Born Legend

Let's face it: R&B needs a savior like a burning building needs a firefighter — and everyone's pushing for a happy ending. On his latest album, Once Again, pianist John Legend once again strides that fine (and lucrative) line between vintage R&B and modern hip-hop chic. Admirably, he pursues distinct production and drops some of the hip-hop in favor of some classic rock, jazz, and bossa nova. A child prodigy who directed a church choir until 2004, Legend has a string of high-profile credits under his belt with the likes of Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and Jay-Z. Want to spend an evening with a hall full of women getting lathered up by love songs? Legend's your best bet. As for R&B's rescue mission, if Legend embodies your happy-ending firefighter, then good for you. Otherwise, the genre remains burned beyond recognition.

PNP / WENN

John Legend is starting to live up to the name.

Related Content

• Battle Royal: Jay-Z and Kanye West Take "Watch the Throne" Global to Fend Off the Hip-Hop Hordes
  November 10, 2011
• Best South Florida Music 2011: Protoman - Beat a Dead Horse 'Til She Resurrects
  December 29, 2011
• Florida House Members Debate Jay-Z Lyrics, Get Pretty Close
  March 8, 2012
• The Simpsons' Food Blog Rap: Blogging a Food Blog
  November 14, 2011
• Black Violin at Miramar Cultural Center, January 14
  January 12, 2012

More About

• John Legend
• Robin Thicke
• Lauryn Hill
• Hip-Hop and Rap
• Celebrity News

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Music Newsletter: Keep your thumb on the local music scene with music features, additional online music listings and show picks. We'll also send special ticket offers and music promotions available only to our Music Newsletter subscribers.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

John Legend performs with Robin Thicke on Tuesday, November 28, at Revolution, 200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $33.50. Call 954-727-0950, or visit www.jointherevolution.net.