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Angie
Stone
Black Diamond
By Steven G. Fullwood
Touted as the hottest property since Lauryn Hill, Angie Stone digs deep and
unearths Black Diamond, probably one of the most consistent and listenable
R&B joints you're going to hear this year. It's partly because she's undeniably
afro-down fly and well, you've heard it before.
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The intro, Freedom, sets the infectious,
retro-70s groove listeners will catch with the opening chords of Stone's vocals that are
reminiscent of early Betty Wright and Chaka Khan. On the next track No More Rain (In
This Cloud), Stone sings gracefully over a continuous sample of Gladys Knights and
the Pips' Neither One of Us. The problem is the sample is so prominent that those
familiar with it will have to work to hear Stone. Other songs, Green Grass Vapors,
Visions and Love Junkie serve as filler for better cuts, such as Bone
2 Pic (Wit U), Man Loves His Money, Life Story and Everyday.
Bone 2 Pic showcases the most effective use of Stone's lithe voice. You get the
feeling she can really blow, but prefers bluesy cool to red-hot passion.
In her teens, Stone was signed to Sugarhill Records as rapper Angie B. In
the 90s, she was lead singer for Vertical Hold (remember Seems You're Much Too Busy for
Me?), recorded a debut album on EMI's Japanese label and worked with one-time Prince
protégé Jill Jones and ex-beau D'Angelo.
Though in part Black Diamond comes off as artifice, Stone's beautiful voice is truly a
blessing. A voice you should hear - abundantly.
M
November 1999
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