Remembering Rhythm & Blues: September 2006

Intermission Friday - Time For Comedy

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Even though all the worlds' a stage, I've been feeling a bit removed from the show. I think it's all due to my horrible commute to work this morning... It's cool though because to be human is to be divine or some shit like that. At any rate, today I got to thinking about Rockwell's 1984 hit, Somebody's Watching Me, because it makes me laugh. This video is so off the chain, it's borderline crazy and I think that's the effect they were going for -- sheer craziness. Enjoy and I hope it invokes the craziest belly laugh outta you!!! HAPPY FRIDAY!

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/29/2006 , , , links to this post

Smokey Robinson And Those Ebony Eyes

Soft and warm, a quiet storm, quiet as when flowers talk at break of dawn, break of dawn...

Now isn't that some smooth shit? Smokey's Quiet Storm is credited as being the sound that "typified a smooth, slow style of R&B that is today called "quiet storm." And what else would you expect from a man nicknamed Smokey? LOL! Here's some background:

William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American R&B and soul singer and songwriter. Robinson is noted for being one of the primary figures associated with the Motown record label, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy. As both a member of Motown group The Miracles and a solo artist, Robinson recorded seventy Top 40 hits for Motown between 1959 and 1990, and also served as the company's Vice President from 1961 to 1988.

Yes, you read that right! Mr. Robinson has had SEVENTY Top 40 hits and I've enjoyed listening to every single one of them, songs like The Tracks Of My Tears, You've Really Got A Hold On Me, Being With You, and Let Me Be The Clock to name a few. Yet, the song that still makes me upset is Ebony Eyes! Why, you ask? Well, as a middle child I always felt like I had to compete with my sisters for attention. I wasn't the oldest and I wasn't the baby, so I needed to carve out my own little space. My music was that space. Yet, when my man Smokey came out with this song, I felt like DAMN IT -- Not only was my youngest sister already the spoiled baby, but now she has A SONG named after her too? UGGGH! But I'm over it now and I forgive Smokey (and Rick) because I might not have the name Ebony, but I sho got me some ebony eyesssss! LMAO!

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/27/2006 , , , links to this post

Intermission Friday - Time For Comedy

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This video from C+C has made me laugh every time I see it... I hope you enjoy and Happy Fridayyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Things That Make You Go Hmmm

C+C 90s dance

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/22/2006 , , , links to this post

Sade Makes Me Give In To Love

I like Grey's Anatomy, but I love my husband. We had an argument tonight over the kids and I guess the grey anatomy called my brain is refusing to let bygones be bygones. I miss him. He's been working late for the last two weeks and we barely see eachother except for late night moments in front of the television. Right now, I want the madness to end. I give up trying to be right all the damn time. It's too much effort to keep being angry over something stupid. Besides, Sade said it best -- Love Is Stronger Than Pride. So right now, I'm going to cut of this computer and remind him that his Love Is King.

Kiss Of Life

Love Is Stronger Than Pride

Nothing Can Come Between Us

sade smooth R&B

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/21/2006 , , , links to this post

Dianne Reeves Reminds Me Of Better Days

At some point today, I came to the realization that I have no real support system when it comes to my children. Growing up, I watched as my mom did 'it all' and now I'm discovering that I'm starting to turn into that same 'supermom', who tries to hold down the full-time job, the extra work projects, the business, the schooling, the kids, the hubby, the bills.. UGH! I'm getting tired thinking of it all. Sometimes I wish I could've gotten a better perspective from my grandmothers. Back then, life was just as hard for them, but different. In my young mind, they were all goddesses, magically crafting the entire family into upstanding citizens. Sadly, I never really got to enjoy them in my teens because both my paternal and maternal grandmothers died within months of eachother when I was five. I try so hard to remember them sometimes, but it's hard and this year with the passing of my great-great grandmother, I feel so far removed from all the history that they left behind. I wish I could've had some more time with them right now. I wish I could ask them how they managed life as a woman, wife, mother, or worker. I wish I had their guidance to see me through the hard times. I wish for their wisdom and foresight. I wish for just an iota of their strength. I know they're watching me, I know they are protecting, I know I will NEVER stop feeling this way, and I know like Dianne, they are reminding me:

All the things you ask
You will know someday
But you have got to live
In a patient way
God put us here by fate
And by fate that means
Better Days

Better Days

Dianne Reeves Jazz

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/21/2006 , , , links to this post

Heaven Helped Me With Deon Estus

Sometimes my Ipod surprises me...

I was driving to work this morning and just fussing at all the bad drivers, when Deon Estus 1989 hit, Heaven Help Me, came through the speakers. AWWWW SHUCKSSS!!! I totally forgot that I uploaded this little treasure. Dear Lord above, thank you for the shuffle button!!! :-)

Heaven Help Me

Deon Estus 80s R&B

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/18/2006 , , , links to this post

Intermission Friday - Time For Comedy

We interrupt this programming to bring you an important message...

It's FRIIDAYYYYY and you know what that means... Time for a little laugh. At the time I wrote this post, I wasn't able to find a video to go along with what I was trying to convey, but today I was able to find THAT video. You know, the video that gives you an idea of what it felt like for Oran 'Juice' Jones to walk through The Rain? This video had me chackling when I first saw it, so I hope you ENJOY!!

The Rain

O yeah, you know I had to include ~~since I couldn't find them online anywhere~~ the lyrics to the best part of the whole song:

Hey Hey Baby
How you doing?
Come on in here
I got some hot chocolate on the stove waiting for ya
Listen first things first
Let me hang up that coat
Yeah
How was your day today
Did you miss me?
Oh you did
I missed you too
I missed you so much I followed you today (LOL!)
That's right
Now close your mouth cause you COLD BUSTED! (LOL!)
That's right
Now sit down here
Sit down here
I'm so upset with you
I don't know what to do
My first impulse was to run up on ya
And do a rambo (LOL!)
Whip out the jammy and flab blast both of ya (LOL!)
But I didn't wanna mess up this $37 hundred dollar minks coat
So instead
I chilled
That's right
Chilled and I went to the bank
Took out every dime
And I went and cancelled all those credit cards
Yeah
All your charge accounts
Yeah
I stuck you up for every piece of jewerly I ever bought ya (LOL!)
Yeah
That's right
Everything
Everything
Get fly with me
Naw don't, don't, don't go look in that closet
Cause you ain't got nothin in there
Everything you came here with is
Packed up and waitin for you in the guest room
That's right
What were ya thinkin about?
Huh?
What were ya tryin to prove?
Huh?
You was with the JUICE (LOL!)
I gave you silk suits, Gucci handbags, blue diamonds
I gave you things you couldn't even pronouce (LOL!)
Now I can't give you nothing but advice
Cause you still young
That's right
You still young
I hope you learned a valuable lesson from all this (LOL!)
You know?
You gonna find someone like me one of these days
Until then
You know what you gotta do?
You gotta get on out of here with that alley cat coat wearin, hush puppy shoe wearin crumb cake I saw you with cause you dismissed (LOL! LOL! LOL!)
That's right
Silly rabbit tricks are made for kids (LOL!)
Did you know that?
You without me like corn flake without the milk (LOL!)
It's my world, you just a squirrel tryin to get a nut (LOL!)
Now get on out of here
Ay, DON'T TOUCH THAT COAT!

LMAO! O yeah, this joint is hilarious!!!!

The Juice 80s music

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/15/2006 , , , links to this post

Barry White: The Man with the Velvet Voice

There's no sense in listing any of my favorite songs by Barry White. This legend is responsible for some of the greatest R&B/Soul and Disco hits:

Barry Eugene White (September 12, 1944 – July 4, 2003) was an American record producer and singer responsible for the creation of numerous hit soul and disco songs. He conducted the Love Unlimited Orchestra, which consisted of live musicians, including string and percussion players. Records featuring White's deep bass voice and suave delivery were often used by couples wishing to create a romantic ambience. He was often affectionately referred to as the "Maestro" and "Walrus of Love" or "The Man with the Velvet Voice". All inclusive record sales of White's music with singles, albums, compilation usage and paid digital downloads as a singer, songwriter and producer now exceed 100 million world-wide.

Did I just read that correctly - A 100 MILLION? Well alright now! I remember running around in the 90s singing Practice What You Preach and having my mom ask me, what you know about Barry White girl? Then I would be subjected to hearing about how she created my older sister off of his music (YUCK!) and how much his music meant to her. Well, mom if you are reading this (which I doubt) I can totally understand how you feel because this man is truly one of the best! Rest In Peace, Mr. White...

Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up

Just The Way You Are

A Classic Tribute To Barry White in 1994

Barry White smooth music

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/14/2006 , , , links to this post

Congratulations Are In Order For Vesta Williams

I have a special place in my heart for Vesta. When I first saw her video for Congratulations, I always felt so upset for her. ~~I wanted to hurt that dude!~~ At my young age, I should've known better to not take things so seriously, (it's just a music video/song) but it was really jacked up the way she find out about homeboy. Vesta didn't deserve that crap from that basket head looking punk, but considering the likelihood that I'm ranting about something that others might not know, here's the history on this beautiful lady:

Vesta Williams is an American R&B singer. She is sometimes credited by her full name, and sometimes simply by Vesta. She is known for her full four-octave voice range.

The daughter of a disc jockey, Williams began performing at an early age as a stand up comic and singer in high school. She eventually became a highly sought after studio singer with stints with Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills. She scored her first record deal in 1986 with A&M records which released her first self entitled album Vesta.

Her second album in 1988, Vesta 4U, made her a household name among urban R&B fans with sultry quiet storm singles "Congratulations" and "Sweet Sweet Love". BET along with urban radio stations across the country helped to feed the frenzy created by these songs which had women across the country singing the lyrics to "Congratulations" on the tips of their tongues while in the car, at work, or home.

Yup, I am definitely one of those people who can't "forget that sultry four-octave voice standing outside the church singing "Congratulations" as her imaginary beau walks down the alter with another woman". So I say, congratulations to YOU Vesta for keeping your cool. I'm so glad you never went crazy ~~and rung the alarm like some chicks~~ over that loser! As a young girl, it helped me to realize that not everything is worth fighting for/over.

Congratulations

Once Bitten Twice Shy

Vesta Williams Congratulations

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/14/2006 , , , links to this post

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - MAXWELL IS COMING BACK!!!!!

The Headline Reads: Hush, Hush, Pass: Maxwell's Return (Vibe Confidential)

Ladies and gentlemen, here's what I'm ALL EXCITED over:

2006 is shaping up to be the year of the comeback. We got Timbaland, Janet, Diddy, Def Comedy Jam, and now you can add Maxwell to the list. Much to VC's delight the sexy soul singer (say that three times fast) is creeping up on a comeback. To show it he's put up a page on MySpace to promote his upcoming trilogy Black Summer's Night. A new single is set to drop in a few weeks along with numerous panties.

Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! Oh my good-ness! (Remember Annie?) Now, if you've been following this little crazy blog of mine, you have to know that I am a DIE HARD FAN of MAXWELL! (I try so very hard not to use the word fan because of what it implies, but when it comes to this man and his music, shit, you can just forget it! Hell, he was my first post in this blog!)

Here's a quote from Maxwell's myspace blog:

comeBACK

what it is my peoples. my first blog! whatchya know about it? forgive my ghetto speak:-P

been missin' u crazy. missin the game, but not the hustle. the last week of letters and comments have done alot to get a brother off that couch and on to the studio. who knew after 5 years that anyone would be around? u proved me wrong and i thank you for it. it feels so right to be back with you.

the songs will be up in two weeks. the titles were added so u would know for certain that it was from me and truly about the album. thanks for giving me the benefit. you're the best family anyone could ever want or hope to have.

happy labor day weekend my peoples. get your drink and your party on! as for me, well, we been off too long to be toastin' anything up this weekend, so pardon me if i hit the studio instead.

the hermit,
maxwell

Well, just maybe he really did hear me when I wrote this back in February:

... I even went one last time to see him in concert when he released his NOW album, but now, where is he? What in the world has happened to my sumthin, sumthin? It's like he lit up my late 90s and vanished with the cracking of the millennium. Gosh! What a bummer! Maxwell if you should ever read this... NOW is the time to get UNPLUGGED from the EMBRYA you are hiding in.... I miss you...

Damn, I can't wait for February 2007 to roll around, (oh snap, AND it's my birthday month too!) but in special honor of my main man, here are some of my favorite videos:

Ascension

'Til The Cops Come Knockin

Maxwell - Mellow: Something (The Hush) (Live - MTV Unplugged)

Sumthin Sumthin (Live)

Let's Not Play The Game

Lifetime (Live)

Maxwell Black Summer's Night

posted by Soulfull @ 9/12/2006 , , ,

Yearning For The Gap Band

I've been yearning for the sounds of The Gap Band so come on and sing along (you know you want to): You can't keep running in and out of my life. I need to have you as my lover and my wife. Oh baby, be my lover! Man, I love this group, but just in cause there are those who don't know nothing about these funky fellas, here's some background:

The Gap Band are a U.S. R&B, funk and soul music group who rose to fame during the 1970s and 1980s with their heavily-charged dance anthems and their sentimental and ethereal love songs. Comprised of brothers Charlie, Ronnie and Robert Wilson, the band first formed as the Greenwood, Archer and Pine Street Band in 1967 in their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma and shortened its name to the Gap Band in 1979. [They] found success with the groundbreaking single "I Don't Believe You Wanna Get Up and Dance (Oops Upside Your Head)". But it was in the 1980s that the group found their biggest success, with songs like "Burn Rubber", "Humpin' ", "Yearning For Your Love", "Outstanding", "You Dropped a Bomb on Me", "I Found My Baby", "Early In the Morning", and "Party Train" further establishing the group as icons.

Four of the band's albums, The Gap Band II, The Gap Band III, The Gap Band IV, and Gap Band V - Jammin, achieved platinum selling status, and four of their singles ("You Dropped a Bomb on Me", "Outstanding", "Oops Upside Your Head", and "Early in the Morning") reached the #1 spot on the Billboard R&B charts.

Their success dwindled at the end of 1984, although they have continued to record albums and are constantly on tour. Brother Charlie ventured into a solo career during a break from the group in the mid-1980s, being featured on the 1985 hit with funk group Zapp titled "Computer Love". Wilson's powerful vocals would be credited in part for establishing the careers of Guy's Aaron Hall and R. Kelly. The band reunited in 1996, and issued The Gap Band: Live and Well, a live greatest hits album.

Ever since the 1990s, the Gap Band's most famous hits have been sampled and covered by the likes of Snoop Dogg, Warren G., Blackstreet, Shaquille O'Neal, Mia X, and Mary J. Blige. "Outstanding" was even sampled for a famous 1990s commercial for malt liquor. While they missed the time that black musicians recorded soundtracks for action films by a decade, they produced and recorded some songs for Keenan Ivory Wayans' 1988 hit movie, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. Among the musicians they have inspired are R. Kelly, Keith Sweat, Ruff Endz, Guy, Blackstreet, Jagged Edge, and Aaron Hall. Recently, "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" was featured in the hit videogame Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

What an outstanding band! They've done so much in their musical careers and they've continued to drop the bomb on me ever since.

Early In The Morning

Yearning For Your Love

Party Train

The Gap Band funk music

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/10/2006 , , , links to this post

Intermission Friday - Time For Comedy

We interrupt this programming to bring you an important message...

There's something to say about a singer who can make such a classic situation between a man and a woman, and turn it into something so damn funny! Erykah did her thing with this one and in the end, I betcha Tyrone didn't even have a phone! LOL! Enjoy and Happy Friday! :-)

Erykah Badu - Tyrone (Live)

Erykah Badu live acts

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/08/2006 , , , links to this post

Anquette - I Will Always Be There For You

Sometimes there's just this ONE song that an artist/group has that will always be their signature hit. Regardless of any other song they might put out, they can't seem to shake that ONE song that gave them a touch of fame. Well today (or tonight, depending on where you're reading this), I present to you...

A One Hitta Quitta: Anquette - I Will Always Be There For You

I've been so unsuccessful in finding the video for this song, (If anyone out there has it, PLEASE send it to me!) but feel free to sing along to the rhapsody track. Here are the lyrics:

I never met a person quite like you
Someone that makes me feel loved
I wanna be the one that you are thinking of
The one that brightens your day
Because there's nobody else
That can do the things you do
Forever, I'll be there for you
So when you feel the need to love
Let me be the one you're thinking of
Because I will make it so right

Forever and ever
I will always be there for you
Forever and ever
I will always be there for you, baby
I promise

I've got to tell you what I feel in my heart
I wrote this song just to say
No one's ever gonna love me
Nobody but you
I'm your's from this very day
Because there's nobody else
That can make me feel the way you do
I promise, I'll always be true
So when you feel the need to love
Let me be the one you're thinking of
Because I will make it so right

Forever and ever
I will always be there for you
Forever and ever
I will always be there for you
Forever and ever
I will always be there for you, baby

(Talking)
To be with you is all I ever hoped for
You can teach me so very much
And I can show you a few things too, heh (I will always be there for you)
Yeah, I guess it's true what you said about the other night
You know, about me growing into a woman
But it's not just me
We're growing (Boy, just call out my name)
But I wanna let you know (Listen boy)
No matter how far away you go, rain or shine
I'm your's and you're mine
And I will always be there for you (Boy just run to me cause)

There'll never be another no, uh, uh, uh
There'll never be another for me
I will always be there for you

Yes indeed, this song takes me back and naturally, I can only help but to wonder - WHERE ARE THEY NOW?!

Anquette one hit wonders 80s slow jams

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/03/2006 , , , links to this post

Like Bilal, I'm A 1st Born Second

While growing up, it was really common for me to hear some crazy questions from my friends. Questions like, why your older sister looks nothing like you? Or how come you're brown skin and she's dark skin? At seven (or eight) years old, I didn't have a care about those dumb questions, but after a while, I went to my mom with it. I didn't expect to hear anything different besides, oh she just has the looks from 'such-and-such' in our family. Yet, I was thrown for a loop when my mother so casually said that, she wasn't my real sister, but my step sister. (WHAT?!) I just couldn't believe it. Emotions were flooding my body so fast, I really thought I was going to faint. I could barely hear my mother when she added, we both have different daddies. So by all accounts, I'm now the 1st Born Second?! My young world felt so small as I looked up at my older sister and mother. I wanted to scream, why didn't I know this sooner? Where is her real dad? Why does she get to boss me around if I'm technically an older sister too? Instead, I retreated to my room and stayed there until it was time to go to school....

Years later, my sister and I rarely talk about any of this because for real, we're still sistas from the same soul and after listening to Bilal (THIS MAN IS TALENTED!), being the Second Child might not be so bad after all:

I was born as a second child
All I got was hand me downs
All that is what was left . . .

Soul Sista

Love It

Got a jones for Bilal's new joints? Check em out here.

Bilal soul music

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posted by Soulfull @ 9/03/2006 , , , links to this post

Intermission Friday - Time For Some Comedy...

We interrupt this programming to bring you an important message...

I wanted to do something different today because it's Friday and hell, it's my blog. (Smile.) I like comedies and I like music, so look for me to (try to) post different (and hopefully funny) videos on Fridays... Here's the first and naturally it HAS to have something to do with music.... Happy Friday! :-)