I Owe You (Kierra "KiKi" Sheard)

God desires for us to pass His Word down to the next generation. This has certainly been true for the famous "Clark" family. Beginning with the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and continuing with the fabulous Clark Sisters, the musical heritage has reached the next generation.

Kierra "KiKi" Sheard, the granddaughter of Dr. Clark and daughter of Karen Clark Sheard, has arrived with her long anticipated project entitled, "I Owe You". The 17-year-old Kierra is no stranger to the music industry. At 10 years of age, she was featured on her mother’s CD entitled "Finally Karen"; a performance that landed a Stellar Award. She has appeared on every one of her mother’s albums as well as on her aunt Dorinda’s self-entitled DVD.

With all the high anticipation, one must wonder whether or not Kierra can live up to all the hype. It’s no exaggeration to say that she delivers, and then some. With a voice that is mature and versatile, Kierra enters the family business in the executive position.

The album opens with "You Don’t Know", a stew of traditional and contemporary styled gospel that comes directly from an old-time testimony song. "Church Nite" uses a synth-heavy bounce to tell the story of what it was like growing up in church: "If you wanna go hang you might be delayed/for me to get my praise on/so that I can stay strong, it’s all at church tonight/If you’re going to the game you might have to wait/for me to get my dance on/Not gon’ even take long/I’m going to church tonight." "Closer" is a choir-like R&B song with a party background while "Praise Offering" is simply a beautiful praise and worship song.

The album also contains a bonus trac featuring the efforts of Tonex (Snap) while a couple of songs introduce the production abilities of her 14-year-old brother J. Drew II (Sweetest Thing and War).

In case there is any doubt as to where Kierra’s root is centered, "Done Did It" should clear it up. Deeply steeped in traditional quartet sound similar to Rizen, Keirra works it well from start to finish.

If "I Owe You" is any indication to whether a gift is passed from generation to generation, then the answer is an astounding "yes". Kierra’s gift of singing is undeniable, and the influence of her mother and aunts have only helped her to perfect her trade.