Anthony David

Just like what The Bronx did for hip-hop in the early ’80s and Detroit for the emergence of R&B in the ’60s, Atlanta has become the new Philly for rising neo-soul artists. With his sophomore album, Anthony David establishes himself as a serious musician who can hold his own in the neo-soul market. The Red Clay Chronicles boasts a solid mixture of funk, smooth jazz and soul. He scores big with “Words,” his gorgeous duet with R&B darling India.Arie. In “ATL Sunshine,” David paints a vivid picture of his love for the city that boosted his music career. But the album’s major flaw is that it’s inconsistent—in the midst of some lyrically and musically solid tunes (“Lady” being the strongest) are a handful of throwaway tracks that ruin the smooth, soulful pace of the album.