Still Ghetto
The gunfire and screams opening Jaheim's second CD,Still Ghetto, make it clear that while you can take the homeboy out of New Jersey, you can't take Jersey out of the homeboy, no matter how deftly he negotiates the slippery slope of R&B; success. So whileStill Ghettogives us a mix of cuddly urban ballads and sleek soul, a hip-hop edge remains. Still, Jaheim's grooves convey great optimism. That's especially true of "Fabulous," where children spread the word of hope. The confessional "Put That Woman First" is a tender lesson on how to love, while the smoky "Beauty and Thug," a duet with Jaheim cheerleaderMary J. Blige, puts a contemporary urban slant on opposites attracting. There's a sensuality toStill Ghetto, even at its most unhinged (relatively speaking), and to Jaheim's voice, which has been favorably--and aptly--compared toLuther Vandross's. Could be worse.--Kim Hughes