Rell - The Remedy [Unreleased, 2001]

Rell has to be one of the most unappreciated male voices from the early millennial R&B era. Signed to music mogul Jay Z’s highly reputable Roc-a-Fella Records imprint, Rell would go on to showcase his vocal chops on an array of Roc-related works such as the original motion picture soundtrack to “Streets Is Watching” (1998) alongside guest hopping on fellow labelmates records like Freeway, Memphis Bleek and unquestionably his own mentor Jay Z.

Still, with all that credibility and early shine, it was still not enough to push Rell’s name further in the urban and crossover spotlight to ready his debut album “The Remedy” (2001). The effort had gone through several re-recording processes, and to make matters worse, confusion for a lead single ensued since his debut on the Roc imprint dating back to 1997.

The first of the sort from single picks included the Memphis Bleek-featured "Ghetto Stash", but was instead deemed a buzz single while "Streets Is Watching" soundtrack number "Love for Free" was listed as the official lead single. While the song was utilized to promote both the "Streets" movie and Rell's debut, it didn't crack a strong enough chart position on Billboard, resulting in the postponement and retooling of "The Remedy".

Three further singles were released in advance of the effort's pending release, which included "When Will You See", "It's Obvious" and "If That's My Baby". The latter of which was granted a full-fledged single treatment with a music video shot and released to select cable channels alongside its official release impacting radio and CD-carrying merch stores during the course of 2001. Unfortunately, the single did not pick up the expected traction and as consequence, "Remedy" was stalled until 2002 before being officially shelved.

Despite the project being canceled, Rell successfully obtained masters from Roc co-founder Damon Dash to release the album in its entirety on Apple Music in 2025. Track-listing is as follows:

1.) If That's My Baby

2.) Bring It On Home

3.) Cloud 9

4.) Get Up

5.) Ghetto Stash (feat. Memphis Bleek)

6.) Never Knew a Love

7.) Never Stop

8.) Serious

9.) Say It Ain't So

10.) The Reason

11.) U & Me

12.) When Will You See (feat. Amil)

13.) Next Train

14.) It's Obvious (feat. Jay Z)

15.) Darlin'

16.) Love for Free (feat. Jay Z)