After a pair of successful and independent contemporary Christian releases, Jamaal Pollard, aka
Mali Music, moved to the secular side of the music industry and signed to RCA. While the majority of
Mali Is... could be categorized as secular R&B and rap, he hasn't cut his roots. Understated yet energized, Pollard's major-label debut is certainly closer in sound to contemporary releases from the likes of
John Legend and
Aloe Blacc. This contains the modern Southern soul of "No Fun Alone," the booming/rallying "Fight for You," the uplifting "Beautiful," and career highlight "Ready Aim" -- all singles, all distinctive, and compelling. ~ Andy Kellman