Kevon Edmonds, 1/3 of legendary R&B trio After 7, was already a household name when he released his solo debut 24/7 in the fall of 1999. I was a senior in high school and living in El Paso, Texas when Kevon broke through with his solo single “24/7”. Working with writers Angelo Ray / David Scott, Edmonds did not stray that far from the After 7 formula, which was smooth vocal harmony and heartfelt lyrics.
Edmonds’s next single, “No Love (I’m Not Used to),” arrived from the pen of Daryl Simmons and showcased his vocals over a song that anyone who ever got too comfortable in a relationship can relate to. We have all been there where we take someone for granted and when we lose them, it’s hell on your heart. I am a firm believer that sometimes you have to learn to be alone to prepare yourself for the right person.
For the last single, Kevon linked up with his brother Babyface for the beautiful ballad “Love Will Be Waiting at Home.” Marc Harris and Tommy Sims also provided their talents to the song. The opening song “Never Love You” is another Babyface written gem that could serve as a sequel to “No Love (I’m Not Used to)” with the pleading Kevon is doing to get his girl back. Quite honestly, “Never Love You” is a better song than some albums coming out today. Kevon could have easily relied on his younger brother for every song on the CD. While Babyface does provide his usual trademark to songs like “A Girl Like You” and “How Often,” Kevon has excellent chemistry with the other producers on the album as well.
Tim & Bob provide Kevon with two up-tempo bangers in “When I’m With You” and “I Want You”, while Gregory Curtis contributes the lush “Sensitive Mood.” 24/7 does lose a bit of steam towards the album’s end as the last few songs come across as filler. Nevertheless, this was a strong debut overall that I often revisit.
Final Grade: B+
Top Tracks: The singles and “Never Love You.”
24/7 is available on all streaming platforms
Growing up in the nineties, movies aimed at a melanin audience often featured soundtracks that had to be just as flavorful as the films themselves. This week, for Slow Jam Saturday, I want to take a trip back to 1993 and highlight one of the slow jams from the soundtrack of “Menace II Society”.
Last week marked two significant anniversaries for one of the greatest artists of all time, Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson. It’s only fitting that I show him some love for Second Listen Sunday. The first anniversary was on the 21st, commemorating nine years since his passing. The second anniversary was on the 22nd, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his seventh studio album, “Around the World in a Day.”
One of my most significant decisions late last year was to pledge to Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. At the time of this writing, I am in Atlantic City for my fraternity’s Regional Conference, where I will represent my chapter, Beta Alpha Omega. In that regard, I believe the perfect song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday is “The Best Man I Can Be.”
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