Q (7/95, p.120) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...This infectious blend of swingbeat, Californian G-Funk and mid-'90s, R-Kelly-style soul moves--languid, lecherous but with a hip hop attitude and a Slick Rick sample--is the blueprint for the uptempo jams that dominate here..."
Vibe (5/95, p.98) - "...It's a fresh slice of new-school R&B--clever and sexy and anthemic, like the best fun-filled, old-school hip-hop....Montell Jordan picks you up at home, takes you to the party, and then brings you back home for some love on the side. This is how we do it, indeed."
Personnel: Montell Jordan, Shaunta, Shappell Crawford, Coolio (vocals); Keb Mo, Morris O'Connor, Doc Powell (guitar); Nolan Smith (trumpet); Charles Green (horn); Mark Harris, Stan Sargent, Andrew Gouche, James Manning (bass); Derrick Walker (percussion); Doug Rasheed, Oji Pierce (programming); Jammin' James (scratches); Delois Jordan, Jennifer Jordan, Tracy Jordan, Ricky Harris, Colin England, Wil Wheaton, Da Gents, T.L. Cunningham, Kristin Hudson (background vocals).
Producers include: D.J. Enuf, Clizark, Mr. Janky, J.A. Black, L.C..
The single "This Is How We Do It" was nominated for a 1996 Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
There is a new figure eclipsing the world of R&B, and it isn't just this singer's 6-foot-8-inch frame. Montell Jordan has taken silky smooth, gospel-rooted sounds and flavored them with a street-smart hip-hop edge, creating a swinging R&B album. The title track, his debut single, topped the R&B charts before the album even hit the streets.
Joining that upbeat track in offering infectious grooves are the streetwise "Introducing Shaunta," the goodtime pick-up cues of "Somethin' 4 Da Honeyz" and the radio-friendly "Gotta' Get My Roll On." Jordan's roots are obvious. He has heard his share of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass, whose "Close The Door" he covers; but he can also turn from the sensuous crooning and slam harder, emulating new nasty boys like R. Kelly.
Two other highlights include the blues-dripping "Comin' Home," a change of pace that samples B.B. King; and "Daddy's Home," a nod to the relationship between fathers and sons, reminding the listener that Jordan's lyrics are deep from the heart.