Record Rack

**** Melky Sedeck, “Sister & Brother,” MCA. The younger brother and sister of the Fugees’ Wyclef Jean obviously didn’t need that connection to secure a record deal. Singer Melky and producer Sedeck meld Motown with ‘90s awareness to create a new brand of neo-hip-hop soul.

Other artists have merged hip-hop and R&B; musically, but Melky Sedeck goes one step further to fuse the sensibilities of these genres. The Ballads are replete with sophisticated vocal arrangements, heavenly strings and booming bass riffs. Harder-edged jams are equal parts quiet storm, opera and hip-hop swagger.

Melky’s plush, earthy voice simultaneously conveys attitude, passion and coolness, getting to your heart through deep emotion, not high drama. With “Sister & Brother,” this sister and brother make an exquisite, powerful debut.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.