Music – Drama + Controversy

Three Undervalued 90s R&B Classics

Everyone and their daddy knows that the 90s era of R&B music was phenomenal. It has become the go-to era to reference for what a true R&B love song should sound like. When a song from that era comes on, there is a sudden rush of emotion that forces your body into some sort of reaction; often in the form of an off-key karaoke-style sing-along

There are a few songs from that time that evoke such nostalgia, but no one can ever remember who it was singing. It was like “that’s my jam!” but had no idea who was on the vocals. I remember them, though, and today they will get the props they deserve for creating such memorable classics.

Something’s Going On (1993) – U.N.V.

UNV - Something's Going On — UNV – Something’s Going On (1993)

Love slipping right through their fingers with obvious signs of trouble in paradise is what the men of Universal Nubian Voices (U.N.V) were singing about in their 1993 R&B smash hit “Something’s Going On”.

Trying to figure out how things took a turn for the worst in their love, the four gentlemen out of Detroit, Michigan gave pleasurable vocals in the process of exclaiming their disdain for a love gone wrong. The song peaked at number 3 on the US R&B Singles chart and actually hit number 29 on Billboard Hot 100.

A relatable song we fell in love with back in the day. The lyrics and emotional delivery gave chills.

Cry No More (1993) – II D Extreme

II D Extreme - Cry No More — II D Extreme – Cry No More (1993)

A sensitive, understanding man is always the cure for a broken heart and there were three of them singing to us in their 1993 song “Cry No More”.

The trio, who originated in D. C., came through with just what we needed to nurse our heart back to health.

With regal vocals and acute harmonies, we felt “seen” as the gentlemen of II D Extreme killed us softly with their song. They were there for us to pick up the pieces after heartache.

An unforgettable song from the 90s era.

So Alone (1992) – Men At Large

Men At Large - So Alone — Men At Large – So Alone (1992)

R&B legend Gerald Levert landed on a gold mine of vocals in his discovery of the Cleveland originated group, Men At Large.

The tear-jerker “So Alone” was one of those songs that got stuck in your head, even though it was sad as all get out. It was seven and a half minutes of tears-streaming (album version), yet we still couldn’t stop listening.

Reaching number 5 on Billboard Hot R&B Singles and breaking through the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at 31, people across the country found “So Alone” so amazing.

What If?: Tamar Braxton Edition

Everything happens as it should, right? Well, even if that’s true, let’s imagine that each time a choice is made, the other options play out in a parallel dimension. Doesn’t that make you feel better? To know that in another life you’re living out every one of your dreams? Yeah, let’s roll with that and imagine Tamar Braxton was full-out famous as Beyoncé back in the early 2000s.

Ms. Tamar Estine Braxton – premier vocalist extraordinaire – has become well-known for her one-of-a-kind personality and out-of-this-world vocals. She’s been around since her teenaged years, starting out in the 1990s as a member of The Braxtons with her four sisters, including THEE Toni Braxton, and later launching a solo career (late 1990s – early 2000s). However, her well-deserved ascension to stardom didn’t happen until over a decade later when her reality show, Braxton Family Values, came on air in April 2011. It wasn’t until then did we get to behold the authentic personality that would set the internet abuzz with tons of catchphrases. And with the release her first post-reality-show album, Love and War (2013), Tamar had proven that she was slept on for far too long. A solid R&B EP with her personality shining through fully, I was completely sold. Before that, she lived in her big sister’s shadow and never really got the shine she was due. Not that I’m obsessed or anything, but I often wonder why she never blew up back in the day. She definitely had the potential. Besides, she would’ve been good competition for Ashanti… and eventually Beyoncé. Yes, I said Beyoncé.

Don’t get me wrong, I am a card-carrying member of the BeyHive; however, I’m not so blinded by the ineffable Mrs. Knowles-Carter’s grandeur that I cannot give props to other artists as I see due.

After witnessing the very outspoken Ms. Braxton on Braxton Family Values alongside her sisters, I realized that we’d been deprived for many years of something amazing. Not that she didn’t make good music prior to that, it’s just that she didn’t get the play or notice she deserved. “Get None” (1999), from her eponymously titled debut album is so very Tamar and the video was giving! She also killed her feature on R&B group, Silk’s, song “Don’t Go” from their album Love Session (2001). She was not a one hit wonder type of artist. It’s like there was something trying to keep her in a box, and that is just someplace Tamar didn’t belong.

Tamar Braxton – Get None (1999)

I wonder if it was because her voice or look was too similar to Toni’s? Maybe music executives felt there wasn’t a clear-cut niche for Tamar so the “machine” wasn’t put in full-throttle to push her forward? I can see how it could appear that way, and maybe back in early 2000s, personality wasn’t as important is it is today, but we sure could have used a Tamar in that era. The Tamar with the outrageous commentary and tear-provoking vocals. The girl who could drop it low but also sit on a stool in the middle of an empty stage and send chill-bumps up our arms with those chilling vocals.

Oops, too much like Beyoncé? Well, that would have been a bit of healthy competition that would have required Tamar to give it all she had, which means we would have seen all that poppin’ and droppin’ and sassiness given and received with full adoration. That Beyonce/Tamar [healthy] rivalry would have been lit.

Watching her “Love It” video (from her Calling All Lovers album) makes me believe she felt like she had FINALLY burst out of her box and was able to be the woman she wanted to be from the very start. The woman who would’ve given all the early 2000s hot girls a run for their money.

When we want to bring someone up against Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, there must be verifiable receipts to back up such audacious claims of worthiness. Besides the fact that this is all how I personally envisioned that era with Tamar Braxton officially on the scene, there is no doubt that Tamar has the talent. Don’t get me wrong, Beyonce shut it down with the whole package – dancing, vocals, and fabulousness beyond measure, giving life from the moment we heard “uh oh, uh oh, uh oh oh no no”… it was done. But just to imagine that there was another on the scene who could keep up – and in my mind, that would’ve been Tamar, if only the stars had aligned correctly. Had she had the team and the backing, she could have torn up the 2000s. With vocals comparable to Mariah Carey, I am for sure in my heart of this.

No, she doesn’t do much dancing in her current videos, but obviously she has the ability. Please take the time to view The Braxtons’ “Good Life” performance from 1990. Just find it online and behold the moves that a young Tamar was giving. Watching her compete on the 21^st season of Dancing With The Stars in 2015 actually caused me a bit of grief because I felt we had long been deprived of something great. Not that what she’s giving us at the present isn’t great enough, I just realize that there could have been so much more given had her star arose back in the 2000s. So much talent was subdued for far too long.

Tamar with The Braxtons – Good Life (1990)

I don’t know all the details of what happened with Tamar back then. Her big personality could’ve been an hindrance or maybe it just wasn’t her time yet.

3 Remarkable Remakes

1. You Give Good Love (Whitney Houston & Demetria McKinney)

Who would dare come for THE legendary Whitney Houston’s vocals? With such audacity, one must come correct or not come at all.

At the age of 21, Whitney released “You Give Good Love” on February 22, 1985, as a single from her self-titled debut album. Written by La Forrest “La La” Cope and produced by the late singer/producer, Kashif, “You Give Good Love” garnered Houston an AMA win and two Grammy nominations and went on to become a pop and R&B classic.

With that said, it takes a brave soul to attempt to revamp such a timeless classic that was originally belted out by one of the most amazing vocalists of all time.

I can confidently say that the multi-talented Ms. Demetria McKinney has come correct.

We may know Demetria McKinney as the stunning actress who has graced our television screens in various series including Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and the Bounce TV drama Saints & Sinners. She also portrayed Whitney Houston herself in the Bobbi Kristina television film on TVOne. However, respect is due in her talent as a vocalist as well. Around the time the Bobbi Kristina movie aired, Demetria released her album, Officially Yours, in October 2017 which included the “You Give Good Love” remake.

Sometimes remakes are cringy and aggravating, making you even question your love for the original song. This is not one of those instances.

In her rendition, Demetria kept it close to the original script with a little bit of a modern twist. Her vocals were on point and the vibe will definitely cause you to close your eyes as you sway your head back & forth with a finger snap. Demetria’s version somehow manages to induce the same nostalgia as the original, which is a clear sign that this was a job well done.

2. Prototype (Andre3000 & Kevin Ross)

“Prototype” is a single that originated from rap royalty Andre 3000 on the double album for the iconic rap duo OutKast. The song was the melodic creative expression of Andre 3000 and was released along with Big Boi’s “Ghetto Musick” from their 2003 double album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.

Obviously a rapper but lending us his palatable vocals, Andre 3000 gave us a new anthem. If bae doesn’t make you feel like you’ve found your “prototype”, they are not the one. With its funky yet chill vibe, we are walked through the love experience of finding the one who resuscitates our heart and inspires hope. An ode of gratitude for the one capable of rekindling the flame of love in our life and bringing us “back to this world”.

Singer/song-writer Kevin Ross gave the song a true R&B vibe with a minimalistic musical tone and smooth lyrical delivery. Kevin’s voice is perfect and the emotion he provides gives the song a new dimension. His rendition appears on his 2017 EP, Drive, released on Motown Records.

3. Stay (Jodeci & June’s Diary)

The 90s was the decade R&B music ascended to a new level of amazing. Groups like Jodeci arrived and thrived on the scene during that time, creating timeless music that became the soundtrack of our lives. “Stay” was the third single released on Jodeci’s debut album, Forever My Lady, in 1991.

An ode to rekindling an old flame, the mellow jam is a staple on everyone’s love song playlist. Jodeci is one of those groups with a distinct sound and flavor that is hard to replicate, which is why remaking their music is a daunting task.

Nevertheless, girl group June’s Diary was up for the challenge. Founded by Kelly Rowland right before our eyes on their reality show, Chasing Destiny, the group is stocked with stellar vocals from five beautiful women.

Putting their own spin the classic song, June’s Diary added a feminine element to the lyrics while keeping it reminiscent of the original. “Stay” was on their debut mixtape, Male Edition, released in June 2017.

Album Review: Kelly Price’s GRACE

Multi-talented, multi-genre, and multi-Grammy nominated artist Kelly Price has returned with her eighth studio album, GRACE, which is her first studio album in nearly seven years. In the meantime, she and her beautiful spirit have GRACEd our television screens most recently as a host of BET’s gospel singing competition, Sunday Best.

Ms. Price is known for swerving all over the highway of musical genres and has made it clear that she has no lane. From R&B to Gospel, her powerful vocals have contributed to the soundtrack of our lives since her iconic R&B song Friend of Mine was released by in 1998. Her spirit exudes through each song she blesses up with, and her legendary hit, It’s My Time, is prime example of how she chooses to use her gift to inspire and uplift.

GRACE is not necessarily a traditional gospel album — it leans more towards being an inspirational album with heavy gospel influence.

Dance Party

The album starts off with some TURN UP! The first song, Dance Party, is an upbeat jam with a very appropriate name. As soon as it starts, there is really no way you’ll be able to NOT pull out a shoulder bounce or body roll. She even made it interactive, giving us a chance to join in with a “You say, you say”, and it’s guaranteed that you will indeed follow through with “I, I wanna dance! I wanna dance and I’m gonna do it now! I wanna daaaanccce!” It’s an ode to perseverance over negativity and obstacles that tend to bring us down; a reminder that no matter what, that voice within, that spark of Divine, is bigger and more powerful than anything so choose JOY and peace over everything else. Knowing Who is in charge is reason enough to DANCE so let it all go and give praise.

Grace

Kelly slows it down with the title track, Grace, which is essentially a mellow love song to the most high for His forgiveness, mercy, and GRACE. The song itself has an R&B feel with a gospel message. Her vocals are smooth with a spritz of jazz. The message relayed is that no matter how many times we fall, no matter how wretched we are, God continues to cover us when we turn to Him.

What I Need (Interlude)

This interlude fazes in with Kelly reading from Matthew 6:8 over a slow R&B beat: “Be not ye therefore like them: for the Father knows what you have need of, before you even ask him.” She reminds us that our prayer should be guided by Spirit and leads into the Lord’s Prayer with a twist, and those classic, incomparable vocals will give you chills. The interlude is only just over a minute long but you will definitely want to hear more because the way she was belting out that prayer is worthy of an entire song.

What I Need (A Sinner’s Prayer Remix)

The next track begins with a certain intensity, kind of like the calm before a storm. Kelly’s masterful vocals are heard over dramatic R&B music, with a piano adding an extra dramatic effect. There is a fusion of hip hop with rappers Jon Conner and 901$outh lacing the track with meaningful, hard-hitting bars that draw you in and cause you to feel every word. There is absolutely no fluff on this track – from start to finish, it’s all business. Spiritual business. Kelly intermittently graces us her dynamic vocals, pleading for God’s Will over her own desires. Chills will ensue, guaranteed.

I Want To Thank You

Kelly speeds it back up on this next track leading in with a semi-acapella vocalization. Then the beat drops and it’s giving us 80’s vibes. It’s like one of those songs you hear at a cookout where good vibes are abound. Kelly’s vocal range is astounding and as she sings praises to God for sending her love, we are moved to feel grateful as well – grateful for the talent Ms. Price shares with us all. The message all in all is that if you do what’s right and keep faith, you will be blessed. In her powerful delivery, she reminds us to continue to look up and blessings will eventually fall down.

Faith That Conquers

The next and final track has a classic gospel sound with heavy piano influence and Kelly channels Mahalia Jackson with her powerful delivery. It’s that song that the lead vocalist in the church choir sings on Sunday morning moving everyone to tears and praise. Her tone gives the song so much depth and the message reminds us that with faith, nothing is impossible — faith allows us to create our circumstances by first conceiving it with vision and manifesting it through belief that God will bring it forth. A much needed reminder during these unusual times we face, especially in the aftermath of the tumultuous year 2020. Thank you, Kelly, for reigniting the flame of FAITH for those whose fire may have been extinguished while trying to survive through a pandemic and times of social injustice.

GRACE comes across as a facilitator of healing during a time of such intense trauma and also encourages us to reflect on what is really important in life. It inspires us to re-anchor ourselves with faith and remember that nothing is greater than God. Each and every track on the album has a place and a purpose which indicates that Kelly Price moved with intent and purpose while creating this extended play. There will be dancing and there will be quiet reflection, but most importantly, there will be a reminder that God’s GRACE allows everything – every trial and tribulation – to work out in the end. Kelly Price’s GRACE is definitely sufficient.

New music: Toni Braxton & Ne-Yo

We’ve been blessed with new music from two of R&B’s most amazing artists – Toni Braxton and Ne-Yo.

Toni Braxton – Long As I Live

Toni Braxton’s new song, Long As I Live, has literally been on repeat since I first heard it a few days ago. In the song, Toni is singing about tripping over the love of her life, also her ex, who has moved on and she’s having to hear about another woman living the life she once lived with him. It’s really one of those songs you play on Friday night while drinking all the wine in the house and then drunk dial your ex. However, I like it because Toni’s vocals are so mellow, yet give so much life – and the beat just flows. The overall vibe of the song is late 90s to mid-2000s and I’m all the way here for it. We need more of this – a revival of R&B music.

Ne-Yo – Good Man

If art is imitating life, Ne-Yo must be a very happily married man. His latest song, Good Man, is basically an ode to his significant other with proclamations of fidelity, assuring her that her that the day he married her he was committed to being a good, honest, faithful man – despite what the haters and naysayers have to say about it. The song samples a bit of D’Angelo’s legendary song, How Does It Feel, and the overall vibe of the song is mid to late 2000s.

I get super excited when I hear new music that has a pure R&B sound. Being a genuine music lover, I listen to EVERYTHING, but my first love was R&B and my favorite era was the 90s, so I obviously have an affinity for love songs. Toni Braxton and Ne-Yo are two artists I can always turn to for a good R&B fix.

Two Gospel Artists Whose Music Will Bless Your Life.

There are many, many gospel artists whose music soothes my soul on a daily basis – Kirk Franklin, Jekalyn Carr, Michelle Williams, Joshua’s Troop, Le’Andria Johnson, & Deitrick Haddon – just to name a few. However, a couple of artists have resonated with me on a deeper level lately. We go through phases in life during which we are drawn to different music and experiences, according to our mental & spiritual state. At this point in time, listening to Donald Lawrence speak positivity over my life and Marvin Sapp’s smooth vocals encouraging me to persevere & thrive is what my mind & spirit requires.

Donald Lawrence

Two Gospel Artists Whose Music Will Bless Your Life - Drama & Controversy — Donald Lawrence

When your life is REALLY in shambles, you might need to queue some Donald Lawrence to get things back in order (after calling on the good Lord of, course). His music is a ministry in itself – he speaks life back into the lifeless and provides double doses of hope to those suffering a hope deficiency by declaring the power of God and the nature of His promises to those who believe. Even if you’ve been a little down on faith, Donald will nurture your ‘mustard seed’ into full blown abundance.

The self-proclaimed “Song Psychotherapist” and provider of “Transformational Wisdom” got his start as musical director of a gospel group comprised of singers from three cities in North Carolina named the Tri-City Singers (the crew is reportedly back together & recording new music!). Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers went on to record some heavenly music that has, assuredly, changed a few lives – or a few minds, at least. The Stellar Award-winning crew gave us songs like Go Get Your Life Back, You Are An Heir, God’s Favor, Seasons, & Usher Me to draw inspiration and keep focused on the positive. Donald later went solo and blessed us with songs like The Gift, Spiritual, There Is A King in You to remind us of the power within us that was endowed by God to allow each of us to live our best life.

Donald Lawrence is one of my top go-to gospel artists when I need an immediate boost of positive energy. Blasting his music in the morning before starting the day actually improves my mood and helps me to be more impervious to negativity throughout the day – even on MONDAYS.

Marvin Sapp

Some people are absolutely anointed musically with the ability to deliver a message that resonates at the deepest levels and Marvin Sapp definitely falls into that category. During the darkest of times, queueing a Marvin Sapp song will trigger a glimmer of faith and hope, allowing you to find the strength to keep moving forward. He has been through the darkest of times – losing his wife, mother of his three children. His strife, heartache, desolation, and later triumph, allow him to deliver music in a manner that is authentic and honest.

Marvin sang with Fred Hammond in the gospel group Commissioned prior to starting his solo career. His most popular song, Never Would Have Made It, from his second solo album is still an inspirational staple all these years later, as well as Perfect Peace. Some personal favorites of mine are My Testimony, and Live – speaking of perseverance over trials and tribulations through faith. You Are God Alone reminds us that no matter how big our problems seem or the severity of the negativity surrounding us, God is the ultimate source of our wisdom & power – His will for our lives is above all else & no natural entity has the ability to alter God’s favor.

Marvin is not afraid to broaden his musical horizons. He recorded a song with Xscape veteran and RHOA cast member, Kandi Burruss, named Stay Prayed Up – and it’s amazing, although it stirred up a bit of controversy due to Kandi’s “worldly ways” – *severe eyeroll*. Reaching a wider audience with a positive word should never be considered a terrible thing. I, personally, had the song on repeat for a week, at least.

I’m not a perfect Christian, at all. I listen to all types of music. I don’t go to church like I should. My level of patience leaves much to be desired. I’m just a human who believes in God, trying to find inspiration to make it through the perilous times on this journey called life. Donald Lawrence & Marvin Sapp are two musical earth angels who have blessed my life with an inspirational soundtrack to brighten even my darkest of days.

Queen Bey will be performing on April 14th & 21st, featuring Tyler the Creator, Chloe x Halle, Post Malone and many more.

Category: Music