TURN IT UP - JOHNTA AUSTIN
Having co-written songs for Mary J. Blige (”Be Without You”), Mariah Carey (”We Belong Together”) and Tyrese (”Sweet Lady”), among others, Johnta Austin already proved he’s adept with a pen. Though his voice is not as exceptional as some, he finds ways to make it sound good while his lyric does much of the talking. The silky Jermaine Dupri-helmed single “Turn It Up,” from Austin’s debut album, “Ocean Drive,” finds him paying homage to the sensual music of artists like R. Kelly (”bump and grind to R. Kel’s”) and Usher (”I know you need it nice and slow”), while weaving his harmonic Atlanta twang (including a swiftly delivered rap verse) between the song’s clean chords. Though not a clear-cut hit, “Turn It Up” should turn heads. Billboard
