Album: Creolepatra / Nikkole / 17 tracks / R&B - Soul /
If
you asked music fans to name the most talented artists in the R&B, hip-hop,
soul and urban genres during the past decade, inevitably the names of Mary J. Blige, Corinne Bailey Rae and Beyoncé would often be on those lists. Los
Angeles based R&B / urban artist Nikkole, is within a whisper of being added
to that list. Those close to the music scene have known for a long time, that
the five octaves, blond haired beauty, is on the verge of a major breakthrough
and all that has likely held her back so far is the lack of a major and well
funded marketing machine. Despite that, Nikkole has garnered steady radio play
in numerous states and in 2007 was given consideration during the nomination
process for the Grammy Award nominations. Nikkole’s new CD Creolepatra,
once again demonstrates that there are few artists today who can match her
passion and soul, combined with vocal excellence that most artists only dream
about. If you like, Ryan Shaw, then you will love Nikkole—and wouldn’t that be
a dream duet?
Although it is the blinged out “E-X-OTIC,” from her CD released on August 12th, which is garnering all the attention as her first single, the album is a treasure trove of songs, which range from the soulful love song, “I Really Need You,” to the urban dance number, “Are You Satisfied.” Rapper J-Go delivers the rhymes on a duet with Nikkole, for the song, “Feel Me.” “E-X-OTIC,” is a good mid tempo club, dance tune. Nikkole’s clear, strong vocals are supported by lush arrangements created by her old friend and producer Lloyd Tolbert. On her original song, “I Really Need You,” she twice extends phrases in a way that few of her contemporaries can ever aspire to.
The soulful “As If You Were Mine,” and the passionate urbanized “Watch-U-No,” should cause program directors at local radio stations to salivate in anticipation of their request lines lighting up. “Love Was Made In Heaven,” breathes intimacy and should have the ladies wrapping their arms around their men’s necks, looking into their eyes and cooing the words to this wonderful song. For the rest of us, spinning this tune creates a longing for that special someone with whom to share this song. “Love Was Made In Heaven,” is the most passionate and emotive love song that I have heard this year.
A message to club DJs if you want to get your patrons up and moving, grab this because Nikkole creates and delivers hip gyrating, feet shuffling music, that seduces the dance spirit within you. I really like the fact that although this album boasts plenty of good beats, they are subdued and do not overpower the vocals. They are strong enough to get you moving but subtle enough so you can appreciate Nikkole’s beautiful vocals.
If ever there was a cool guy or lady that you had your eye on and want to dance with, then “Are You Satisfied,” is the tune on which you should make your move. “Are You Satisfied,” creates such a powerful itch to dance that you should be guaranteed an opportunity to impress that guy or gal with your best dance moves.
What parents should know is that while this CD is filled with flirtatious songs, they are presented in good taste, by an artist who has always presented herself in the best light. You do not have to worry about your daughter and son getting a message that they should not receive. This is a fun album which presents life and love in the way that it was intended to be, realistic, romantic and powerful.
We have only mentioned a few of the tracks from the seventeen songs that adorn Creolepatra by Nikkole. You owe it to yourself to visit your digital music store and purchase this quality CD from an exciting and passionate artist. You can also visit www.myspace.com/TheNikkoleNetwork to listen to sample some of Nikkole’s music.
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Reviewed August 2008
