Tag: 90s R&B

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.

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.