Rahsaan Patterson

Far from the mischievous "Kid" he played on Kids Incorporated 23 years ago, Rahsaan Patterson re-entered the music scene from behind the scenes penning perhaps Brandy's biggest single to date as well as session work for other well known artists. By the time he sought a record deal, there was a near bidding war over him. MCA won the battle in 1995 and by 1997; Rahsaan Patterson's self-titled debut was released.

Though he was as unique as any of the newly crowned "Neo-Soulers" of the late 90's, Rahsaan… Show more at MCA was very lost in the shuffle of corporate fools who didn't know how to "package," "market" or "promote" him. The truth is, his material was so top shelf that the markets that truly mattered to Black music, specifically in the adult category, were already spinning one if not two of his singles from the early EP and he didn't need the label to step in and do anything but support the momentum the quality recordings already came with. With an overly sexual Maxwell fresh on everyone's lips, minds, and hearts, EVERY man in the industry after Max HAD to have an image. MCA allowed their confusion and control over Patterson to inhibit otherwise gold/platinum material for reaching its full potential.

The music biz could easily have killed the spirit of an artist as pure and authentic as he is. The mere fact that we are welcoming his latest studio effort, Bleuphoria, is a feat that only one member of the 'neo-soul elite' managed to do. To continue pressing on without the support of all the pretty things that seem so necessary for artists to get heard these days is remarkable, but more importantly, inspiring.

The concept of Bleuphoria is deeply entrenched in the idea that love manifests itself in tones of blue. The deeper in love one falls, the deeper and more intense its color becomes. The revelation of love comes from God and one’s self, resulting in a blissful and euphoric state. The cosmos factor into this equation as the foundation of it all. Love: deep and infinite. Like the vastness and depth of the universe, reaching beyond our skies, residing beneath our flesh and within our minds; this is Bleuphoria. Earth is Bleuphoria. The universe is Bleuphoria. We are Bleuphoria.

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