(September 20, 2024) Anthony Hamilton is an artist with an old sound that also resonates with a younger generation. I’ve heard Boomers and Gen X fans playing “Charlene,” and Millennials bumping “Best of Me.”
Hamilton’s success speaks to the virtue of being true to the qualities that brought him critical and commercial success and trusting the public to get it. Hamilton stays true to himself on “Queen,” his ode to the beauty, strength, character and intelligence of Black women like the ones who have been a part of his life.
“Queen” has a steppers jam pace while also possessing production values that owe a great deal to hip-hop influenced R&B. Hamilton’s well-worn and honestly emotive vocals soars over piano licks that play to the blues and gospel roots of his native North Carolina. The 808 drums reveal an artist who is comfortable fusing that old-school soul with the new school of hip hop.
The lyrics are rooted in the classic gentlemanly values heard in every tune that has honored the deep faith of grandmothers, the unconditional love of mamma and the woman for all seasons that is your boo.
As Hamilton said as he described “Queen,” “I’m surrounded by Queens. I was raised by Queens. Some who never knew their value or the influence they had on me. It’s not only my duty as a Black King, but my right to celebrate, support and respect them.”
Check out “Queen” by Anthony Hamilton here.
By Howard Dukes
