Derrick Dunn

Second Listen Sunday: Sammie, I’m Him

R&B singer Sammie recently shared with some of his counterparts for an interesting Versuz. While I was well above the age demographic when Sammie made his debut in 1999, he has always had a capable singing voice.

During my 2006 deployment, I picked up the singer’s second album and began to take him seriously, as his vocals had matured. Despite having positive critical feedback and production from the likes of Dallas Austin, Dre & Vidal, Bryan Michael Cox, and Daron Jones, the album went unnoticed by the masses.

Nevertheless, Sammie decided to go the indie route and has released five mixtapes, two additional albums, and six EPs in the last sixteen years. One of those EP’S, I’m Him is this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday. Hitting streaming platforms on November 16, 2016, the project opens up with the track “Better,” which finds Sammie crooning about how’s he superior to a lady’s current man.

Despite some R&B thuggery in the lyrics, Sammie makes the song work with his vocal register. The cut-above vibe continues with the next track and the EP’S title song. Hearing the first two songs, I get the feeling that Sammie is not only calling out weak men but fellow singers who are not on his level vocally.

Sammie changes it up with “I Want You,” an infectious BOP that avoids vulgarity and allows the singer to express how he feels. “Sheets” will please nineties R&B fans with its angelic production and finger snaps. “The Wait” has an autobiographical vibe where Sammie sings about finally earning the love of a childhood crush as a man. Kudos to the singer for doing a Jodeci-inspired run in this song.

I’m Him closes out with the sensual slow jam “Bedroom Music,” where Sammie’s vocals deliver on the title. Sammie does have a few crass lyrics in the song, but he never goes into the corniness that some nineties singers did around the same time.

Sammie may have never reached the level of some of his peers from a sales point. However, I commend the singer for staying true to his vision and constantly releasing music his way. I’m Him is a stronger EP than some major label projects released in the same year and worth revisiting.

Final Grade: B+

I’m Him is available on all streaming platforms

More reviews to explorer

Second Listen Sunday: Tamia, Tamia

July 21, 2024

There’s no denying the exceptional talent of Canadian singer Tamia, whose voice stands out as one of the most distinctive in R&B. Her introduction to the music scene was marked by her captivating performances in two songs, the soulful ballad “You Put A Move on my Heart” and the Babyface duet “Slow Jams,” both featured on the 1995 Quincy Jones album Q’s Jook Joint. Tamia’s collaborations with Brandy, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan and her contribution to the legendary ballad “Missing You” further solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in the industry.

Slow Jam Saturday: IV Xample, I’d Rather Be Alone

July 20, 2024

In the 1990s, R&B music was dominated by vocal groups known for their captivating lead singers and smooth harmonies. This week, I wanted to highlight IV Xample and their single “I’d Rather Be Alone” for Slow Jam Saturday.

Second Listen Sunday: Babyface, Lovers

July 14, 2024

As an independent entertainment critic, one of my primary concerns stems from observing established figures within the music industry making factual errors during interviews or reviews. Of particular note are instances where Bobby Brown’s “Don’t Be Cruel” and Usher’s “My Way,” released in 1988 and 1997, are erroneously cited as the artists’ debut albums. It is evident to genuine music enthusiasts that such claims are inaccurate.