DJ SOULCHILD

To hardcore R&B fans, regular downloaders and music bloggers, the name "Range" is far from unheard of, 'cause this cat has been doing his thing for a hot minute now. I remember coming across this guy for the first time in 2004 when his hot joint "Don't Hate" hit the net, featuring a sample of Buddy Baker's "Sign Song", which was also famously used on the Big Pun & Beatnuts classic "Off The Books". I thought: "Damn, this dude has a nice vocal and flava...i need to watch out for him!". And since that day he's dropped banger after banger, with personal favourites being "Wait Until Tonight (ft. Ja Rule)", "Man U Need", "Ghetto Dance (ft. Rick Ross)", "Try", the Ryan Leslie-produced "While The Gettin's Good" and "Shawty", and many others.

Being a Singer / Rapper / Dancer / Actress makes Harlem native Teyana Taylor a certified quadruple threat. She first sprung to fame with her cocky, catchy debut single "Google Me" back in 2008. But she's not just your average generic R&B/Pop-tart. Oh no. She choreographed Beyoncé's "Ring The Alarm" video at the tender age of 16 (!!!), got signed to Pharrell Williams's label StarTrek in 2007, has appeared in various music videos, featured on Tracks by Chris Brown, Missy Elliott and Kanye West, starred in movies such as "Stomp The Yard 2: Homecoming", and "Tyler Perry's: Madea's Big Happy Family"...etc., etc. Her debut album "From A Planet Called Harlem" was supposed to drop a year ago, but had to push it forward due to her other commitments.

So, for those who aren't yet familiar with her music, then check out this excellent, fresh slice of uptempo R&B niceness entitled "Valentine". The quirky Old Skool-flavoured beat, along with the smooth synths and the catchy melody immediately won me over at first listen.The only bad thing about this joint, is the thought of Keyshia Cole doing a far better job, vocally...'cause this would be Taylor-made for Miss Cole. Ahem. Excuse the pun...lol...

RATING: 9/10
FOR FANS OF: Keyshia Cole, Amerie, Ryan Leslie, Chris Brown