Sef and Songz

Had a little listening sess of new music due for release on Atlantic Records in the next few months and very good it was too. First up was 19 year old Trey Songz from Philly, whose scorching single, 'Gonna Make It', featuring Twista, looks set to drop around September. The album is on a smooth soul tip with the odd devastating drum beat thrown in for good measure. I hear Songz has beef with R. Kelly, who wasn't impressed with the up and comer releasing a kinda come-back to 'In The Closet' called 'Opening The Closet,' told from the point of view of the husband. I thought it was pretty funny myself, but, hey, I'm not R. Kelly (thank god!) Anyhoo, Kells might also be a little shook as the 19 yr. old is showing serious signs of talent. Sublime voice, writes all his lyrics and melodies, signed to Atlantic by Ahmet Ertegun (dude who founded Atlantic Records so a big man inna the place)... the future is looking a-ok for Songz, whose real name is Eric Smith. Probably.
On the homefront Sef, he of the Reelists 'Freek Mode' fame (surely one of the most criminally slept on UK singles of recent history?), will also be releasing his solo material soon. He's been signed to Atlantic for a minute, but has been working hard with Sean Garrett (Usher) and Rod Temperton (Michael Jackson). Those awake at the back of the class will remember Sef's drop-dead gorgeous vocal from the odd So Solid hook, so you know how hot the man is. The few tracks I heard were incredibly impressive - really well produced with fantastic melodies and while I'm not saying it sounds American (it doesn't), the quality is US standard! As in the tracks are really well engineered. A ballad called 'Full Crew' was particularly good - one of those tracks where you wish they'd hurry up and release it so you can listen to it again.
Lets hope Sef is allowed to breakthrough this time round, on the basis of what I've heard, the guy deserves to do well.