Kashif is the self-titled debut album by American singer Kashif. Produced by Kashif and Morrie Brown, it was released by Arista Records on February 22, 1983, in the United States, following his departure from the funk/disco group B. T. Express. The album reached number ten on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and spawned the top five single "I Just Gotta Have You (Lover Turn Me On)." Kashif also includes the singles "Stone Love", "Help Yourself to My Love" and "Say Something Love".[1] The album was digitally remastered by Funky Town Grooves in 2012 and includes five additional tracks.[2]
AllMusic editor Craig Lytle found that "this album has one good composition after another. Kashif's adamant deliveries are poisely contrasted by cooing background. Though there are no authentic string and horn ensemble, the former B.T. Express member gets optimal use of his synthesizers and keyboards. This is an excellent debut."[1]Robert Christgau gave the album a C+ rating and wrote in his "Consumer Guide" column in The Village Voice: "As if he were Dick Griffey or somebody, admirers cite the radio appeal of this Brooklyn pheenom's smooth concoctions and recall the heroic deeds of Berry Gordy. Whether that rings true with you depends on whether you value the radio of the '80s as much as that of the '60s."[3]
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