Ginuwine | Elgin

Ginuwine | Elgin By Susan Mutharia

In the music industry we have had timeless classics and one hit wonders, legendary artists and the unremarkable, trendsetters and followers. Every decade has ushered innovative fashion statements, challenging dance moves and even a new meaning to certain words. 1996 was no different. It was in that year that Ginuwine unleashed the track Pony. Ginuwine was a simple equation = steamy tracks + raunchy lyrics + (an oh-so-dreamy-bachelor) ². More than a decade later, the equation is not that simple. The artist is grown, married with children and years have accumulated to the age factor; not just for him but his fans. What should artists do in this situation? Should they adapt to their current position and make music to reflect who they are now or should they continue in their previous path that brought them to their initial spotlight?

Judging from the new album Elgin, Ginuwine is embracing his maturity. Titled after his first name (full name is Elgin Baylor Lumpkin) this album marks the seventh studio album for Ginuwine. The tasteful ballads continue to showcase his sultry voice proving he is not just a blast from the past. Released on February 15, 2011 through the Notifi Music Group, the album features collaborations with award winning songwriter and producer Bryan-Michael Cox (worked with Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, Usher and more) and eight-time Grammy nominee Tank (who also released an album last year).

If a song is to be titled Heaven, it would better not be a train wreck. Fortunately, the track that was produced by Tank is outstanding and an ideal track to open the album. Break follows up- an emotional song that engulfs the listener with a blanket of security

‘…I’ll be there if you break/ I’ll be there if you crumble/ Come to you if you come undone / Catch you if you stumble / I’ll do what it takes / to put the pieces back in place …”.

What Could Have Been closes the fabulous trinity. The song is more upbeat while not losing the established ambiance.

Just because he is older, doesn’t mean he is dead. In the song Drink, Ginuwine describes his woman as his drink of choice while in the up-tempo Kidnapped, he throws in some role playing to spice it up with his woman. There are blind folds involved, a robber dressed in black and a hostage situation. Well alright! The list of great tracks is endless, from Body to First Time, Why We Are Fighting to Frozen.

The music industry has evolved. One does not have to buy an entire album (especially if there is only one or two outstanding tracks), lyrics are not as solid and artists are forgettable. Elgin is not one of those albums; Ginuwine is not one of those artists. This album is phenomenal, relatable and with more great tracks than not. Elgin Baylor Lumpkin, hats off to you.

Susan Mutharia
The Urban Music Scene