It's hard to imagine Malik Pendleton, a gifted singer and studio player, was once a convict serving 11 months in a North Carolina prison for illegal street activities. Nevertheless, this New Jersey native got his act together and pursued his true calling in music--songwriting. Pendleton is a four-year songwriting veteran who has already penned lyrics for R&B artists like 702, Diana Ross, SWV, George Benson and Zhane. His teamwork with R&B diva Mary J. Blige on "Seven Days" for her 1997 CD Share My World (MCA) earned him a 1999 Rhythm & Soul Music Award from the American Society Of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Stepping from behind the production boards, Pendleton is the lead singer on his Atlantic Records' debut, Look Around. Pendleton delivers beautiful vocals and soulful beds of R&B. Along with Pendleton, talented musicians like Me'Shell Ndegeocello, James Mtume, Angie Stone and the Roots' drummer Ahmir Thompson help him create heartfelt tales of love, heartbreak and despair on his soulful drenching disc. ~ Trent Fitzgerald, All Music Guide