Vertical Hold - A Matter Of Time (1993)

Angie Stone is an underappreciated entity in modern soul music. Not only has she managed to maintain a musical career that spans more than three decades -- an impressive feat in itself -- she has also been a pioneer of sorts. First of all she was a member of Sequence, often cited as the first all-female hip-hop act, who were signed to Sylvia Rhone's Sugar Hill Records in the early '80s. They had a moderate hit with "Funk You Up" and went on to release three studio albums, ultimately disbanding after 1983's The Sequence Party. They are also notable for being one of the first acts to have a run-in with the now infamous Rhone who sold the licensing rights to "Funk You Up" to Dr. Dre.
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Stone is probably best known as one of the vanguards of the neo-soul era, enjoying major success with her 1999 debut Black Diamond as well as subsequent albums. She is also infamous famous for having a hand in D'Angelo's early career (and having a child with him), but, in the time between Sequence and her solo outing, Stone had her finger in a number of musical pies including Mantronix, Devox and Vertical Hold. The latter's debut album A Matter of Time was released in 1993 and introduced listener's to the smooth R&B and soul stylings that Stone would go on to be known for several years later.
A Matter of Time falls firmly into the realms of '90s R&B, anchored by synth-led midtempo numbers and mellow ballads that showcase Stone's impressive vocal ability.

Tracklist:
1 01. Vertical Hold - A.S.A.P. (04:52)
1 02. Vertical Hold - Seems You're Much To Busy (04:41)
1 03. Vertical Hold - You Got Something (I Want) (04:22)
1 04. Vertical Hold - 7,6,5 (For Love) (05:54)
1 05. Vertical Hold - Matter Of Time (04:19)
1 06. Vertical Hold - You Can't Go Wrong (04:10)
1 07. Vertical Hold - I've Been Watchin'You (04:19)
1 08. Vertical Hold - Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time For Love) (05:31)
1 09. Vertical Hold - Magic Carpet Ride (04:35)
1 10. Vertical Hold - Waiting In The Wings (04:30)