ALBUM REVIEW

Martin Luther McCoy - Welcome Back Love

Martin Luther McCoy—who often just goes by Martin Luther—is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has spent years carving out his own lane in modern soul. He is probably best known for his work alongside hip-hop legends The Roots and neo-soul pioneers like Cody ChesnuTT. He also turned a lot of heads when he stepped onto the big screen, playing the Jimi Hendrix-inspired character "Jo-Jo" in the movie Across the Universe.
McCoy keeps things fully independent, putting out his music through his own label, Rebel Soul Records. His sound is all about mixing the raw, gritty vibes of 1970s funk and rock with smooth R&B rhythms and thoughtful, conscious songwriting. 

Opening with Reimagine The World, MLM on lead vocal sets a funky, hip hop rhythm with Rhodes keys, doubled vocals and a tight kick drum.  Howard Wiley pushes the track nicely with a soaring saxophone solo that expands the envelope nicely. Martin Luther McCoy steps up under his alias Martin Luther "The Real McCoy" to deliver a fiery electric guitar solo over a bed of warm Rhodes keys. Now is a really strong R&B track with rich vocals and complimentary backing vocals over keys and a simple drum snap  and a strong yet understated guitar solo by MLM. Very nice.

Welcome Back Love really develops a funky, Funkadelic like groove with simple drums and rhythm guitar but serious deep bass sound and a guest vocal from Stic of Dead Prez on rap. Better Than Alright is one of my favorites on the release with a Curtis Mayfield/Impressions feel. Producer Dave Council anchors the song's texture with a fluid, electric piano, organ and synth fills.

Turning 21 is a strong vocal track with cool, Stevie Wonder influences. Dave Council works the synth and piano really rounding the track nicely. Widowmaker is another of my favorite tracks with a strong taste of my man, D'Angelo (RIP). The rhythm syncopation, lagging drums and excellent vocal blending is spot on. This track alone could carry the album  for me.   Wrapping the release is Black Sugar, with a serious message but delivered over a contagious groove. Dave Council on bass, and drum programming by Chris Paxton drives this groove with nicely interwoven backing vocals.  Solid closer.

📋 Album Credits & Production Info
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• Album Title Welcome Back Love
• Artist Martin Luther McCoy
• Record Label Rebel Soul Records
• Release Date July 17, 2026
• Personnel Martin Luther McCoy (Vocals, Guitars), Stic of Dead Prez (Featured Vocals), LJ Holoman (Composer/Producer), Walt Liquor (Composer), Dave Council (Production), Otis McDonald (Production), Chris Paxton (Production), Kev Choice (Production), Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson (Production)
• Studio Production Written, arranged, and produced by Martin Luther McCoy with selected co-producers.

🎼 Track Listing & Personnel
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Featured Personnel & Masters: Featuring Stic of Dead Prez and Martin Luther McCoy.

1. Reimagine The World
2. It's Going Down Tonight
3. Now
4. Pedal 2 The Metal
5. Welcome Back Love (feat. Stic of Dead Prez)
6. Fear Or Faith
7. Better Than Alright
8. I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
9. Peace Of Mind
10. Wait It Out
11. Turning 21
12. Hit Parade
13. Widowmaker
14. Warmth of Other Suns
15. Black Sugar

📺 Session Video Performance
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Next best thing to an actual video - sorry

🎵 Discography & Purchase Options
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Album Title	Record Label	Accreditation	Year
The Calling	Goodvibe Recordings	Debut Studio Album & Underground Neo-Soul Classic	1999
Rebel Soul Music	Rebel Soul Records	Classic Soul, Rock & Funk Fusion Studio Album	2004
Love Is the Hero	Independent	Acoustic Soul & R&B Studio Release	2012
Welcome Back Love	Rebel Soul Records	Independent Soul & R&B Studio Album	2026