Fantasia - Hood Boy Video

Send "Hood Boy" ringtone to your cell

"Hood Boy" Video Review

Most of the former "American Idol" winners who have released albums so far have tried to keep their music all-ages friendly and not offend anyone in the wide spectrum of people who helped them win the talent contest. But on her self-titled second album, Fantasia completely steps out of the "American Idol" shadow and makes it clear that she's her own woman now. Fantasia's new album is strong, saucy, sassy, bold and brassy, just like her. Although she still has a way to go before she completely reaches her potential, she's miles ahead of most of the other ex-"American Idol" contestants when it comes to getting there.

'American Idol" season three winner Fantasia Barrino took a greater role in crafting her self-titled second album, and it definitely shows. Where her debut album, 2004's Free Yourself, was relatively safe and commercial, Fantasia is more free and in-your-face, and better reflects her personality and vocal style.

The first single, "Hood Boy," is a perfect example. On the song, which features OutKast's Big Boi, she talks about her love for rugged men. Although the same theme has been utilized - and re-utilized in R&B and Hip-Hop for years (going back to MC Lyte's 1993 hit "Roughneck," and beyond), 'Tasia still breathes new life into the concept.

Fantasia hasn't quite progressed to the point where she's neck-and-neck with R&B's premiere singers like Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys, but that's only because she needs more experience and seasoning. Once she expands her songwriting ability and further learns the nuances that make a singer great, then by the time her next album comes out, instead of being near the middle of the pack of the best contemporary R&B singers, Fantasia will probably be near the top.

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