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From R&B, soul, and gospel to reggae and hip-hop, vocalist Urban Mystic belts out each of these diverse styles with such passion and feeling in the third part of the five-volume series, Ghetto Revelations. The 14-cut CD, GRIII: Old School 2 Nu Skool, shows just how versatile this Florida-born minister’s son is.
Twenty-four-year-old Urban Mystic grabs us right from the start, with his powerful, emotional voice in “Obama: A Change Has Come,” adapted from the Sam Cooke classic, “A Change is Gonna Come.” That opening track, along with the closing cut—the Van Morrison gospel classic “If I Ever Needed Someone”—is reminiscent of the raw, poignant voice of Otis Redding. It will send chills down your spine.
As far as the love songs go, I prefer the contemporary romantic songs to those of the Old School, since the lyrics of the latter are just too corny for my taste. Then again, I think I sensed some Barry White in there. Still, stylistically, the music and tone are right on.
My favorite cut of the album is a romantic tune, “Days of Our Lives,” where Old School meets Nu Skool, and both Urban Mystic and rapper P. Chase bring sensitivity and heartfelt emotion to the song.
You won’t be able to forget the sexy, finger-popping melody of the single, “Main Squeeze,” featuring rapper Yung Joc. Reggae and hip-hop beats come together in “So Fly,” with Ce’Cile and Beenie Man. Soulful, sultry vocalist Phyllisia pairs in duets with Urban Mystic in “Why Can’t We” and “I’ll Be Good 2 You.” Another favorite, “I’m Waiting,” switches the rhythm to pure reggae with nice harmonies and solos featuring Shaggy & Ce’Cile.
Urban Mystic sings with a tender romanticism, whether it’s the slower paced older styles or the quick tempo hip-hop tunes. He also successfully combines styles, demonstrating his originality and distinct individuality. So lay back with that special someone, turn down the lights, and play some burning, sensual sounds from Urban Mystic. GRIII: Old School 2 Nu Skool won’t disappoint, and, most of all, you’ll get what you want.
