Editorial Reviews

The San Francisco Bay Area has long been a hotbed of R&B and hip-hop-talent, from Sly Stone to Raphael Saadiq to the Hieroglyphics rap crew. Joining the prestigious hit list is Martin Luther, a singer, songwriter, and musician who was named after the civil rights activist. On his stellar sophomore disc, Rebel Soul Music -- the follow-up to his overlooked debut, The Calling -- Luther follows in the tradition of Jimi Hendrix and Lenny Kravitz by eschewing genre lines to create a distinct blend of funk, rock, and soul. This is especially evident on the politically charged "Ms. America." Backed by fierce guitar licks, Luther spins a tale of an America that does not promise liberty and justice for all. Similarly, he pays homage to his hometown on the melancholy "No Place Like Home," on which Luther depicts the seedier side of a city better known for the picturesque Golden Gate Bridge and the bohemian Haight Street. Slowing down the tempo, Luther showcases his softer side on the melodic and uplifting "Rise," which serves as a wake-up call to a generation lost: "What's happening, little brother / Are you still getting by / On the corner everyday, you like the pay / Are you still getting high?" A member of the Roots' okayplayer family, Luther does what few of his contemporaries have successfully done: He offers an informative and entertaining mix of social commentary and boundary-pushing music. Rashaun Hall, Barnes & Noble

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