Once Again
John Legend made the leap from sought-after session musician and ubiquitous purveyor of silky-smooth hooks to multi-platinum superstar with a big assist from the ever-humble Kanye West, but there's precious little hip-hop bombast on Once Again, Legend's elegantly retro follow-up to 2004's Grammy-winning Get Lifted. On …
Get Lifted netted John Legend a major hit ("Ordinary People") that will be heard on adult contemporary stations and throwback-oriented programs as long as they exist, platinum status, and three Grammy titles -- including the potential kiss of death that is Best New Artist. If Legend hadn't linked up with Kanye West or any other connected industry figure, he'd probably be well into a string of independent albums and would likely have a fanatical cult following through persistent touring. It doesn't take much exposure to his songs to sense this alternate scenario. No one can deny that Legend has had considerable help from his collaborators, and he continues to get that support this time out -- there's West, will.i.
John Legend's first major cameo was playing piano on Lauryn Hill's massive hit 'Everything Is Everything' way back in 1998, but he's no longer a mere session player.