Dope Albums You've Probably Never Heard: The RH Factor - Hard Groove

Hard Groove is absolutely one of my favorite jazz/soul albums not only from Roy Hargrove's RH Factor, but of all time.


This is not your typical jazz album. Released in 2003, the Grammy-nominated Hard Groove has so many gems and so many prolific artists that it was hard for me to pick my 3 favorite tracks so I'm giving you all 4 tracks. Roy Hargrove made his band, The RH Factor, do the damn thing and put an album together that is so smooth and chill yet thought-provoking at the same time. With appearances from artists such as D'Angelo, Common, Erykah Badu, and Anthony Hamilton, I really don't have to say much more to convince you all how beyond amazing this album is.

My 4 Favorite Tracks Are...

Track 3 - "I'll Stay (ft. D'Angelo)" - When I rant on an on about FEELING music and you can't understand me, listen to this song and I DARE YOU not to feel anything. There's so much soul and feeling in this track that refuses to be ignored. I think the organ and D'Angelo's church-like vocals did me in. The music is so deep it'll have you singing "I'll staaaaaaay" even if you're NOT in a relationship.


Track 6 - "Poetry (ft. Q-Tip, Erykah Badu, & Meshell Ndegeocello)" - I love how Q-Tip starts the track out with his signature tone, and then Mama Badu brings in the easy neo-soulful transition. It's a perfect chill-out track.


Track 11 - "Kwah/Home (ft. Anthony Hamilton)" - I'm an Anthony Hamilton stan anyway, but the opening movement (or the "Kwah") of this song captured me. When I first received this album years ago, I had to listen to it over and over again.


Track 12 - "How I Know (ft. Shelby Johnson)" - This is my favorite track not only because it's cute and lovey dovey, but because Shelby Johnson's vocals carry a certain depth while maintaining an ease and softness. It's the perfect song to describe love on a mature level, but it's still light enough to enjoy.