Aloe Blacc - 'I need a dollar'

Last week I got my hands on Good Things, the new album from Californian Stonesthrow soul singer and MC, Aloe Blacc. I've got to say I was struck by the depth and beautiful soul quality of all aspects of the release from the first listen to the first track, I need a dollar.

Blacc took what must have been a big step up in commercial exposure in 2010, with I need a dollar chosen as the intro track to US HBO show How to make it in America.

The track itself is immediately infectious. Combination of a rhythmic piano stab and Blacc's rich melodic voice makes it reminiscent of some of Stevie Wonder's best work.

Described variously as a singer, rapper, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Blacc is a musical talent we should all keep an eye out for. With over 2 million views on the I need a dollar youtube music video, it looks like there are a lot of people out there who feel the same way. But don't ignore his past work - his track Spittin' Image off Exile's (with who he formed hip hop crew Emanon some time in the 1990s) Dirty Science release is a master piece of hip hop storytelling with a twist. Sorry I could only find the youtube vid below - no nice production value film clip a la I need a dollar!

Find out more about Aloe Blacc at the Stonesthrow website or at his myspace page.