T-Love joins Astralwerks’ burgeoning hip-hop roster with her debut, Long Way Back. Offering a combination of rap, soul, and jazz, the Los Angeles native aims to educate with lyrics of love and self-respect. The beauty of Long Way Back lies within its production. Outstanding tracks by Jay Dee, Dwele, and the Herbaliser, among others, give T-Love’s otherwise average lyrical flow the added punch it needs. The Jay Dee-produced “When You’re Older [Ode to the Pickaninny]” grooves like a juke joint after the midnight hour. While Long Way Back falters at times, tracks like “Swing Malindy” and “Seven” (featuring Dwele) find T-Love realizing her full potential as an artist. With luck, her next set will show more of that.—RH
