Up Next | Novel Campaigns to Be 'Future Black President'

I strongly believe 2009 will be the year that music – mostly R&B and Hip Hop – will make a comeback to music that's worthy of it's listeners breaking down the doors at local music retailers to actually purchase albums. (Side note: the young kids – 18 to 25 – still use the term 'album' right?) The reason I feel like this is because there already has been an abundance of emerging new artists that have some really good stuff set to drop.

One artist that I can speak for who already is blazing trails even before his entire album drops is Capital Records recording artist, Novel. He has been doing his thing for a while on the mix tape scene and behind the scenes writing, singing and producing. This brother recently released his EP titled, I Am Future Black President. I must admit if you haven't copped this yet off iTunes – you are missing out on some real good music. It's funny because when I interviewed this cat not too long ago, he said that this was going to be something that I never heard before – and he was so right!

I Am Future Black President The EP set the tone for his full LP coming out in March (The Audiobiography). My favorite track on this EP is Fly Away. The premise of the song to me is someone learning life lessons and not giving up when obstacles get in ones way. The beat on this track is wicked! Anyone who knows me I fall weak for a song that infuses a little Hip-Hop, a little R&B, and a little Pop all in one!

Another track I enjoyed was I Am featuring Ben Folds, Talib Kweli and Spree Wilson. I feel like every minority male needs to listen to this track and can learn something. Novel's lyrical rap content on this joint is on some real sh*t and speaks to me – something that I think has been lacking a while in the industry. Lastly, I'm feeling the track titled, Sista – which is Novel's take on 'The Color Purple' song the character Shug Avery did in the movie. All I have to say is listen to it!

In addition to his own project, Novel recently re-did a old Gary Jules joint called Mad World in response to the recent Oscar Grant killing in Oakland – which I can respect an artist who is in tune with what is happening in the world outside their own music world. I encourage everyone to check out I Am Future Black President the EP as it is the appetizer to Novel's entrée coming in March – The Audiobiography. Y'all better get ready for this dude!