(November 3, 2024) New York-based Tashan7 (formerly known simply as Tashan) made his first dent in the charts upon signing to Russell Simmons’ Def jam subsidiary label OBR Records in the mid-1980s. Presenting a decidedly socially conscious blend of classic soul with cutting-edge hip-hop, the title track of his debut album, Chasin’ a Dream, garnered him a sizable following in the UK. From the same album,a standout quiet-storm duet with Alyson Williams entitled “Love Is…” became a late-night radio favorite in several pockets of the States.
Notably, Tashan7 broke through the American R&B top-40 twice in the early ‘90s with the poignant “Black Man” and “Save the Family”; but his last major-label album to date, Love Is Forever, quickly came and went despite critical acclaim. After several brief starts and stops over the last two decades, the singer-songwriter is making a convincing effort to remind listeners—while welcoming new ones—of his nuanced, yet to-the-point style with a revamped solo recording of “Love Is.”
As with his original version of the tune, Tashan7 got behind the production boards for this new take, infusing the soothing melodies and passionate lyrics with an atmospheric layering of keyboards set to a head-nodding beat. Less jazzy and more ambient, the rendition still makes its case authentically, while making clear that he hasn’t lost the vocal finesse and clarity which rendered the 1986 recording such a gem. He infuses equal amounts of grit and sensitivity, at the same time maintaining a solid balance between old-school vibes and contemporary relevance.
Take a First Listen to Tashan7’s newly recorded “Love Is” and welcome back this underrated talent.
