particularly, among younger artists -- it's called having street credibility -- a style popularised, for female artists, by hip-hop soul queen, Mary J.

Blige -- it's refreshing to see two young sistas who have a different take on their image as female R&B artists. Charisse Rose and Cassandra Lucas, who comprise the duo, Changing Faces, say that they're aiming to change the face of R&B music.

Born in New York -- Charisse hails from the Bronx, while Cassandra is a Manhattan girl -- Changing Faces represents a new breed of female R&B group -- sexy, but smart, self-assured, yet sensitive. And possessing the inherent sophistication of the New York woman, this duo strives to change, not only the face of R&B, but the image of women everywhere. The girls work hard to encourage a seemingly `old-fashioned' approach to being a woman. "In our video, you won't see us rolling in the bed with someone,'' Charisse points out with a sense of pride. "It seems that men have lost all respect for women. We want to show young ladies that you can still be sexy, while leaving a little to the imagination. You don't have to show it all. Set some mystery. That's romance,'' she says.

It certainly is no longer a mystery how these two native New Yorkers have assaulted the national music charts. With their first single "Stroke You Up'' blowing up all over urban radio, Changing Faces have boldly announced their arrival on the music scene. And it doesn't hurt when you have the services of platinum-selling songwriter, artist and producer, R. Kelly at your disposal, writing and producing your first single. And although the ladies consider hooking up with R. Kelly to be a matter of luck, just one listen to their debut album will reveal that talent played a major role as well. In fact, when Kelly first heard the girls' demo tape, he called Big Beat Records President, Craig Kallman, to express an interest in working with them. "They have a unique style and a different sound,'' Kelly explains. "Their music is all that. I look forward to working with them again in the future.'' Judging by the run-a-way success of their first single, I'm sure he will! However, the duo's fans, I'm sure, are curious to get the 411 on their single "Stroke You Up.'' Although it's undoubtedly an intimate song, Charisse and Cassandra were quick to point out that this street ballad, which is intertwined with mellow tinges of jazz, is not another fly-by-night raunchy tune. "It's just about stroking, an emotional touch, not grabbing someone's crotch,'' Cassandra states matter-of-factly. "It's not about that at all,'' adds Charisse.

Changing Faces got their big break while performing right on the street with an impromptu audition in the Big Apple. And so impressed was noted producer, Kenny "Smoove'' Kornegay with their sound that he signed them right on the spot! And in preparing Changing Faces for their all-important debut, he gave the duo the chance to work with a number of top-flight producers and artists.

Pitching in on the duo's debut project were such luminaries as the aforementioned R. Kelly, Jodeci's Devante Swing, Dave "Jam'' Hall, who has previously worked with Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey, and rapper Heavy D.

Not only are the sweet soprano voices of Charisse and Cassandra impressive on their debut project, but it's also interesting to note that the ladies wrote the lyrics to nine of the 13 tracks on the album. And the duo's positive lyrics about love, and their earnest efforts to rekindle the dying tradition of romance in relationships, reflect a strong respect for classic love songs.

"Just like women, men need a boost sometimes,'' states Charisse.

Charisse Rose and Cassandra Lucas