Soulah Vibe

By CHRISTOPHER JOHN FARLEY

Rha Goddess's music is a cross between a poetry slam and a hip-hop concert. Her soulful sound is reminiscent of Erykah Badu's and Lauryn Hill's and yet never derivative. This is strong, intelligent music that celebrates creativity and Afrocentricity but sacrifices nothing in the way of entertainment. Her best songs, like Can't Touch This and the title track, have a driving rhythm that's hard to resist. Goddess, who records on a small label, Next Millennium Entertainment, is a major talent. This is one of the year's coolest records.

--By Christopher John Farley