exponent: anthony hamilton's southern hospitality

anthony hamilton's southern hospitality

past: Outkast's Speakerboxxx and The Love Below
present: Anthony Hamilton, Coming Where I Come From
future: Joss Stone, Nappy Roots, Mya, Only Child, Rhian Benson

Southern hospitality has always been a strong suit in rhythm and blues, albeit more in the blues and less in the rhythm. Enter Anthony Hamilton.

Anthony has had his trials and tribulations in the past to be sure. After being on various levels, recording songs, and and releasing XTC, an album which was released and all but forgotten, Anthony has used his time wisely. Touring with D'Angelo and providing vocals to Nappy Roots, Eve, Tupac, and Xzibit, he's been around. Thanks to Jermaine Dupri, Anthony has been able to record and release under So So Def an album which has brought the southern sound to the forefront.

Introduced by Jermaine Dupri, Mama Knew Love ("Mama I'm gonna struggle with ya/I'm gonna help you see the big picture") sits in the front. The mix of the samples with the vocals reminiscent of Al Green lets us know what to expect as the album progresses. In case we missed it the first time however, Anthony pulls in a guitar as he introduces us to Cornbread, Fish and Collard Greens, which he will provide to the girl who's in need of his love, with one condition: she straighten herself out. "Cause I'm a pimp girl/Come on let me rock your world".

Organs slide us into the splendid track Since I Seen't You, and soothe us into a cut that's fly, sensual, and full of heart. Simple and to the point, and this is key.

Since I seen't you
We been peoples
You're my equal
This love is see through
I wanna keep you
I wanna be with you

Having acquired the love he wanted, he seemed to have lost it in Charlene ("Come on home to me Charlene"). But don't let him stop spilling his heart here. He loses his best friend and lover in the next track, and as he lets you know in "I'm A Mess". Coming Where I Come From brings you into his world and the challenges that he goes through ("Sometimes I gotta cry a little bit louder"). This release and the accompanying video lets you know what he's all about.

Better Days brings us back from the blues and allows him to express more of his love. With himself providing primary background vocals, this track is more intrinsic and definitely powerful. However, when he starts out with Lucille, he turns his exasperation into "My old lady's on the other side of town with her ex-boyfriend/Drinkin' again". Seems that life is producing more tricks.

A guitar intro brings us into Float, a sensual track that encourages his love to vibe with him: "Baby come float with me/Let me take you to a place on high". Sensual and definitely on the positive, no-holds-barred tip. The song, however, ramps up and gives more energy....enough to make you sway in the chair. ("Baby grab ahold/Feel me in your soul/Forevermore").

He then slides us back into a duet with LaToyoia Williams with My First Love, a solid cut which we would have come to expect in this album, and he doesn't dissapoint. However, he then comes back with Chyna Black ("Soothes a body/Like Mom's old rolls"). This energetic track is a nice switch, which then leads us into the heartbreaking final track, I Tried.

This album is on a vibe that we rarely get to hear in this day and age. It's not hip hop, and it's not rap. It's tracks with enough funkiness, lyrics, emotional battles, scars, and celebration that brings the young and old into the same circles and can keep us all grooving. If you're expecting rap here, you'll be dissapointed.

But instead of being dissapointed, go back out and sit in the rocking chair sit a spell, and listen.

e-scale: 8/10

ej wants you to share your world. Express yourself to eXponent. It's a good thing.

I'm a pimp girl, I'm a pimp girl
With juicy juice and Jheri curls
Drip drip one sip and you'll be punch drunk
- Cornbread, Fish, and Collard Greens

00.14

Now, I know I am a late. Because Anthony has now released 2 more albums since Coming From Where I'm From. But I will tell you brothers this new cd has expecially about 6 songs "The Truth", "I Know What Love is about"(this is the all time best song on the album) "I Can't Let Go", "Never Love Again" "Southen Stuff" and "Change Your World" You need to get these songs and listen to them for a month straight EVERYDAY, this man has come up with the ULTIMATE manual for how to truly love a woman!!! I now say I don't want true I want that AH love, can you handle that? I know the man is married, but trust me if given the chance I would fall on my knees and propose!! I would give anything to feel the emotions he expresses, then he is grounded in the Lord, what more can you ask for?!!! "Now I'm friends with my ole man again, standing here wearing this wedding band" You can't get deeper than that!!

posted by: Malinda at 13.44

Thanks for this review! At first I thought Anthony Hamilton was getting too much hype, especially when I heard his single "Coming Where I Come From" and didn't feel particularly moved. The other tracks are wonderful though - smooth and buttery with the right touch of funk to give you goosepimples.

posted by: karsh at 12.13

only a 7 out of 10...wow. i guess i am so excited about a male producing quality music in the soul/neo-soul/r&b genre other than user and musiq that i am just outdone. i love the old school sound of anthony hamilton. it's aunthentic.

posted by: kevinrscott at 11.25

Congratulations, a job well done. I got a chance to meet Mr. Hamilton at the Tweeter center in Chicago with Nappy Roots. What a geniune and down to earth guy. During the short time we hung out I can truly see how he gave birth to such a great album. Keep doin' ya thang brotha

posted by: Vickie at 17.19

I think this album is like a breath of fresh air. With so many songs not saying anything worthwhile on the radio, I really appreciate someone who is taking a chance as a true artist. Keep it goin Anthony.

posted by: Tiffany at 12.21

I think it's a wonderful album. It reminds me of the old days(music). It's good for a fire place setting with the one you love, just to reminisce of the good old days. It's makes you feel good and help you relate to some of the issues of a black man. I better understand some of the black guys I grew up around.

posted by: Nadine Guy at 15.26

I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony Hamilton when my friend Kim were at the Essence Festival in New Orleans this past summer. Anthony was down there with Nappy Roots. We all hung out some that weekend and had a blast. Mr. Hamilton is an intelligent down to earth brother that can REALLY sing. Even with the mics and the studio. I'm glad the CD finally came out, I was wearing the demo out. I'm really happy that he is getting the recogition he deserves.

posted by: Natasha at 18.56

WHILE A WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE WERE SLEEPIN' ON YOU I'VE BEEN SLEEPIN' WITH
THIS BEAUTIFUL BLACK BROTHER
(IN MY EARS)SINCE THE ESSENCE FESTIVAL IN NEW ORLEANS AS WELL. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU HERE FOR THE BAYOU CLASSIC '03. ANTHONY, I REALY L-O-O-V-E YOUR MUSIC AND THE WAY IT MAKES ME FEEL.vlmck

posted by: VANESSA at 09.53

I first thought he was a part of Nappy Roots and found out he was solo. The brother's music is beautiful. Relaxing and Moving at the same time. This cd is at the top of my list! I love every song on it.

posted by: LeAndra C. at 22.18

Anthony Hamilton, is awesome he was in Birmingham,AL 11/29/03 he was excellent. I stood out in the COLD for 1hr 45min to see the show and then had to stand up but it was well worth the wait just to here Charlene and I Tried I can't put this CD up I'm listening to it as I type this comment. He appeals to all ages. This album gives me goose bumps. Excellent job Anthony keep up the GREAT work. AJP

posted by: Aisha at 12.24

Deangelo's first album was great, Rahsaan Patterson has 2 pretty good albums, Raphael Saadiq's solo project was excellent, Jaheim's music is right on point, Dave H. and Donell J. are great R&B vocalists, but after hearing this blessing from Anthony Hamilton, I believe the brother has skipped the label of being called "Next". AH is "Now".

posted by: Damon "Real Music Expert" at 13.25

I saw Anthony Hamilton at the House of Blues in New Orleans on November 28, and I can honestly say it was the best concert I have EVER been to!! Anthony can sing, no I mean he can sang!! His energy was incredible and he turned the HOB on its head. If you get a chance to see him live, don't miss it!

posted by: Erin at 11.49

WELL DONE, MY BROTHA! I FEEL YOUR CONTENTS,I FEEL YOUR WORDS,I CAN IDENTIFY! I HAVE A RELATIONSHIP TO YOUR VIBE AND I HOPE YOU CAN DUPLICATE THE VIBE. KEEP ON KEEPIN'ON! I RELATE SUBJECTIVE CRITICISM TO FOOD,THEY ALL WANT LIKE IT,BUT FOR THE ONES WHOM CONNECT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!

posted by: CHEROKEE at 02.56

THIS CD IS INEVITABLE, IT IS THE BEST THING I'VE HEARD IN A LONG TIME. I'M ADDICTED, I CAN'T TAKE IT OUT OF THE CD PLAYER IN MY CAR.
CONGRATS ANTHONY, HOPE THE NEXT ONE IS JUST AS GOOD,BECAUSE IT CAN'T GET ANY BETTER.

posted by: ERICA at 13.32

WHEN I FIRST HEARD A.HAMILTON I KNEW THAT THIS WAS A GOOD SOULSINGER.NOW UM OLNY 18 AND UM REALLY FEELING THIS ALBUM,WITH TRACKS LIKE CHARLENE AND CHINA BLACK HE CAN'T GO WRONG.10/10 A+ FOR ANTHONY HAMILTON.

posted by: RYAN-E at 22.54

I think AH is one of the greatest artists ever. His CD is out of this world. It's been a long time since I've been able to pop in the disk and let it play! When is he coming to the D.C. area for a concert?

posted by: Grea Neverson at 08.06

Anthony Hamilton is absolutely phenominal!!..This cd is one of the best I've heard (from a new male artist) in a long time. Each song is truly heartfelt and comes from way down deep in his being. I'm very glad that he's able to share his gift....

posted by: Jamillah at 17.36

Anthony is touching so many peoples soul and walking into their dreams at night. You have truly been blessed with a gift and I thank God that I am able to hear you and understand the lyrics.. Thank you...

posted by: Leila at 14.15

From the beginning when I first heard that sexy, soulful voice on the Nappy Roots single I knew that he was the truth. I love the sound and tone of his voice. It made me excited about what I would hear next from him. Knowing all along that the man had to bring it solo. I am so excited about his CD. I play it everyday. I am a huge fan of Charlene, Since I Seen't You and Lucille...Not to mention I love all the rest....His CD is a rider from beginning to end....I hate that he hasn't gotten to be huge like he should be..People are definately sleeping on the Best CD of 2003!!!

posted by: Ga_Erotic at 11.18

Anthony's new album is so fantastic!!!!!!!!. His music touches my body and soul. I listen to it constantly. It brings back memories, especially the one about Mama Knew Love. His songs are very touching. Anthony I wish you the best in your music career.

posted by: Dorothy Jordan at 09.53

Ilove the cd. Your style is like no other.And every time i listen to the cd i get this overwhelming felling and i just gotta grove.Your music is something this generation lacked in and we are truly lucky to have it. so don't change and keep doing what your doing.

p.s
my favorite songs are better days & charlene.

posted by: Erika Moore at 18.55

OH MY GOSH, THE MAN'S VOICE IS SO BEAUTIFUL. I LOVE LISTENING TO HIM- IT REMINDS ME OF OLD TIMES, AND IT JUST MAKES ME SCREAM ON (I'M A MESS)AND (COMING FROM WHERE I'M FROM)

posted by: CICI LOTT at 12.15

This CD is what we all have been waiting for! I feel this music deep in my soul. As a poet and an entertainer from "The Hill" as well, I can relate to this brother on many levels. Keep the music coming from where we are from to where we are at! :)

posted by: TUNISIA HAAMID at 14.56

I found this guy's CD by somewhat of accident but I'll tell you what, there isn't an artist vocally that can hang w/ this kid. You don't find cats who sing like this anymore. It is indeed "refreshing". His combination of soul & emotion puts him far above the rest in R&B. "Charlene" & "I'm A Mess" truly are the table-setters for a promising career in my opinion. This dude is seriously talented. Big-ups to AH on this project because the industry of R&B needed it more than we did.

posted by: dec at 18.10

This is the best CD I have heard in a long time. It's been a while since I heard a CD where I liked every song. I'm am thoroughly impressed and much love brotha' for bringing some real music to the world. "Mama Knew Love" and "Since I Seen't You ", LOVE IT!!!!! Everything is just perfection!!
Kudos Anthony Hamilton and many blessings on your music career.

posted by: Londa at 14.44

This is by far the most dedicated and talented artist of our time. In a time when we have far too many one hit wonders, This sensitive black man is a fresh breeze of possibility. Years to come our hearts will continuously light up at the mere thought of this brothers God-filled voice.

posted by: Blu at 17.19

Congrats to Anthony Hamilton- I'm a friend from NC - woo-woo (K. Shoats sister) The CD is the BEST; I've given several copies for presents! It's nice to hear AH stong voice w/ an old school flavor...

posted by: woo at 13.55

Oh my goodness "the dog cried out knew I was suffering he was chained to my pain". After I heard that I too was a mess. Thanks for making an album (cd) that I could enjoy every song and not just 2 or 3.

posted by: Prell at 04.49