A lot of rap labels and crews tried putting a woman or two on the roster. Think Eve with Ruff Ryders, Mercedes or Mia X from No Limit, Lil’ Kim from Bad Boy, and Amil from Roc-A-Fella. The list goes on. Here, we have Leschea from Masta Ace’s crew, The Inc, who he would later marry. The title of the album fits, as she mostly sings, though over beats with a hip hop feel. This is her only album, and after listening to it, I can see why.
The first track is weak. 'U Know the Place' is a step up, but mainly due to Masta Ace rapping, with him easily outshining her. 'Let Me Sing to You' has Leschea crooning, and let’s just say there are many stronger singers out there. Her flow is flat and repetitive.
'3 to 5' features the familiar and much-sampled 'Could I Be Falling in Love' by Syl Johnson, while 'How We Stay' pulls from 'Blues and Pants' by James Brown, among others. The production leans heavily on recognizable samples, but most of them have been used more effectively elsewhere.
All in all, this one isn't worth visiting. The sample-heavy beats are passable, but the songwriting and vocals don't rise to the occasion. If you're looking for a better fusion of R&B and rap from a lesser known female artist, check out Smooth’s underrated work from '95.
Best Tracks: U Know the Place, All on You
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