John Legend.

As cliché as it may sound, a true legend was born with the release of Legend’s debut, “Get Lifted.” His sultry lyrics and somewhat gruff vocals combined with jazz piano, hip-hop beats, Latin-flavored horns and real-life stories make for some serious lip-smackin’ R&B.

It doesn’t hurt that West produced the album and co-wrote a number of tracks. Or that Legend worked with Lauryn Hill on her multi-platinum “Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” Or that he’s a damn good-looking man with solid roots.

None of that really matters when you get down to the music. And then it’s all about John Legend.