Word by Terron D. Austin, Reverb Editor

Rarely does an artist impact the music industry with a seemingly continuous stream of new music like singer/songwriter/producer prodigy Ryan Leslie has done. Nearly eight months following the release of his critically acclaimed self-titled debut, Ryan delivers his sophomore set Transition (released November 3^rd on Universal Motown), a sincere sonic saga detailing some of his most intimate musical recollections of the highs and lows of a summer love. 

Emotionally charged, cleverly written, and precision produced are each of the 11 tracks (14 if you can get your hands on the special edition version) featured on Transition. Ryan again proves his musical genius by continuing to showcase the many gifts he possesses and sharing with the masses what we’ve come to know and love him for since the instantly classic first album which spawned radio hits “Diamond Girl” and “Addiction” – his music tells a story, it's music we can feel. The self-taught pianist and multi-instrumentalist returns to the spotlight dressed in the best brand of soulful R&B-infused garb and trust us when we say he wears it well. 

“This album is a collection of songs inspired by a summer of secret love,” Ryan stated just before the album’s release. The album transcribes messages within his heart and tells the story of Ryan’s struggles to make sense of his relationships with women. It celebrates the liberation found in living and loving freely. “In the end, I chose you and you chose the life that you had before me,” continues Ryan. “Nonetheless, the world will forever have this music and I will forever have the memories.” 

Transition is powered by the lead single “You’re Not My Girl,” a guitar-laden funk/R&B jam that’s equally infectious as it is full of Ryan’s raspy vocals and his witty conversation starters. The tune tackles life with the kind of macho attitude and ego it takes for a guy to sweep a girl completely off her feet. Ryan also co-directed a documentary-style video called “The Making of Transition” which features interviews and footage from the creation of the new album and the experiences Ryan says inspired him to write the music. Furthermore, Transition is highlighted by the endearing ballad “I Choose You,” the mellow vibe of “All My Love,” and “To The Top” which showcases Ryan’s ability to soar through a song with his signature sound.  

But if you’re recently catching onto the phenomenon known as Ryan Leslie, you must first get acquainted with the tenacious star’s business-savvy intellect. Currently traveling abroad and living between Harlem and Hollywood, the 1998 Harvard University graduate earned his degree in Government with a concentration in political science and macroeconomics before signing with Casablanca Records/Universal Motown in 2003. The world was then slowly but surely introduced to the distinct sound Ryan spent many a night during his college years perfecting. After a brief production internship with producer Younglord and a series of calculated movements, Ryan’s genius began impacting the airwaves with hits like sexy pop/R&B singer Cassie’s “Me & U,” which became the #1 R&B and #3 song on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006 due in part to strategic online marketing campaigns and sharp viral promo through the use of YouTube, Myspace, Facebook and most recently, Twitter. 

Today, Ryan is busy being a musical pioneer. He’s signing new acts to his music and multimedia company NextSelection Lifestyle Group all while touring, promoting, and churning out the hits for some of modern R&B’s biggest acts from Mary J. Blige, Keri Hilson, Jazmine Sullivan, Fabulous and Chris Brown. It seems like this R&B crooner’s real transition into the stratosphere of superstardom is just beginning. 

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Terron D. Austin is a freelance editor and contributing music writer currently residing in Cincinnati, Ohio.