I'm Not Mad At: Ryan Leslie

Though The Professional loves-loves-loves to hate on corny looking dudes, there is something undeniable and strangely magnetic about that darn Ryan Leslie. Sure, he looks like an anorexic, light-skinned turtle. But his record? Phenomenal. His writing? Perfection. His voice? Lovely. His musicality? Genius.

The Harvard-educated producer/singer/songwriter released his self-titled album this past February, but The Professional had already obtained a wide selection of (illegally?) downloaded records from the artist many months prior. She had been rockin out to those for a good long time, but last week when she finally-finally purchased the "real" album -- which she does to support good artists, regardless as to whether or not she has received the album gratis from another source -- she was absolutely enraptured. You know The Professional loves her a good 'play-through' type of album, and validates this one as a certified gem.

Though she loves just about every record on the album individually, some of The Professional's favorites include:

#7: How It Was Supposed To Be - "Fresh like the kiss of morning dew, that's how it felt that day we met and I first laid eyes on you..."

#4: Quicksand - "She's incomparable, she's a 10--and she plays with all the silly hearts of men..."

#12: Gibberish - "Time is running out, please don't make me wait..."

and,

#1: Diamond Girl - "You're my diamond girl, you're the one I put the rock on..."


Truthfully, she really doesn't want to watch his videos (uncomfortably corny--she's always had the same problem with Brandy), but The Professional indeed respects Ryan Leslie's music. She officially cannot take him off repeat. He has even trumped her beloved Keri Hilson, which is like...huge. Hooray for good r&b music!