Me'Shell NdegéOcello – Plantation Lullabies

It's a damn shame that a musician as brilliant and uncompromising as Meshell Ndegeocello is severely overlooked. Equally telling is the undervalued status this landmark debut of contemporary R&B is among music purists and press alike, who will wrongly ascribe the constantly lauded Brown Sugar/Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite/Baduizm trifecta as the tipping point that ushered "neo-soul" (God, I loathe that label!) While there are several progenitors and noteworthy albums we can point to that built the foundation of "neo-soul" even before Meshell's Plantation Lullabies dropped, it's obvious this album set both the pace and tone for what was to follow. Not to mention, the emotional and musical scope of this album still sounds remarkably fresh now: her anguish and pain complement the sonic intensity of the bass, synths, and drums. But then she mellows out, flaunts her vulnerability and romanticism, and takes you to another world like no one quite can. A master of groove and mood, Meshell made a vital mark in contemporary black music with this album than many give her credit for, and this isn't even her crown jewel nor is it my top favorite in her unparalleled catalog either. It may, however, be her most important contribution and for that, I will always be indebted to her artistry and courage.

This 1993 promo pressing is wonderfully cut—lots of dynamics and depth here. The 1993 CD was superbly mastered, too.

Such a wonderfully diverse record with incredible lyrics and sentiments.

plantation lullabies what a debut first lp
From this remarkable musician,
Sublime!