Well, maybe. But Kel Spencer, established ghostwriter (Nick Cannon, MC Lyte, Rodney Jerkins, Teddy Riley, Will Smith) has been buzzing lately thanks to leaks from his upcoming release Salon Stories, hosted by MC Lyte herself, due out 10/20 (iTunes/Rhapsody). This is an interesting concept project, as his press release states, Spencer “wondered about how relationships between men and women were viewed by women as girls, and thus the impact it had as adult relationships formulate. Salon Stories tackles those questions pondered by women from a male’s perspective. With a goal of helping one think differently and make wiser choices, the message clearly throughout the album represents one that hopes to inspire women.”
Spencer flows well over “Eye On You,” featuring Lydia Caesar, over a track reminiscent of 90’s house/club music, so the creative concepts reach into the music as well. On “Dreamboat,” feat. Quana, KS slow jams the loverboy news over a mod of “So Gone” (Monica), as he slickly professes his Ralph Tresvant-like sensitivity over the female object of his desire.
The single “Uggs to Hugs” features Jess Boykins III, and has a very listenable, smooth R&B feel to it. It will be interesting to see if this gets radio/video play. It should. (A video for Uggs to Hugs is being premiered at Negril Village on Thursday, Oct. 1 – All are welcome. Shouts to Big Ced.)
Overall, Kel Spenser’s smooth operator style and well-chosen featured artists (Jesse Boykins III, Raheem DeVaughn) have all the right ingredients to cook up a nice little solo career moving from the pen to the mic. He might not be rough enough for the fellas to get into (pause), but his angle is obviously to court the “salon” crowd. If he can get their attention, he just might score. Get it? Score. Ha.
Check a ton of Kel Spencer’s music at his Myspace page.
Kel Spencer’s Listening Sessions for Salon Stories, cleverly staged at HiLightz Salon in Rosedale Queens: