(July 31, 2018) LaToiya Williams is one of R&B’s go-to talents, or better yet, just a go-to talent for the urban music community. Whether as a background singer for Yolanda Adams, in duet with Anthony Hamilton or appearing on numerous gospel and hip-hop compilations and major movie soundtracks, Williams’ career is both hot and, surprisingly, somewhat under the industry radar. Hopefully Williams’ own solo recording stage will finally reach that long-awaited breakthrough she long deserves.
In anticipation of her next full-length, Blue Rose, Williams’ latest single and our First Listen spotlight, “Vintage Love,” extends an old school invitation in seeking men like the olden movie days – those who treat ladies with unselfish motivation: “The men would be just so nice/They would open the doors for the ladies/Lay out their coats in the rain.” The slinky bass line, precious background vocals and The Avila Brothers’ groove-driven production generates a perfect backdrop for Williams’ forthright voice, blending bare bones R&B with mild hip-hop edges. With the current R&B market being mostly blurred by over the top technology, Williams is one of those needed missing links who is unafraid of serving up real storylines like “Vintage Love” with more organically flavored soundtracks.
By Peggy Oliver
LaToiya Williams – “Vintage Love”