Commercially, hip-hop and R&B have never been bigger. Musically, they've both become MUCH worse. The latest remedy to the disease of overcommercialism arrives as the Jazzyfatnastees, a vocal duo discovered by ?love of the Roots, present their long-awaited debut album. The Once and Future has everything - thought provoking lyrics, body and soul moving rhythms, talented singers and musicians.

The Roots' influence is felt immediately and consistently through this album. Scott Storch, the original Roots keyboardist, wrote much of the music and played keyboards on most of the tracks on the album. Amir Thompson, better known as Brother ?, lays down several of his solid and simple sounding, yet deeply layered and intricate drum backbones. Leonard "Hub" Hubbard, the Roots' bassist, continues to be solid providing innovative yet sturdy basslines. However, this is clearly NOT a Roots album.

Tracey Moore and Mercedes Martinez, the two members of the Jazzyfatnastees, wrote lyrics and melody on each song. Together, they weave intricate, personal and touching lyrics into music which they had a hand in in many cases, and seem to have hand selected the rest. Everything about this album reflects Tracey and Mercedes, sounding very different from any of the Roots album, yet maintaining the solid foundation in musicality that runs through everything they touch.

The songs are careful to avoid mainstream cliches as well. For example, on "How Sad," Mercedes sings to someone who is in an abusive relationship, pointing out all its problems. However, she realises that there is nothing she can do, but encourage her friend to see this for herself, and extricate herself from the situation. In "Unconventional Ways," she speaks of not needing the conventional trappings society suggests are so important to prove love. "Don't need the house, the picket fence / to show the world that we connect. / Don't need a church, a diamond ring, / to prove our love's a lasting thing." "Hear me" has Tracey singing lead vocals, and talking to her unborn child about the state of the world. (I think, I wouldn't really know, now would I? ;) "Related to Me," is a personal thanks to a close sister. "Why," explores that favourite topic of R&B right now, the no-good man. However, in this refreshing look, the sister in question asks herself why she spent so much time and effort on him without seeing what he really was instead of trying to brand all men as villains.

It is this extra thoughtfulness, extra effort to be unique, or to offer some unique outlook on a previously explored idea that sets this album above the others in its genre. Unlike so many other albums right now, this album is great to hear and thoughtfully explore rather than just to listen to.

The final verdict: Have a listen to this soulful, well-thought out and long overdue album. Better yet, save yourself about 5 minutes, which is how long it would take you to skip through a couple of songs and buy it anyway. Then, when you get home, turn off the ringer on the phone for an hour, sit down and listen, really listen to the many levels of excellence that have come together here.