Phatfffat's album is Pretty Hot and Tempting!

I've never done an entertainment review post, but something has me really excited. Actually, someone. Dondria, the 23 year-old YouTube sensation turned SoSoDef RnB songstress, graced the world with her sweet and sultry vocals back in June 2008 with the release of a buzz single entitled Can't Stop. After a duet on Bow Wow's 2009 album, and a mixtape of her own, Dondria's debut album's first single, You're The One, got her the exposure on 106 and Park, mTV and radio stations that signified she's finally made it. This single alone was a refreshing taste of old school RnB. And, when I say old school, I mean as old as my 22 years of life can get- Boyz II Men, K-Ci and JoJo, Lauryn Hill, TLC and Destiny's Child influenced my tastes in music, and I can say with much certainty that Dondria has been molded by these artists as well. Her style, phrasing, and even the ad-libs sound like a collection of all our generation's "classic" songs.

Her album, Dondria vs. Phatfffat, is an 11-track collection of classic sing-along love songs. The themes range from "Baby, why did we break up?" to "Darling, you're amazing and I hope we never breakup." and whatever other 9 songs you can fit in between. Lyrically, the creativity is not remarkable, but Dondria's talent is undeniable. She's got a great range and a lot of control. I'm excited because this album gives me hope for the return of the RnB that I grew up on. Sure, I'm a huge Beyonce fan, and mostly measure every other female RnB artist's talent off of B's benchmarks. But, we can't deny that even the Queen B herself is taking more steps away from her traditional (and by tradition, I mean those from the '90s and up) RnB roots, and more towards a pop/rock/soul feel. It works for her, and everyone is following in those footsteps. Except Dondria. Unlike everyone else riding rude boys and wondering why men don't love them these days, Dondria is leading the way back to where I fell in love with RnB music, and hopefully she can keep it there.

So, the Celeste Stamp of Approval goes on this album. I realized it was official when, on track 8, I was still subconciously bobbing my head and watching my sideview mirrors vibrate to the deep bass blasting through my Rav4 speakers. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a classic, but it's good music. Solid vocals, catchy beats, and decent enough lyrics to support my decision in spending $9.99 for the CD. Dondria is a beautiful and very talented young woman to whom I can relate! It's nice to have someone speaking, or singing, for my demographic, especially in the keys I like to hear.