Drake has made his admiration and respect for Aaliyah very clear through various interviews, so it seemed appropriate for a record on his debut album to use a sample from Aaliyah’s debut album.  After being signed to Jive Records at the age of 15, the beautiful and talented Aaliyah was introduced to singer/producer R.Kelly who would end up being her mentor and also the lead songwriter and producer on her debut, Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number. He and his protege singer spent countless hours in the studio, molding her raw vocal talent into the sound of a young superstar. Fueled by two hit singles, the album peaked at number 18 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 3 million copies (wow – a number 18 album these days would be lucky to break 50 thousand).  The first single was “Back and Forth” and the second was Drake’s choice “At Your Best (You Are Love)”.  Like many other special artists we have lost, it’s hard not to imagine the heights her career would have reached by the present day.

Constructed by Drake’s lethal studio weapons, Noah “40″ Shebib and Boi-1da, “Unforgettable” starts and ends with the Aaliyah sample.  They probably chose “At Your Best” because it contained a soothing acapella section, giving them a lot of flexibility in production.  Aaliyah’s vocals are layered with smooth pads and a nice chord progression that is used as the musical base for the song.  Since her part is a repetitive “Let Me Know…”, it may also have been the basis for the concept of the record. Basically, let Drizzy know if he’ll really be unforgettable.  One thing I can’t forget is my girl Rachel for her help with this one.

Aaliyah – At Your Best (You Are Love)

Drake ft. Young Jeezy – Unforgettable

via KevinCaseyMusic and Et Musique Pour Tous

As I mentioned in my last Otis Redding post, I still find it hard to believe that this man died at the age of 26…amazing.  The impact he was able to have before his death is historical.  This record is just classic soul, as the name of the album states.  It’s downtempo with minimal music complexity, and maximum feeling.  I’m also not opposed to putting a pretty female on the cover of an album, I can most definitely dig it.

Otis Redding – I’ve Been Loving You Too Long

While thinking up this post I realized that Justin Timberlake has not released an album since FutureSex/LoveSounds in 2006… meaning it’s about that time for a new one.  This record, and video, always stood out to me for numerous reasons.  The song is made up of two sections, both powerful pieces of music thanks to Timberland and his one time secret weapon, Danja.  It always caught me how in the first part the 1/8 note hi-hat was so prominent in the mix, yet somehow worked perfectly and carried the record.  In the second part, dark synth chords come in over the guitar loop, creating a whole different sound-scape.  Modern classic.

Justin Timberlake – What Goes Around…/…Comes Around

We all know KevinCaseyMusic.com is not about exclusives, so I’m aware this song came out almost three months ago, but for some reason I never gave it my full appreciation until I saw the video.  I miss the days when R&B records weren’t all 808 drums, and instead were typically dope melodies over more rugged production – this record reminds me of that same feel, especially during the pre-chorus (0:48). Miguel seems extremely talented vocally and as a writer, so we can expect to hear a lot more from him in the future.  Adding two dope verses from J. Cole doesn’t hurt either.  Salaam Remi on the beat.

Miguel ft. J. Cole – All I Want is You

Minnie Riperton is one of the all time raw vocal talents, with a range of over 5 octaves.  She moved her way up the industry, starting off doing background vocals for Etta James, and other established artists. She achieved much success as a solo artist, but her contributions went way beyond music. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, and given less than a year to live, Minnie continued to record and tour, eventually becoming a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society.  As one of the first celebrities to go public with the disease, she was given the Society’s Courage Award presented to her at the White House by then-President Jimmy Carter.  She died at the age of 31, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and music.

Minnie Riperton – Memory Lane

As my tolerance for a lot of the new rap stuff coming out goes down, I find myself filling the void with an increased love for quality R&B.  Trey Songz has pretty much owned the airwaves for a few months now with the singles off of his third studio album, Ready. The fourth single, “Yo Side of the Bed” is my favorite of them all, and has been in my head since first hearing it.  I planned on making this site mostly classic material, but when songs like this come along, I feel the need to discuss them.  This and Omarion’s “Speedin” are my favorite R&B records thus far in 2010.  If you can relate to missing someone you care about, you will understand.

Trey Songz – Yo Side of the Bed

“Lost Ones” was the first single off of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. As one of the best albums of the 90′s, it earned Hill 10 Grammy nominations (she won 5), and album sales of over 18 million.  Her decision to go solo and the overall frustration she experienced with The Fugees, I believe inspired many of the songs, including this one.  Regardless of what went into it’s conception, this album is an undisputed classic, and one of the best of our time.

Lauryn Hill – Lost Ones

This song is nothing new I know this, especially to everyone in the tri-state area.  I already discussed it on the Billy Joel “New York State of Mind” post, and as I mentioned, it acts as a beautiful soundtrack to driving through the city.  Anyway, I enjoy this version more than Part 1, and I enjoy Alicia Keys more than pretty much anything.  I just flat out love this record, plus, I got a “pocket full of dreams.”  It’s worth another listen, right now.

Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind Part 2

I don’t usually put music on here that is on the radio, but I had to make an exception for this song. Omarion has come a long way since the B2K days, and his new album Ollusion has some very promising moments.  I’m really feeling the production on this record, its always refreshing to hear a hit that is crafted without the typical 808 format.  If this is the direction ‘O’ is going with his music, I think he will surpass many of his peers.

Omarion – Speedin’

In the studio with vinyl on blast.  Had to record this one into ProTools and share it with you.  Will all this talk about flying away…

Al Green – I’d Fly Away