Normally blunt, ghetto "let's freak" songs are a turn-off. But there are some that can moan a horny plea and make it sound as smooth and romantic as Luther Vandross. Next, those three brothers from Minneapolis, mastered that technique and showed the world how it's done on their mind-inΓÇöthe- gutter debut Rated Next.
Welcome To Nextasy picks up where they left off without being too repetitive or offensive. In fact, those ghetto raunchy lyrics sound even more ghetto fab. A little sample: "Call me whenever you feel freaky, I'm all you need," they coo on the ballad "Call Me." Okay, it's not Shakespeare, but Next's hushed harmonies and sensitive delivery make it as good as any Hallmark. The more overt line, "My star actress on the mattress," becomes equally enticing in the alluring "Let's Make A Movie."
In between this audio orgy lies some balance: Social commentary on "Beauty Queen," emotional betrayal on "Banned From TV," and simple "I love you, honey" cuts like "When We Kiss" and the destined-to-be-a-wedding-theme "My Everything" illustrate that, yes, sex-obsessed roughnecks can have depth.
All recordings courtesy of Arista Records. "Wifey" written by K. Gist, E. Berkeley, R. L. Huggar; courtesy of Divine Mill Music/WB Music Corp./Fingazgoal Entertainment (ASCAP)/Uh Oh Entertainment/Ensign Music Corp. (BMI). "Beauty Queen" written by K. Gist, E. Berkeley, C. Hitchcock, T. Barbarella, R. L. Huggar; courtesy of Divine Mill Music/WB Music Corp./Fingazgoal Entertainment/Funkdout Music/Lonelm Music (ASCAP)/Uh Oh Entertainment/Ensign Music Corp. (BMI). "Jerk" written by K. Gist, E. Berkeley, R.L. Huggar, C. Jackson; courtesy of Divine Mill Music/WB Music Corp./Fingazgoal Entertainment/Uh Oh Entertainment/Ensign Music Corp. (BMI)/50 Cent Music, Inc. (BMI).
