THIS IS HOW WE DO IT

Personnel: Montell Jordan, Shaunta, Shappell Crawford, Coolio (vocals); Keb Mo, Morris O'Connor, Doc Powell (guitar); Nolan Smith (trumpet); Charles Green (horn); Mark Harris, Stan Sargent, Andrew Gouche, James Manning (bass); Derrick Walker (percussion); Doug Rasheed, Oji Pierce (programming); Jammin' James (scratches); Delois Jordan, Jennifer Jordan, Tracy Jordan, Ricky Harris, Colin England, Wil Wheaton, Da Gents, T.L. Cunningham, Kristin Hudson (background vocals). Producers include: D.J. Enuf, Clizark, Mr. Janky, J.A. Black, L.C.. The single "This Is How We Do It" was nominated for a 1996 Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Personnel: Montell Jordan (background vocals); Doc Powell, Morris O'Connor (guitar); Nolan Andrew Smith (trumpet); Charles Green (horns); Derrick Walker (percussion); Colin England, Jennifer Jordan, Delois Jordan, T.L. Cunningham, Da Gents, Tracy Jordan, Kristin Hudson, Wil Wheaton, Richard Harris (background vocals). Recording information: Black Castle Studios; Echo Sound Recordings; Showtyme Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Underworld Productions. Arrangers: Montell Jordan; Oji Pierce. There is a new figure eclipsing the world of R&B, and it isn't just this singer's 6-foot-8-inch frame. Montell Jordan has taken silky smooth, gospel-rooted sounds and flavored them with a street-smart hip-hop edge, creating a swinging R&B album. The title track, his debut single, topped the R&B charts before the album even hit the streets. Joining that upbeat track in offering infectious grooves are the streetwise "Introducing Shaunta," the goodtime pick-up cues of "Somethin' 4 Da Honeyz" and the radio-friendly "Gotta' Get My Roll On." Jordan's roots are obvious. He has heard his share of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass, whose "Close The Door" he covers; but he can also turn from the sensuous crooning and slam harder, emulating new nasty boys like R. Kelly. Two other highlights include the blues-dripping "Comin' Home," a change of pace that samples B.B. King; and "Daddy's Home," a nod to the relationship between fathers and sons, reminding the listener that Jordan's lyrics are deep from the heart.

• Genre: R&B
• Format: CD
• Released: 4/4/1995