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.
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to give some flowers to the group Profyle and their single “Whispers in the Dark”. A quartet from Shreveport, LA, Profyle’s members were Ljai, Baby Boy, Face, and Hershey. Signed to legendary Motown, the group’s debut album was blessed by a bevy of heavy hitter producers, including Jon-John, Teddy Bishop, Soulshock & Karlin, and one of Bad Boy’s Hitmen, Mr. Anthony Dent.
“Whispers in the Dark” was penned by R&B lover man JOE and his frequent collaborator Joshua Thompson. In the simplest of terms, “Whispers in the Dark” depicts a narrative of desire, longing, and fantasy. The song discusses a passionate and intense relationship as the group is haunted by whispers in the dark, symbolizing their lover’s lingering memories and thoughts even when physically apart.
Sensuous language and imagery reflect a tradition of JOE’S and Thompson’s pen game, expressing deep emotions and desires through seductive and evocative lyrics. “I hear whispers in the dark, sayin’ baby don’t you stop / Making love to you, but you’re not in my bed.” This stanza establishes the central theme of desire and yearning for the absent lover, with the whispers symbolizing the intimate connection shared between the two individuals.
Ljai sings the lead vocals on the song, while the rest of the group provides solid background vocals and beautiful harmonies in three parts. Although “Whispers in the Dark” did not become a pop hit, it effortlessly captures the intense and passionate yearning of anyone missing their absent lover. It evokes a sense of intimacy and longing that transcends physical distance.
Final Grade : B+
“Whispers in the Dark” by Profyle is available on all streaming platforms.
Seth Rogen continues his successful relationship with Apple TV in his latest comedic series, “The Studio.” Rogen and his longtime collaborator, Evan Goldberg, direct all ten episodes and write three. Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez write the remaining episodes.
Director Geremy Jasper attempts to modernize the rock opera genre in his sophomore film, “O’Dessa,” available on Hulu. Jasper also pens the film’s screenplay. Rising actress Sadie Sink portrays the titular character, a farm girl searching to recover a cherished family heirloom. She travels to a strange and dangerous city, where she meets her one true love, Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). To save his soul, she must put the power of destiny to the ultimate test.
Academy Award nominee Peter Craig collaborates with fellow nominee Ridley Scott to adapt Dennis Tafoya’s novel Dope Thief for television. Airing on Apple TV, this eight-episode series stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry in the lead role and also features Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew, Nesta Cooper, Amir Arison, and Ving Rhames.