'Ray Ray' [Pookie Entertainment]

Raphael Saadiq has been involved in what seems like the most surreal musical conditions. His entire pressence is saturated with an indulging, eclectic semblance and within almost two decades, Saadiq claims he's finally in control of his destiny. His commended run with Tony Toni Tone, the undeniable innovation from Lucy Pearl, and his solo projects: Instant Vintage and All Hits at the House of Blues are easily distinguished as his continuing magnum opus.

With Pookie Entertainment in tow, he's revered the styles of artists like Truth (Hurts), Joi, and has effortlessly cultivated himself with his third solo release, Ray Ray, which can virtually be described as the brother album to Jill Scott's Beautifully Human: Words & Sounds Vol. 2. The first single "Rifle Love", features a parody of gunshots & love with Tony Toni Tone and a surprising collaboration as he says "Say what Dawn?," bringing back the addictive feel-good of Lucy Pearl with Dawn Robinson & Ali Shaheed Muhammad.

We're given a liquid-like composition, with groovy tracks like "Ray Ray Theme" and "I Want You Back ft. Teedra Moses"; the vibrancy in "This One" and "Grown Folks"; the accoustically mellow-to-inspirational "Save Us," and "I Love Her," which is easily a song that is well-rounded enough for family get togethers or peaceful R&R. Ray Ray adds to Saadiq's determined success as he appears steadfast in his efforts to extend and master unfamiliar grounds in new music with a refreshing flavor.