Cody ChestnuTT is back and and right on cue to present us with an album of soothing and soulful refuge in these testing times. It’s been a wait of almost 5 years for the man best known for laying the foundations to The Roots’ seminal track The Seed 2.0 to drop his next studio record. But this summer he has appeased the soul and funk diehards with his latest release ‘My Love Divine Degree’.
To quote the soul-singer; “This body of work is medicine to me” and after the first listen it’s evident this record leaves aside ChestnuTT’s usual inclination for romantic themes and proposes a more pertinent message championing the black diaspora, familial values and the pursuit of peace in a conflict-ridden political climate. Lyrics of resilience and hope are met with a classic beat-soul palette propped up by the vision of Anthony ‘Twilite Tone’ Khan (the Chicago producer behind many collaborations extending to Kanye West, Pusha T, Common and more) who injects a hiphop and rhythm-strong flavour throughout. This is best presented in the album’s track ‘Bullet’s in the Street and Blood’– featuring RnB standard bearer Raphael Sadiiq – whose bass-heavy instrumental makes you want to grind and bop at the same time.
‘My Love Divine Degree’ is no regular neo-soul album. From the funkbomb of She Ran Away to the uptempo ska number of Make a Better Man or the ambient Sebrena which marries ChestnuTT’s wonderful husky vocals with the drifting tones of a single vibraphone, the Atlanta vocalist keeps us on our toes exploring a variety of soundscapes within his unique realm of soul music.
Favourite Track?
Peace – Side by Side. With a beat that’s been whizzed through the drum machine and comes out feeling clean-cut and original matched with simple, poignant lyrics, this is one of the closing tracks capturing the essence of love and social progression and feels like a defining moment in the record.