Retrospective Review: Leave It All Behind by The Foreign Exchange
The Foreign Exchange took a risk with its sophomore effort, and it paid off four years after its debut.
Comprising rapper-singer Phonte Coleman and Dutch producer Matthijs “Nicolay” Rook, The Foreign Exchange first crossed paths on the Okayplayer message boards. Phonte, already renowned as a member of the North Carolina hip-hop collective Little Brother, found a kindred spirit in Nicolay, who was honing his craft in the Netherlands.
Their initial online interactions blossomed into a creative partnership, leading to the decision to craft an album. Hindered by the Atlantic Ocean, they relied on Instant Messenger to swap beats and vocals—this was before the era of Dropbox and large email attachments. Their collaboration culminated in the 2004 release of Connected. This album showcased Phonte’s lyricism and Nicolay’s unique sonic palette while harmonizing with the earlier works of the Justus League.
Following the acclaim of Connected, Nicolay relocated to North Carolina in 2006, and the duo ventured on their next project. They opted for a fresh approach to escape the formula that made their debut a hit. Phonte, influenced by a diverse range of artists from Intro and Jodeci to A Tribe Called Quest and Ice Cube, showcased his singing abilities. Nicolay, in turn, ventured into more experimental territories, blending traditional R&B and electronic elements. The outcome was Leave It All Behind, an album that diverged significantly from its predecessor yet stood out as an extraordinary piece in its own right.
Centered on the unpredictability of relationships, Leave It All Behind was deeply personal for Phonte, who was navigating the highs and lows of his first marriage during its creation. The album opens with “Daykeeper,” a complex duet featuring Muhsinah. Initially painting a picture of romantic bliss, the song gradually reveals the insecurities and fears that plague the relationship. This track sets the tone for the album and earned the duo their first and only GRAMMY nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance.
Tracks like “Take Off the Blues” and “All or Nothing” offer sonic and thematic contrasts. The former revels in the joys of unconditional love, while the latter finds humor in the trivialities that can ignite passionate arguments between couples. Phonte’s spoken-word intro and brief rap verse in “All or Nothing” are particularly memorable.
Nicolay’s affinity for electronic music shines in songs like “Sweeter Than You” and “If This Is Love.” These tracks provide the backdrop for Phonte’s musings on the complexities of love, capturing the emotional turbulence that often accompanies romantic entanglements.
The album also features a poignant track, “Valediction,” where Phonte confronts the end of a relationship, acknowledging the inevitable with a heavy heart. The song is a thematic bookend to “Daykeeper,” echoing its musical motifs and emotional weight.
Their cover of Stevie Wonder’s “If She Breaks Your Heart” transforms the original New Jack Swing vibe into a soulful ballad featuring Yahzarah and Zo!, a regular member of The Foreign Exchange’s touring ensemble. The reinterpretation arguably rivals the original, a testament to the duo’s musical ingenuity.
Closing the album on a hopeful note, “Something to Behold” and the title track offer reflections on love, dedication, and the complexities of life. The latter was inspired by the tragic case of Sean Bell and served as Phonte’s message to his young sons, urging them to forge their paths unburdened by the world’s troubles.
Leave It All Behind marked a transformative moment for The Foreign Exchange, setting a new course for their subsequent works, which have continued to push boundaries across genres. The duo’s willingness to take creative risks has enriched their discography and solidified their reputation as artists unafraid to evolve. Their journey exemplifies the rewards of artistic courage, proving that taking risks can yield magnificent art.