R&B legends, Musiq Soulchild and Anthony Hamilton, put on quite a show for the genre’s faithfuls during a recent episode (February 15th) of Verzuz. Since we’re an album debate site, we would like to piggyback off that with Musiq Soulchild’s Aijuswanaseing vs Anthony Hamilton’s Comin’ From Where I’m From, the two crooners’ debut.
Between the two, Musiq Soulchild’s Aijuswanaseing debuted first. The album was filled with emotions. However, singing wasn’t the only method used to convey those emotions. Hip Hop and Spoken Word were used as well.
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At the time, your typical love-inspired R&B cuts barely scratched the surface. But Musiq dug deep with songs such as “Just Friends” and “You And Me,” among others, to give different angles and perspectives on love and relationships.
The Philadelphia native took a page out of Common’s “I Used to Love H.E.R.” book to explain “Love” in metaphorically.
“Love, so many people use your name in vain/Love, those who faith in you sometimes go astray/Love, through all the ups and downs the joy and hurt/Love, for better or worse I still will choose you first”
Musiq Soulchild – “Love”
Aijuswanaseing peaked at the number 24 and 4 spot on the US Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, respectively.
Anthony Hamilton’s Comin’ from Where I’m From came a couple of years later. It was soulful — just what the game had been missing. Through Hamilton’s soulfulness, he was able to convey the message of the struggle just as singers of the ’70s did. Whether he was singing of his rough background in the album’s title track or singing about the challenges that can come with a relationship in “Charlene,” either way he was that soulful fix we were fiending for.
Hamilton found success on the charts also. “Charlene,” peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top five of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
The album did good, too, peaking at number 33 on the U.S. Billboard 200. It achieved platinum status by having sold over a million copies.
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Both albums were good for the genre and for the individual artist. Musiq’s Aijuswanaseing earned him a spot alongside Jill Scott and Kindred the Family Soul, among others whom helped reignite Philly’s R&B scene. Whereas, Anthony Hamilton’s Comin’ from Where I’m From made him a top tier artist and helped reintroduce Soul back into R&B.
Musiq Soulchild’s ‘Aijuswanaseing’ or Anthony Hamilton’s ‘Comin’ From Where I’m From’?
Polls Are Closed!!
Anthony Hamilton – Comin From Where I’m From – 50%
Musiq Soulchild – Aijuswanaseing – 50%