Second Listen Sunday : Montell Jordan, “This is How We Do It”
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to return to 1995 and show some love to R&B singer Montell Jordan and his platinum-selling single, “This Is How We Do It,” which hit record stores on April 4th, 1995. Jordan was the second male R&B artist to sign with legendary label Def Jam and burst onto the scene with the Slick Rick sampling hit “This Is How We Do It.”
Slow Jam Saturday : Soul For Real, “If Only You Knew”
The year was 1995, and the pop boy band takeover was still a few years away. Nevertheless, R&B vocal groups were holding it down. MCA had already found success with Immature, the nineties answer to New Edition, and their subsidiary Uptown had an answer to The Jacksons with the Dalyyrrimple brothers, a.k.a. Soul for Real.
“The Upshaws” latest season keeps the laughs coming
Season 6 of Netflix’s “The Upshaws” has arrived, welcoming back the patriarch, Bennie Upshaw (played by Mike Epps), and his family as they navigate life in the Hoosier state. The series continues to follow a Black working-class family living in Indianapolis. Bennie is a charming and well-intentioned mechanic who wants to provide for his family. Still, his tendency to overthink the simplest of situations and chaos often leads to humorous situations.
“American Primeval” is an entertaining miniseries set in the old west
Director Pete Berg teams up with writer Mark L. Smith for his latest Netflix series, “American Primeval.” The six-episode series is set in 1857, characterized by turmoil and suffering. The concepts of innocence and tranquility are increasingly overshadowed by hatred and fear, while peace has become a diminishing aspect of society.
“Laws of Man is a solid genre entry
Director Phil Blattenberger continues mixing history with action in his third film, “Laws of Man,” from Saban Films. Blattenberger also pens the film’s script, set during the dawn of the Cold War. At the dawn of the Cold War, U.S. marshals Frank (Jacob Keohane) and Tommy (Jackson Rathbone) pursue wanted murderer Benjamin Bonney (Dermot Mulroney) in the deserts of Nevada and stumble upon a sinister plot that threatens to upend the very foundations of justice and peace.
Second Listen Sunday : Brian McKnight , “Gemini ”
For the first Second Listen Sunday of 2025, I wanted to return to 2005 and highlight “Gemini,” the eighth album from iconic singer & balladeer Brian McKnight. The album hit stores on February 8th, 2005, and would serve as the singer’s last release on the legendary Motown label. The album’s title pays homage to the singer’s astrological sign.
Slow Jam Saturday : Isley Jasper Isley, “Insatiable Woman”
When discussing families in R&B music, three names are usually at the top: Jackson, Debarge, and Isley. For the first Slow Jam Saturday of 2025, I wanted to show love to Isley Jasper Isley and their hit “Insatiable Woman” from their 1985 album “Caravan of Love.”
“A Legend” is a weak reunion for Jackie Chan and director Stanley Tong
Legendary martial arts icon Jackie Chan reunites with writer and director Stanley Tong for their tenth collaboration in “A Legend” from Well Go USA. The film is a threequel to “The Myth” and “Kung Fu Yoga.” During a glacier excavation project with his students, a distinguished archaeologist, Professor Chen (portrayed by Jackie Chan), observes that the uncovered artifacts closely resemble a jade pendant he has encountered in his dreams.
“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” is a welcome return of the beloved duo
The strength of Wallace & Gromit has been Wallace’s invincible faith in his products. Watching Gromit cut through the mess, quietly snarling at his human occupant, is reassuring to anyone who’s ever watched someone you love run into get-rich-quick schemes that become a disaster. Gromit’s cynical expression is enough to tell you that — just as always, he’s in control with the elegance of a thousand brows.
“Hard Truths” is powerful reunion for director Mike Leigh and Oscar nominee Marianne Jean-Baptiste
In a performance already garnering awards talks is the wonderful Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Pansy, whose body language moves from the first scene. Pansy has an addiction to her fear, a woman whose anger is a lost shield that saves her from the world but that splits her family apart.
Second Listen Sunday : Intro, “New Life”
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
Slow Jam Saturday : Natalie Cole, “Starting Over Again”
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”