Slow Jam Saturday : Melvin Riley Jr., “Whose Is It?”

For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to venture to the Wolverine State and show some love to “Whose Is It,” the lead single from Melvin Riley Jr.’s solo album “Ghetto Stories.” Before embarking on his solo career in 1993, Riley led the group Ready for the World, which racked up their share of R&B classics, most notably “Oh Shelia”, “Tonight”, and “Love You Down”.

After the group’s fourth album, 1991’s “Straight Down to Business”, failed to chart significantly, the group took a hiatus, and a solo career seemed like the next logical step for Riley. As we all know, R&B had begun to shift, and the lyrics were overtly sexual, which was the route that Riley took. A sultry slow jam was the perfect transition for Riley into grown folks R&B.

To meet changing musical trends, Riley moved away from the 80s synth-heavy Minneapolis style and New Jack Swing, which were losing popularity. Riley produces a basic groove that works well for intimate bedroom listening. The breathy delivery and falsetto glides in “Whose Is It?” require late-night radio shows and Quiet Storm playlists to showcase the track.

“Whose Is It?” remains unforgettable due to its skillful exploration of provocative themes without becoming distasteful. Riley’s repeated plea—”Whose is it, baby? Riley’s repeated plea—”Whose is it, baby?” serves as both a declaration of longing and a request for emotional acknowledgment. The song lyrics balance between expressions of lust and love, similar to how Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” and Prince’s “Do Me, Baby” operate.

The instrumentation effectively enhances the song’s intended message. It features a smooth bassline that serves as a stable foundation, while delicate keyboard tones drift in a manner reminiscent of shimmering candlelight. The production is intentionally understated, refraining from any attempts to dominate the listener’s attention. Instead, the focus is on creating an atmospheric experience, allowing Riley’s voice to serve as the primary element in the performance.

Though “Whose Is It?” never reached the commercial heights of Riley’s earlier work with Ready for the World, it has maintained a cult following over the years. For R&B purists, it’s a reminder of a time when slow jams were still sacred.

Final Grade: B+

“Whose Is It?” is available on all streaming platforms.