John Legend

John Legend may not be famous, but he's been all over the Top 40 for years, having worked with Lauryn Hill, Kanye West and Jay-Z, to name a few. Get Lifted, his first proper release, is an infectious cross between old school soul, modern radio rap, and the kind of neo-pop/hip-hop Outkast nailed with "Hey Ya."

For the past decade, R&B has tried to be as extravagant as the hip-hop that usurped its place.
Kanye West protege Legend has more modest aims. His brand of soul is mannered, even
elegant. And he's got range: Two luscious odes to infidelity -- "She Don't Have to Know" and
"Number One" -- are followed by an equally convincing promise to not stray, "I Can
Change." Best of all, "Used to Love U" bears West's self-doubting stamp: "Maybe, b... More >

For an ordinary soul man, he has excellent tunes ("I Can Change," "Live It Up"). (Grade - ***)