Johnny Gill - Still Winning

It has been about sixteen years since we heard a new solo album from Johnny Gill and it was a bumpy ride for Gill to release his sixth album 'Still Winning.' In order to drop the new effort, Gill overcame creative differences and label business practices to keep focus and put his fans 'In the Mood.' The new album is not a way for Gill to reclaim his past, but about the new magical experiences about who he is now. He believes older artist are reemerging today because "music goes through cycles and then it comes back to the basics. I think the basic is R&B and soul. The basic fundamental of where everything starts. [From] house music to Reggae to anything, [it] still has to come from the roots which is really the soul." Gill has waited over a decade for the cycle to set on new orbit roots, which he previously laid with fans.

Mayer Hawthorne - How Do You Do

Retro-soul singer Mayer Hawthorne releases his debut thirteen track album on major record label Universal Republic Records. On the set, the 'How Do You Do' creator digs in the crates for past influences to ignite his artistic vision, making his own stance. After becoming a praised musician amongst the soul and hip hop community, Hawthorne pasted up the opportunity to flood his album with features, only opting for a collaboration with Snoop Dogg. Luckily Mayer Hawthorne was able to avoid an identity crisis and stay true to his style.