Smoove Jones

Smoove Jones
Studio album by Mýa
Released February 14, 2016
Recorded 2013–15
Genre
Length 45:36
Label Planet 9
Producer
  • Mýa Harrison (exec.)
  • Yonni
  • The Hit List
  • Delivery Boy
  • Terrell Sass
  • T-Town Productions
  • Desmond "BigHeadDez" Peterson
  • Philip "HardWork" Constable
  • Lamar "Mars" Edwards
Mýa chronology
Love Elevation Suite
(2015)		 Smoove Jones
(2016)
Singles from Smoove Jones
  1. "Welcome to My World"
    Released: October 10, 2015
  2. "Team You"
    Released: December 8, 2015

Smoove Jones is the seventh studio album by American recording artist Mýa. It is the singer's seventh independent studio project. It was released February 14, 2016 by Planet 9 (Harrison's label) exclusively through iTunes and Apple Music, with physical copies (standard, autographed, or personalized) available on the singer's official website. The project commemorates the release of the singer's debut single "It's All About Me" and 18th anniversary in the entertainment industry. Musically, Smoove Jones incorporates R&B/soul/hip-hop with old school elements from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.[1]

Background

Harrison took wise business advice from mentor Prince regarding ownership of her records and decided to go the independent route.[2]

Prior to Mýa recording and releasing her first independent album overseas, she released three successful studio albums in the United States; 1998's Mýa, 2000's Fear of Flying and 2003's Moodring. In 1998, Mýa released her debut self-titled album, which peaked at No. 13 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Fear of Flying (2000) fared even better at No. 7, with the single "Case of the Ex" reaching No. 2 on the Hot 100. In 2001, she took home a Grammy for "Lady Marmalade", her massive No. 1 single with Pink, Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, and Missy Elliott. A role in the hit film Chicago and other acting opportunities followed. After she released Moodring in 2003, with the exception of a popular stint on Dancing with the Stars in 2009 (she finished second), it seemed as if Mýa had left the entertainment industry.[3]

In 2004, after the Moodring album, she ended up in a year-long litigation with management. In late 2005, Harrison made a transition within the Universal system from Interscope to Universal Motown. In 2007 her fourth studio album Liberation was accidentally released in Japan when the release date changed. At the time, she was with Motown/Universal; her lawyer advised that she not waste time and money taking the issue to court, so Harrison decided to go independent instead. Japan loved the Liberation album so much, that a company by the named Manhattan Recordings located there approached her about doing business with them. In 2008, Harrison released her first independent album, titled Sugar & Spice, in Japan, a year after her split with Motown.[4]

Planet 9

In 2008, Harrison created her own label imprint, Planet 9. Since parting ways with Universal Motown, Harrison has released four independently self-funded, self-executive produced projects; 2008's Sugar & Spice, 2009's Sugar & Spice: The Perfect Edition, 2010's Beauty & the Streets Vol. 1 and 2011's K.I.S.S. In 2009, Harrison spoke with Rolling Out magazine, elaborating more on her hiatus from music and decision to go independent:

"I've never stopped doing music. I've created a label called Planet 9 and I released an album in Japan. I invested in my own studio and it cut the recording cost down 95 percent. I have my own in-house producers and they are not as expensive as an established producer. The return is greater and now I own my masters. I see six dollars per album sold versus 10 cents. You may not sell as many units because you don't put as much money in promotions, but the returns are better."[5]

Later in the interview, Harrison voiced her opinion on the major difference between major record labels and independent labels, saying, "Major labels have a system that you have to go through. The people in power dictate how things should sound and where the money is spent. But when you become your own boss, you check every line item and you have to be cautious."[5]

Title and artwork

Speaking on its title with KMW exclusive, Mýa said, "I chose Smoove Jones as the title because it best described the laid back, smooth essence and approach to this project." Her friend and fellow artist Cliff Lewis also gave her the nickname "Smoove Jones" in the studio.[6] In an interview with The Frisky, Harrison elaborated more on the title and commented, "I was given the nickname "Smoove Jones" based on my laid back, ol' school vibe and smooth personality." Going further into detail Harrison stated, "since I been giving a lot of grown and sexy music lately, with a '70s vibes, I thought it'd be the perfect name for a project." Harrison depicts Smoove Jones, as a female version of Billy Dee Williams meets Supafly meets Pam Grier.[7]

The EP's artwork is from a collection of images of the times Harrison and her photographers got together and "played". Mýa explained, "I play a lot and I have friends who are photographers in different states and if I see a fly object after a show, "I say, "Hey, I'll sit in this chair. Take a picture!" In exchange, those images sometimes become artwork for flyers, singles and/or album covers. The project's calendar was shot by her friend and a new photographer she worked with in Arizona. Speaking on behalf of her 2016-2017 zodiac calendar, Harrison commented, "I've known that I've wanted to put a calendar out with an album, but those images are from two years ago and maybe two of them are recent. They've been sitting like a lot of my music and I'm always creating." In between time, it's just something to put out, before her masterpiece whether it's calendars, DVDs, or EPs, etc.[8]

Development

I stay in the studio, literally, sometimes I'm there for days straight just creating. That's something I try to do as a songwriter and producer. This project is material that's been collected over the last three years of recording.

Mýa on the creation of Smoove Jones with SOHH.[9]

Almost nearly five years passed between Harrison's last full-length studio album to Smoove Jones. As she did before on her previous project K.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple), Harrison served as executive producer for Smoove Jones which entailed her scouting for producers, songwriters, arranging the album's track listing, and keeping track of the accounting. With her sixth studio album K.I.S.S., Harrison catered to Japan's J-pop sound and popular culture.[10] Originally, her seventh studio project was to feature her EP's Love Elevation Suite (2015) and Sweet XVI (2014) along with bonus tracks manufactured as a CD.[11] However, nothing ever materialized and Harrison scrapped that idea in favor of a new project. Initially, when Harrison started recording material she didn't have a title.[9] She was just in a place of wanting to write from her soul.[9] In an interview with Billboard on the project's creation, Harrison clarified, "I didn't necessarily say, "OK, it's time to create a project called Smoove Jones."[12] During the interview, Harrison went further into details and remarked,"I stay in the studio on the regular. I literally live in the studio."[12] Acknowledging, for her, these days are about playing around in the studio and experimenting which is kind of how the project happened.[9] Smoove Jones came to her as a concept and while she been giving grown and sexy EPs for the last four EPs, she admits the title was birthed through a picture from a photo shoot she did in 2015 and the vibe of it.[9] The project's overall theme was inspired by the 1970s. Speaking with SOHH on its origin, Harrison explained:

I love the '70s, I love black power, black love as well as temptress vibes and the coolness of how people relayed messages of love. The Isley Brothers were triple OGs to me and you see their influence in R. Kelly. Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, there was a lot happening socially but as far as love, that was a time of real love to me and because my fans had requested real R&B, real songs, and positivity because when they turn on the radio they're not getting that these days, here you go. I'm only giving what my fans have requested of me and that's kind of how Smoove Jones was birthed and delivered from me.[9]

Approaching, Smoove Jones, Harrison incorporated R&B/soul/hip-hop with old school elements from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s[1] because she knew how she wanted it to feel. She wanted it to feel grown and sexy for her fans that have grown up with her for the last 18 years [who] have kids, gotten married and all that.[12] Chatting with KMW exclusive, Harrison said for this album most of the music was already created.[6] Harrison said she chose tracks based on the "R&B/Soul" genre feeling accordingly, because that's what her fans had requested from her.[6] Essentially, Harrison just pulled a collection of songs out of her archive that she thought would vibe well together since everything was recorded within one to three years ago.[12] To avoid early leakage of the project or any of her music, Harrison drafted and services a pre- and post-recording agreement to hold the producers, writers, artists, and engineers liable for leakage, sharing, placement, and playing of her music.[13]

Composition

Music and songs

Smoove Jones is a departure from Harrison's last studio project K.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple), which leaned more toward the dance and pop genre. With this project, Harrison blended the R&B/soul/hip-hop genre with elements of 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s with a modern twist.[1] Theme wise, Smoove Jones focused on empowerment, sensuality, and celebratory records with substance.[7] Naturally, Harrison drew inspiration from within herself, her personal and professional life and during her interview with The Frisky Harrison dispensed where the inspiration stemmed from for particular songs. On records like "Hold On", Harrison called on real life experiences; such as a student that wants to drop out of school to sell dope instead, someone dealing with bullying that wants to take their own life, strippers she has talked to that almost didn't make it out of an abusive relationship because they were afraid to leave, even herself, and those trying times she faced and could've chosen the other side.[7] Songs like "Phya", she reimagined being in her living room with her parents playing Isaac Hayes and Earth, Wind & Fire vinyl records and dancing in her mom's high heels.[7] On "One Man Woman", Harrison traveled back in time and reminisced being in her bedroom in high school listening to Mint Condition on her hot pink boom box.[7] On the outro, she went to her fans and all of their messages regarding their favorite slow jams and mashed them up together as a grown and sexy gumbo.[7]

Release and promotion

The release date for a new project was first reported in January 2015.[14] In a correspondence with a member of Mýa's team, Juicy's THE SCOOP disclose Harrison's next project was intended to be a joint venture with a major label so she can acquire support of radio.[14] During that time, no release date was set as of yet, but 2015 was the projection.[14] However, in December 2015, Harrison announced on her Instagram account that her eighth independent project Smoove Jones was available for pre-order exclusively on her official website set to be release (2/14/2016) Valentine's Day worldwide.[15] Through her online music shop, Harrison offer fans the option of purchasing her new project in; standard, autographed, or personalized edition.[16] To further promote her new project, Harrison offer fans the option of purchasing a 17-month zodiac calendar (2016-2017) as an early Christmas gift as well with or without the purchase of the new project.[16] Ticket merchant AXS announced Harrison would embark on a nationwide tour in support of her new album Smoove Jones beginning March 12.[17] On March 12, 2016, Mýa held an album release party at Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas,Texas. At the event, Harrison performed new music from Smoove Jones as well as her classic hits. Additionally, fans were given the opportunity to meet Mýa and purchase Smoove Jones and/or the 17 month zodiac calendar. Tickets were sold through Eventbrite.[18]

Singles

On October 10, 2015, Harrison released the first single from the project, titled "Welcome To My World" on all digital formats.[19] The second single, "Team You" was released December 8, 2015.[20][21]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Exclaim!6/10[22]
Gay Times4/5[23]
HipHopDX3.7/5[24]
The Ithacan

Critical

Smoove Jones has received "generally favorable" reviews. Ryan B. Patrick of Exclaim! gave the album a 6 out of 10, expressing: "The Washington, D.C. native is too well known for Smoove Jones to be termed a comeback album, yet not well known enough for this album to make a lasting impact." Observing, "At 12 tracks, the independent release is solidly produced, and tracks like "Welcome to My World," "Team You" and "Elevator" recall late-1990s/early-2000s (decade) R&B, but numbers like "Hold On" and "Phya" feel regressive and carry little weight."[22] United Kingdom magazine Gay Times gave Smoove Jones a four out of five, commenting; "At 45 minutes long, Smoove Jones is just the right length to underline its concept without over stuffing it with endless interludes or forgettable ballads."[23] Similarly, online website HipHopDX expressed the exact sentiments and wrote, "After listening to Smoove Jones, it's easily understood that Mýa has been in the R&B game a long time. Her near 20-year career has given her enough life experience to put together an album that sounds as cohesive as it does varied. Although this album may not see any action on the charts, it does prove that Mýa's talent level is among the elite."[24] Staff writer Jacqueline Borwick of The Ithacan gave the album 3 out of 5 stars and concluded, "Smoove Jones" is an expression of the singer's passion for music through her lyrics. It is evident that this project was a labor of love for Mýa as it was independently made and self-funded, which demonstrates her profound effort and commitment to this craft.[25]

Commercial

Smoove Jones debuted at No.30 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart,[26] No.15 on the R&B Albums chart and No.17 on the Independent Album chart[27] on March 5, 2016. It sold 2,126 in its first week.

Track listing

No. TitleWriter(s)Producer(s) Length
1. "Smoove Jones Radio (Intro)"  
 0:59
2. "Welcome to My World"  
  • Harrison
  • Damar Beckett
  • Fred "DJ" Jenkins
  • Terence Odige
Delivery Boy  · Michael Williams  · Dejan Howerton 4:10
3. "Hold On" (featuring Phil Adé)Harrison  · Kalenna Harper  · Phil AdéPhilip "HardWork" Constable 3:22
4. "Elevator" (featuring Smoove Jones)Harrison  · Shaunice "Sha Sha" Jones  · Cliff LewisYonni  · Desmond "BigHeadDez" Peterson 2:57
5. "Phya"  Harrison  · James "J-Doe" SmithYonni  · Desmond "BigHeadDez" Peterson 3:18
6. "Spoil Me"  Harrison  · Cliff Lewis  · Shaunice "Sha Sha" JonesYonni 2:13
7. "Team You"  Harrison  · Fred "DJ" Jenkins  · Damar Aaron BeckettTerence "Delivery Boy" Odige 4:12
8. "Coolin'"  Harrison  · Nikki FloresDennis-Manuel Peters  · Daniel Coriglie  · Mario Bakovic 4:01
9. "One Man Woman (Ol' Skoo' Joint)"  Harrison  · Cliff Lewis  · Lisa DogonyaroTerrell Sass  · Yonni  · Orlando Williams 4:45
10. "Circle of Life (Ol' Skoo' Joint)"  Harrison  · Fred "DJ" Jenkins  · Damar Aaron BeckettTerence "Delivery Boy" Odige 4:12
11. "Smoove Jones Afta Glow Show (Outro)"  Harrison  · Terry Lewis  · Christopher "C-Mo" Moore  · Teron BealLamar "Mars" Edwards 6:42
Bonus track
No. TitleWriter(s)Producer(s) Length
12. "One Man Woman (Unplugged)"  Harrison  · Cliff Lewis  · Lisa DogonyaroTerrell Sass  · Yonni  · Orlando Williams 4:45

Personnel

Managerial
  • Business management – Theresa Harrison & Chaz Harrison of Mýa,Inc. & Karen Barnhouse, C.P.A.
  • Executive producer – Mýa Harrison
  • Management – Carol Rosenthal, Marc Rosenthal, Sherman Harrison, Mike Killmon, Troy "Dollarbill" Ramsey, Crystal Bozeman, Teron Beal, Tatiana Noboa, Amber Jorgensen, Reggie "J.R." White, Tracy Morris, Antonio Velaz
Visuals and imagery
Instruments
Technical and production
  • Engineering – Mýa Harrison, Joe Domovitch, Rome Palermo, Derek Anderson, Brandon Bishop, 808, Tom Kahre
  • Mastering – Rome Palermo
  • Mixing – Rome Palermo, Brandon Bishop, Derek Anderson

Charts

Chart (2016) Peak
position
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[28] 30
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[29] 17

Release history

List of release dates, showing region, formats, label, editions and reference
Region Date Format(s) Label Edition(s) Ref.
Worldwide February 14, 2016
  • Standard
 [16][30]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Mýa Is Fearless". Heroic. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  2. ↑ "Liife&Such: Mya". jadoresliife. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  3. ↑ "Mya Talks 'K.I.S.S.' Deluxe Album, New 'Catty' Single, & Trina Collabo". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
  4. ↑ "Mya Interview 4Eight Media". four8media. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  5. 1 2 "Mya's Last Dance?". Rolling Out. Retrieved 2012-07-22.
  6. 1 2 3 "Mya Talks About Her 18th Year Anniversary In The Business, 12th Studio Project "Smoove Jones," Her Legacy & MUCH MORE During Our Exclusive Chat!". KMW Exclusive. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "R&B Singer Mya Talks 'Smoove Jones,' Love, Life And Musical Liberty". The Frisky. Retrieved 2016-02-27.
  8. ↑ "MYA SAYS IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SEE HER EVERYDAY: "I'M ALWAYS CREATING"". SOHH. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "MYA GETS GROWN & SEXY, BREAKS DOWN HER NEW "SMOOVE JONES" EP: "I STAY IN THE STUDIO, LITERALLY"". SOHH. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  10. ↑ "Interview: Mya Talks New Album "K.I.S.S.", Releasing Albums in Japan First, Importance of Her Music". youknowigotsoul. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  11. ↑ "Likeable, Long Legs and Love Give Mya Longevity". Chicago Crusader. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "Mya Talks New EP 'Smoove Jones,' Love & Feminism". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  13. ↑ "Mya's Advice on How Not to Get Your Album Leaked". Miami New Times. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
  14. 1 2 3 "Remember Me? Mya Preps For Comeback With Plans For New Project". Juicy. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  15. ↑ "Mýa Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  16. 1 2 3 "Mýa Official Store". myamya.com. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  17. ↑ "R&B songstress Mya announces nationwide tour for latest album, 'Smoove Jones'". AXS. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  18. ↑ "Sultry Grammy winner picks Dallas for exclusive album release party". CultureMap. Retrieved 2016-02-08.
  19. ↑ "Mya - Welcome To My World". singersroom. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  20. ↑ "Mya Gives Thanks To Fans With "Team You"". Vibe. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  21. ↑ "Mya Gives a Teaser to Her New Single 'Team You'". The Source. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  22. 1 2 "Smoove Jones Review". Exclaim!. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  23. 1 2 "Review: Mýa's new album Smoove Jones". Gay Times. Retrieved 2016-02-25.
  24. 1 2 "Mya - Smoove Jones". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
  25. ↑ "Review: Mýa's emotional tracks soar". The Ithacan. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  26. ↑ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album Week of March 5, 2016". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-02-24.
  27. ↑ "Independent Album Week of March 5, 2016". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-02-24.
  28. ↑ "Mya – Chart history" Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums for Mya. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  29. ↑ "Mya – Chart history" Billboard Independent Albums for Mya. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  30. ↑ "Smoove Jones". iTunes. Retrieved 2016-01-23.
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