As Hip Hop began to establish itself as a dominant force in the mid-2000s, every label had an R&B singer on board to deliver hooks. For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I want to highlight one of those artists, Governor, who was initially signed to T.I.’s Grand Hustle Records.
Governor, known initially as PK, grew up in Charles City County, Virginia. Like many singers, he began his career in a group and released an indie debut. In 2002, he began working with the likes of the Trackmasters and a pre-fame 50 Cent. Although he never officially released any music during that time, he eventually met Wyclef Jean, who helped him sign with Atlantic Records, where T.I. took notice of him.
Governor first added his vocals to the song “Hello,” which appeared on T.I.’s fourth album, “King,” in the spring of 2006. He then released his album in the fall of 2006, titled “Son of Pain.” The album was led by the single “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” produced by Poke & Tone and featuring a sample of “Singing This Song For My Mother” by Hamilton Bohannon. The track carries a powerful message about the Governor’s struggles.
For the second single, “You Got The Power,” Governor collaborated with T.I. and was produced by Just Blaze, featuring a sample of Phil Collins’ classic “Easy Lover.” The album boasts contributions from heavy-hitter producers, including Scott Storch (“Destiny”), Raphael Saadiq (“Never Wanna Leave”), Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis, Wyclef Jean (“Make Love to You”), and a pre-Breakfast Club Charlamagne.
As a fan of ballads and slow jams, I remember not enjoying this album upon its release due to its lack of romantic tracks. At that time, I was deployed and seeking escapism, not message-driven music. However, on my second listen, I came to appreciate Governor’s political and social themes in contrast to typical R&B bravado.
He shines on the singles and album tracks, such as “I Can’t,” “Slow Down,” and “Forgive Me.” Regretfully, much of the rest of the album felt somewhat formulaic, despite his immense talent. Considering T.I.’s business acumen, it’s surprising he didn’t shop Governor to a label that would better align with his vocal style.
Nevertheless, this was a solid sophomore project that ultimately got lost in the shuffle of mid-2000s R&B.
Final Grade: B
“Son of Pain” is available on all streaming platforms.
As a longtime music enthusiast, I’ve often wondered how quickly record labels expect lead singers from groups to release solo albums. This question came to mind recently when my iPod played “So You Like What You See” by Samuelle. Listening to the song, I realized he would be a great choice for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
You know the voice. The moment Michael Marshall starts singing the hook in Luniz’s “I Got 5 on It,” anyone who grew up in the nineties knows exactly what time it is. However, nearly a decade before that 1995 hip-hop classic, Marshall was already responsible for another instantly recognizable vocal.
There are some albums you revisit because of nostalgia, and then there are albums you return to because they remind you just how high the standard used to be. Anita Baker’s Rapture falls into that second category. Released in 1986, the album did more than make Baker a star. It helped define what sophisticated, grown R&B could sound like without losing any soul, sensuality, or personality.