Hip Hop/Rap: Speech's The Vagabond

Speech’s The Vagabond gives us Hip Hop that’s bright and aware of where he’s come from—jazz, R&B, and Motown. All of that musical history is wrapped up in “No One Like You.” Thematically, “Braided Hair” does that soul music blend of the street and the spiritual, the daily struggle and the Gospel. “Scandal” jams out to some Paisley Park-inspired grooves as the chorus echoes the tone of Prince’s “Diamonds and Pearls.” While “Shine” has Motown horns, “Walking in the Sun” marches along to a world beat.

Thank you to the Speech and Bluhammock Music for the review copy.