our hero realizes he messed up and needs to get his love back. Diggy Fontaine gives the track a bodacious swagger. At the same time, Caramello Jenkins sings the songs with vocal confidence well ahead of his years.
The pair pays homage to the lord on the next track, “Zone Out (You).” Diggy Fontaine drops a fresh Hot 16 where he name drops SWV & Tevin Campbell with crazy wordplay. While his counterpart Caramello Jenkins reminded me of a young El Debarge with his message. Now before you give me the side-eye, let me clarify. Some of El’s best love songs he could have effortlessly been singing about GOD, and that’s the vibe Caramello brings to the song.
The rest of the album is filled with love and positivity. There’s even a bit of knowledge on treating the ladies right. I must also compliment the group for the chemistry with producer Boonie Mayfield who produced the entire project. I didn’t find one skip-worthy song on the album, and my only gripe is the length of Rock Wit” (Interlude). This is a fine album overall and worth the stream if you need some positivity in your life.
Final Grade B+
Favorite tracks: “Rock Wit” (Interlude), “Zone Out (You),” “Means So Much.”
Jukebox is available on all streaming platforms
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.
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