Singer, arranger, rapper, performer and songwriter Kamali Kasumu hopes to be the next in line to have a successful cross-cultural appeal while changing lives in the process. Kamali, a Nigerian native who migrated to Riverdale, Georgia, blends in smooth and exquisite sounds with a little bit of down South flare to bring a more creative and original feel to the scene. Kamali’s single “Gone” is gaining momentum as it has thousands of listens on Kamali’s youtube page (youtube.com/1kamali). “Gone”, which is off of his new album, Planet Kasumu, is a motivational single about overcoming obstacles and looking forward to the future. Planet Kasumu has already been released digitally and the physical copy’s release date has yet to be announced. In an era where the music industry stresses danceability over singing ability and caters to entertainers over those with real vocal talent, it’s refreshing to find an artist like Kamali Kasumu in the midst of all the disposable and forgettable music. The album switches up and done seamlessly between laid back vibes and upbeat dance tracks. Planet Kasumu is one of the most consistent R&B and Urban music albums that I’ve heard in a while. Each track satisfies and keeps the head nodding to a maximum. It is one of those albums that you will be able to play repeatedly and will still sound fresh and innovative years down the road. The difference between Kamali compared to let’s say Neyo, Bruno Mars or Usher is he goes where the others are afraid to. He sings about what’s exactly on his mind. This artist and album are unlike anything you’ve ever heard before and it’s almost impossible to describe but you’ll know it when you hear it. The tracks range from a slow tempo to catchy hooks and almost hypnotizing beats that you’ll want to keep hearing over and over because you just can’t get them out of your head. The production on this album is amazing to go along with a truly talented voice, capable of putting many successful R&B singers out today, to shame. Listening to Planet Kasumu is an experience. It draws you in, and it’s made to just sit back and vibe with; clearly an intent in its creation, with an emphasis on art, instead of conforming to the tastes of the masses. There are thirteen tracks to get you addicted quickly. The infusion of melodic, soothing vocals and raw passionate lyrics will make you an instant fan of Kamali’s music. From standouts like “Gone”, “Whats Your 20?”, “Talk To Me” to “Anywhere”, “African Kandy”, “No Means No” and “Graduate”, you will be mesmerized by Kamali’s vocal delivery and song arrangements. Kamali doesn’t encompass the typical cookie cutter songs but details what seem to be authentic struggles of someone dealing with love, power, suffering, and partying in this century. All I have to say is that if you love Soul, R&B or the modern Urban sounds, get Planet Kasumu! Kamali Kasumu’s music puts a nice, refreshing feel to the R&B scene and is easily better than a lot of the music that is currently being played on the radio.