For Ear Sake

The Foreign Exchange – Authenticity (2010)

Genres: R&B, Soul

Close your eyes and reflect on the very first time you fell in love. Disregard the actually person, and remember the intensity of the stream of fresh emotions that flowed throughout your entire body. The same feeling can be applied towards the first music group I fell in love with, The Foreign Exchange. Members of the group include Singer and songwriter Phonte & producer Nicolay. The duo's union was definitely destiny, seeing that Dutch producer Nicolay moved from his native home to relocate in the States to collaborate with the rapper from Little Brother Phonte Coleman. Their first album was created while they were apart. The album Connected was created completely via phone and Internet. Connected was an introduction to who Nicolay and Phonte really were. Nicolay's mystical and ambient beats compliment Phonte's vocals and writing so eloquently. Sophmore album Leave It All Behind changed my life, and ultimately altered my entire extistence. The song “Daykeeper” was actually Grammy nominated in 2010, and the album received raved ratings throughout the entire soul culture media.

Men enjoy Soul music just as much women. It’s not often that R&B artists make albums that relate to what men experience in love, marriage, life, and relationships. In October of 2010, The Foreign Exchange released their junior album Authenticity. The album was crafted ever so beautifully. I didn’t see as much popularity with this album in comparison to the previous two, but the album was still a gem nonetheless. It was a journey that captured trials and tribulations through the eyes of men.

“Authenticity is an honest, revealing record of great potential to be one of those classics mentioned for our generation. The lyrics are thoughtful, charming and most of all genuine. Phonte proves to be the wordsmith we can depend on, making every experience real, and without judgment. It’s refreshing to hear such devotion on wax in our times. Yet, one of the most celebrated keys of success on this album is its diversity. Nicolay decided to continue with the same formula used on City Lights Vol. 2 Shibuya combining atmospheric 70s /80s jazz-fusion, elements of progressive rock movements, and softly laced broken beats. Separating themselves from the boom bap origin on previous albums showed musical growth and edginess that gives the genre a nice push in the right direction.”- Rawemag

To sum it up, the album is short and sweet. It includes collaborations with Jesse Boykins III, Chantae Cane, YahZarah, Median, and Darian Brockinton. I could compare the album to a ride on a rollercoaster. Each track will take you high and low; but right when you start having fun the ride is over. Currently the group is doing their Authenticity tour in the U.S. So if you haven’t seen them live yet, be sure to get your tickets. Also, if you happen to see them live, be prepared for an entertaining and heart filled show.

Authenticity as well as previous albums by the duo can be purchased at The Foreign Exchange Music Store or on Amazon. The video for "The Last Fall" is also located below.