Cheryl Elizabeth Gamble, aka Coko, was one of the prominent voices of the nineties as a member of a beloved R&B trio. The group experienced unparalleled success with their first three albums. However, following their 1997 Christmas album, the group disbanded for eight years. During this time, Coko released her solo debut, “Hot Coko,” which is this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.
Arriving in stores on August 10th, 1999, “Hot Coko” was led by the single “Sunshine.” Coko co-wrote the song with Marc Anthony, the late great Lashawn Daniels, and Rodney Jerkins, who also produced. ‘Sunshine’ is a happy, heartfelt song about love and the brightness it brings into one’s life. The song was dedicated to the singer’s three-year-old son at the time.
As she sings these lyrics, it is clear that Coko expresses her deep appreciation for the person she is singing about because their presence transforms ordinary days into something special. By repeated declarations of love and longing, the lyrics express a desire for the consistency and warmth that love provides and weave a metaphor of sunshine to symbolize happiness, warmth, and support.
“Triflin'” (featuring Eve) was the next single. Coko collaborated with long-time collaborator Brian Alexander Morgan and rising talent Bink! for the track. When I first heard the song in the fall of 1999, it was clear that the label hoped to imitate the tremendous success of the spring 1999 single ‘No Scrubs. Subsequently, in “Triflfin,” the track continues its exploration of male behavior deemed to be ‘wack,’ ‘phony,’ ‘fake,’ and ‘jerky.’
Eve’s verse starts with the proposition that guys try to woo women by showering them with material possessions and the suggestion that they can deliver any promised sexual gratification. She’s not into this kind of behavior, and #I Need A Real Man who has substance and offers authentic relationships. In comparison, Coko sings about the man catching her with his physical features. But when he approaches her, he spits a terrible game using cliched lines, and Coko quickly knows he’s playing games.
Due to poor reception to the first two singles, “Hot Coko” didn’t get a third one. The remainder of the album is standard nineties R&B. Tyrese joins for a commendably cover of the Marvin Gaye classic “If This World Were Mine” while “Bigger Than We” and “Try-Na Come Home” are ballads that showcase the singer’s vocal gymnastics. The remainder of the album tracks lean into the signature SWV sound.
Whether it was the rise of teen pop starlets or bad promotion by the label, “Hot Coko” deserved much better. Coko’s voice was in top form, and the production was suitable for the time.
Final Grade: B
“Hot Coko” is available on all streaming platforms.
