21 Jan

Posted at 23:46h in Music, Throwback
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On September 22, 1998, Patty LaBelle performed at the Hammerstein ballroom in New York City. The concert would be recorded and released in audio form for her live album,
Live! One Night Only.

The concert included a cover of Cheryl Lynn’s 1978 classic, “Got to Be Real.” This cover was performed as a duet with Patti’s play-goddaughter, Mariah Carey. It’s not clear how widely available this performance was in 1998, but following the creation of YouTube, lots of rare performances were introduced to a new generation of fans — myself included.

The Patti/Mariah version of the song will go on to become extremely popular on the video-sharing website — mainly because of the amazing vocals, but also because of the cute yet hilarious interaction between the two divas. Patti’s screaming of Mariah’s name has since taken on a life of its own, and the performance has even inspired the web series Got 2B Real, which is centered around R&B divas (led by parody versions of Patti and Mariah).

If this is your first time of watching this performance, you’re in for a treat. Click play.

15 Jan

Posted at 03:25h in Music, Throwback
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Thursday, January 14, 2021, marked 50 years since the release of one of the greatest songs ever recorded: “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” by The Temptations.

According to the song’s writers, Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, “Just My Imagination” was written in 1969, but was not recorded because the group was in the middle of a string of psychedelic soul hits. Even though it was a return to the group’s soul origins, it was believed that it would have a jarring effect when juxtaposed with the group’s hits at the time. The song was kept to be recorded at a later date, and that later date came the following year when “Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite the World)” underperformed on the charts.

“Just My Imagination” was recorded during an acrimonious time for The Temptations. The members were constantly arguing and are said to have thrown hands at each other quite regularly. The conflict got so bad that Eddie Kendricks, who sings most of the lead vocals on track, left the group soon after. Paul Williams, the only other member to get a lead part on the song, also left (but due to health reasons).

“Just My Imagination” tells a story about a romantic fantasy that soon ends when the protagonist comes back to reality, and for whatever reason, that theme is popular around here. The song was a major success for the group, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and listed among the biggest songs of the year. However, the charts don’t tell the full story. “Just My Imagination” is the kind of the song for which the word “classic” was made. It has transcended generations in ways that very few have, and has become a signature hit not just for the group, but for a specific time in popular music.

Below is the group’s performance of “Just My Imagination” on The Ed Sullivan Show — the only performance of the song featuring the members who sang on the recorded version. Eddie Kendricks left the group just days later.

15 Jan

Posted at 01:58h in Music, Throwback
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Mary J. Blige turned 50 on Monday and LL Cool J turned 53 on Thursday, so this was an easy choice.

“Favorite Flavor” is an album cut from LL’s 11th studio album, Todd Smith. The track samples the Mary Jane Girls’ “All Night Long” — which had previously been sampled by MJB on “Mary Jane (All Night Long)” — and was produced by Trackmasters. Check it out below.

11 Jan

Posted at 23:14h in Music
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The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary Jane Blige, turns 50 years old today.

MJB’s place in the music business is unique. She embodies the kind of grit that earns her credibility among those who consider themselves “street,” but at the same, she possesses an elegance that allows her to move through the most glamorous spaces without seeming out of place.

As a vocalist, MJB can stand toe-to-toe with the very best, and as an actress, she is proving herself to be the real deal. And with almost 30 years in an industry that is notoriously negligent to its veterans, Mary J. Blige has maintained relevance in a way that very few have.

Join me in celebrating Queen Mary.

“Real Love”


“I Can Love You” (featuring Lil’ Kim)


“Not Gon Cry”


“No More Drama”


“Everything”

07 Jan

Posted at 23:22h in Music, Throwback
1 Like

We’re only a week into 2021 and the year is coming through with big hold-my-beer energy. And ion like det.

In 1991, Sounds of Blackness blessed us with a message that never gets old: Be optimistic. Even when you’re down and not feeling so good; even when’re stuck in a panny with no end in sight; even when it seems like the country you live in can’t seem to get it together. Just remember that everything will be fine — as long as you keep your head to the sky.

If you’re wondering why the song’s lyrics and melody touch you in a special way, it’s because it co-written by none other than Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (along with SOB director Gary Hines).

Click play and be blessed.

07 Jan

Posted at 22:34h in Music
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Saweetie just dropped something for the summertime, except its winter. But we’ll take it, because with everything’s that’s happening in the world, we could use some upbeat music.

“Best Friend,” which features Doja Cat, is one that doesn’t time to grow on you. It goes on the first listen, and it’s simply unfortunate that we’ll never be able to hear this one at the club — and by we, I am referring to everyone except people in Atlanta and Houston, who are clearly immune to COVID.

Much like the song itself, the “Best Friend” visual is also an instant winner. Click play.

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31 Dec

Posted at 18:14h in Music, Throwback
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The year was 1999 and there were people bunkering because they thought some sort of apocalypse was going to accompany the turn of the millennium.

While the idea of a new millennium inspired fear in some, it inspired hope in others. With K-Ci on the hook, Will Smith’s “Will 2K” — from his second solo album, Willennium (of course)— approaches the new millennium in a celebratory mood and a confidence that suggests that Will knew our computers weren’t going to crash simultaneously at midnight on January 1, 2000.

“Will 2K” samples “Rock the Casbah” by The Clash and “Superrappin’” by Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, and peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. With this Thursday also being the last day of this trash-ass year, this song feels appropriate in theme and in mood. Happy new year, everyone!

31 Dec

Posted at 12:09h in Music
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Chloe x Halle are sending us into the new year with a simple-yet-amazing video for their latest single, “Don’t Make It Harder on Me.” I’ll admit: When I first came across the duo a few years ago, I wasn’t an immediate fan. However, the Bailey sisters have delivered more consistently than anyone else in 2020, so consider me a member of their hive.

“Don’t Make It Harder on Me” is a soulful ballad about a former lover circling back to cause trouble in your new relationship, being all nice and making you forget why they became your ex. The song feels like a throwback to the ’70s — like something Rotary Connection would make.

The lyrics of “Don’t Make It” provide ample opportunity for a video with a plot, but somehow, what the girls did instead works just as well. Check it out below.