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To enter the sensual world of performer/writer/producer Sisqo is to Unleash The Dragon, the title of the dynamically talented Dru Hill member's first solo release under the multi-tiered "Dru World Order," agenda and Sisqo's Dragon Records imprint. With passion, fire, romance, and melodic intensity, executive producer, Sisqo ably demonstrates the numerous facets of his artistic personality, from writing to performing to producing. And while fans of the multiplatinum Dru Hill are already familiar with his soul-drenched vocal style--including his signature jam-opening yodel--listeners are in for something totally different on this solo set. "I've created a new style of music, my music," notes Sisqo, whose well-rounded performance style--including his jet-propelled dance routines-- are unlike any other performer of the new millennium.
That new sound is the further evolution of Sisqo's charismatic and melodic strengths: He's already penned hit tunes like Mya's "All About Me" and "Movin' On," as well as Dru Hill tracks produced with Nokio, like the double-platinum "In My Bed" remix and "How Deep Is Your Love?" from the "Rush Hour" soundtrack. With a voice that drips personality while also offering great range, control, and a soulful roughness that recalls the classic rhythm & blues artists of the '60s, Sisqo neatly launches into a collection of driving dance-floor movers, sensuous midnight ballads, and even pop-leaning fare. According to the Dru World Order plan, Sisqo's album also features production work by fellow Dru Hill member Nokio, appearances by Dru Hill's Dragon Records proteges Make It Hot, Kid, and girl group LovHer, as well as a song featuring the whole quartet ("Addicted"). Other producers include Tim & Bob, Warren Campbell, up-and-comers the Co-Stars and One Up, Babyface, Montell Jordan and Shep Crawford, and pop megastar Elton John. Of showcasing new talent, Sisqo says: "R&B is so dead right now. If I hadn't come with all new producers, then I'm not really helping the progression of music."
The percussive up-tempo lead single "Got To Get It," produced by Al West featuring a rap by gravel-voiced rappers Make It Hot and Kid, is a perfect example of how the platinum-topped artist can blend millennium-ready beats with the seductive persuasion of a classic R&B love song. Though Sisqo pushes up hard on a honey of his desire, the lyrics offer her a piece of heaven as well: "Baby I can be a better man/Better yet, a gentleman . . . / Kiss you under your navel, I'll go where he won't go . . ." This hot track will challenge the most staid listener's ability to sit still.
If there is a theme to Unleash The Dragon, it's Sisqo's lyrical desire for romance: both physical and cerebral. The Baltimore native--who once made fudge at a mall shop with fellow Dru Hill members Jazz, Woody, and Nokio--takes his moods from gentle pleading to lustful declarations to an ode to a celebrated piece of lingerie. On the lilting "How Can I Love You Tonight," produced by Nokio, Sisqo describes all he'd like to do with a potential lover, while acknowledging that she belongs to another man. The hook-laden "Is Love Enough," featuring a powerful harmonic chorus, demonstrates the skills of LovHer. Says Sisqo: "I took what I learned from every girl group, I took the best elements of all of them, even the Spice Girls, and brought it to LovHer. They've got so much attitude, they're like a female Dru Hill; they sing with the aggression of a guy group."
Babyface is behind the boards on the insinuating mid-tempo swing beats of "Sexual," where Sisqo confesses that the physical is so mind-blowing that he is captivated. Tim & Bob take the reins on one of the album's most ambitious tunes, "The Thong Song." Combining "Eleanor Rigby" violins, a booty-bouncing rhythm track, and dramatic orchestra hits, Sisqo lets loose in a half-singing, half-rapping rapid performance in celebration of the thong. "Tim & Bob who worked with Boyz II Men, worked on a song called the Thong Song, which I'd like to be the third single. Out of the whole album, that's the song that's the essence of the whole new style," Sisqo says. "It's everybody's favorite song, and I want to do a big 'Smooth Criminal' kind of video with it."
Also on the album is Sisqo's heartfelt recording of the swooning pop epic "Enchantment Passing Through," a tune from the Tim Rice-Elton John musical "Aïda." Traditional romantics will be satisfied by the ballad gem "Incomplete," produced by fellow artist Montell Jordan with Shep Crawford. And fans will be gratified to hear a new remix of the Dru Hill hit "Everything" featuring Ja Rule, not previously available.
Growing up in East Baltimore, Sisqo listened to the sounds of classic R&B, gospel and jazz, and first developed skills as a dancer. But he knew he wanted to sing, and got his chance in high school, when with fellow students Nokio, Woody, and Jazz, the regionally named Dru Hill began wowing audiences on the Maryland talent-show circuit. A chance meeting with a record label executive led to the group's recording of a tune for the "Eddie" soundtrack; the smash "Tell Me" turned out to be Dru Hill's breakthrough. Within just three years, the group's blend of gospel-soul harmonies, showmanship, and Sisqo's unforgettable vocals and visuals (his cropped blonde locks and numerous tattoos made an instant impact) have rocketed the group to the top of the R&B charts. But with solo plans for each member of the group, Dru Hill plans to dominate the pop charts as well.
"We thought, with another Dru album, even though it would be good for your fans, you're not progressing, you're not making history, " explains Sisqo, whose blazing featured role alongside Will Smith in this year's "Wild Wild West" video has garnered him more mainstream attention. "so we tried to think of what we could do to get more people interested in the group, to show we're not just the typical R&B group. So we devised a plan called The Dru World Order, where each member would do their own separate solo record, then we would all come back this time next year with a new Dru Hill album."
Meanwhile, the life of a solo artist who also writes and develops other acts is "hard, hard, hard!" Sisqo says with a laugh. With plans to tour to support Unleash The Dragon, develop other entertainment entities, and perhaps take a stab at acting, Sisqo sums up his style and goals in the year 2000: "I got a lot of aggression and a lot of attitude, but through God's grace, I'm accepted in the 'hood as well as the pop market. So with all my acts I'm trying to have them develop that same crossover appeal where they're respected in both markets."
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Albums
| Year | Label | Title | |
| 1999 | Def Soul | Unleash The Dragon | |
| 1999 | Def Jam | Unleash The Dragon [Edited] | |
Singles
| Year | Label | Title |
| 2000 | Def Jam | Got To Get It/Beauty Remix | |
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