Is it hip-hop? Yes, but that doesn't cover it all. Is it R&B? Yes, but that's not all of it either. Is it Soul? Without a doubt, but again, that's not adequate to describe the album.

What it is, is Voodoo, the long awaited sophomore album from D'Angelo. It's also an intensely musical experience. D'Angelo burst onto the scene five years ago with his brilliant debut album, Brown Sugar. Featuring such songs as "Brown Sugar," "Cruisin'" and "Shit, Damn, Motherfucker," he quickly gained a large and faithful following. After some label woes with his previous label, Kedar, he moved on. Due to this change, and some other difficulties, his sophomore album was long delayed. This led to expectations for his sophomore effort rising continuously. Some were even concerned that these expectations were growing to the point where he could not live up to them. After signing to the Roots' label, Okayplayer (www.okayplayer.com) he finally did release it. To me at least, he's met every expectation and then some. This album looks like it's going into heavy rotation for a good long while.

Musically, you had to know this was going to be an incredible album way before it's release. D'Angelo is something of a musical prodigy, playing a number of instruments and this definitely shines through on the album. He's enlisted quite a bit of musical talent to help him out, but there is absolutely no doubt that this is a D'Angelo album. He did all of the vocal and musical arrangements himself (with help on a few songs). Also, the calibre of musicians he has invited to work with him is extremely high. ?love of the Roots drops by to do some drumming, Raphael Saddiq (formerly of Tony Toni Tone) provides some musical arrangements and plays guitar, Roy Hargrove provides some horns, James Poyser drops by to play keys and Charlie Hunter and Pino Palladino make several appearances each. Yet, on several songs, D'Angelo plays ALL of the instruments himself.

Lyrically this album is also on point. Unlike so many of the "Ooh baby baby ooh" singers out there today, D'Angelo attempts to address many social problems throughout the album. His lyrics have that raw, personal edge that can only be achieved when the artist pens their own lyrics or REALLY feels ones that are written for them. Redman and Method man also drop by on "Left & Right," staying amped as usual. If you listen carefully, you'll hear Q-Tip on vocal percussion in that song too.

Tracks to check for are the whole album, beginning to end, but in particular, "Devil's Pie," "Left & Right," "Chicken Grease," "The Root" and "Africa" stand out. Don't sleep on this one.

The final verdict: Without a doubt one of the best things to happen to R&B/Soul music in a LONG time. Pick this up and put it on your rack next to your copy of the Jazzyfatnastees album. Okayplayer is NOT playing around.