Rating: NNNN
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Throughout her career, Faith Evans has seen more drama than Beyoncé, Michelle and Kelly combined, so don’t talk to her about being a survivor. Fortunately, in new-skool rhythm and blues, personal tragedy – in Evans’s case the downside of fame, infidelity, husband Biggie’s murder and a recent arrest for drug possession in Georgia – makes great fodder for the blues side of the equation. Evans brings world-weary but bright and powerful vocals to her first album since splitting from Bad Boy. As for the rhythm, the Neptunes, Mario Winans, Chucky Thompson and Jermaine Dupri bring the chili and don’t skimp on the sour cream – the beats are hot and smooth. In this 1-2-step world, it’s nice to hear from a woman who’s seen some things.
