Second Listen Sunday: Case, “Open Letter”
Promo for the album began almost a year in advance when its lead single, “Missing You,” appeared on the soundtrack for the Summer 2000 hit film, “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps.” The song was written by fellow R&B artist Joe, along with Tim & Bob and Joshua Paul Thompson, who also produced the track.
Slow Jam Saturday: 98 Degrees, “Invisible Man”
Signed to Motown, 98 Degrees’ first single was “Invisible Man”. A ballad written by Dane DeViller, Sean Hosein, and Steve Kpner, it was a heartbreak song, the kind that defies a radio-friendly smile. It’s a feeling you get from the opening moment of the song. Everything about it sounds naked.
Second Listen Sunday: Toni Braxton, “The Heat”
R&B fans received great news last week when it was announced that R&B icons New Edition will kick off 2026 with their next tour, “The New Edition Way Tour,” featuring support acts Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton. While I have seen both male groups live numerous times, I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the legendary Ms. Braxton perform. Therefore, I felt it was only fitting to give her some recognition for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
Slow Jam Saturday: Boyz II Men feat. Charlie Wilson, “More Than You’ll Ever Know”
Tomorrow, I’ll be giving flowers to Toni Braxton for Second Listen Sunday, so it feels fitting to show some love to a legendary group from Philadelphia for Slow Jam Saturday. Boyz II Men established themselves early as hitmakers, yet mainstream audiences often overlook their 21st-century bops. One such song is “More Than You’ll Ever Know.”
Second Listen Sunday : Total, “Kima, Keisha & Pam”
With Missy Elliott adding her unique flair and Puff Daddy guiding the vision, the track pulsed with that unmistakable Bad Boy swagger—glossy, seductive, and ready for radio.
Slow Jam Saturday : The Isley Brothers, “Tears”
The song explores themes of forbidden romance and hidden desire. Its intro establishes a mysterious atmosphere with melodic ad-libs, inviting listeners into a world of
Second Listen Sunday: J. Shin, “All I Got Is Love”
This week’s edition of Second Listen Sunday takes us to the Sunshine State as we highlight R&B crooner J. Shin and his third album, “All I Got Is Love,” which was released in the spring of 2006.
Slow Jam Saturday: Deborah Cox & RL, “We Can’t Be Friends”
Cox and RL’s vocal efforts delve into lingering emotions, the difficulty of letting go, and the ultimate realization that love for your ex can sometimes prevent you from simply being friends.
Flashback Friday Music Review: D’Angelo, “Heaven Must Be Like This”
Following the release of his debut album, “Brown Sugar,” in 1995, the singer hit a bit of a writer’s block before releasing “Voodoo” in 2000.
Second Listen Sunday: Lloyd, “Lessons in Love”
For the final single, Lloyd took things to the bedroom with “Year of the Lover”
Slow Jam Saturday: Kelly Rowland, “Motivation”
Nineties babies are buzzing with excitement as two of the most prominent voices from that era, Brandy and Monica, prepare to launch “The Boy Is Mine Tour” next week. However, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to highlight one of the opening acts, the amazing Kelly Rowland, and her 2011 hit, “Motivation.”
Second Listen Sunday: Chris Brown, “Graffiti”
The production is so glossy that it suffocates the music. Songs blend into one another with generic synths and “me too” hooks that sound like they were pulled from a bargain bin of late-2000s pop-R&B leftovers