Earlier this fall, Lyfe Jennings came through Seattle on a promotional tour to support his debut album - "Lyfe 268-192". He is as real as life itself. His story is as unique as his sound. He is strong, determined, and he definitely ain't made from the same cookie cutter as the "singers" who have been dominating the airwaves for far too long. "My strong suit is talking about everyday life. (Those other artists) are somebody that you watch. It's a show... but Lyfe is somebody that you trust and listen to. It's not a show as much as it is a conversation with Lyfe."

"Lyfe 268-192" is told as a story. Lyfe talks for brief periods between songs to tie it all together. He even manages to pull this off without making you reach for the skip button, which is not an easy feat. The album title signifies a part of the learning process Lyfe has been through, serving time in the penitentiary. "The number 268-192 was my number in prison, but in prison is where I got a chance to introduce myself, to myself." Although the story starts long before that, it takes an interesting turn from there and continues to build momentum. While Lyfe was paying his debt to society, he began writing music. Although prison doesn't seem like an environment conducive to much, Lyfe took advantage of what was available to him and did what he could to keep moving forward.

Lyfe always wanted to perform, practice, or record. He started a program to help him and other inmates to do just that. "I'm a musical guy, so I used to sing on the yard sometimes. I became associated with some guys that ran certain programs and I was just like, 'Yo, I'm gonna get a music program started.' One thing lead to another and pretty soon it was big and everybody was growing it into something." The warden, Dennis Baker, took note of Lyfe's constant involvement in trying to make things happen and offered to help him get a tape together to send to the world famous Apollo Theater. Just prior to his release date, Lyfe received a letter from Apollo asking him to contact them when he got out. With Lyfe's second day of freedom, he was in the studio. His third, doing a show at a club! He went on at the Apollo and won the amateur contest 5 times, just he and his guitar, performing songs he had written himself.

In no time, Sony Urban took notice of Lyfe and offered him a deal. He then had the daunting task of narrowing down nearly 200 songs into a solid 15. "At first it was hard and then my guy over at Sony was like, 'Just pick the songs that tell the story.' and then it became real easy after that." Lyfe 268-192 chronicles daily life and addresses a broad spectrum of issues - including some subject matter normally reserved for hip-hop heads.

The first single, "Stick Up Kid" is just what it implies. It refers to being down to your last dime and no one can help you out. So you resort to the last thing you know how to do. By the end of the song, Lyfe talks about saving his soul. The video corresponds with that reflection by following a Robin Hood type theme. "I'm proud of the fact that I can bring something positive to a negative situation. I think I'm good at that. I'm not gonna always dwell on the bad part of it because there's enough people dwelling on the bad part. But I'm not gonna (always) dwell on the good part of it either because that don't reflect reality. I've found somewhat of a balance in my life and therefore that reflects in my music."

The next single flips the script, "Must Be Nice" talks about how it must be nice to have someone who understands you, sticks with you, and loves you regardless. The song "Cry" is a song the Lyfe sings with so much emotion, it'll make you wanna break down with him. The song speaks for itself when Lyfe sings "..after struggling for so long and still holding on. I figured, can't be nothing all that wrong with cry. If anybody says they're that strong they're lying. See, crying is like taking your soul to the laundromat." He also touches on single parenthood with "She Got Kids" and "Greedy." For those who like a little something more up-tempo, there's "Smile" and "My Life". When speaking to some "good church going people" who show lack of acceptance when it comes to those who live a life a little less holy, Lyfe offers the all-acoustic song, "Made Up My Mind". His spiritual side also comes out strong in "26 Years, 17 Days".

Lyfe wrote all songs and he produced about 90% of them as well. The other 10% he co-produced, demonstrating that not only can he sing his ass off but his talent goes deeper than most. "Lyfe 268-192" is a powerful and passionate CD. With it, Lyfe proves he is the truth.

To hear a sampling of Lyfe's music go to www.2lyfe.com and when you go to buy the album, be sure to check the hip-hop section if you don't find it at first. Even though this is clearly an R&B CD, it has been misfiled in a few stores.