In this CD Mind & Soul introduces to the world a new genre of urban music. Most closely related to "conscious" rap and neo-soul it raises the quality bar on all sides: beats, lyrics, instrumentation, musicianship, arranging, melody, and more. With no samples from other songs, all the music is original and unique, a magic blend of laid back soul, slow funk, rap, afro-cuban beats, and orchestral jazz. It's some of the most hip, crisp, and sophisticated urban music you'll ever hear, full of genuine grit, serious musicianship, and poetic, meaningful lyrics. In the music you'll be able to hear influences from a broad range of artists including Miles Davis and Gil Evans, Earth Wind & Fire, Curtis Mayfield, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Common, and Talib Kweli. Most importantly people say that it hits them on a deep level. This CD is the first "single" from the upcoming Mind & Soul debut album and is no exception to Mind & Soul's hard line on always delivering the highest quality in all respects. Although it's called (and priced as) a "single" it contains just under twenty-five minutes of music in five destined-to-be classic tracks: three songs ("Life", "Ghetto Sunrise", and "Rain") plus two "reprises". The reprises bring the heat well beyond your typical instrumental tracks and by themselves provide nearly ten minutes of rare treasures for DJ's to play with. The cover is smokin' (see left) but sophisticated, and, like the music, is classic but new at the same time - something you'll love to ride with. Included is a well designed 4-panel insert with full production credits. Black covers most of the packaging. The CD itself is black, with the track listing printed conveniently on the face - just in case you want to take it with you by itself. This is a must-have CD for any collection.