Artist: Angie Stone Album: Black Diamond

Year: 1999
Duration: 0:0-1

A of Angie Stone's Black Diamond Album

Angie Stone is a powerhouse soul singer who has been gracing the music scene with her presence for over two decades now. Her rich and soulful voice has earned her a place among the greats of the music industry. Black Diamond is the fourth album from the talented songbird. Released in 1999, the album marked a turning point in the career of the singer, placing her on the map as a serious artist in the R&B/Soul genre. In this post, we will take a critical look at the album and highlight its best songs, its most innovative parts, and some criticisms of the project.
Firstly, let us start with a brief history of Angie Stone. Born Angie B. Stone in Columbia, South Carolina, the singer started her journey as a member of the first female hip hop group, The Sequence. Her debut solo album, Black Diamond, was released by Arista Records in 1999, and it swiftly became a soul masterpiece. It's also worth noting that Stone's influence stretches beyond her mesmerizing music and vocals. She is also an activist, using her platform to create awareness and change for social issues, including domestic abuse.
The Black Diamond album features 13 tracks, most of which are rooted in the neo-soul sound of the late '90s. The album opens with Freedom, a groovy track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Stone's soulful voice is showcased beautifully in this song. No More Rain (In This Cloud), is another standout track that helped cement Stone's place as a potent force in the music industry.
One of the most innovative parts of the album is the mixture of gospel and hip hop influences, which are blended tastefully throughout several songs. The crossover into gospel showcases Stone's versatility as a singer and provides an immersive experience for the listener. The Ingredients of Love and Bottles & Cans are examples of the fusion of gospel and hip hop that Angie Stone does so well.
While the Black Diamond album received critical acclaim, it wasn't without criticism. Some critics found the album rather formulaic and repetitive, following the same mood and tempo throughout. Still, it's hard to deny the beauty of Stone's voice and musical talents, which remain the lifeblood of this classic soul album.
Angie Stone's Black Diamond is a smooth and soulful album that showcases the singer's vocal talent beautifully. The amalgamation of gospel and hip hop influences sets this album apart from others in the genre, and Stone's rich voice serves as a pleasant accompaniment throughout. While the album may have some formulaic elements, it's still a must-listen for music lovers looking to delve into the neo-soul sound of the late '90s. Ultimately, Black Diamond remains a fantastic body of work that helped solidify Angie Stone's place in the music industry.