As Usher prepares to kick off his co-headlining tour this summer with Chris Brown, I wanted to take this week’s Slow Jam Saturday to show love to Ryon Lovett, an artist formerly signed to Usher’s short-lived record label, US Records. The label only released the soundtrack for the 2005 film “In The Mix,” in which Usher had a starring role.
Along with Rico Love and One Chance, Ryon Lovett was one of three artists who made their debut on the soundtrack. Lovett’s contribution was titled “Get Acquainted,” which served as a perfect introduction for a singer looking to find his footing in the competitive R&B world. He wrote the song while Usher’s brother, J. Black, produced it.
Beginning with a catchy drumbeat, “Get Acquainted” delivers a simple message about a man trying to catch a young lady’s attention. Utilizing his tenor voice, Lovett never comes off as desperate in the song; instead, he speaks for the guys who see a lady in the club and are trying to find the right words to approach her.
The song’s appearance in the film worked well, as it featured Usher’s character, a DJ trying to win over a woman in the club. Upon hearing the song for the first time, I kept it in heavy rotation during my DJ sets and always found a way to incorporate it. Unfortunately, Lovett never released a full album, but he went on to write songs for Usher, Lloyd, and Justin Bieber.
Twenty-one years later, “Get Acquainted” is still in my rotation, and I wish Lovett had the opportunity to showcase his talent with a complete album.
Final Grade: B+
“Get Acquainted” is available on all streaming platforms.
Director Potsy Ponciroli shifts gears for his third feature in “Motor City,” produced by IFC Films. Chad St. John penned the film’s screenplay, which was actually on the 2009 Black List and spent several years in development hell before finally getting underway.
San Francisco in film is often depicted through sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge or romanticized, foggy hills. However, “Splash City” from Lionsgate brings the focus down to street level. Co-directed by Alex Ferrufino and Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr. (better known as rapper and entrepreneur Berner), this R-rated crime drama moves away from postcard aesthetics to present a sharp, urgent portrayal of survival on the streets.
Writer-director Lee Cronin made an impressive feature film debut in 2019 with “The Hole in the Ground” and followed it up with a fresh and gruesome installment in the “Evil Dead” franchise, “Evil Dead Rise”. However, due to adult responsibilities, I missed his third film in theaters. The mixed reviews and rumors of a troubled production have me concerned.
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