What makes Velvet Portraits by Terrace Martin notable?

'Velvet Portraits' received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of jazz and hip-hop, contributing to the growing appreciation of genre-defying music in the industry. It was praised by notable publications such as NPR and Pitchfork, establishing Terrace Martin as a key player in contemporary jazz and hip-hop fusion. When 'Velvet Portraits' was released in January 2016, Terrace Martin was already an established figure in the music scene, known for his collaborative work with artists like Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg. This album marked a significant moment in his solo career, following his previous project '3ChordFold' in 2015, showcasing his evolution as a producer and musician blending genres.