Customer Reviews

Street Love

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

To be honest, I wasn't crazy about Lloyd's debut endeavor via "Southside", a duet with the credibility-questioned diva Ashanti. It wasn't horrible, but it also wasn't great by any means, despite getting reasonably sound airplay. I didn't buy the album because I wasn't truly impressed by the single from Lloyd's debut, SOUTHSIDE. I wasn't going to buy STREET LOVE, but I heard a lot of buzz surrounding it and I did like first single "You" better than "Southside". "You" was a bigger and better hit, though if it hadn't been for a great sale price, a lingering (from myself) for a new R&B album, and a hell of a lot of buzz, I probably would've passed STREET LOVE by as well. I am so glad that I came to my senses and purchased this great set of R&B which spans balladry, club-bangers, and most importantly, it is mostly Lloyd solo without the rediculous cameos from six-million different guest stars.

Skipping a completely unnecessary intro (as all of them are in my opinion), The album starts with first and acclaimed single "You", which is a strong way to start the album. The single has a "subtle aura" about it, not completely dislike the ubiquitous #1 "Let Me Love You" by Mario. It is perfect and simple at the same time and Lloyd does just enough singing to draw the audience. It isn't my favorite track from STREET LOVE nor my favorite R&B track out now, but it is strong enough to propel the underrated Lloyd to star status in my opinion. Lil' Wayne's collaboration here was probably meant to truly propel Lloyd (considering Wayne just may be the hottest MC in rap lately), but he isn't truly necessary; Lloyd holds down the track himself. "Certified", track 3, is stronger in my opinion with its electro-centric production than "You". The production isn't the only hot thing, as Lloyd's vocals sound terrific and the background vocals are great as well. The songwriting is particularly strong on this track making it rather memorable. With soul drenched guitar/synth licks coupled with light, melodic piano lines, this track is certifying that Lloyd just might be what the R&B game needs.

"I Don't Mind" fails to be as strong as "You" or "Certified", but it isn't bad. "Get It Shawty", the second single from STREET LOVE is stronger, though it doesn't quite stand as as strong as "You" or "Certified". It does, however, serve as a great choice for a second single because it is easy to listen to with it's electronic infused beats and production, and Lloyds silky-smooth vocals. "Incredible" turns out to be a mid-tempo track, slowing the pace down after the frantic, yet slick "Get It Shawty". It isn't as good and feels more filler than hit, but it isn't terrible by any means. "Valentine" is a middle of the road track that has the potential to be better than it is. It isn't incredibly memorable, but Lloyd sings it so convincingly you're almost drawn in by its seductive guitar-strummed nature. "Hazel" truly changes the mood after a couple of "take em' or leave em'" numbers. It is an inescapable hit where the production is banging and Lloyd himself has never sounded better (or ever sounded this good). More positive is the fact that "Hazel" turns out to be the first of a couple of truly great numbers by Lloyd.

"Player's Prayer's" concept may be a bit rediculous, but the song is truly strong. The production is great and Lloyd sounds fantastic, yet again. "Killing Me" is a great club track, one of the best on the album to be exact. The production truly sells the track. "Take You Home" isn't as strong as the latter, but it is worthy of a couple of listens. "What You Wanna Do" isn't bad either and the minoresque production adds a whole dimension with the vocal synths. It is one of the better tracks and Lloyd's vocal performance is incredible. "StreetLove" could've been better, but it isn't bad. "One For Me" is a nice "cadence-point" for the album and turns out to be a hit the caliber of some of the best of the album. The "I Want You [Remix]" could've been left off and nobody would've noticed, especially with Andre 3000's incredibly odd rap performance here alongside NaS.

Overall, STREET LOVE is a solid album with enough potential to truly 'launch' Lloyd's recording career and minor flaws. At 60 minutes, the album isn't long enough to quibble about it being too long, though had Lloyd cut 5 tracks, it probably would've been a 4 star album outright. It is close, but in my opinion, it is 3 ½ stars.

Lloyd, this is soooo hot! From front to back-beginning to end, love it! I am @ work & have played it over & over for hours.

I bought this album the day it came out and its probably one of the best r and b albums in a wile. Its great you should go get it. You will love it and enjoy it it makes you wanna sing.

1. Intro

The album starts off very strongly, as Lloyds vocals glide over the Brian Cox production. The intro is basically an introduction (or re-introduction according to Lloyd) to who he is; that 'young fly flashy ni**a'. This obviously falls under the 'street' category of street love, one of the few tracks thats aimed more for the fellas than the ladies. It's a shame the track is so short, its catchiness is remarkable. Strong start. 5/5

2. You

There really isnt much else to say about this record, it speaks for itself. With the assistance of Weezy F Baby, Lloyd delivers his first number 1 hit on the billboard charts. It's success can be credited to its interpolation of Spandau Ballet's 'True', but that wouldn't be entirely true. Lloyd earned this one, creating a bonafide, intimate track for that special lady. 5/5

3. Certified

Slowing down the pace a little, Certified is another standout cut. Although it is a typical braggadocio type track, telling the ladies hes all too real, Certified is really catchy. 3rd verse has Lloyd in a more rap type delivery, which is either a hit or miss really, as his voice is much more suited to singing. A nice track to chill to regardless. 4/5

4. I Dont Mind

Although this song is quite slow also, its loud claps and booming bass is very suited to the clubs. Basically a 'make it rain' type of track, for those ladies dancing on the polls late at night to the early morning. Despite the banging beat, Lloyd doesn't really do anything vocally to make it a stand out track on the album. The typical subject matter doesnt help in this case either. Not bad, but definately one of the weaker tracks on the album. 2.5/5

5. Get It Shawty

The second single off Street Love is a club burner for sure. Usher's Little brother comes through on the production, creating an infectious mid to up tempo party joint. This track also features Lloyd rapping an entire verse, and is pulled off a lot better this time. This is guaranteed to grow on you with every listen. 4/5

6. Incredible

If there is one thing Lloyd has achieved on Street Love, its creating catchy slow jams. Incredible is the pinacle of this on the album. The track is very easy on the ears and will have you moving in no time. Its apparent by now that Lloyd's style has evolved considerably since Southside. Another one for the ladies to cherish. 4/5

7. Valentine

Knowing that Lloyd wrote Valentine when he was 15 only makes you love it more. It's a testimony to its timeless quality. Valentine is also the first track on Street Love where we hear more range in Lloyd's vocals, going into a false seto. Too bad it wasnt released as a single when Valentines Day passed, it would have blown up. 4.5/5

8. Hazel

On first listen, Hazel just seems like another track for a girl, right? Wrong. This ones for all the people out there with purple mindstates. Thats right, Hazel is actually a metaphor for weed. 'Let me take a look at the purple highlights in your hair" and "Usually I share you with my homies" are the obvious give aways. Knowing the actual message of the song makes you like it more (unless you have a passionate hate for weed :P). If you didnt know, the song could come off as one of the weaker tracks on the album. 4/5.

9. Players Prayer

The stand out cut. No questions. Players Prayer may be the old 'please take me back ' song, but it is very evocative and powerful. Lloyds vocals have never been stronger, you can just imagine this being sung at a major award show like the Grammys. For anyone thats been in a relationship that didnt quite work out, this ones for you. 5/5

10. Killing Me

Another one of the few 'street' sounding records, Killing Me is also quite powerful. However, unlike players prayer, killing me is basically saying 'I don't want to get with you, but your making it awfully enticing'. With the crunk club beat and Lloyd southern vocals, the track is another stand out, that will stay on your mind for a good while. This track is a reminder that Lloyd isnt all about slow lovey dovey type records. 5/5

11. Take You Home

Talk about catchiness! The beat is gonna have you nodding and the tune will have you singin along "daaamn, why you gotta be so fine, I just wanna get you home tonight, so i can work the middle, the left, the right, all night!". The chopped and screwed voice ad libs provide a bit of comic relief also. Thats basically it, this is the epitome of catchiness. 4.5/5

12. What You Wanna Do

Lloyds varied pace in delivery is one of his strong points. It kind of comes off as singing and rapping at the same time. Quite reminscent of label mate Ja Rule actually, though Lloyd is more singer and Rule is more rapper. Though this technique works well in this song, the hook is not going to be everyones cup of tea. Chances are the repetitive 'what you wanna do, what you wanna do, what you wanna do, wha-wha-wha-what you wanna do" is going to get on your nerves. Probably the weakest track on the album. 2/5

13. Street Love

If Lloyd had delivered like this on 'I Dont Mind' the album would have been that much stronger. The beats are both similar in the sense that they are both slow, yet have powerful claps and bass drums. Lloyds ability to craft gem-like slow jams is never more apparent than on the title track. Nothing is forced on this cut, everything flows so well. Though it isnt really a a song about sorrow or regret, theres something about it that evokes similar emotions. 5/5

14. One For Me

If there was another standout track on the album other than Players Prayer and the obvious You, its One For Me. The sole in-house Murder Inc. produced track (7 and Gotti) samples"Moments In Love" by Art Of Noise. Originally used for Ashanti's Dont Leave Me Alone remix, Lloyd pulls this off far better. By far the most intimate and personal track on Street Love. 5/5

15. You (Remix)

Featuring two immensely talented MCs, Nas nad Andre 3000, you couldn't have been remixed better. Using a more slowed down beat, much like the original by Spandau Ballet, Lloyd writes two new verses while keeping the classic hook for us to sing a long to. Andre delivers a very strong story telling verse while Nas comes through lyrically and flow wise. Better than the original. 5/5


Finishing up, this album is a must have and really displays Lloyd's growth as an artist since Southside. Maybe a tad too many tracks for the ladies, which kind of contradicts the title, but then again why not play to your strengths right? Go cop that on March 13!

Overal Rating 5/5

Great CD. Lloyd is giving a little Michael Jackson flavor and it pretty much works.

This album is great! Soft grooves filled with subtle melodies which fit Lloyd's voice to a T! He never sounds out of his league. This is Hip-Hop R&B music, plain and simple but done in a style all his own. I never expected this from Lloyd but I'm pleasantly surprised. Stand out tracks are "Incredible" and "Certified." I hope this influences other R&B artists to make albums as good. Lloyd has a wonderful career ahead of him and I can't wait to see how he'll grow and mature.

GREAT ALBUM!!!! THIS KID COULD BE THE NEXT MICHEAL JACKSON FROM THE A-TOWN!!!!!

Lloyd really put his heart in this cd. My son went out and bought him one, it was so good. Keep doing what he do best. Sing! You just got to get the cd.

When I first heard the song YOU I knew I was going to buy the album but I figured it would be like the first Lloyd cd some good hits and I would skip through the rest. Well Lloyd has proved himself this cd is hot if your a Lloyd fan or just a fan of r&b don't listen to the haters that's what there here for to hate. Buy the album and use your own judgement not others because this cd was worth purchasing. Damn Lloyd next time don't take so long with the album release I was going crazy trying to find the release date of this album!

I knew Lloyd had potential from when i first heard the "Get Paid" song on a mixtape back in 03. So i copped his album, but it was boring. From then on, i wrote the kid off.

UNTIL i picked up this CD. I swear, Im feeling every track but 2(Valentine and Incredible). He came thru like an all-star on this album. My favorite traks are "Certified", "Players Prayer", "One for Me", "Street Love". U cant be a fan of RnB and not like this album.