GYBU Album Review: JB – “The Best Kept Secret II – Lover’s Edition” – @therealjb919

Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s JB channels the era of the classic rap / R&B hybrid for his sixteen track album, “The Best Kept Secret II – Lover’s Edition”. A formula that propelled both genres to all new heights in the late nineties / early 2000’s, dominating radio waves nationally. With current artists like Drake taking this tried blueprint into a global realm, this combination has now been married together and will forever be a match made in harmony.

It’s now JB’s turn to illustrate his mindset and creativity using his unique play on this credo to solidify his name within the music industry. He puts forth an album that isn’t based around pure singles and fillers. In fact, JB constructed this particular project to be played from start to finish, focusing around love and how to properly maintain a healthy relationship. It also addresses topics such as communication and trust. Join us as we speak about some of our favorite selections in this GYBU review.

The Light

After the moving introduction with Maestra, JB moves into the album with “The Light”. The title is symbolic of his love interest and how she sparkles brightly like a diamond in sheer eyesight. The beat selection is very soulful and the high sped vocal samples caught my undivided attention. The lyrics pen a tale of JB’s pursuit to win her over in true gentleman fashion. Instead of using a typical hook, the Baton Rouge artist chooses to use the verse time to speak his feelings over.

The Night

With my adoration for the previously mentioned song, it was a no brainer that I’d be equally pleased with “The Night”. Featuring a guest appearance from Lawrence, this selection speaks about love making and spending quality time with your loved one.  All the while, it also talks about how lonely life can be without this special person there with you, especially at night time. The duo do an excellent job of creating a strong, story based record in this. The dreamy chorus fits the eloquent piano plucks and whimsical production perfectly. “The Night” is a song that will find many of us, including myself, pondering on how to make our relationships better.

Breakfast In Paris

With a short introduction spoken in French, “Breakfast In Paris” begins. Although “The Best Kept Secret II – Lover’s Edition” is chock full of quality music, this song really stood out as a commercial single to me. Lawrence once again makes an appearance alongside Mally Davis and all three artists orchestrate the ideal meal, just for two. So far, all of our listed songs follow in a similar suit, falling deeper and deeper into love. I absolutely loved the production arrangement on this single. An assortment of beautiful string, keys and cinematic stabs set forth a soundtrack that hits the heart, body and soul. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing along to this song, repeating “Falling, for you / falling, for you” and “over and over and over” again and again. The outro to the song adds a good laugh into the mix too.

Care

The sample heavy “Care” is the epitome of the late nineties / early 2000’s rap / R&B fusion. Featuring a clever flip of Johnny Gill’s “There She Goes”. This had me flashbacking to those earlier times of making out with my girl with the radio playing in the background. It brought thoughts of LL Cool J, Fabulous and those types of joints to mind. This also marks the first record that addresses the other side to relationships, neglect and taking things for granted. Be forward, listening to this song may have you at war with yourself to call up your man/woman and let them know just how much you care about them.

Fell Out Of Love

Another track that shines light on the downsides of a faltering relationship, JB uses this song as a sort of wake up call to other listeners out there that are on the brink of losing their love for one another, possibly from acting like a F.O.O.L. From people that give blind advice on love (that aren’t doing so hot in the category themselves) to key communications errors, JB lays a blueprint of what not to do to keep things going smoothly. The song may also help many of those lovers fight to fall back in love as well. Great job piecing this one together, watch the official video for “Fell Out Of Love” here.

“The Best Kept Secret II – Lover’s Edition” will have you running thru all the emotions; anger, frustration, love, loneliness, regret, etc. JB and company did an outstanding job of merging rap and R&B together all the while doing it in the name of love. I wouldn’t be surprised if I seen grown men breaking down after listening to the entire album. Kudos to JB for bearing his soul and wearing his heart on his sleeve for this one. Check out the full album on Spotify and stay tuned for more quality music from the Louisiana native.