Revisiting “Just Right”

87 Comments

After many of my songs began to leak into the blogosphere, I decided to go back into the studio and add a few elements to make the album versions of the records special. This clip opens with me playing back an extended instrumental arrangement of I-R-I-N-A with some overdubs by my boys Jermaine Parrish on drums and Al Carty on bass.

Inspired, I decided to re-visit one of my favorite songs called ‘Just Right’. Here’s a look at that session. I had to rebuild it from scratch as one of my hard drives had crashed and many sessions had been lost. I love the new elements, and here’s to you loving them too…

Originally posted on YouTube.

 

Posted: February 7th, 2009 | Under: Studio

87 Comments on “Revisiting “Just Right””

  1. 1 Lindsay 'So Dope' Smith said at 5:46 pm on February 7th, 2009:

    I absolutely love you and your music. You’re truly an artist, and you’re most definitely changing up the game right now!! I’m so in love with you lol..
    I can’t wait until Tuesday!!!

  2. 2 Daytona Jones said at 6:08 pm on February 7th, 2009:

    You can always tell when music lives inside of someone. Most of the time you feel it more than you hear it. And it shows.

  3. 3 Aisling Peartree said at 12:32 am on February 8th, 2009:

    you have a wonderful voice and music sensibility. “gibberish” is on constant repeat in my house! love it. soundclick.com/aislingpeartree

  4. 4 Brandi Sharee Taylor said at 1:40 am on February 8th, 2009:

    Ur music is amazing….Keep giving the world those timeless hits!

  5. 5 Luke Chapman said at 3:18 am on February 8th, 2009:

    i dont think people realise how much swagga this track has.. so bassic.. yet.. absolute geenius.. 2 DAYS FOR THE ALBUM!!! gna be fire..

  6. 6 Lissa 'Monét said at 3:49 pm on February 8th, 2009:

    i swear you see sounds dude.
    brilliant.

  7. 7 Zebedayo Masongo said at 6:46 pm on February 8th, 2009:

    i think the piano part shuldve been put on the final cut..but its still a hott song

  8. 8 Justin L. Bentley said at 8:27 am on February 9th, 2009:

    Yo fam, “Just Right” is my favorite song I’ve heard from the album thus far. You truly bring a fresh sound with all your songs and I hope cats don’t sleep on your album because it would be a shame. Nevertheless, I’m rocking with you and so are all my friends/fam, so keep it up! We need more gifted artists like you to restore the industry.

    Peace.

  9. 9 Johnny Nachera said at 12:21 pm on February 9th, 2009:

    man ryan the “just right” track is missin snoop on it! would have been great with him on the album as far as an feature artist

  10. 10 Nyte Da Don said at 9:05 am on February 10th, 2009:

    Love the new strings you added to he song. Keep it up bro….and dont forget to sign me….lol

  11. 11 Fredric Allen said at 4:22 pm on February 10th, 2009:

    Yo R-Les! I just brought the Album! Its the truth. Keep doing you! This album is definitely getting me through this semester at the “Cuse”. Im looking for summer internships, let me know if you have anything available. Im all for new experiences and learning new things!

  12. 12 Taylor King Trice said at 7:36 pm on February 10th, 2009:

    Aye whats up Ryan just droppin by to comend you on your hustle and hunger in the game…Do you have any advice for a young artist like myself to reach the caliber that you’ve established?….Keep up the good work I know you will!

  13. 13 Taylor King Trice said at 7:37 pm on February 10th, 2009:

    Oh yeah and the album is too sick! Congrats and hope it sells well

  14. 14 Jose Rivera said at 1:13 am on February 11th, 2009:

    Man I tell u, u r truly an inspiration for an artist like me that started rapping not too long ago, ur creativity never disappoints me R.Les… hopefully we could work together someday…

    JayMyth

  15. 15 Music: Revist Mr. Ryan Leslie « Lucky’s Joint said at 5:13 pm on February 11th, 2009:

    [...] Ryan Leslie in the studio [...]

  16. 16 Nia Devine said at 12:29 am on February 13th, 2009:

    I can only imagine seeing you perform live…when r u coming to miami? get on that ASAP :)

  17. 17 Ryan Adalio said at 6:58 pm on February 14th, 2009:

    unreal… see you at Foxwoods, backstagies please?

  18. 18 Ramin Razmgah said at 8:26 pm on February 14th, 2009:

    You are truly blessed R.Les, ur music and creativity is something from up above ! LOVE from Sweden !

  19. 19 Aaron Watson said at 2:48 am on February 15th, 2009:

    Nice Nice Mr.Leslie, really feeling the track dopeness – I think this album will be on rotation for quite awhile.

  20. 20 Nito Edwards said at 8:49 am on February 15th, 2009:

    if he isn’t the most hype dude….

  21. 21 Rowan Beckford said at 1:22 pm on February 15th, 2009:

    R. Les,
    The album sounds amazing, complete from begining to end. You are a very talented musician. I watched the video with the “Blackcard in Action” and liked how you put that track together. The sound of the album brings that Neo-Soul/Funk feel to music that is not as prominent as it was before.
    When are you going to be doing a show in Toronto?
    Peace
    RB.

  22. 22 Nyinondi Moses Junior Honcho said at 4:15 pm on February 15th, 2009:

    when ish u bringing that art form in Toronto,the brathaz en sistaz r hungry fo live perfomance.

  23. 23 Nyinondi Moses Junior Honcho said at 4:20 pm on February 15th, 2009:

    btw fav.jam on the album ”you’re fly”.

  24. 24 Ryan Brooks said at 5:38 pm on February 15th, 2009:

    You a cold dude. But again remember who gave your swag. Jesus. God Bless

  25. 25 Jalen day'N'nite Cameron said at 12:49 pm on February 16th, 2009:

    Love the songs but i really been trying to get that begining irina beat on my ipod any idea how i can?

  26. 26 Facebook User said at 12:37 am on February 17th, 2009:

    AMAZING….IT WAS ACTUALLY “JUST RIGHT” LOL…But I just wanted to say again that I love your music and really wish you as much success!

    -Signed a Ryan Leslie Fan

  27. 27 Tyrece Montgomery said at 2:29 am on February 17th, 2009:

    I absolutely love your album. It’s amazing. It has that grown and sexy feeling. At least that’s how it makes me feel. There is not one song that I do not like. I love each and every one of them. My 4 month old loves your song Gibberish. Everytime I play it, he gets so excited, rocks back and forths and laughs and smiles the entire time. Your very talented. Continue to make feel good music for your soul!!!

  28. 28 Gaelle Louet said at 7:31 am on February 17th, 2009:

    The album version of IRINA is the BOMB !! it makes me fly !

    I finallly bought your album on the Champs élyssés this WE.
    The entire album is dope, I am now waiting for my other copy I pre-ordered online from UK : one for my ride, one for home and I also have it on my phone so I can promote everywhere : R LESS 4 LIFE !!!

    Greetings from France man !

  29. 29 David Kebede said at 10:28 am on February 17th, 2009:

    I really like this album but I’ve heard all of these songs before. It didn’t really give me anything new. You’re mad talented but I feel like the industry won’t allow artist with as many different things to offer the opportunity to grow. Good luck, wish “I get money” made the album. That was a hot beat.
    Peace

  30. 30 Starlet Sherri McFarland said at 9:16 pm on February 17th, 2009:

    I love it!!!!!!!!!!

  31. 31 Katelyn Aariel Rivera said at 12:19 am on February 18th, 2009:

    LOVE U RYAN… Just Right has got to be one of my FAVORITE songs… Keep up the great work!!!

    Can’t wait to see you at S.O.B.’s!!!!!!

  32. 32 Facebook User said at 12:05 pm on February 18th, 2009:

    Hey Ryan!I love your music,your energy and just everything!You really inspire me.Who do I have to kill to get you to produce some tracks for me????
    I write all kinds of songs and if you could listen to some of my stuff you’d like it.

  33. 33 Scott Bergstrom said at 12:28 am on February 19th, 2009:

    Ryan – How were the album sales…any numbers yet?

  34. 34 Ty Cody said at 1:05 am on February 19th, 2009:

    Yeah Ryan,

    What are the Soundscan results?

    ~Ty

  35. 35 Denise Behler said at 3:14 am on February 19th, 2009:

    @Scott and Ty: He debuted on #35 with 23710 sales. Check out http://www.ryanleslieweb.net for more info

  36. 36 Elène Gomes Vieira said at 10:36 am on February 19th, 2009:

    FABULOUS!!!!!

  37. 37 Adrienne Torres said at 11:45 am on February 19th, 2009:

    I’ve been a fan of yours for years. I’m always buying mix tapes and the moment I heard one of your songs I was like who is this guy he’s great and I’ve heard a lot of different songs on a bunch of different mixtapes. I was extremely excited when I finally heard you were releasing an album. I got it as Valentine’s gift and I absolutely love it. I was wondering if you concidered releasing a mixtape of all your older tracks. I’d definetely support that! Keep doing your thing man your awesome and I’m positive you’ll only get better with age :-)

  38. 38 Facebook User said at 2:32 am on February 20th, 2009:

    Hey R-les, I-R-I-N-A this was one of the first songs I fell in love with last summer in 08. I would just listen to it over and over on Youtube, just waiting for the album to drop. I now LOVE the intrumental you put on the end… it is soooo kick ass man! And Just Right has a great vibe to it! Can’t wait to see you in concert, you got to release the dates soon man… dying with anticipation once again!

  39. 39 Tatenda Zvarayi said at 2:10 pm on February 20th, 2009:

    i love watchin Ryan at work damn!
    watch a vid of the dude everytime b4 i start makin stuff of my own

  40. 40 Hope Hyder said at 1:00 am on February 21st, 2009:

    My libra brother! I am loving what you do, loving your unleashed genius. Can’t wait to work with you some day….

  41. 41 Shawn Jenkins said at 1:31 pm on February 21st, 2009:

    This joint is in a gender class of its’ own! lovin the old school section-z synthesized riffs! the joint thumps!

  42. 42 Facebook User said at 9:14 am on February 22nd, 2009:

    It’s truly exciting to see an emerging artist like yourself do what you do best, throughout the entire creative process. The music industry is changing indeed, and I feel it’s actually been a little flat. But you are bringing back into the game raw passion and talent. It’s refreshing. Been listening to the album on repeat, and hoping to hear more!

  43. 43 Facebook User said at 7:16 pm on February 22nd, 2009:

    Hey Ryan, I am so excited that you are coming to my city tomorrow. I am even more exicited that it’s my birthday and I will be celebrating it with you! I can’t wait to see you in concert and I am looking to an awesome show.
    ~Ms. West

  44. 44 Facebook User said at 8:29 pm on February 22nd, 2009:

    Hey Ryan!!! i love your new album…. it’s hot and plays in my car over and over again!

    When are you making an appearance in Atlanta??

  45. 45 Walter Goodwin III said at 11:05 pm on February 22nd, 2009:

    I love ya creativity. Where did you get training from man?

  46. 46 Facebook User said at 9:21 pm on February 23rd, 2009:

    i’m shamelessly addicted to this cd. thank u for allowing me to listen to it online, therefore i don’t have to carry the cd from home, to the car, to work, from work, to the car, back home. i can not wait until you perform in la…

  47. 47 Monisha Mann said at 9:43 am on February 24th, 2009:

    OH MY GOODNESS… CAN I SAY THAT THIS ALBUM IS ONE OF THE BEST R&B ALBUMS MADE WITHIN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS!!! THE ENTIRE ALBUM AND I MEAN EVERY SINGLE SONG IS AMAZING FROM THE LYRICS TO THE BEATS TO THE INSTRUMENTS USED AND THE FACT THAT RYAN DID ALL THIS SHIT HIMSELF…AMAZING..I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY…..

  48. 48 Monisha Mann said at 9:43 am on February 24th, 2009:

    OH YES…ONE MORE THING….PLEASE HURRY UP AND DO A SHOW IN LA OR SF OR EVEN LITTLE OLE FRESNO!

  49. 49 Quinton Andre Singleton said at 7:57 pm on February 24th, 2009:

    will you be coming to Austin TX??

  50. 50 Saba Nakhai said at 8:09 pm on February 24th, 2009:

    yooo!! i went on a crazy adventure tryin to get ur tickets for sob’s on thurs march 12, all to find out they stopped selling at 6, got there at 7. but determined, i didnt let it stop me lol, went all the way back home and got them online!! cant wait to see you!!!

  51. 51 Kermit Ferguson said at 11:30 am on February 25th, 2009:

    You gotta post ur stop dates man…..I gotta know when you’ll be back in DC. The album was made to be done live…………crazy…

  52. 52 David Diggy Sevier said at 4:47 am on February 26th, 2009:

    I am an up and comng artist that you may not hear for a little while.But I have to say listening to this song has had me develop and new sound for myself.I get great vibes from listening to your music, and even though your sound is a bit older in a sense me being nineteen can truely relate not wit just the lyrics but the sound of the music.Later in life when I get my situation together I will be looking forward to reaching out for a collaboration. D.Esquire~

  53. 53 Joe Hipkin said at 4:16 pm on February 26th, 2009:

    ryan

    i just had a lovely supper with my italian girlfriend and her family ( u gotta get yourself an italiian girl…im telling you they are off the hook) so now i feel ready to send this email that ive been thinking about for the last few days…
    mainly i wanted to say that the album is superb and i just love the fact you came along and did your thing.
    couple of things …first off you and everyone else has been saying this is your first album but surely the c.d called just right was the first? the one with missing you,just right etc etc on it …the electric blue/black colored one?? maybe this was just a promo thing but i thought that was the debut lp and i thought was superb too.anyway apart from that slight confusion as an album it is superb…..
    generally when i listen to your stuff i am reminded of a book called ‘Making music’ which has a great section written by Chick Corea which talks about the importance of contrast >> as in , in each song strive for contrast, the juxtaposition of light/dark,fast /slow, simple /complicated,old/new,happy/sad etc etc and when i listen to your stuff i feel you are right on the money there…i feel you have a real grasp of that and its true you have forged a new sound ..
    lyrics are always hard to write aren’t they ? you do a good job, i think the best ones are when u speak from the heart ….sometimes like on ‘wanna be good ‘ it feels like you are straying a little close to cliches/stereotypes but generally it is heart felt stuff etc etc
    ‘Quicksand’ is funny as the whole song is talking about u being in quicksand etc and then at the end you are like ‘ Could it be, im in quicksand?’ …i feel like saying ‘Ryan, either you are aware you re in quicksand or not!!’ there is questioning it !! ha ! lol !
    I have been making music myself for 10 years plus and been successful but hearing you etc is just so much of an inspiration and seeing you rock all the instruments etc etc just shows how you rock the house..
    also lastly ryan we all fell in love with you partly because you are humble…even a bit nerdy/geeky and that is a good thing!!!! please please please dont lose sight of that as that is partly your strength !!
    anyway ryan thanks for rejuvenating my interest and love of music!! i play in a club every friday night here in the u.k to 700 people and i am totally playing your stuff every week and telling everyone how great you are !!! and i will continue as long as u keep making great stuff !!!
    peace and love joe 2 grand

  54. 54 Teves Freitas said at 8:59 pm on March 3rd, 2009:

    I’m not too sure if anyone is going to top this album this year. Probably the most passionate and creative musician out there, and the album is amazing from beginning to end, well worth the money.

  55. 55 Lovett Evans said at 11:59 am on March 7th, 2009:

    Ryan you are fun to watch. And your music is something genius. Im a 20 year young composer/producer and I have to tell you that I have not been influenced or moved by anyone in a very long time. Keep pushing to the limit and once your there push once more.

  56. 56 Scott Bergstrom said at 4:03 am on March 12th, 2009:

    Thanks for putting the overdubs on the album….that’s the good news. Bad news…I dance like you in the car, which could possibly lead to a serious car accident!

  57. 57 Colin Callahan said at 2:26 pm on March 13th, 2009:

    Hi, Im a 13 year old producer and your music as really inspired me. I live in Wisconsin and I am looking for someone to mentor me in music production. You can check out some of my beats at http://www.myspace.com/djwow12 You are my favorite music producer and I would be really excited if you could help me out. I’m going to be in New York City June 15-19 and I would really like to meet with you.

    Thank you very much,
    Colin Callahan

  58. 58 Jerry Justthrowitinthebag Yirenkyi said at 6:29 pm on March 14th, 2009:

    Truly amazine!

  59. 59 Kim Bond said at 10:38 am on March 22nd, 2009:

    So much talent. Love the album. Truly awesome. Please, please, please come to Baltimore.

  60. 60 Clarisse Adriana said at 1:08 am on March 30th, 2009:

    luv the jacket. the diagonal zippers on the cuffs are cool.
    ps- the extended instrumentals on i-r-i-n-a just makes one of my favorite r-les songs even better!

  61. 61 Omario Vounrick said at 3:41 am on March 30th, 2009:

    man that sax synth sounds amazing

  62. 62 Blackheart Adonis said at 12:11 pm on April 2nd, 2009:

    keepin doin it big, ryan!

    twitter.com/followblack
    myspace.com/blackheartadonis

  63. 63 Facebook User said at 6:35 pm on April 17th, 2009:

    and again…crazy…every track I hear just gets better and better

    gq

  64. 64 Nate TheGreat said at 2:25 am on April 24th, 2009:

    man…. your are so talented… the way you put music together is insane, its rare that you can find an artist that can have a conversation with another person through his/her music… you truely have a gift. just to see how passionate and confident you are about your music is an inspiration to me and my music career… you are by far one of the most musically inclined artist i have ever listened to… keep making those hot tracks… ps. my favorite song of yours is “lay you down”..

  65. 65 Augustine S. Keene Jr. said at 5:06 pm on April 29th, 2009:

    You are on your job as I can say and see that you are not just an artist but you are a musician keep your music tight like it is man it makes me feel young again when music was music.

  66. 66 Leetal Benbenisti said at 2:23 pm on May 12th, 2009:

    you truly are an amazing artist! i listen to your music every day, i just can’t get enought of it!! keep making those great hits ryan

  67. 67 Manny Simpini said at 1:31 am on May 18th, 2009:

    Ever had a beat just may u stop and listen … well yea.. Officiaowww beat Mr. Leslie.. hats off to you for forever being craetive.

  68. 68 Facebook User said at 4:13 am on June 10th, 2009:

    Its 6:13am. Cant Get To Sleep. Decided to Listen & Watch This Video Again….Definitely Cant Sleep Now!! Your Vibe’n is ridiculous man….and you the only one in the studio other than your camera man?? Fo Realz Bro?? This video should be called the 5HourEnergy Drink Video. Just Watch This Video and Wahlah….Energy!!! Respect-

  69. 69 Steve Mbai said at 6:57 pm on June 20th, 2009:

    Thanks man for being an inspiration to all the upcoming producers out there

  70. 70 Facebook User said at 8:12 pm on June 20th, 2009:

    I’m falling deeper in the bliss of R. Les music every day… would love it if u… or u and jazmine could bring it to boston… as of right now i know “little” of you but feel sooo much of you! ;)

  71. 71 Crème Mag said at 11:04 am on July 1st, 2009:

    Crème Magazine supports R. Les to the fullest. Great music.

  72. 72 Leonard Schwartz said at 1:38 pm on July 14th, 2009:

    When I first heard “Just Right,” like 4 or 5 years ago, Snoop was on the song. Now that you’ve re-worked it for the album any chance there will be an updated verse from Snoop or another artist?

  73. 73 Ömer Pürcek said at 4:18 pm on July 16th, 2009:

    My favourite song you are so incredible and crazy

  74. 74 Charles Dickson said at 11:28 pm on July 19th, 2009:

    Your energy is incredible lol…what do u eat? hahaha

  75. 75 Tye Brown said at 1:13 pm on August 5th, 2009:

    What’s good Ryan? You inspire me everyday and I want you to know that. Maybe one day we’ll work together. Take care of yourself

  76. 76 Kyla Virtuous Jackson said at 9:44 pm on August 5th, 2009:

    You are sooo talented…I was just resently turned on to you and I am sooo glad that I was, because what u do is amazing…you keep doing your thing, because u just gained a new fan and I would love 2 meet you (in concert would be fine lol)…Stay blessed Ryan Leslie!

  77. 77 Kelvin King said at 7:35 pm on September 5th, 2009:

    love the music keep it up.

  78. 78 Josh Word said at 11:24 pm on September 15th, 2009:

    i really really wanna be there oct 13th at the nokia concert..espcially since my b-day is the next day..maybe ill get to jam with you 1day but this just right groove is tite

  79. 79 Shakar Brumfield said at 12:25 pm on September 16th, 2009:

    I must say that you are inspiring. Watching your in studio sessions with yourself is refreshing and invokes a great feeling inside. I mean I have a pro tools setup in my apartment that allows me to vent my creativity and watching you go in makes me not wamna ever let go of my dream. The road ahead is filled with alot of work. Something I see has created a diamond in you.

  80. 80 Ebenezer Marango said at 2:06 am on September 26th, 2009:

    woooooooooo damn this is tha crap im talkin bout God blessed u Ryan.

  81. 81 Ebenezer Marango said at 2:12 am on September 26th, 2009:

    id love too make music witchu man !! no joke

  82. 82 Brooklyns Knockie said at 3:43 am on September 26th, 2009:

    you are very good at what you do you inspire me watching ya vidoes and listening to ya music and finishing school…most of all ya positive energy and love for ya fans…i would love to be apart of ya creativity and for you to be apart of mine

  83. 83 Miurial Anomar said at 5:35 am on September 28th, 2009:

    it’s one of my favorite!:)
    it’s so romantic…:x
    you’re awesome!:D

  84. 84 Daryl King said at 7:50 pm on October 10th, 2009:

    i like those overdubs & ya musician is just crazzxy man! 8^)

  85. 85 Edward Anderson Cottner Jr said at 11:50 pm on November 12th, 2009:

    i swear i was bouncin just as hard, if not harder when i heard what you did with I-R-I-N-A!!! that was undoubtedly the best song in my opinion! Got my copy of “Transition” and bumpin it every day! When are you coming to the midwest?

  86. 86 Deen Uthman said at 3:57 am on November 19th, 2009:

    Are u planning on doing any London shows anytime soon? Still digesting the new album, great stuff. But still can’t get Precious and Addiction out of my head :-)

  87. 87 Aaron Wilmore said at 1:20 am on January 30th, 2010:

    tallennted I say.. want to be just lik you

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