Ever since its launch on March 31^st Tidal, the streaming company bought and relaunched by Jay-Z, has been under fire from tabloids, music fans and other streaming services. Sean Carter (Jay-Z) bought the Aspiro Company who originally launched Tidal in the UK and U.S. in October of 2014 for $56 million dollars.

With a stage full of multi-millionaires asking the hard working public to help support them, there was a chuckle heard throughout the internet. Tabloids and websites here and abroad jumped on the opportunity to pile on Mr. Carter’s investment. So much so that Jay took to Twitter to tweet, “The iTunes Store wasn’t built in a day. It too Spotify 9 years to be successful…”

Just one month after the star-studded roll-out Tidal’s CEO Andy Chen was showed the door. The Aspiro Group, parent company of Tidal, former CEO Peter Tonstad was plucked to lead the company on an interim basis. This all is under the need to “streamline” the operation.

The company has been pulling out all the stops. First it was March relaunch with the steaming services platinum line-up taking the stage and signing a declaration. Next came the streamlining and suggestion of a smear campaign by Tidal’s rivals. So what’s next?

On May 13^th, in an intimate NYC location, Jay-Z plans to perform a special concert of deep-cuts and B-side songs. Of course this is if you are signed up with Tidal. This is the edge that the fledgling company has over Apple’s iTunes Radio, Pandora and, what seems to be the Millennials favorite, Spotify.

If this power move works we may see more exclusive musical cheese dangles to get us caught in the Tidal trap! If the buzz doesn’t pick-up will the Aspiro Group be allowed a 9 year grace period like Spotify? I tend to think that in today’s landscape of quick flips and media spin Tidal will be the rogue wave that got away!

I must admit, I am a stalker and a thief! I love to get on Spotify and secretly listen to my friends are listening to. If the song seems like it fits into my world I’ll steal it and add it to my playlist.

I guess that’s what the whole idea of Spotify is but something just seems wrong about it. Yes Danielle Lott, Jodine Dorce and Tony Rome, I’ve been sifting through your musical collections and borrowing what I believe is the coolest of your cool.

There are a few artists that haven’t been exposed enough and I pull their work as well. European and Underground artists like Pete Philly and Nicky Davey are getting exposure on my personal playlist. Oh, I’ll turn my back so my fellow stalkers… Umm, music aficionados can borrow from me.

When I was younger a fella could make a name for himself to be the first on the block with the latest this or that. The fly new sneakers, the freshest fade or a sound that hadn’t been heard in your neighborhood would earn you “Cool Points.” Now, with the world of music at our fingertips this game is very serious!

I’m on a constant hunt to expose great artists and sounds. They are out there but you have to know where to look. The more we all share the cooler we can all be. Also, artists who deserve recognition but can’t find airplay through traditional radio may be getting their time to shine.

Kenny Lattimore has started his creative process again. The smooth tenor and melodic phrasings that we became familiar with in songs like For You and Never Too Busy are back.

In his new album, Anatomy Of A Love Song, Lattimore has put together a solid piece of work. The Washington DC area native will tell you that as he’s grown and moved there was something lost which now is found. He has, in his words, “discovered my love for music again!”

Kenny Lattimore is a master of laying his satin vocals over mid-tempo tracks giving them a smooth finish. On Anatomy Of A Love Song, tracks like “Love Me Back” and “What Must I Do“ stand out on the 14-track album. The songs show intelligence and balance in a musical world full of punch-ins and shortcuts.

There aren’t many let downs on Anatomy Of A Love Song. One track that I had to give a second listen to before buying in was “Nothing Like You” a duet with Lalah Hathaway. With two distinct and well-honed voices I thought this would prove to be an instant winner but I had to go through a few more tracks before retuning to this one. There is also song or two that may have cross-over appeal but did hit this writers button.

Possibly my expectations were a little too high for Anatomy. I also feel the album, besides the Hathaway duet, fell short on an offering a pure ballad that will last through time. Kenny does well with his medium slow songs but there isn’t a “killer” signature slow song. I am a critic that has learned however, not to judge an artists work on one or two listens.

Don’t get me wrong, I know there are few perfect albums and I did enjoy my first and second listen of Anatomy Of A Love Song. If you are a fan of words set to music you’ll enjoy your time with this one as well.

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Jodeci was a big part of the soundtrack for the early 1990’s. When word that one of my favorite groups were making a return I was cautiously curious. I have seen time after time acts trying to recapture their old magic just to have it fizzle.

The four original guys are back together on the album, “The Past, The Present, The Future” is good to see. I just can’t help comparing their homecoming to seeing your old college fling. She still is cool as all get-out but she’s just moving a little slower and still running the same old game.

Songs like “Checkin’ For You,” “Sho Out” and “Every Moment” have that DeVante Swing groove and JoJo, K-Ci and Mr. Delvin harmonies. Other songs like “Those Things” and “Stress Reliever” just don’t have the energy Jodeci once showed consistently. I am wondering if the once powerful quartet has out lasted its’ core fan who are closing in on their fifties?

“Body Parts” featuring Mila J and “Nobody Wins” with the rapper B.o.B. are weak attempts at entertaining Millennial’s and Generation X’ers at the same time. It’s like the old man at the club trying to look cool but wearing his jeans well above his belly-button… massive fail.

I really like Jodeci. Their music gave me some of the best memories of my early 30’s but we’re all twenty years older now. I had to grow up… just a little. We all have to evolve or live in limbo at whatever year we peaked.