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Derrick Dunn

Slow Jam Saturday : Coco Jones, “Skip My House”

Coco Jones is having an outstanding year.  As the final season of “Bel-Air” recently kicked off, she got engaged and released a new single just in time for the holidays titled “Skip My House.” Co-written by Jones, Avital Margulies, and Sara Diamond, this catchy song continues the trend she started last year with her impressive EP, “Coco By The Fireplace.”

On that project, Jones made a wise choice by avoiding cover songs and standards, instead focusing on original material that highlights her songwriting talent.  This decision affirms that, with dedication, R&B artists can create engaging modern holiday music.

In “Skip My House,” produced by Johnny Thomas Jr., Jones finds a rare sense of satisfaction.  She sighs with relief as the groove unfolds.  The beat flows gently, like a crackling fire, and she moves into it as someone who has finally learned to appreciate happiness right on her porch. 

There’s no rushing toward the next miracle or anxiously checking off items on life’s to-do list.  Instead, there’s a peaceful acceptance of the idea that this is what she needs, and it is enough.  Her voice conveys this message with a light but persistent touch.

Rather than asking the universe for something new and shiny, she embraces gratitude and savors the moment as if it’s the last delicious cup of hot cocoa on a snowy night.  “I already counted, and my blessings came pouring in,” she sings, her voice filled with contentment. 

She’s not in a hurry to rush through the season: “Hoping I can freeze the time now while it’s snowing.” In a line that feels like a warm hand on your chest, she tells the universe—and Santa—to take a break this year: “You can skip my house this year.  I already have everything I need right here.”

“Skip My House” is a song that radiates contentment without losing its sparkle, gently reminding us that sometimes having enough is truly enough.

Final Grade: B+

“Skip My House” is available on all streaming platforms.

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Slow Jam Saturday : Chauncey Black, “Everyday Is Your Birthday”

This week’s Slow Jam Saturday pick takes us back to 2008 to show some love to Chauncey Hannibal, a member of Blackstreet, and his solo track “Everyday Is Your Birthday.” Chauncey’s vocals were featured prominently on the group’s first four albums until he began his solo career in 2005. He initially signed with Flipmode Entertainment, and “Everyday Is Your Birthday” was the first single from his project titled “Church Boy,” although the actual album was never released.

Second Listen Sunday: Brooke Valentine, “Chain Letter”

As my loyal readers know, one of my passions during my Air Force enlistment was being a DJ. Since I was stationed in the UK, it was sometimes hard to keep up with the music scene, as there was no satellite radio, the club scene rarely showcased new music, and I missed out on shows like 106 & Park. Often, I would buy new CDs based solely on their covers and find a way to incorporate the music into my sets, particularly if the artist caught my attention. One such artist was Brooke Valentine, who is this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.

Second Listen Sunday : Akon, Konvicted

Since my wife’s favorite solo artist, Ne-Yo, is currently on tour, I decided to show some love to Akon this week for Second Listen Sunday by focusing on his second album, “Konvicted.” I first discovered Akon in the fall of 2004 when I made my DJ debut while stationed in the UK. During my warm-up set, I played “Locked Up,” and one of the bouncers came over, handed me a pound, and said it was about time someone played that song.

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