After many years of blood, sweat, and tears, Ryan Leslie is finally here with his self-titled debut album “Ryan Leslie.” Many of his fans have been anxiously awaiting this and now it has arrived. Most notably known for his production and collaborations with Bad Boy artist Cassie, on February 10th, Mr. Leslie made it known that he can most definitely hold his own. The album’s first single was “Diamond Girl,” previously released in 2007, this song features Cassie and Fabulous. The production on this track is bananas! It’s a nice song to jam to in the club. With its ostinato styled patterned rhythm melodically flaring in the background, the track becomes familiar to you rather quickly. “Diamond Girl” has a swag that was very much familiar to me, once I realized he too was a Washington, D.C. native, I definitely understood why.

Towards the end of this song, he gets his flow on and spits a hot 16 that was very much unexpected, not too shabby for a singer/producer. 

“Ryan Leslie” has been held back for over two years and the question is, if it such a great album then why aren’t people being very receptive? So many people are search for something new and innovative, even complaining about how the game is all the same. Yet, you find a brotha with a nice vibe, sultry sound, and some creative music and somehow the public still manages not to be pleased. He ends this rhyme saying “If my record don’t sell we’ll still go diamond.” Unfortunately, this song didn’t spark much buzz on the R&B charts, which inevitably pushed the album back. Hopefully with a little more exposure, that will all change.

“Promise Not 2 Call” is a very relatable track. Its smooth flow, along with Leslie’s soulful tone, easily makes for a great song. This song’s tonality is warm and simply alluring. There was nothing less than perfection as Ryan effortlessly harmonized over the track. Although this is a break-up joint, it is far different from the traditional, cry myself to sleep, I can’t make it without you type of song, which is really refreshing.

 “Gibberish” is one of the best songs on the album and yes it is what it sounds like. This creative genius wrote a song in which you have absolutely no idea what he is saying, but awkwardly enough it’s easily understood. Its message is that in love, or even when trying to say you’re sorry, sometimes you can’t find the right words to say.   This autotuned song, has a certain silky fluidity to it. Having the beat syncopated and in duple meter (language for the music heads) truly made this song one you could bop your head too while reminiscing about that special someone. “Gibberish” is just one of those songs that anyone would enjoy.  If you wanna tickle your listening pleasure, some other good songs to enjoy are “Valentine,” “Quicksand,” and “Irina”, which is surprisingly just a classic R&B track. Honestly, I was skeptical about this album and the creative risks he was taking, but after a long listen, I am unequivocally a new fan. If you are looking for a change from the same ole songs, I encourage you to go pick up that new Ryan Leslie Album!