For years, J Rawls and his production talents have gone virtually unnoticed by the mainstream. When his name is mentioned, many do not link him to the beautifully crafted “Brown Skin Lady” off of Mos Def & Talib Kweli‘s Black Star project. Even in the underground, Rawls has put together exceptional projects with Fat Jon of Five Deez (recording under the guise 3582) and made a brilliant tribute to the late J Dilla with The Liquid Crystal Project. Instead of being concerned about being noticed by the industry, Rawls has decided to put together another low key project with female vocalist, Middle Child, simply titled Rawls & Middle.
J Rawls production is on point as usual. The sizzling soul of “My Dreams” moves beautifully about as Middle Child grooves between the sparse but swanky arrangement. “Useless” is yet another example of the duo’s chemistry working to a tee. But those moments aren’t always prevalent on the album.
What holds Rawls & Middle back, however, is Middle Child‘s vocals. At times, her voice can’t carry the weight over Rawls‘ numerous jewels. “I’ll Be Waiting” is yet another slick gem but Middle‘s limited vocal range simply can’t carry the song to greatness. Problems like these arise often on the album where it feels like she is fighting against the production rather than flowing with it. “Thankful” finds Middle overstating her vocal talents and thus, pushing the song from a definite banger to easily replaceable.
There are times that Middle Child gets it just right like on “Music Over Madness” where she doesn’t have to do much but allow the beat to control the attention of the listener. The guitars of “By Your Side” rock along as Middle does a solid job of giving it just the right touch of rocked out flair. “Put Something In The Air” slides along gracefully with Middle Child keeping it sexy as the Rawls production does ¾ of the work.
Although not a breakthrough album for either artist, Rawls & Middle does just enough to keep Rawls on the producer radar. He’s definitely a talented producer that has yet to get his due and his boardwork on Rawls and Middle has proven that once again. Unfortunately, Middle Child isn’t a strong enough vocalist to magnify those production talents and assist in thrusting Rawls into the limelight. Regardless, Rawls & Middle is yet another demonstration from J Rawls on how to craft an soul album – too bad Middle Child doesn’t take it to the next lever.