Hits & Misses: New Spotlight Series featuring V

Some time ago I heard a lot of fuss about an artist named V and had finally taken a chance to check him out for myself. Most people know that my taste in music differs from the masses and that I'm a hard sell. So in my mind I had already put off checking him out and had little hope of being the least bit interested in his sound; besides I was anxiously awaiting the release of Rahsaan Patterson's Wines & Spirits (smile). We are living in a time where the filtered music that is played in the mainstream channels generally has no distinct sound. Every artist sounds the same and leaves you feeling unenthusiastic. So although I was getting heads-up about V from people who I turst, their ears are not mine and our taste in music has often clashed.

I believe in giving credit where it's due and I must thank 4 Da Soul for the sale that led to them liquidating their stock of good music. I placed my order one day and waited intently for the arrival of the hype music. Finally, the cd arrived and I smiled at the title, The Revelation Is Now Televised, as well as at the photo of V lounging in what seemed to be a pensive state of mind on the cover. I had a feeling that I was about to be impressed by this guy whose snippets of music I'd heard during an interview on HoneySoul.com. Once I popped the cd in, there was no doubt that I had slept on a musical gem so sweet that even Rahsaan would have to take a back seat for a minute.

The Revelation Is Now Televised was released in 2006 but it wasn't until sometime in 2007 that this treasured piece of musical property was claimed by me and has yet to leave my sight. I travel with V in my truck, he accompanies me while I am at work and when I happen to travel by train his music lives in my iRiver. This album opens with V's soulful singing eminating from so deep within that you envision the journey he's taken to arrive at this point. If I were asked to do a comparison of V's sound to an artist with a bit more familiarity, I would have to name none other than the legendary Marvin Gaye. His voice compliments the music on each song, with lyrics and melodies so sincere that it leaves little doubt that V is personally caressing your ears with his sensual vocals.

V is no stranger to the soul stage and his credits are impressive. He can always be found singing along with Jill Scott and has worked with such notables as Jazzy Jeff, Musiq (Soulchild) and Justin Timberlake, to name only a few. Check out his MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/vsign) for video clips of a few performances with Lady Jill and information about how you, too can own a copy of The Revelation Is Now Televised.

In a short span of time, I have become a champion for V's music and was elated to speak with him a few days ago to my utter delight. He assured me that he is in the studio now working on the next masterpiece and the release date is slated for early 2009. With all honesty, I am a little disappointed that more people aren't standing up to raise the flag for this brother's music. I have not heard of him being nominated for any independent soul music awards or seen more features and interviews about this talented gentleman, but I truly believe that all of that will be a thing of the past.

This is a bonafide slept-on hit!

Check out this video: V does Marvin!