Back of My Lac' (2007)

This Washington, D.C.-based newcomer isn't coy about his biggest influence in Back of My Lac': ''Come Here'' finds J. Holiday wistful about days of yore, ''bumping and grinding on some R. Kelly s---.'' Sure enough, he does his best Kelly croon here, whether lending his creamy tenor to an oversexed slow jam (''Bed''), a tough-talking street lecture (''Thug Commandments''), or a tender love song (''Without You''). His spot-on impression makes for a pleasant listen — but until he develops a sound that's truly his own, there won't be much reason to celebrate this Holiday. B-
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