On This Day in Music: November 19, 2002
These four albums were released on November 19, 2002, twenty years ago today.
Talib Kweli — Quality
Talib Kweli began work on a proper solo follow-up to his successful debut, Train of Thought, while his former Black Star bandmate Mos Def focused on his film career. He worked with several other producers instead of longtime collaborator Hi-Tek. The high standard raises the bar, expanding upon the predecessor's laser-like intensity with a broader thematic emphasis and a more nuanced soundscape. From the get-go, it's clear that Kweli has ditched the cold elegance of his earlier work in favor of a fuller, more appealing sound replete with some live instruments. Two or three more laid-back R&B tracks grow too languid and distract from the album's steady flow. Kweli's experiments mostly pay off, but the variety of producers keeps things interesting.
Ja Rule — The Last Temptation
After all, Irv Gotti, C***k Santana, and the rest of Murder Inc. have a formula that's worked successfully in the past, and they're not going to forsake it with musicians like Ja and Ashanti topping the charts every time they release a song. Anyone acquainted with Murder Inc. will not be surprised by The Last Temptation, yet seldom have their signature blend of rough and smooth sounded better than it does here.
Craig David — Slicker Than Your Average
Slicker Than Your Average reveals Craig David's views about fame while still including some of his typical love songs, while his debut, Born to Do It, was full of romantic lyrics. The title track is a scathing rebuke to those who have criticized David's "squeaky clean" image and musical style, and the album as a whole is stronger than the typical sophomore release, demonstrating that David's talent is inborn.
Erick Sermon — React
As one of the few hip-hop musicians with a sure touch on the mic and the mixing board, Erick Sermon has just released a hard-hitting follow-up to his 2001 breakthrough smash, Music. React is far closer to the ominous tone of his main focus EPMD than his J. Records debut, with Sermon speaking harsh, raw raps and arranging the beats to fit. The title song is the most popular, with Sermon and special guest Redman laying down a tight rhythm with a sample from an Indian film. Sermon's fourth album is a breath of fresh air for those who want hip-hop without any R&B or crossover influences.