Luke James: The Next Prince of R&B?

By: Akoto Ofori-Atta | Posted: January 4, 2012 at 12:53 AM

Getty Images

If you think you've seen New Orleans-bred Luke James before, you probably have. He's the fresh face featured prominently in Beyoncé's "Run the World" video.

If you don't think you've seen him, it's likely you've heard him, since he's formerly of the duo Luke & Q, who scored a hit with their 2006 single "My Turn." He's also a solid songwriter who has written songs for Chris Brown, Justin Beiber, Britney Spears and even Michael Bolton.

Now, with the release of his new "pre-album," #Luke, James seems poised to take the R&B throne in 2012. The nine-track release boasts all the goods you'd expect from a new-age R&B crooner: poppy melodies, solid arrangements, elaborate falsettos and catchy hooks. And James can really sing.

We're sure we'll hear and see more from James in 2012. Download #Luke for free and follow him on Twitter.

Previous recommendation: New York Times Writer Unravels the First Family.

Got ideas for The Root Recommends? Send them to recommendations@theroot.com.

Like The Root on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.