Tag: Classic

Bobby: The 25th Anniversary

After the release of his breakout hit smash second album “Don’t Be Cruel”, Bobby comes back four years later with an album that’s on another level of uptempo, dance and new jack swing tracks that can definitely get a party started. 25 years ago on August 25th, 1992, Bobby Brown released his third self titled album “Bobby.” With six singles released from this fourteen track album, the songs are all topics mostly about relationships and love but with a groove that keeps you on the dance floor nonstop. A much older and wiser Bobby musically and shows a much more softer, emotional and a lover boy side mixed with that same hype and crazy energy that has a bit of a hip hop influenced attitude with backup dancers in alleys and basketball courts. Snapbacks with gore tex boots and baggy jeans, this was the image that was far from his shiny suits and gumby days as the young rockstar from Boston and breaking away from his group New Edition. This album is my personal favorite from Bobby. This album gives you that nonstop fun and good feeling with an even longer track listing than “Don’t Be Cruel” and the success of the album is continues with a remix album that was released a year later with a heavier hip hop sound than new jack swing. It was more raw, more street, more dancing and more grittier than the original tracks but it’s also a great body of work. This album is also Bobby’s most underrated. It’s his best work to date. No doubt. After all these years, there is no denying that Bobby was the Chris Brown, the Usher, he is what we see in these recent R&B cats before they came along. His impact and influence is like no other.

Release Some Tension: The 20th Anniversary

After two successful albums, SWV returns right away with a third album that was completely different. Their 1992 debut album “It’s About Time” showcased them as the “around the way” girls with the golden voices bopping their heads and dancing in baggy clothes with long nails from The Bronx and Brooklyn. Their sound was new jack swing and heavy New York hip hop boombap with a combination of their soothing and beautiful voices on a love song with a little bit of rapping and playfulness that represented how strong their bond was as sisters who have finally made it out the hood. Four years later, their 1996 sophomore album “New Beginning” was a more softer side of the group. Way more ballads and left their home girl looks for the more feminine look in high heels and fur coats and then a year later, right after, on August 13th, 1997, the group released their third album “Release Some Tension.” This album was more of a combination of the two previous albums before because there are both hip hop vibes and love ballads at the same time. The only difference is that this album had way more collaborations and features than the other two. All of the guest appearances were hip hop. Diddy, Foxy Brown, Redman, Lil’ Cease, Missy Elliott, Lil’ Kim, E-40 and Snoop Dogg all appeared on the album. All of the singles released were a hit and definitely a banger, the entire album is a masterpiece to me personally. “Can We” originally appears on the soundtrack to the “Booty Call” movie starring Jamie Foxx, Tommy Davidson, Tamala Jones and Vivica Fox. “Someone” features a small rap from Diddy and is sampled from Biggie’s “10 Crack Commandments.” “Lose My Cool” is a very cool song featuring Redman. It’s funny because he sings along towards the end of the song which gave it a more “homey” feel to the track and of course Redman is being himself and could do no wrong and the final single “Rain” balances the album’s singles out with a slow ballad. The music video guest stars Tyrese. Besides the singles, the title track song and “When U Cry” are my top favorites on the album. It’s a classic that’s under appreciated to me. It holds a special place to me when it comes to girl group albums because I grew up on it so I know the album very well. It’s an album I grew up hearing all the time. 20 years later, I still appreciate this album like I did as a kid. Very nostalgic, takes me back to when I was 3. Happy to be here to see this joint turn 20 and to see Coko, Lelee and Taj still doing their thing. They’re a legendary girl group, a top 5 girl group for me personally.

Reflections of Hip Hop

When Hip Hop was born I was only 6 years old living in Marlboro projects in Brooklyn New York. As I got older, I would write rhymes and perform at the skating rink. When I was feeling down I could always count on Hip Hop to lift me up. I would go to all the shows and sneak backstage to meet my favorite artists. In Brooklyn, In the 70’s we we’re listening to James Brown, MFSB, Chic, and other soulful artists before Rappers Delight hit the world by storm in 79′. After that it quickly became a “Domino effect“, everybody wanted in. The rest is history. The first Hip Hop song I fell in love with was Planet Rock, I got lost in those drums. I played it over and over and my mom use to scream at me “Iris, turn that sh** down!!!!” I remember like it was yesterday. The first years of Hip Hop were the best years of my life with park jams, skate jams and parties. Hip Hop brought everyone together and formed a bond that can never be broken. After 44 years Hip Hop is still in my blood and always will be. I can go on and on but I’ll leave it as “Long Live Hip Hop!!!!”

 

SUMMERSTAGE 2017: Jadakiss

Summerstage had yet another incredible and dope show. Jadakiss with guests Lil’ Cease, Black Thought and Tek from Smif-N-Wessun. A scattered crowd that quickly turned into a frenzy with hip hop and hardcore Jadakiss fans bum rush to the front with excitement and their phones in their hands as Jadakiss approaches the stage and his raspy voice is clear and loud on the mic. DJ Technician on the 1’s and 2’s, gives us a medley of old school hip hop classics back to back as he spins, reminisces on the glory days of hip hop. Lots of energy and excitement, everyone has their phones out, going live for Facebook, recording for the Gram and getting as many pics as possible. Jada gives us a lineup of his hits including “Why” and “We Gon’ Make It.” Lil’ Cease then comes out and does his version of “Crush On You”, Black Rob comes out and does his classic “Whoa!” and Tek comes out to do gives us a classic or two as well. Can’t forget about the over excitement after the show of the people hopping over fences and banging on the car windows as the legends make their exit. Another incredible and exciting show for the people. The Bronx always knows how to represent. After all, Jada did say that The Bronx and Yonkers are cousins, well Yesterday let us know that Jada is definitely that cool cousin who when he comes to town, it’s a frenzy.

What’s The 411?: The 25th Anniversary

25 years ago, the woman we all know and love today was once a girl who was straight from the projects in Yonkers, New York, also known as the Schlobahm Projects. She signed her deal with Uptown Records at the age of 18 when she recorded a demo tape at a shopping mall after her stepfather overheard the tape. Her stepfather heard the tape and handed the tape to another artist named Jeff Redd who was also signed to Uptown Records and the tape landed in the hands of André Harrell who was the CEO of the label. After being blown away and amazed with this young girl’s voice that was full of joy, pain, grit and soul, she was signed. She goes by the name Mary J. Blige aka The Queen of Hip Hop Soul. Mary started on the label as a backup singer for Father MC in the early 1990’s until she got in the studio with a guy who called “Puffy” who we all know today as Sean “Diddy” Combs, one of hip hop’s biggest moguls, and together both Mary and Puffy created something magical that made history in Black music. On July 28th, 1992, Mary released her debut album “What’s The 411?” Before the album was released, her very first single, which was an underground hit at hip hop clubs and events, was on the 1991 soundtrack to the movie “Strictly Business.” That song was the infamous debut single “You Remind Me.” “You Remind Me” was a song with soulful vocals and a Biz Markie sampled beat. Then the music video came with a remixed version that featured Greg Nice of the hip hop duo, Nice & Smooth. The rest of the album has the same kinda energy, hip hop and soul, combining the best of both worlds to create a whole new genre of music that changed the sound of music forever and influencing a whole new roster of artists for future generations. Other singles like “Real Love”, “Reminisce”, “Love No Limit” and radio only singles like “Sweet Thing” and the remix of “My Love” featuring the late great Heavy D in 1994 were all a success which lead up to the album’s success of selling 3 million copies and a remix album released in late 1993 including a new remix of “You Don’t Have to Worry” from the soundtrack to “Who’s The Man?” Mary’s impact on the industry is still very obvious in many ways. Her street style fashion and attitude mixed with a soulful 1970’s style singing was something convincing to the people and it made Mary into a overnight sensation and legend and she wasn’t ready for it. 25 years later, “You Remind Me” and “Real Love” still captures people’s hearts on the dance floor like it did in 1992. Mary is still touring and still putting out music and staying consistent and still sitting high on her throne. She’s far from her days as the 21 year old home girl with the baggy baseball jerseys, backwards caps and kneepads with the boots and is now strutting her stuff as the woman with the strength to keep winning and keep fighting. She is the strength of a woman. Now THAT IS the 411.

Supa Dupa Fly: The 20th Anniversary

Once again, another great classic hip hop album has reached a milestone. It’s like excitement and disbelief at the same time because I was once a kid listening to it when it came out. To give a quick recap, Missy Elliott is one of hip hop’s most creative artists. She got her start in an R&B group called Sista under the management and direction of Jodeci’s own DeVanté Swing but when things started to take a change for the worst, Missy abandoned the group and everything she worked hard for at the time. Fast forward to the summer of 1996. Missy appears on Gina Thompson’s remix of “The Things That You Do” and she also wrote and produced on Aaliyah’s “One In a Million.” Then, a year later, on July 15th, 1997, Missy released her debut album “Supa Dupa Fly.” An album with a sound that was like no other. Timbaland’s production and Missy’s creative, bright and colorful music videos and catchy songs full of R&B vocals and raps made Missy an innovator right out the gate. Her and Busta Rhymes both had music videos that were super cartoonish and creative. Missy brings you, rapping, singing, dancing, and a bunch of other stuff that you’ve never heard and/or seen before and it made you want more. Singles like “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”, “Hit ‘Em Wit Da Hee”, “Beep Me 911” and “Sock It 2 Me” were all on heavy rotation during 1997 and 1998. Other albums cuts like “Best Friends” and the catchy and dope interlude skit “Bite Our Style” were my favorites outside the singles. Missy’s style and look was also something innovative. She brought back the finger waves that was out during the 80’s, with baggy clothes and sneakers. Ski goggles, garbage bags, oversized baseball jerseys, track suit pants and big sunglasses. A combination of looks that came with a person who was very confident in her size and it also proved to women that you can be yourself. Being plus sized was also beautiful, especially in a world where they only celebrate being thin. 20 years later, Missy is still someone who doesn’t get the credit she deserves as a producer but that’s something normal in hip hop, something that shouldn’t be. Women not getting the same or equal recognition as the men. Makes women like Missy shine even brighter and makes her even more legendary for always staying true to herself in a male dominated field. She’s always “Supa Dupa Fly.”

Paid In Full: The 30th Anniversary

For an album that only has a very little amount of songs, 9 to be exact, it had a huge impact on hip hop culture. This album is an album that many would consider it to be one that is part of the golden age days during the late 1980’s. Both a DJ and a rapper who both come from New York, both join together under Marley Marl, to create a classic hip hop masterpiece that’s well respected and loved 30 years later. On July 7th, 1987, Eric B. And Rakim released their debut album “Paid In Full.” Just like Nas’ “Illmatic”, “Paid In Full” didn’t have a Lot of songs but in that short amount of time the album lasted, it was a classic from start to finish, a classic from day 1. The album was short because it was said that the album was rushed and that both Eric B. and Rakim both were in the studio for only a week recording it. The album became super influential on other MC’s and rappers in the future. It’s hard hitting beats, Rakim’s flow and delivery, the DJ scratches and classic R&B samples that were picked out by Eric B. himself, obviously made the album one of it’s kind. The album’s success got them both a deal with MCA. With 5 singles out of the 9 track album released, every song had everyone’s attention. No matter where, It made people go crazy, still til this day and people know every single word too. Hip hop events aren’t hip hop events without a Eric B. And Rakim song being played. No matter the DJ, the time, the place, it’s always important that their songs from this album was played. It’s hard to get away from it too. It’s still played like it just came out 30 years ago. It’s timeless, still feels like brand new when it comes on and every true hip hop fan MUST own this album. It’s hip hop code. They don’t call Rakim the God MC for nothing. Everybody in this game wants to be king or considers themselves to be kings but what’s a king to a God.

Don’t Sweat The Technique: The 25th Anniversary

“Don’t Sweat The Technique” is the fourth and final album by both Eric B. & Rakim together. Released on June 23rd, 1992, this album was different from previous Eric B. & Rakim albums because this album was more socially conscious. Topics of poverty, crime, abortion and the wars going on in the world. With only four singles in total, the album was a success and got mostly positive reviews. “What’s On Your Mind?” appeared in the soundtrack of “House Party 2”, “Know The Ledge” appeared on the soundtrack of “Juice”, and “Don’t Sweat The Technique” and “Casualties of War” were both regular singles from the album. Their previous albums were more about the streets and had a much more harder sound and production. There’s only a few on this album with that hard sound. The album can get boring with the strong conscious topics a bit but with songs like “Don’t Sweat The Technique” and “Know The Ledge”, it gives the album a bit of a party vibe without losing its conscious focus and it gives the listeners a bit of what Rakim was doing on his albums before. Overall, the album is dope. The singles are the perfect songs chosen and promoted at the time and it’s a powerful, classic joint and also underrated from the God MC.

Mecca And The Soul Brother: The 25th Anniversary

Coming from Mount Vernon, both Peter Phillips aka Pete Rock and Corey Penn aka C.L. Smooth came together to be one of hip hop’s most legendary and celebrated duos of all time. It was exactly 25 years ago when the duo released their debut album. On June 9th, 1992, their album “Mecca And The Soul Brother” was released. With Pete Rock’s glossy and smooth but jazzy, hard hitting and soulful influenced production and C.L.’s cool rhymes and flow with an edge that made your head bop. His rhymes were mostly philosophical and had little to no cursing. C.L. is another one to me who has a voice that’s perfect. It hits on the beat just right. Completely flawless. The album is a perfect project from beginning to end. An album that’s about knowing your true self which is the Mecca. It’s a way of life, not a place or a state of mind. The album’s positive energy is what made it one that’s highly respected and held in high regard by hip hop fans. Besides the singles “Straighten It Out”, “Lots of Lovin'” and their signature joint “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)”, the rest of the album was just as much of a banger. Honestly, it’s my first time hearing it all the way through and I instantly fell in love with it. It just has that perfect sound I love so much. Joints like “Soul Brother #1” and “It’s Like That” are my top favorites. Out of an entire album that’s dope, there’s always a few ones or less that stands out the most. It’s the ones that hit me the hardest. It makes me go crazy, I make an ugly face listening to it. Overall, I can definitely agree that it’s truly a hip hop classic.

Bigger And Deffer: The 30th Anniversary

Another hip hop classic that has reached 30 years. Coming from Queens, LL was still a young, ambitious, and fresh faced guy on the scene. On June 2nd, 1987, LL released his second album “Bigger and Deffer.” Compared to his debut “Radio”, BAD was definitely what the title says, bigger and deffer and so was LL himself. Still not quite there yet as far as growth as an artist, LL still had the cool and laid back personality, he still had the style but this album was still a step further than his previous. Besides the singles, the album was full of braggadocio, lots of DJ scratches, and a “rap ballad” that was the first to be commercially successful. The album also reminds me of Jazzy Jeff and Will aka The Fresh Prince with its early hip hop days sound, when hip hop was just beginning to become something much more bigger. The beginning of a golden era. It’s not a top 5 LL album, but it’s definitely an album I’ll recommend when it comes to 80’s hip hop.