David Ruffin - "Slow Dance"

David Ruffin's "Slow Dance" comes from his last studio album, Gentleman Ruffin. More known for his work with the Temptations, Ruffin proved he still had it with this 1980 release. You may recognize the artwork as the inspiration for Wiz Khalifa's breakout mixtape, Kush & OJ. If the track sounds familiar and you listen to Little Brother, it's because "Slow Dance" was sampled by 9th Wonder for "Take It Slow" off the The Minstrel Show.  Listen/download the track and album below:

And If You Don't Know...Aloe Blacc's Good Things

If you don't know about Aloe Blacc, you are sleeping good R&B soul music. Aloe is a singer/rapper/musician from California. Last year he released the album Good Things, which I thought was one of the best R&B albums of the year. When I first heard it, I was instantly reminded of soul artists such as Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield, and Al Green. It is refreshing to hear R&B that is genuine and doesn't sound like every other song at the top of the pop charts. His first single, "I Need A Dollar" is definitely a standout track. It is about a man's struggle after losing his job due to layoffs and how he is coping. This song is also used for the opening credits on HBO's How to Make It In America and for a recent Boost Mobile commercial. Check out some of my favorite songs from the album below. And if you don't know, now you know...