J. Phoenix: Reviews/Press

"Nowadays, there is something commendable to be said about R&B that doesn't feature lyrics dripping with sex and vulgarities. Masterpiece is a gem in the sense that it brings back the old school vibe of our culture's Motown days while still maintaining a firm foothold in the present.

"Sweet sweet freedom/ Everybody's on the same road/ No matter what your color/ Rich or poor…" goes the lulling chorus of "Sweet Freedom," a fitting representative for the tone that is pertinent throughout J. Phoenix's debut effort.

With a title like "Money Don't Mean a Thing," another of the album's tracks could have easily been a forgettable filler piece, but J. Phoenix's smooth, sultry vocals give it the credibility it deserves. Not one syllable is neglected; nor is any sentiment understated.
J. Phoenix sings with such passion and conviction that it would be difficult not to be transported.

The album exudes talent, and it is with much hope that J. Phoenix will repave the forgotten path for other R&B artists to regard their craft with the care that he has."

"Masterpiece is a beautifully written album that combines different sounds of soul, R&B with touches of jazz and a hint of classical…? That’s right! Each track, he is able to deliver to us heartfelt yet truthful lyrics that one can only feel connected to. This debut album will clearly have people buzzing and raving about J. Phoenix and the musical talent this man possesses. Every track delivers a message of hope, love, and empowerment, while listening to beautiful vocals that we can only attempt to mimic. The title of the album, clearly speaks for it’s self." See full review at 4DaSoul.com.

....Phoenix has a smooth, sexy Eric Benet vibrato and a Jill Scott vibe, and writes lyrics of life, love, and social consciousness. ... See full review at Soultracks.com

“A friend of mine at work told me about this up and coming artist so I thought I'd give it a try! I can NOT stop listening to him. My favorite song is Masterpiece and I'll tell ya' -if I ever get married, this is going to be my wedding song! Highly Recommended!”

"Masterpiece contains many possible hits and great songs, but four in particular stand out for me. First, the song Sweet Freedom flows amazingly well and shows off the artist’s writing prowess. As a matter of fact, the entire album is one of the most well-written I’ve heard in a long time. Three other musical gems on the record are Hate To Love You, For the People, and Heart of a Soldier, all of which I could imagine hearing time after time on some of the more prominent R&B radio stations throughout the country.
Count on 2008 to be the year of the breakout of future megastar J. Phoenix. If you want to be ahead of the curve, then go ahead and pick up Masterpiece while you can still find it on the shelves."

"Your music is strongly and powerfully delivered."

"Excellent production, great vocals, nice grooves, quality songs!"

"WOW what an album! The "For the People" track got my head bobbin and I was hooked from there on. Great album. This project really surprised me. It is not really hip hop but a soulful mix of feelings that could be an addition to the hip hop market. This is a skilled performance that really leaves you wanting to hear more."

"Best Ft Greene Music Memories: Erykah Badu at Brooklyn Moon before she got famous, Corey Glover at KokoBar and now J Phoenix at Tillie's--where I watched people falling in love."

"J. Phoenix was AMAZING as the "Are You Man Enuff" sole male performer at Chick Singers Night, just as I knew he would be. I really feel he is going to do SO well with this CD. It is a MASTERPIECE indeed."

"How refreshing that we have a new artist out here that gives us a breath of fresh air, something we need in the midst of the CRAP that's on our radio's airwaves. I do believe that "MASTERPIECE" is going to be Oprah and Gayle's next favorite song. I also love "Conversation," "Sweet Freedom," "Money Don't Mean a Thing," and "Hate to Love You!" I recommend this to anyone who likes Sade, Anita, Alicia, Babyface, or Luther or anyone who just likes GOOD MUSIC."

Review of “Sweet Freedom”

“This song has an organic quality, from the vocal performance to the music....this is a job well done. The live instrumentation is a nice touch. The violin and guitar....this is far from amateur….uplifting concept: a much needed break from the sexually driven songs that dominate the market. Your song has that "old school" soul but the beat/drum pattern has that contemporary bounce. Overall, I hear a talent that is on his way if he stays on this path. Great melody and vocal performance."

"...this will be the next underground success story."