Second Listen Sunday: Night And Day
I have previously mentioned the perks of growing up in the nineties, particularly discovering a great R&B gem on a movie soundtrack. Often, artists would release a track on a soundtrack, building anticipation for an album that might not even be released. This week’s Second Listen Sunday featured artist Night & Day falls into the former group.
Slow Jam Saturday: 702, Get It Together
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to give some flowers to R&B trio 702 and their ballad “Get It Together.” In the spring of 1995, I was introduced to the group as they joined label mates Subway for the “This Lil Game We Play” ballad. The group gained popularity a year later with their single, “Steelo.” However, it was their second single, “Get It Together,” that I was eagerly looking forward to hearing live when I saw them open up for New Edition on the 1997 Home Again tour.
Single Review: Musiq Soulchild – Just Friends (Sunny) (DJ Soulchild Remix)
DJ Soulchild, a talented Remix Phenom from Switzerland delivers another remix for 2024 perfect for the dance floor. He added his unique style to Musiq Soulchild’s debut single, “Just Friends,” which was initially released in 2000 as the third single from the “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).” DJ Soulchild has returned to the City of Brotherly Love to bless his fans with this fantastic new track.
Second Listen Sunday : Marc Nelson, I Want You
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday pick, I’m taking you back to 1991 to highlight the debut solo album by premier vocalist Marc Nelson, “I Want You.” It’s often forgotten, but it deserves recognition. As R&B experts know, Nelson was born into music as he is the son of Phyllis Nelson, best known for the dance hit “I Like You.”
Nelson was one of the founding members of Boyz II Men while still a student at Philadelphia’s renowned High School of Performing Arts. However, due to personality conflicts and impatience, Nelson left the group before they hit the big time. Nelson would end up signing with Capital Records, and his solo album, I Want You, was released only a few months after his former group’s debut “Cooleyhighharmony” in the fall of 1991.
Slow Jam Saturday: Profyle, Whispers in the Dark
Male R&B groups ruled the airwaves in the early to mid-nineties, but as the 20th century started to close out, while groups were still around, they no longer dominated the charts. While we still had mainstays like Dru Hill, 112, Jagged Edge, and four guys from Philly, newer groups would come and go.
Second Listen Sunday: Gerald LeVert, Love & Consequences
R&B singer Gerald LeVert released his third solo album, “Love & Consequences,” in the summer of 1998, following his super group project LSG. In addition to collaborating with his longtime associate, Edwin “Tony” Nicholas, LeVert also engaged in fruitful partnerships with a broader array of writers and producers. These include notable individuals such as R. Kelly, Joe Little III from The Rude Boys, and Darrell “Delite” Allamby.
Slow Jam Saturday: Usher, Naked
R&B sensation Usher is on a roll, having had a successful Super bowl halftime show, a sold-out tour, and just released his ninth album. While the album has received a decent response overall, some of Usher’s longtime fans were hoping for more contemporary R&B in the style of the songs he previewed on Instagram before the album’s release date.
Second Listen Sunday: RL, RL: Elements
In the spring of 2001, the R&B singer RL was experiencing the success of his group Next’s hit single “Wifey” from their sophomore album. He began to generate ramblings of a solo album. Three years earlier, RL set himself apart from Next with the hit song “We Can’t Be Friends” alongside Deborah Cox. The success of that song had a domino effect. It led to other features, including “The Best Man I Can Be” with Ginuwine, Case, and Tyrese, and singing the hook to Tupac’s ‘Until the End of Time’.
Slow Jam Saturday: Eric Bellinger, Valentine
As we bid farewell to the month of love, the last song I picked for Slow Jam Saturday with the word “Valentine” is from the talented singer and songwriter Eric Bellinger. Fans of R&B music are well aware of Bellinger’s exceptional vocal skills and his ability to create soulful hits. He has earned a reputation as a sought-after songwriter, writing for industry giants such as Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Usher.
Second Listen Sunday : The Rude Boys, Rude House
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I decided to visit the Buckeye State and pay homage to The Rude Boys. The Cleveland-based quartet consisted of Larry Marcus, Melvin Sephus, Edward Lee “Buddy” Banks, and Joe Little III. Initially breaking onto the scene in 1990 with the hits “Written All Over Your Face” and “Are You Lonely For Me” from their debut, they wasted no time returning to the studio.
Slow Jam Saturday : Lloyd, Valentine
Valentine’s Day 2024 may have come and gone, but I still plan to use highlight songs with the V-word for February’s Slow Jam Saturday. The artist I chose is a southern gentleman by the name of Lloyd. Initially breaking onto the scene as a member of the preteen-boy band N-Toon, Lloyd’s solo career kicked off in 2004 with the hit “Southside.”
Second Listen Sunday : Eric Roberson, The Vault 1.5
One of the most talented men in indie music, Eric Roberson, kicked off his 30th-anniversary tour last night in Pittsburgh, so for this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I decided to revisit Mr. Roberson’s third album, The Vault 1.5, which hit record stores in 2003. As Erro fans know, Roberson initially hit the scene with the lovely ballad “The Moon” while studying at Howard University. Roberson’s first record deal didn’t go as planned, but not one to just lay down, Roberson continued to build a name for himself by writing for the likes of 112 and Will Smith. Additionally, Roberson collaborated with Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Cam’ron.