Winter 2021 Part 2

  

 

 

 

 

The History of R&B Part 5: The 1990's (Another Golden Age of R&B music)

  

A whole wave of monumental, excellent music defines the 1990's. This form of R&B music was iconic. Some of the most powerful, inspirational forms of music existed during the 1990's. I love 90's music. The 1990's was a time where most of my childhood existed. It was a time of a Golden Age of R&B music. It was a Golden Age of African American TV shows, movies, and other cultural representations too. Pop music was very popular along with teen pop and dance pop music. During that inspiring decade, music merged the styles of soul, funk, and jazz into creating new jack swing, neo-soul, hip hop soul, and g-funk. House, techno, and wave were in abundance. The 1990's had many classic soloist musicians. Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Deborah Cox, Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, CeCe Peniston, Boyz II Men, Prince, Diana Ross, Nicole Wray, Tania Evans, Tamia, Anita Baker, Babyface, Montell Jordan, Jodeci, Dru Hill, TLC, Mariah Carey, etc. dominated the charts. No one can deny the influential dances, songs, and cultural impact of this time. From I Will Always Love You in 1992 to the Soundtrack of the movie The Preacher's Wife, Whitney Houston was that legend. Whitney Houston (who was the greatest vocalist of our generation) had other iconic singles like My Love is Your Love, I Believe in You and Me, Step by Step, Miracle, Count on You, etc. Mariah Carey shown quiet storm songs in the early 1990's and became more diverse to incorporate more hip hop elements in her music with songs like Honey. Mariah made hit after hit like Vision of Love, Daydream, My All, Without You, etc. 

The 1990's R&B sound was heavily influenced by the gospel tradition, as many legends were raised in the religious churches of the world. Harmonies were common with Boyz II Men and Michael Jackson. R&B artists like Mark Morrison, Faith Evans, 112, Brandy, Monica, En Vogue, and others had shown outstanding music. From TLC making huge records about romance and self respect to Aaliyah making love songs with soul, it was not a dull time. Groups had great geniuses. The neo-soul movement stood out with D'Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Erykah Badu. Neo-soul wanted to honor old school music while presenting new flavor to it. The sounds of Dionne Harris, Groove Theory, and Kenny Lattimore were definitely unsung. This time of music was just soulful and magnificent. People danced and enjoyed their lives. The crime rate started to decline. Flavor was diverse in fashion from jerseys, colorful shirts, and shoes. Also, it was a time where people debated racial issues, economic issues, and other political matters. Sports dynasties like the Chicago Bulls made us honor athletics. A large amount of diverse, creative African American TV shows and movies shown a fair picture of black American life from Roc to A Different World. To understand R&B music is to honor the creative power of the 1990's. 

*It is always important to understand the roots of music. Real music always relate to soul, rhythm, and the beat. That is why when you study R&B, rock, soul, neo-soul, blues, jazz, and other genres, they have an origin from the soul music of the spirituals and gospel. In fact, many of the legendary musicians (like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Holliday, and other people), were raised in the church, because many churches had soul and rhythm. Even hip hop has elements of soul, disco, funk, blues, and jazz. Hip hop artists like Rakim (who played the saxophone and his relatives were musicians) and the late Guru admitted that they learned jazz to improve their rhyming techniques. Hip hop have elements of moving the crowd, Djs, graffiti, lyricism, dance, soul, lines, charisma, and creative beats. Hip hop is more than putting words together. It is about making innovative ways on how you use words and the power of the content. You can't learn about music comprehensively without learning about Coltrane, Sarah Vaughan, Monk, and the legends of jazz. Music is part of a universal language. Music is global and diverse from classic music, raggae, and other forms of music in the four corners of the Earth. Therefore, true music should never be watered down, and the soul always remains powerful worldwide. We know who the originators of music are, and we know who the first people on Earth are. That's self-explanatory.

   

 

  

Classic Talent after Classic Talent (1990-1994)

 

The R&B of the 1990's was part of a huge Golden Age of Music. I love 80s music, but a lot of the music from the 1990's from any genre can never be duplicated or surpassed by any decades of music from anyone. When I was a child, during the 1990's, I listened to songs that celebrated life, honored love, and wanted people to have happiness. From the early 1990's from 1900-1994, it was a time of classic musician to classic musician giving their all to express their singing abilities. By 1990, Babyface was already a legend and icon. His 1989 album of Tender Lover solidified his status as one of the greatest songwriters in history. It was still high on the charts by 1990. Babyface was born in the Midwest. Tender Lover was his 2nd studio album. He worked with SOLAR (or the Sound of Los Angeles  Records) on this album. Songs on it had old school flavor mixed with new jack swing. Songs like Whip Appeal, Tender Lover, and It's No Crime were instant hits. Quincy Jones' 1989 album of Back on the Block had many hits flourishing in 1990 too. Quincy worked with Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Joe Zawinul, Ice-T, Big Daddy Kane, Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Barry White, Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau, Ray Charles, El DeBarge, Tevin Campbell, and other people. Bell Biv DeVoe made their album of Poison in 1990 on MCA Records. It mixed R&B and hip hop in a new jack swing style. Keith Sweat made music. In 1990, Whitney Houston made the album of I'm Your Baby Tonight on November 6, 1990. It became quadruple platinum. This was her 3rd album. By 1990, Whitney Houston was already the most famous singer of her generation. She had the greatest singing voice of her generation too.   

 

Whitney worked with producers like L.A. Reid, Babyface, and Luther Vandross including Stevie Wonder on the album. Her songs like I'm Your Baby Tonight, and other songs were popular. Her greatest conscious record was Miracle on the album. Miracle was a song with great vocals and an outstanding message in it. 1990 saw catchy songs too. In early 1990, songs on the charts were Rhythm Nation from Janet Jackson, Regina Belle's Make it Like It Was, Skyy's real Love, Ruby Turner's It's Gonna Be Alright, and Johnny Gill ft. Stacy Lattisaw's Where do We Go from Here. Johnny Gill had his own album in 1990. Gill's voice was filled with power. Escapade was a famous music video from Janet Jackson showing outstanding dancing abilities. Janet's choreography in that video was out of this world. Groups like After 7, Troop, and other people were common. The debut of En Vogue existed in their first album of Born to Sing. En Vogue is one of the greatest vocalist groups in history. Their members originally were Terry Ellis , Cindy Herron, Dawn Robinson, and Maxine Jones. Hold On from 1990 was one of their greatest songs. It won them a Soul Train Music Award for Number One R&B Single of the Year. Other songs on the album are You Don't Have to Worry, Lies, etc. En Vogue did hip hop too, and they had harmony in their voices. Music flourished in 1990 from artists like Tony Toni Tone, Lisa Stansfield, The Time, The Boys, Prince, Pebbles, Samuelle, and Ralph Tresvant. Mariah Carey made her debut album in 1990 with Mariah Carey. She was on Columbia records in the beginning, and she was from Long Island, NY. From the start, Mariah Carey' vocal range was incredible. She has the charisma, and the power to do great songwriting. Vision of Love was the just the start for her career. She was one of the many musicians who dominated the 1990's regardless of genre. From dance, pop and R&B ballads, there is always excitement with her music. Mariah Carey is a biracial artist whose contribution to pop music and R&B music can't be understated. One great thing about Mariah is that she always shows respect to the pioneers of musicians that came before her like Aretha Franklin. In 1990, house legendary singer Robin Stone released her song Show Me Love. It was a song that influenced future dance and house records for the 1990's and beyond. 

 

  

By 1991, new changes came. By late 1990 to early 1991, the song of C&C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams (with vocals from Martha Wash) had the song of Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now). When I was a child, I heard this song all of the time. The song was a mega dance hit. Pebbles and Babyface made Love Makes Things Happen. En Vogue had music. Freddie Jackson, Surface, Keith Sweat, Whitney Houston, Hi-Five, and Johnny Gill had songs. Christopher Williams (who was born in NYC) had I'm Dreamin' in the prime of his career. Luther Vandross, Color Me Badd, and Keith Washington made songs. Yes, Keith Washington, from the Martin show, is a real singer. On Luther Vandross, he had one of the most underrated voices of any singer. People of every walk of life loved his talent. Teddy Pendergrass made his comeback with the song of It Should've Been You. LeVert, Peabo Bryson, Lisa Fischer, and Lisa Lisa Cult Jam had music. One of the greatest songs of 1991 was Phyllis Hyman's Don't Wanna Change the World. Hyman was a defender of black business development and the growth of black excellence. She was a kind, gentle soul. Vanessa Williams had an exciting music career with Running Back to You and other music. Her 1991 album of the Comfort Zone proved that she had great musical skills. Work to Do is one of her greatest dance records. The song's message wanted to honor the work ethic of women, featuring the dancer and actress Elise Neal. A lot of people don't know that Vanessa Williams is an excellent dancer. Emotions from Mariah Carey broke through with power. 

 

Jodeci's Forever My Lady was classic and Boyz II Men's music had Philly swag. Tracie Spencer, Shanice with I Love Your Smile, and Karyn White's Romantic proved that the 1990's had some of the greatest music in history. The end of 1991 saw Michael Jackson's 8th studio album of Dangerous. That album had political messages, love songs, and other music. Remember the Time was the song and video that celebrate black history and culture. The video of Remember The Time (filmed in January of 1992) featured Iman, Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson, of course Michael Jackson, The Pharcyde, etc. Black or White, Heal the World, and Gone Too Soon had social commentaries. Jam was just a dance record. It had Slash, Heavy D, and other people. It merged hip hop, rock, gospel, electronic, and other forms of funk. Michael Jackson wanted that album to fight racism, poverty, and other injustices while believing in romance plus self-improvement. The 1990's saw dance music, house music, and eurodance music (filled with black artists too) have a golden age. Crystal Waters in 1991 had her debut album of Surprise. Her songs like Makin' Happy, Surprise, and Gypsy Woman was on the charts. Crystal Waters is one of the Queens of house/dance music. 

 

1992 was when R&B merged a lot of hip hop and R&B influences.  Tevin Camptell increased his popularity in 1992. Gerald Levert held his own. Aaron Hall made music. This time saw Boyz II Men (with End of the Road was an emotional song), Jodeci, and Mary J. Blige reach new heights of influence. Bobby Brown, R Kelly, and Troop had songs. As for R. Kelly, he made music that many people dance to, but it is clear that we are opposed to his pedophilia against girls. We are against his abuse of women too period. Shai was popular. Miki Howard with Ain't Nobody Like You shown her influence as one of the greats. From Al B. Sure to Bobby Brown, there was never a dull moment. Tennessee from Arrested Development in 1992 was one of their greatest records.  It described their connection with the South, having faith, and wanting justice for black people. Arrested Development are known for expressing conscious hip hop. Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You was one of the most popular records of all time. Whitney Houston proved to be the greatest vocalist of the 1990's with that record. It was part of the Bodyguard soundtrack. The build up to the massive vocals was incredible. It was a tribute to Dolly Parton's country song of the same name. It was one number one for 14 weeks. This song won tons of the awards, and it added to the legend of Whitney Houston. Jade made the song of Don't Walk Away. Jade is an R&B group based in Chicago, Illinois. Their original members were Joi Marshall, Angela Slates, and Debra Mitchell. Di Reed grew up in Houston, and the rest grew up in Chicago influenced by Motown, Sarah Vaughan, gospel music, and Nat King Cole. Jade's debut 1992 album was "Jade to the Max." 

  

 

1992 saw the debut album of the super R&B group of TLC. Their first album was Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip. TLC back then included young women who were youthful, outspoken, unapologetic, hip hop influenced, and very influential. They were sweet young people, but they didn't take any mess. Their members are Tionna Watkins (T-Boz), Lisa "Left Eye Lopes, and Rozonda Chili Thomas. Crystal Jones was in the group at first, then she left. Their first album had new jack swing, hip hop, and soul singing. They sold more than 4 million copies on that album. A'int 2 Proud 2 Beg, Baby-Baby-Baby, and What About Your Friends were high on the charts. Dallas Austin and Lisa Lopes wrote many of the songs on the album. Dallas Austin is an unsung producer of the music industry. SWV saw their debut album of It's About Time in 1992. SWV had some of the greatest singing voices of all time. They were based in New York City with Cheryl (Coko) Gamble, Tamara (Taj) Johnson, and Leanne (Lelee) Lyson. They were a gospel group at first. Back then, they shown music like Right There, I'm So Into You, Weak, Right Here/Human Nature, etc. SWV came from New York City. Chaka Khan's Love You All My Lifetime in 1992 outlined her gifts as an artist. P.M. Dawn's music was sensitive. CeCe Peniston made Keep on Walkin' in this year too. Her famous record was Finally whose video was released in 1992 (the song was created in '91) back when her album was Finally existed. She is one of the greatest who presented 90's swag completely. In 1992, unsung artists like Joe Public, Trey Lorenz, Glenn Jones,  and other people defined excellence. 

Mary J. Blige shows exactly what experiences that she had, and her honest feelings on love and relationships. If you want to know about the diverse feelings of a black woman's soul, listen to her records. If you want to know about how women in general feel about love and romance, listen to her records. She is an excellent singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist.  Sister Mary J. Blige was born in Bronx, NYC. She lived in Savannah, Georgia, and was later raised in Yonkers, NY. Her mother was a nurse, and his father was a jazz musician. Mary J. Blige sang at a Pentecostal church. Her early life wasn't a crystal stair. Yet, her spirit and resoluteness made her strong to achieve great things. She was in the band Pride before joining Uptown Records. She sang backup to Father MC. Later, she worked with P. Diddy. What's the 411? is her first album in 1992. 

That album was historic in the sense it merged a hip hop vibe and an R&B vibe at the same time. Back in the day, that was taboo. Today, it's common place. Back in the day, many R&;B singers didn't like hip hop like that. She won many awards early on. Real Love is a classic record. Today, Mary J. Blige is known as the Queen of Hip hop soul.  

  

 

1993 saw diversity in R&aB music. Silk and Janet Jackson made songs. Janet Jackson's 1993 album of Janet was her 5th studio album. It was her most underrated album. It had songs about love, romance, politics (with a feature from Chuck D on the song New Agenda), and a range to diverse topics. It had classic after classic songs like That's the Way Loves Goes, If, Again, Because of Love, Any Time, Any Place, What I'll Do, etc. Janet was a work of art using R&B, pop, opera, house, jazz, hip hop, etc. The theme of her album in 1993 was about the complex nature of love. Love is about togetherness, fun, joy, intimacy, and the human heart. Her lyrics dealt with a woman's perspective of sexuality. Janet Jackson said in 1993 that sex is a joyful, celebratory process, and it is about feeling free. It was her first album where it debuted at number one selling 350,000 copies in its first week. It became certified sixfold platinum, it sold over 7 million in America, and 14 million copies worldwide. The MTV-sponsored Janet World Tour supported the album. Janet toured the world from London, Paris, etc. The album of Janet extended her legendary career into new heights and made her the international icon and sex symbol of the 1990's. Janet Jackson was already the icon in 1993. The album of Janet just put the stamp on her iconic reality. The 1994 Grammys saw Janet Jackson received an award for Best R&B Song of the Year, she won Soul Train Music Awards in 1994 for If, and she had other accolades for the album Janet.  H-Town, Jodeci, and Xscape formed music that established them as musicians with massive legacies. SWV released massive videos in 1993 too. Tevin Campbell's Can We Talk was just about him finding romance. Tevin Campbell's great voice was always known. 

 

 

Toni Braxton released her debut album of Toni Braxton on July 13, 1993. Her music is elegant, ahead of its time, and shown the graceful qualities of R&B music. Toni Braxton was born in Maryland. She and her sisters were heavily influenced by gospel music. Her sisters are known singers too. With songs like Breathe Again, Another Sad Love Song, Love Affair, Candlelight, How Many Ways I Belong to You, etc. no one can deny Toni Braxton's skills. Toni Braxton had the charisma, the grace, and the humbleness to excel with massive success. She worked with Babyface on the album too. Her vocals always related to the sounds of Anita Baker, Phyllis Hyman, Tracy Chapman, and others. Toni Braxton is her own woman who made the 1990's a greater decade. DRS made music in 1993 from Sacramento, California. Mariah Carey's Dream lover in 1993 was popular. 

Mariah Carey's 1993 album of Music Box was another classic. Songs like Without You/Never Forget You, Hero, and Anytime You Need a Friend grown on the charts. Mariah Carey worked with the best like Babyface, and others. Later, Mariah Carey would be the leader of making Christmas ballads. Tony Toni Tone made Anniversary, Cry for You was from Jodeci, Luther Vandross's Little Miracles, and other musicians shined. Regina Belle made If I Could in 1993. Babyface, Prince, Hi-Five, and Mary J. Blige's You Don't Have to Worry made people dance. Tinia Turner made her song of I Don't Wanna Fight, Mint Condition was passionate in their music, Mica Paris was great, and Raven Symone even made music in 1993 too. One of the great songs of 1993 was Zhane's Hey Mr. DJ. Zhane was based in Philadelphia with the artists Renee Neufville and Jean Norris-Baylor. They knew each other in Temple University at Philadelphia. Norris's father was a pastor named Dennis at Second Baptist Church in Moorestown, NJ. She or Norris was in the choir.  The Afro-British artist Gabrielle made a song Dreams in 1993. She was born in Hackney, London, England in 1969. Her debut album was Find Your Way released in 1993. With songs like I Wish, Going Nowhere, and Because of You, her artistry is amazing. Gabrielle has been inspired by soul, rock, pop, and a diversity of musical expressions. 

 

 

1994 was the year of a lot of funk and soul in R&B songs. It was the time when hip hop was dominating the scene, but R&B had some of the greatest ballads of the decade. Aaliyah released the song Back and Forth in 1994. It was recorded back in 1993. The video had Aaliyah (who was a teenager at the time) wearing a bandanna, jeans, and sunglasses. That would be her signature fashion style. Aaliyah made her debut album of Age Ain't Nothing but Number. She was born in Brooklyn, NYC but was raised in Detroit. A soulful personality encompass her life. She was street, but sweet. She used a lot of hip hop fashion, and she had great charisma and swag. People loved her, and songs like At Your Best and The Thing I Like appealed to the younger generation. I won't talk about the elephant in the room, because we know what that is. Aaliyah was a greatly talented black human being who had a very nice personality. Aaliyah would later do modeling, movies, and other endeavors. Janet Jackson made more mature music with Any Time, Any Place. Boyz II Men made I'l Make Love to You in 1994. Brandy made her debut album of Brandy. One single from album is the song is I Wanna Be Down. Brandy Norwood was born in Mississippi and raised in California. Brandy had a remix with the song with hip hop legends like MC Lyte, Queen Latifah and Yo-Yo. 

Brandy was always a fan of hip hop, which is why by the 21st century, she would rap in songs all of the time. Brandy's gift was that she had the combination of book smarts, street smarts, and a firm dedication to be best as a musician. She could act, do movies, and do music. She is the triple threat. Brandy and Whitney Houston were friends as Whitney mentored Brandy. 1994 saw more explicit music like Changing Faces' Stroke you Up, etc. All 4 One made the song I Swear. Zhane had Sending My Love in 1994 too. Blackstreet were on the scene massively in 1994 with Before I Let You Go. Groups like IMX, Prince, and Keith Sweat had music. Anita Baker's song of Body and Soul in 1994 was a huge classic. It showed the emotions of a woman in love. Mary J. Blige had the song of Be Happy and Gerald Levert had the son of I'd Give Anything. On Bended Knee was the song from Boyz II Men, and Angela Winbush's Treat U Rite inspired audiences. The soundtrack of the 90s decade was from Des'ree with You Gotta Be. CeCe Peniston's I'm Not Over You showed soul. CeCe Peniston was one of the most talented artists of the 1990's. Artists like Lalah Hathaway, Carleen Anderson, Mariah Carey, Jade, Black Men United, Al B. Sure, Seal (with a Kiss from a Rose song), Shai, Usher, Aretha Franklin, BlackGirl, and other artists shown that 1994 was an outstanding year of R&B music. Barry White had the song of Practice What You Preach. Creep from TLC was shown everywhere. 

 

TLC's CrazySexyCool in 1994 changed TLC forever. They went from a great R&B group to a superstar iconic group. This new album dealt with grown folk issues like romance, optimism, sexuality, music, and other themes. They worked with Babyface, Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupree, Organized Noize, P. Diddy, and Chucky Thompson. TLC was the first R&B group of the 1990's that had a diamond album. It sold over 14 million copies. Songs like Creep, Red Light Special, Waterfalls, and Diggin' on You made TLC to reach into more heights of influence.  When that album came out, I was in middle school. Their videos were shown everywhere. T-Boz worked with his friend Goodie Mobb's Cee-Lo Green on the song Waterfalls along with Debra Killings. Waterfalls was a real record that touched on many issues from gun violence to HIV/AIDS.  Its message was basically using dangerous shortcuts in solving problems never works. We should only follow our dreams in a reasonable way. Crystal Waters made a huge comeback with her 1994 album of Storyteller with songs like What I need, Relax, Ghetto Day, and 100% Pure Love. 100% Pure Love was a song that I did know when I was a kid during the 1990's. She always loved dance music. She was born in New Jersey and has one child. She has her own radio/podcast show called "I Am House." Crystal Waters is known for her conscious lyrics, and her love for her fans. Her recent record is Party People. By this period, the singer Meshell Ndegocello made music in hip hop, jazz, soul, and R&B music. Ndegocello has a vibe of charisma that people are drawn too. She has worked with many people using reggae, rock, and other. She is out to fund AIDS charities, give back to her communities, and show a love of music. Later, she would be on soundtracks of some of the greatest movies of our time like Love & Basketball, Love Jones, Soul Men, The Hurricane, etc. outlining genres like funk. Dionne Farris's Wild Flower album featured a song called I Know. It was one of the most popular records of the time. She was once part of Arrested Development and just grew into more heights of success. She was born in New Jersey. 

 

 

Singers with Range (1995-1996)

 

In the year of 1995, monumental talent in R&B music transpired. Albums were total classics. By January of 1995, Mary J. Blige's My Life was high in the charts. In the time of July 8, 1995, Michael Jackson released the album of History: Past, Present and Future, Book 1. It had hip hop and rock artists like Shaquille O'Neal, Biggie, etc. It had Janet Jackson and Slash. His songs on it were Scream, You are Not Alone, Earth Song, They Don't are About Us, and Stranger in Moscow along with other music. The album touched on many issues from poverty (like in Brazil and in America), the environment, the allegations against him (which he denied), love, romance, and music. By October 24, 1995, Mariah Carey released her album of Daydream. This was her 5th album that was shown from Columbia Records. Her album was about Mariah wanting to control her music more. Many of the songs from the album include classics like Fantasy, One Sweet Day, Always Be My Baby, Underneath the Stars, Open Arms, etc. One Sweet Day was one of the best selling songs of all time with Boyz II Men. Mariah Carey worked with Jermaine Dupri, and Babyface. Fantasy was a song with ODB that showed her pro-hip hop side. The single One Sweet Day top the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 weeks. It was the longest running number one single in Billboard's history or 23 years. R Kelly released the album of R Kelly in 1996 too. 

The Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack from 1995 featured singers like Whitney Houston's Exhale, Sittin' Up in My Room from Brandy, Not Goin' Cry from Mary J. Bilge, Count on Me (from Whitney Houston and Cece Winans), Let it Flow from Toni Braxton, Why Does It Hurt So Bad from Whitney Houston, etc. Prince released his album along with Jodeci. In 1995, Monica had her first album of Miss Thang. She was a teenager from Atlanta back in '95 with songs like Don't Take it Personal. Xscape had the album of Off the Hook in the same year too. Stevie Wonder had his music, D'Angelo's Brown Sugar album was very much the start of the modern day neo-soul movement. D'Angela was from Richmond, Virginia. Angie Stone inspired him to show more confidence to make his musical career potent. Faith Evans' album of Faith was underrated. Soon, Faith Evans would be a pioneer of modern day R&B soulful music. Diana Ross made the album of Take Me Higher. Jon B, Paula Abdul, Adina Howard, Soul for Real, Terry Ellis, After 7, Deborah Cox, Jody Watley, Peebles, Groove Theory, and other musicians shown excellent music. Janet Jackson had songs like Runaway that shown the musical impact globally. The diverse artists of Eternal, The Whisperers, Oleta Adams, All-4-One, Veronica (Veronica Vazquez from the Bronx, NYC), Brian McKnight, and Montell Jordan were making classic songs. Singles in 1995 R&B music had it all like the song I Like from Kut Klose, Seal's A Kiss from a Rose, Nobody Knows from the Tony Rich Project, Adina Howard's Freak Like Me, Brownstone's If You Love Me, Scream from Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, Candy Rain (from Soul For Real), Mary J. Blige and Method Man's I'll Be There for You/ You're All I need to Get by, and other singles. This is how We do It form Montell Jordan was one of the great songs of the time. The 1995 hit of Tell Me from Amel Larrieux and Bryce Wilson (of Groove Theory) was remembered by me too. Adina Howard was all about her representing her sexual freedom on her terms. The movie called Panther mentioned the history of the Black Panthers in 1995. It had a song called Freedom featuring the voices of many black women (and about 60 black women were in the music video of Freedom). Some musicians involved in the song are Vanessa Williams, SWV, Patra, Meshell NdegeOcello, Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah, T-Boz, Chili,  Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes, Yo Yo, MC Lyte, Karyn White, Cindy Mizelle, Crystal Waters, Da 5 Footaz Caron Wheeler, Pebbles, Miss Jones, Brownstone,Tanya Blount, Amel Larrieux, N'Dea Davenport, Monica, Queen Latifah, Nefertiti, Eshe (of Arrested Development), Pure Soul,  Joi, Angie Stone, En Vogue, etc. 

 

 

1996 was one of the most soulful years of 1990's music in general. By January of 1996,Whitney Houston's song of Exhale (Shoop Shoop) and Monica's Before You Walk out My Life plus Like This and Like that were on the charts. Monica had that charisma that people gravitated to. Monica was part of a new movement of younger R&B teenage girls who blew up the scene with talent like her, Brandy, Aaliyah, Mya, and other artists. Songs like Not Gon' Cry from Mary J. Blige and R. Kelly ft. Ronald Isley Down Low (Nobody Has to Know) were popular. One of the great vocal records of SWV was You're the One song. This was part of their 1996 New Beginning album. Songs from that album like Use Your Heart and It's All About You signified that SWV was one of the great groups of the 1990's. Toni Braxton's Secrets album was her magnum opus. It was probably the best album she made lyrically and vocally. It made her from great singer to icon in the R&B singing world.  It was released on June 18, 1996, by LaFace Records and Arista Records. The album was nominated for Best Pop Album at the 1997 Grammy Awards. Secrets has been certified octuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Worldwide, the album has sold over 15 million copies. In support of the album, Braxton embarked on the Secrets Tour, playing dates in North America and Europe from August 1996 to October 1997. 

In the summer of 1996, there was nothing but Toni Braxton songs on the radio playing like Like it Flow, Unbreak my Heart, etc. In 1996, Keith Sweat made the huge comeback with her album of Keith Sweat along with the song Twisted. New Edition made their reunion comeback with the song of Hit Me off. One in a Million was the 1996 album from Aaliyah. It was first released on August 27, 1996, by Blackground and Atlantic Records. The album was recorded from August 1995 to July 1996 with a variety of producers including Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Carl-So-Lowe, J. Dibbs, Jermaine Dupri, Kay Gee, Vincent Herbert, Rodney Jerkins, Craig King, Darren Lighty and Darryl Simmons. The album featured several guest vocalists, including Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Treach and Slick Rick. Aaliyah used hip hop beats with an R&B groove. Aaliyah helped to merge genres and made a new type of swag. Her music is timeless from One in a Million, Hot like Fire, 4 Page Letter, etc. Aaliyah released the album when she was 17 years old, so she had a great intellect. Az Yet made the song of Last Night. 

Blackstreet's No Diggity song was part of their Another Level album. The song had Dr. Dre and Queen Pen. Guinwine released Pony in 1996 too along with R. Kelly's I Believe I Can Fly. In 1996, Steelo from the group of 702 was very exciting. Many members of the group were born in Houston, Texas, but they were raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Fugees had R&B records too. Janet Jackson released When I Think of You in 1996 too. D'Angelo made Lady in 1996 with soul and power. Jodeci made Get on Up in 1996, Total made the song of Kissing You in the same year, Tell Me from Dru Hill came out in 1996, etc. Maxwell made his neo-soul song of Ascension in 1996. Songs from Mint Condition, Mista, Case, En Vogue (with Don't Let Go), Luther Vandross, Babyface, Monfah's You, Tamia, Falling from Montel Jordan, Lionel Richie, Joe, Donell Jones, Kenny Lattimore, Prince, Mark Morrison's Return of the Mack, Step by Step from Whitney Houston, and other people were inspirational. I believe in You and Me was another classic from Whitney Houston. H-Town, Tony Toni Tone, and Meshell Ndegeocello made music. Tevin Campbell's Back to the World, Art n Soul, and the Isley Brothers made songs. Gina Thompson ft. Missy Elliot in '96 showing the song of The Things That You Do was very soulful with a lot of flavor. 1996 was one of the greatest years of the 1990's in my life. 

  

 

The further mix of R&B music and hip hop music (1997)

 

1997 involving R&B music has many classics. The start of 1997 had music from En Vogue, R. Kelly, and Erykah Badu's On and One. Erykah Badu was one artist from Dallas who helped to grow the neo soul genre of music. She had spirituality, soul songs, and lessons in her music. Also, Badu is a strong fan of hip hop music. She had children with many hip hop artists like Andre 300 and Jay Electronica. She dated the rapper Common. Dru Hill rose into higher prominence with their song In My Bed. Sisqo was the vocal leader of the group. Dru Hill came from Baltimore which is a city that I have visited before. Changing Faces had the song of G.H.E.T.O.U.T. Faith Evans, 112, and P. Diddy had the song of I'll be Missing You in tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G. Usher made You Make Me Wanna that grew his career. Usher worked with Diddy, and Usher was from Tennessee. LSG My Body was popular. The anthem to praise mother came from Boyz II Men named A Song for Mama or found in the soundtrack of Soul Food. Janet Jackson made the dance record of Together Again. I Can Love You form Mary J. Blige came in 1997 along with Love is All We Need. 4 Seasons of Loneliness was released by Boyz II Men in 1997. 1997 saw sentiment songs like Joe's Don't Wanna Be a Player, Next's Butta Love, Brian McKnight's You Should be Mine, and Patti Labelle's When You Talk about Love. H-Town, You Bring Me Up form K-Ci and JoJo, and other songs were real. Somethin' for the People had music along with Rome. 

Missy Elliot released The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) that changed music forever. The video for The Rain had large clothes, creative beats, and creative vocals. Janet Jackson made Got  'Til It's Gone which exposed the evil of South African apartheid. Timbaland and Magoo made Up Jumps da' Boggie. Mariah Carey's Honey, SWV's Someone, Erykah Badu's Next Life Time, En Vogue's Whatever, and SWV's Can We proved that 1997 had great music. Yvette Michele, The O'Jays, Trina Broussard, Zhane's Request Line, and other artists were abundant. Janet Jackson's 1997 Velvet Rope album was ahead of its time. It was her 6th album. It was released on October 7, 1997. The album was all about her showing her emotions from addressing depression, social networking, domestic violence, and self worth. She touched on sexuality. Janet Jackson is a very nice, down to Earth person, but she was never a prude on intimacy. Janet Jackson was far from conservative on sex. She was already a sex icon by the 1990's, and the Velvet Rope was her putting the icing on the cake of her legendary career. The Velvet Rope had rock, jazz, hip hop, etc.   

 

 

Talent and Excellence (1998)

 

1998 had innovative records involving R&B. By 1998, it started with Usher's Nice and Slow, My Body by Silk being high in the charts from January to February of 1998. Destiny Child's song of No, No, No blew up in the charts in 1998 too along with All My Life by K-Ci & JoJo. Destiny's Child started with a group of young black teenagers from Houston, Texas who had a dream to show their talents to the world. As we shall see, these artists not only had great success, they became actresses and musical legends too. They went from teens to grown women. Their original members of Destiny's Child were Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, LeToya Luckett, and LaTavia Roberson.  Farrah Franklin was a later member of the group. The final group of Destiny's Child were Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. 

Montell Jordan made music. Next reached new heights with their single of Too Close during May of 1998. Janet Jackson and Blacksteet made the song of I Get Lonely. This was part of Janet Jackson's Velvet Rope album. In the video, Janet has an elegant suit and hat on. One of her signature fashion style would be that suit that she wears looking gorgeous. 1998 saw the record of The Boy is Mine from Brandy and Monica. It was a huge record. It was found in 1998's Never Say Never by Brandy and the Boy is Mine from Monica. The music video was directed by Joseph Kahn and also starred both singers plus Mekhi Phifer. The song won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. It won 3 awards in the Billboard Music Awards. Kelly Price's Friend of Mine was classic. Kelly Price always had singing roots from gospel. Monica continued to make hits like The First Night. Dru Hill had How Deep is Your Love featuring Redman. Another classic record was Deborah Cox's Nobody's Supposed to Be Here. Deborah Cox's song was on the charts for a long time. It came from her second studio album called One Wish. Deborah Cox was born in Canada, and she is of Afro-Caribbean descent. It was her most successful record being on 14 weeks on number one on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart. It is a great song. It was written by Montell Jordan and Anthony "Shep" Crawford. By 1998, Tamia's So Into You was a classic. I heard of Monifah's song of Touch It. Thinkin' Bout It came from Gerald Levert. Lauryn Hill's Doo Wop (That Thing) was great on the chart in her Miseducation of Lauryn Hill album. The album of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was one of the greatest albums of all time. In 1998, its songs were played everywhere and I do mean everywhere. Lauryn Hill (who is also an outstanding hip hop artist) touched on topics like race, social consciousness, romance, women's issues, empowerment, etc. Tyrese Gibson made Nobody Else, and Xscape had The Arms of the One Who Loves You. The duet of Lauryn Hill and D'Angelo in the song of Nothing Even Matters from the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill album showed a moving love song. Here are some of their lyrics:

 [Verse 1: Lauryn Hill]

Now the skies could fall

Not even if my boss should call

The world it seems so very small

'Cause nothing even matters at all

See nothing even matters

See nothing even matters at all

Nothing even matters

Nothing even matters at all

[Verse 2: D'Angelo]

See, I don't need no alcohol

Your love make me feel ten feet tall (Yeah)

Without it I'd go through withdrawal

'Cause nothing even matters at all

Nothing even matters

Nothing even matters at all

Nothing even matters

Nothing matters at all

 

Music from Public Announcement, Aretha Franklin (with A Rose is Still a Rose), and Mya's It's All About Me were on the charts. Aaliyah had Are You that Somebody? in 1998. It was part of the Dr. Dolittle movie soundtrack when she was 19 years old. Keith Sweat, Aaron Hall, 7 Mile, Montell Jordan Playa, Nicole Wray (with Make it Hot) had songs. Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey made When you Believe. It was a soundtrack of the 10 Commandment. This song proves that Houston and Carey had no issues and were real friends. Both Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey appeared on Oprah in 1998 to show musical solidarity. Faith Evans' Love Like This in 1998 was filled with fun. Tami's Imagination, and Link's Whatcha Gone Do? had soul. 1998 had it all from Dru Hill's How Deep is Your Love, Case's Faded Pictures, Blackstreet's Take Me There ft. Mya, and Whitney Houston's Heartbreak Hotel. Monica's Angel of Mine and Brandy's Top of the World shown both young artists back then as among the best of their generation. Sparkle made the song of Be Careful too. R. Kelly made his music like When a Woman's Fed Up. Movin' On from Mya was her teenage presence. Jody Watley, Tami Davis, Sylk-E. Fyne, Presshga, TQ, Keith Washington, and K. P. and Envyl made songs that stirred up our imaginations. 

 

 

 

Ending the 1990's with a bang (1999)

 

The year of 1999 was the end of the 90s. It ended with a bang filled with old school artists and new school artists on the scene. The late 1990's had a distinct style of music. The song of Deborah Cox's Nobody's Supposed to Be Here was already a classic. Whitney Houston worked with Faith Evans and Kelly Price to make Heartbreak Hotel. It was popular in 1999. Janet Jackson worked with Busta Rhymes on What's It Gonna Be in the same year. It was a romance song. TLC ran 1999 with songs like No Scrubs and Unpretty (which exposes false beauty standards and wanted girls and women to appreciate their own physical image in a positive way). Also, Maxwell made the classic song of Fortunate. That was one of Maxwell's greatest vocal songs. Destiny's Child by 1999 was a force with Bills, Bills, Bills and Say My Name. Faith Evans with Never Gonna Let You Go and Eric Benet with Tamia's Spend My Life with You were totally '90s. Also, Faith Evans made another collaboration with Eric Benet with the song of Georgy Porgy  which was part of Benet's album called A Day in the Life. Deborah Cox and R.L. from Next showed sensitivity with the song We can't be Friends. Hip hop continued to merge with R&B with Heartbreaker featuring Mariah Carey and Jay Z. U Know What's Up had Donell Jones and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes in 1999. 

P Diddy with R. Kelly had the song of Satisfy You. In 1999, we saw TLC with Fan Mail, Mary J. Blige with Mary, The Writing's on the Wall done by Destiny's Child, 100 % Ginuwine done by Ginuwine, Macy Gray, Blackstreet with Finally, Mariah Carey's Rainbow, Case's Personal Conversation, Brian McKnight's Back at One, Kelis' Kaleidoscope, It's Real done by K-Ci and Jo Jo, etc. Diana Ross made Every Day is a New Day. Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Angie Stone had Black Diamond, Dave Hollister, Silk Barry White, Shancie, Tevin Campbell, Hikaru Utada, Sisqo, Blaque, Coko, Tracie Spencer, Imx, and other people released albums. Blaque came out in 1999 with young people from Atlanta named Brandi Williams, Shamari DeVoe, and Natina Reed. Lisa Lopes helped them to follow their dreams of singing. Their name means Believing in Life and Achieving a Quest for  Unity in Everything. Their songs of 808 and Bring It all to Me firmly established them as anchors of the new generation of talent. Chico DeBarge, Imx, Mint Condition, Men of Vizion, Chante Moore, Montell Jordan, and other people had music. The end of the 1990's was an end of an era with outstanding sounds. Yet, real R&B music would continue in the 21st century as well. 

  

 

Reflections of Classic 1990's R&B

 

One great aspect of the 1990's is its music. R&B music during the 1990's was made up of a golden age of outstanding music. There were songs that made people dance, songs that allowed for intellectual contemplation, and music that was just all around romantic. There was something for everyone back then. In 1990, I was 7, and in 1999, I was 16. During that decade, creativity and originality remained paramount. It started with groups coming out like the soulful group of En Vogue to the end of the 1990's when Destiny's Child reached into a new level of power. Blackstreet, Dru Hill, Boyz II Men, Mint Condition, Next, and Jodeci stood out among men. Women represented with artists like TLC, Brownstone, Zhane, SWV, Jade, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and other people. The 1990's saw younger musicians starting their careers to be icons of music like Aaliyah, Brandy, and Monica. The early 90's saw a continuation of new jack swing, and the end of the 1990's saw the bling era with its fashion developments. Many unsung artists have shined their lights from Deborah Cox, Tamia, and to Desiree. There is no 21st century culture without the 1990's, and 90's music defined modern music in all of its compositions. The 1990's was another golden age of diverse, positive African American TV shows and films, and it outlined to us how far society has to go in achieving justice.  That decade saw hip hop reach into a enormous level of popularity, while witnessing controversies that continue to exist in that genre of music. The era of 1990's R&B signaled excellence in every sense of the world.

 

 

Appendix A: Neo-Soul Music

 

Neo-Soul during the 1990's was highly influential. The 1990's saw neo-soul growing its wings. It combines R&B mixed with soul. Neo-soul has elements of funk, jazz fusion, hip hop, African music, pop, rock, and electronic music. It was formed by the late 1980's and early 1990's in America and the UK. We know of the famous artists in the genre like D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, Musiq Soulchild, Floetry, India Arie, etc. Neo soul helped to expand the boundaries of R&B music. It gave more artists internationally an outlet to creatively express their talents. Kecdar Massenburg of Motown Records coined the word of neo soul during the late 1990's. D'Angelo's 1995 debut album of Brown Sugar brought neo-soul on the map. Neo-Soul works on music, live instrumentation, etc. Neo-soul have songs about love, romance, politics, and other issues with a mixture of jazz. Neo-soul is a haven for black people who have unique fashions, foods, interests, and a love of black consciousness. Neo-soul challenges musical orthodoxy. Old school artists influence them like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, the Ohio Players, Al Green, etc. Tony! Toni! Tone! is a group that inspired the modern manifestation of neo-soul. Brian Jackson and Gil Scott Heron were godfathers of neo-soul too. Early sounds of neo-soul existed from Mint Condition, Prince, Tony!, Toni Tone!, Terence Trent d'Arby, Joi, Sade, and other people. Fusion music from Soul II Soul, Caron Wheeler, etc. influenced neo-soul . Young disciples and Omar Lye-Fook were called the father of British neo-soul.

 

By the early 1990's, neo soul grew upon American artists like Zhane, Groove Theory, Joi, Tony Rich, and Me'Shell NdegeOchello. In 1993, Plantation Lullabies from NdegeOchello in 1993 helped to modernized neo-soul. Some call her the first neo soul modern artist. Later, groups like Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hill presented neo-soul elements constantly in their music. Music journalists have credited the successes of D'Angelo's Brown Sugar (1995), Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite (1996), Badu's Baduizm (1997), and Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998) with shaping and raising the neo soul movement to commercial visibility into the late 1990s.  According to Farley, D'Angelo's album "gives a nod to the past, ... mints his own sound, with golden humming keyboards and sensual vocals and unhurried melodies ... His songs were polished without being slick and smart without being pretentious", while Badu "brought an iconoclastic spirit to soul music, with her towering Afrocentric headwraps, incense candles, and quirky lyrics." Baduizm sold nearly three million copies and won Badu two Grammy Awards. Lauryn Hill's Miseducation album featured her singing and rapping, with deeply personal lyrics,   and was one of neo soul's primary successes,  achieving massive sales, critical acclaim, and five Grammy Awards. The 1997 film Love Jones capitalized on neo soul's success at the time with its soundtrack album, which impacted the Billboard charts and featured artists such as Hill, Maxwell, The Brand New Heavies, Me'Shell NdegéOcello, Groove Theory, and Dionne Farris.

 

 

By 1999, more of neo-soul was in the mainstream level with artists like Les Nubians (I remember their music back in the 90s), Hill, Maxwell, Eric Benét, Saadiq, etc. Other women artists broke through with their debut albums, including Macy Gray, Angie Stone, and Jill Scott. Although Scott's album Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 would not see release until 2000, she co-wrote and sang on "You Got Me" (the 1999 hit single by hip hop band The Roots) and received further exposure as a supporting performer on the band's tour that year. "Thanks to her stint on 'You Got Me' and subsequent live shows", Joel McIver wrote, "Scott can be credited as the first female artist to emerge in Erykah Badu's wake who could seriously claim to have challenged her superiority at the top of the neo-soul tree." During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the musical collective Soulquarians—consisting of such artists as D'Angelo, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Bilal, Mos Def, Common, James Poyser, and Q-Tip—contributed significantly to the neo soul movement with what Greg Kot described as its members' "organic soul, natural R&B, boho-rap." The collective developed through the production work of The Roots' drummer and producer Questlove. From the 1990's to the 21st century, neo-soul artist like Jill Scott, India Arie, Badu, Bilal, Musiq Soulchild, Alicia Keys, etc. continued to flourish. The new generation of neo-soul musicians from the late 2000s to the present are Heather Headley, Anthony David, J. Davey, Eric Roberson, Ledisi, Raheem DeVaughn, John Legend, Christete Michele, Leela James, Amy Winehouse, Ari Lennox, Floetry, RaVaughn Nichelle Brown (sshe is from Carson, California. Her sister is the singer Rhyon Nicole Brown), St. Beauty, etc. 

 

 

 

Appendix B: An Ode to Dance Music 

One of the most interesting parts of the 1990's was the growth of dance music. During the 1990's, musicians of every color made dance/house music that was inspirational. People danced to their music, and many unsung artists are part of that culture. When I was teenager (during the late 1990's), I saw a commercial celebrating 90's dance music. A lot of the music came from America and from Europe. In 1990, dance music was powerful with songs from musicians like Kylie Minogue, Maxi Priest (with his song of Close to You), and Snap!. People like Kim Appleby had records like Don't Worry, Beats International had Dub Be Good to me, Technotronic had Get Up (Before the Night is Over), Dee-Lite's Groove is in the Heart (in my opinion gave disco a huge comeback in 90's music. We were very tolerant of disco during the 1990's for real), and Twenty4Seven feat. Captain Hollywood's I Can't Stand It offered diversity. People like Bombalurina, Londonbeat, DNA feat. Suzzane Vega (with their Tom's Diner), The KLF, MC Hammer (with U Can't Touch This), etc. made people dance. In 1991, The KLF had the song of 3AM Eternal with an amazing people. People like Whitney Houston, Color Me Badd, Amy Grant, Kate Yanai, Michael Jackson, etc. had dance hits. Seal's song of Crazy was ahead of its time. Prince had his generation of music. Emotions from Mariah Carey was a large dance record. People like Rozalla, Roxette, 2 Unlimited (with Get Ready for this), C&C Music Factory, and other people had creative sounds. One Queen of House is Crystal Waters with her song of Gypsy Woman (La Da Dee) from 1991. Crystal Water worked hard throughout her life to achieve the accomplishments that she has earned by her own merit. Dance hits from Karyn White's Romantic, Paula Abdul's The Promise of a New Day, Cathy Dennis's songs, EMF's Unbelievable,  and other people made the 1990's what it is. 

 

1992 saw an evolution of music. Prince, Felix, Right Said Fred, Madonna's controversial Erotica, etc. had themes that were ahead of its time. Ce Ce Peniston's Finally shown great vocals, creative colors in the video, and just great talent. Dance music from En Vogue, Shanice, Michael Jackson's In the Closet, and Dr. Alban's It's My Life expanded dance music. From Kriss Kross, Jon Secada's Just Another Day,   Double You, KWS, Snap!'s Rhythm is a Dancer, Tasmin Archer's Sleeping Satellite,and other songs made people enjoy themselves. Groups like Inner Circle and Londonbeat had music of the 90's as well. 1993 saw an explosion of dance/house music. Ace of Base, Toni Braxton, Jade, Mariah Carey's Dreamlover, and Gabrielle's Dreams were inspirational. Snap! and Nikki Harris released music. People like 2 Unlimited, Pet Shop Boys, Culture Beat, Stakka Bo, Zhane, UB40, Tina Turner's I Don't Want to Fight, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Inner Circle, Take That, Captain Hollywood, Haddaway's Life, M People, and many people had music. Culture Beat's Mr. Vain was one of the most popular dance/house songs of all time. Even I heard of this song when I was a kid. Shaggy was out in 1993 with the song Oh Carolina. Show Me Love by Robin S. was another huge record. Dr. Alban's Hallelujah was very powerful too. From DJ BoBo's Somebody Dance with Me, Janet Jackson's music, Urban Cookie Collective, Spin Doctors' Two Princes, Cappella's U Got 2 Know, and 4 Non Blondes' What's Going On made 93 unique. 1994 was the end of the early 1990's. In dance, 1994 saw Crystal Waters made 100 % Pure Love. She was at another level in 1994. Youssou N'Dour ft. Neneh Cherry made 7 Seconds. One of the great dance songs of the year was Another Night by The Real McCoy. Aaliyah's Back and Forth showed her range. Janet Jackson's worldwide touring and love of her fans are shown in her song of Because of Love. Toni Braxton, Tevin Campbell, Ace of Base, Prince Ital Joe, Haddaway, Pharao, Baby D, 2 Unlimited, Prince, Capella's You and Me, and Salt-N-Pepa plus En Vogue had great music.   

 

 

She is the very talented DJ and musician Sonique. She lives in the Untied Kingdom and she is of Afro-Trinidadian descent. 

  

1995, music expanded involving house and dance. Brandy, Corona, La Bouche's Be My Lover, Outhere Brothers' Boom Boom Boom, Shaggy's Boombastic (I saw that song on the show Splash back in 1995), Alex Party, Tina Turner, Adina Howard, Ini Kamoze's Here Comes the Hotstepper, Brownstone's If You Love Me, Grace, The Real McCoy's Runaway, Janet Jackson's Runaway, and other human beings had songs which were timeless. N-Trance, This is How We Do It from Montell Jordan, and other music outline a golden age of music. In 1996, Mariah Carey made great music. California Love from Tupac, Robert Miles's Children, Quad City DJ's song, Jamiroquai's Cosmic Girl, Los Del Riot's Macarena, Mark Morrison, BBE, Brandy, and other human beings promoted their talents. In 1997, it was a more serious sounds with people from Lutricia McNeal, Spice Girls, Boyz II Men, Allure, 112, Bees Gees, Eternal, Draft Punk, Aqua, En Vogue, Whitney Houston, Dario G, Usher, and Chilli ft. Carrapicho made music. By the late 1990's underrated artists like Jessica Folcker (she is of Afro-European descent from Sweden like the younger Afro-German singer Joy Denalane), Gabrielle, Diana King, Dionne Harris, Seal, Adriana Evans, and other people made music. 

In 1998, songs were more about introspection and having fun. S.O.A.P. made a song called This How we Party. Artists like Wes, Meja, Will Smith, Pras, Maya, Lighthouse Family, Mousse T, Dru Hill, Janet Jackson, Divine, Desiree, Ace of Base, Robbie Williams, Sash, Deborah Cox, Destiny's Child, Spice Girls, Monica, Brandy, TQ, and other artists made people dance. In 1998, the DJ and dance artist Sonique made her album Hear Me Cry  Her song of Its Feels So Good was very popular in the UK and globally. Massive Attack, Monifah, and others made unsung music. In 1999, dance music was abundant. Anne Lee, Enrique Iglesias, Madonna, Emilia, Destiny's Child (in 1999, Destiny's Child established themselves as a supergroup with a long list of hits), Eiffel 65, George Michael, Vengaboys, Jessica Folcker, Will Smith, Sisqo, and other people expressed sounds during the final year of the 20th century. Dance music has been universal with artists like Bizarre Inc., Black Box, robin S., and other human beings who wanted people to dance.

  

 

Dedicated to the late legendary dance singer Sister Melanie Thornton (1967-2001). R.I.P. 

  

 

 

  

 

The History of Hip Hop (50 Years Later) Part 6: New Talent and Diverse Content (2006-2012)

  

The era of 2006 to 2012 focused on many themes of hip hop. This time saw a temporary decline of hip hop sales. Snap music was popular with Dem Franchize Boyz, D4L, and Soulja Boy. Many people criticized these forms of music for various reasons. Young artists self published songs in the Internet. In 2006, no rap albums were among the top 10 sellers. Digital music increased. There was a lack of sampling during 2006 too. This decline was done in part of it being too expensive for producers. Styles changed. This time saw the continuation of artists like The Black Eyed Peas, Rick Ross, Nas, Jay Z, Lil Wayne, and other people. Ringtones, blogs, and other sources of media allowed artists to creatively gain influence in the music industry. Discussions about 360 deals were more commonplace. Later in that era of time, hip hop and innovation grew in the form of alternative hip hop. Gangsta rap declined its commercial value. This was shown on how Kanye West's Graduation won out against 50 Cent's Curtis. Innovative rap like Kanye's 808s and Heartbreak would influence more artists. New artists have shown the world that you don't have to be a gangster to be an authentic artist or true to yourself. You can be yourself, and being yourself is enough plus it has great value in the Universe.  This time saw music from Jay Z, K'naan, Kid Cudi, Lil Kim, and Drake. Also, emerging artists like Wale, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Lupe, Jay Electronica, Nicki Minaj, and B.o.B shined. T-Pain promoted auto-tune. By the year of 2010, we saw a new generation of hip hop artists coming up like Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Nipsey Hussle, Pill, Freddie Gibbs, Jay Rock, Asher Roth, Logic, and other people. This time was a mixture of legendary artists and new innovative artists who carried hip hop into the 2nd decade of the 21st century. 

 

 

 

Kanye West's Explosion of Talent  

By 2006, Kanye West became one of the influential hip hop musicians of the 21st century. When you think about music, you have to think about Kanye West. This was long before he supported Trump (which is wrong in my view) and deteriorated heavily emotionally. He has criticized awards shows for claims of them not awarding him enough awards and called Bush as a person who doesn't care about black people (in Bush's response to Katrina in the Gulf Coast. Years later, Kanye retracted that statement). Kanye West was born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago. His mother, Dr. Donda C. West was a professor of English at Clark Atlanta University and the Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University. She later retired to be a manager. His father is former Black Panther Ray West, who is a Christian Counselor. By January of 2006, the cover of Rolling Stone shown Kanye West wearing a crown of thorns. Kanye West toured the world with U2 and their Vertigo Tour. West was inspired to make anthem rap songs that could be shown better in arenas. So, Kanye West made some changes. He used slower tempos, experimented with electronic music, and respected the music of the 1980's. He was influenced by the melody and chord progression of rock bands like the Stones and Led Zepplin. 

Kanye West wanted to use wordplay that educated people, storytelling, and he listened to Bob Dylan plus Johnny Cash. One of Kanye West's most famous songs and videos was Diamonds from Sierra Leone. It was recorded in 2004 and released in 2005. It talked about the blood diamond trade harming people in Africa including children. His song of Jesus Walks in 2004 was controversial and touched on important issues. Kanye  West also uses the song to express his critical views on how the media seem to shy away from songs that address matters of faith, while embracing songs discussing violence, sex, and illegal drugs. He rhymes, "So here go my single, dog, radio needs this/They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus/That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes/But if I talk about God my record won't get played, huh?" At the 47th Grammy Awards, "Jesus Walks" was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, and received a nomination for Song of the Year. Various publications placed the song on several year and decade-end lists, and have since listed it among the greatest of all time. The song was named the 6th-best song of 2004 on Village Voice's Pazz & Jop critics poll. 

 

Graduation came out in 2007 competing against 50 Cent's Curtis album. They met at BET's 106 and Park to promote their respective albums. Graduation outsold Curtis by a large margin. Graduation debuted at number 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 with 957,000 sales in one week. Graduation had hits like Stronger (influenced by French house duo Daft Punk). The album had Dwele, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, DJ Premier, Chris Martin of Coldplay, etc. Songs in the album are Can't Tell Me Nothing,  Good Life, Flashing Lights, Homecoming, and other music that are filled with his style. Graduation used synthesizers, and 808s music. Its focused on electronic music influenced future hip hop artists that they didn't have to show gangster rap to be successful in their careers. Graduation was the end of the dominance of old school gangster rap in mainstream hip hop. Alternative artists increasingly found their voices heard. Kanye was part of the new movement of alternative hip hop artists like Kid Cudi, Wale, Lupe Fiasco, Kidz in the Hall, Drake, etc. who wanted to show their points of views without obsessing with drug dealing or gun play. One event changed Kanye West forever. His mother passed away involving complications from a cosmetic surgery. This was in November 2007. Kanye West was in massive pain in losing his mother who loved him unconditionally. 

 

In 2009, he ended his engagement with his fiancee Alexis Phifer (a black woman) after they dated since 2002. Kanye West worked on autotune. His next album would be 808s and Heartbreak. His lead single was Love Lockdown. It used the Roland TR-808 drum machine. It talked about love, loneliness, and heartache. Songs like Heartless was on the album too. It changed hip hop music in causing more rappers to take more creative risks in music. During the 2009 MTV Video Music Award, he grabbed the microphone from Taylor Swift in a controversial move. Kanye West said that Beyonce's Single Ladies video was the best video of the award show shown by a woman. West suffered some backlash, but his career wasn't over. Taylor Swift was America's white woman young artist who could have ended many careers. Kanye continued to make music. He toured with Lady Gaga. In 2009, he came into Hawaii to develop his next album. He worked with music with Jay Z, Kid Cudi, and Pusha T along with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. His album of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was released in November 2010. Many songs like All of the Lights, Power, Monster, and Runaway were international hits. Runaway was a 35 minute film of the same name directed by and starring West. His label of GOOD Music featured artists too. He worked with Jay Z on Watch the Throne in 2011. In 2012, he released Cruel Summer. Songs like Mercy and Clique defined hip hop music of the 2010's. Kanye West in 2012 toured in the SWU Music and Arts, Austin City Limits, Essence Music Festival, Coachella, and in other places. By 2012, Kanye West established himself as a premier artist of the 21st century. 

 

 

Many Directions (2006-2008)

 

The year of 2006 saw artists from snap, lyrical hip hop, and other forms of hip hop take shape. The early part of 2006 saw the group of Tha Alkaholiks with their album of Firewater, Sway with This My Demo,  J Dilla with Donuts, Remy Ma  with There's Something About Remy: Based on a Tru Story, and Dem Franchise Boyz's On Top of Our Game. Remy Ma is from the Bronx, NYC, and she worked with Fat Joe. She is married to fellow hip hop artist Pappose. 20/20 was an album made by Dilated Peoples. D.M.C, Juvenile, E-40, B.G., T.I.'s King, Ghostface, Bubba Sparxxx, LL Cool J, and other artists made their albums in 2006 too. The Coup, Mobb Deep, Gnarls Barkley's St. Elsewhere, Cam'ron, Bronze Nazareth, Rampage, Ice, Shawnna, Yung Joc, Busta Rhymes, and Zion I made music too. 2006 was a year in hip hop with old school and new school musicians being fully represented from Lord Jamar to 7L and Esoteric. DMX's Year of the Dog Again, Pharrell, Inspectah Deck's The Resident Patient, Method Man, The Roots, Chingy's Hoodstar, Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris, Sleepy Brown, Lloyd Banks, P. Diddy's Press Play, The Game, Jay Z's Kingdom Come, Snoop, Clipse, Jeezy, Mos Def, Shady Records, and other musicians have expressed diverse songs. 2006 saw Georgia' snap music come alive with songs like Snap Yo Fingers from Lil Jon, Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It from Dem Franchise Boyz, It's Goin's Down by Yung Joc, and Shoulder Lean from Young Dro. TI's What You Know in 2006 allowed TI to reach into a new level of prominence in hip hop music. Rick Ross was on the scene with the song of Hustlin'. Field Mob, Jibbs, Jim Jones, Pimp C, and other musicians saw their talents flourish in 2006.

 

In 2007, hip hop music saw a continued merging of old school music with new school influences. In early 2007, old school artists had albums like Ultramegnetic MC's, X Clan, Hussein Fatal and Hardtimerz, and Consequence has albums. New artists back then like Jin, Crime Mob, Devin the Dude, Mims, Lil Flip, and others had albums too. Prodigy, Redman, Rich Boy, Young Buck, Timbaland's Shock Value, Brother Ali, Mic Geronimo, Joell Ortiz, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's Strength and Loyalty, KRS-One and Marley Marl, Lil Wyte, Canibus' For Whom the Bell Tolls (one of the most lyrical albums of all time), etc. proved that hip hop is a very diverse genres with styles being shown in multifaceted ways. Timbaland's Shock Value was ahead of it time sonically which was a prelude to Kanye West's Yeezus album. DJ Khaled developed his movement with music by this time. Pharaoh Monche's Desire was released along with TI's TI vs. TIP. Music from Tech N9ne, Common, Kia Shine, Guru, Plies, UGK, Brand Nubian, Killah Priest, Aesop Rock, Talib Kweli, 50 Cent's Curtis, Kanye West's Graduation, Young Noble and Hussein Fatal, Chamillionaire, Havoc, Percee P, Soujah Boy, and other people released music all over 2007. Jay Z's American Gangster was inspired by the film of the same name (the movie was about the life of Frank Lucas who came from North Carolina to form a drug empire based in Harlem, NYC after Bumpy Johnson died).

That album showed Jay Z talked about his previous drug dealing and the response to the criticism that he has received. By the end of 2007, a new generation of artists shown their music like Gucci Mane, Hi-Tek, Chingy, Lupe Fiasco, and other artists have shown their talents. Scarface, Styles P, Birdman, Wu Tang Clan, Freeway, DJ Drama, and other people made 2007 a very vibrant year of hip hop. Cassidy made records back then. Party Like a Rockstar from Shop Boyz and This is Why I'm Hot by Mims were popular. From Rich Boy, Hurricane Chris, Kanye West, Gorilla Zoe, Unk, UGK, Bow Wow, Timbaland, Souja Boy, and other artists, 2007 ended with music that combined popular records along with lyrical records.

 

In 2008, Barack Obama was elected President of the Untied States. With that new  era in existence, hip hop artists wanted to reckon with this new time. Rick Ross' Trilla album would increase his presence in the hip hop scene. Twista created his new label called Get Money Gang. Flo Rida had a digital sales record by selling over 470,000 digital units in one week. Jay Z stepped down as Def Jam President to be replaced by L.A. Reid. Jay Z wanted to pursue other things. Ruthless Records return with help from Sony. Eazy-E's wife Tomica Woods-Wright is the CEO of the re-formed company. Nas' album of The N was released in 2008. It targeted racism, FOX News, Bill O'Reilly, and oppression. Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III was released in 2008 too selling over 1 million copies in its first week. Disturbing tha Peace signed with Def Jam. 2008 was the peak of the 50 Cent and Fat Joe beef, and later they would end it. Eminem and Royce Da 5'9 ended their beef in 2008 too. Chuck Phillips of the Los Angeles Times accused Diddy and Jimmy Rosemond of being involved in the death of Tupac Shakur. Of course, Rosemond and Diddy deny those allegations. Today, we know that some members of the Southside Crips were involved in the evil murder of Tupac Shakur. Game released his album of L.A.X. TI was found guilty of gun charges, Remy Ma was found guilty of charges against her, and Max B was shot. Nelly released his album of Brass Knuckles. Trina's album of Still da Baddest was number 1 on the Rap albums on Billboard on April of 2008. Suge Knight was assaulted and hospitalized in May of 2008.

 New York governor David Paterson pardoned Slick Rick that ends his immigration troubles.  By June of 2008, BET loses many sponsorship over violence, profanity, and obscenity in some hip hop videos. Many like Pepsi and General Motors pulled their ads from Rap City and 106 and Park. BET would later make a huge comeback later with movies about New Edition, etc. This was the year when Rick Ross was revealed to be a correctional officer before being a rapper. Master P works in community programs. Dr. Dre's daughter released a controversial documentary called Daddy's Shadow talking about her father not supporting her dreams of rapping. Da Brat was sentenced to jail for hitting a woman with a rum bottle at an Atlanta nightclub in 2007. Yung Berg (who is a notorious colorist and a person that I don't respect) was beaten up and robbed of his Transformers necklace in Detroit at Trick Trick's club Plan B. TI's Paper Trial would be successful. Johnny J committed suicide by jumping of a tier of a county jail. He was a producer of many Tupac Shakur's songs. Other artists like Chino XL, Bzig Noyd, Webbie, Pete Rock, Shawty Lo, Rakim, Bizzy Bone, AZ, Prodigy, Foxy Brown's Brooklyn's Don Diva, Three 6 Mafia, Immortal Technique, RZA, Jean Grae's Jeanius, David Banner, Skillz, GZa, Kardinal Offishall, Common, Ludacris, Murs, and other artists made 2008 a year of creative power in hip hop. 

 

 

Experimentation (2009-2011)

 

The year of 2009 in hip hop about new artists and experimentation. The Notorious film soundtrack was released on January 13, 2009. It had Jay Z, Jadakiss, and other people. Albums from OJ Da Juiceman, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes,  and others were released in January too. Jermaine Dupri left Def Jam in 2009. Eminem, 50 Cent, and Dr. Dre's Crack a Bottle song would later reach number one on the charts. Souja Boy and Bow wow had a short feud. This was the year when 50 Cent and Rick Ross started to trade insults on various records. February 2009 saw Lil Wayne win 4 Grammy Awards at the 2009 Grammy Awards, Kanye West won 2 awards, and Jay Z including T.I. won one award each. On February 2009, albums from Zion I, B-Real, Grandmaster Flash (The Bridge-Concept of a Culture), Havoc, Joe Budden, Project Pat, and O.S.T.R. were released. Flo Rida released his R.O.O.T.S. album in March of 2009, TI was sentenced to jail for gun possessions, and other events happen. Relapse was released in 2009 from Eminem. Asher Roth's Asleep in the Bread Aisle and Rick Ross' Deeper Than Rap were high on the charts. By May of 2009, Ocean's 7 was formed. It was a supergroup made up of Jermaine Dupri, Nelly, Usher, Bryan-Michael Cox, Johnta Austin, Trey Songz, and Tyrone Davis. That month saw Method Man and Joe Budden having a dispute when Joe Budden falsely minimized Method Man's hip hop talent. DJ Paul released his album.  50 Center released his War Angel LP mixtape on June of 2009. This was the time when Michael Jackson passed away. The Game ended his feud with  50 Cent by June of 2009. Rakim made his comeback album of The Seventh Seal by July of 2009. Chamillionaire released his last mixtape on August of 2009. On September 2009, Jay Z and Alicia Keys performed Empire State of Mind at the 2009 MTV Video Music Award. Lil Mama jumped on stage because of her emotional connection that she had with the Jay Z and Alicia Keys song praising NYC. DJ and producer Roc Raida died on September 19, 2009. 

DJ Mr. Magic passed away. Jamala "Shyne" Barrow was released from prison in October 2009 after almost 9 years in prison. Beanie Sigel had a beef with Jay Z over money and influence, but they end it later on. Young Jeezy ended his beef with DJ Drama and Gucci Mane in December of 2009. T.I. was released early from prison. By 2009, Rick Ross's Deeper Than Rap  and Tech N9ne's Sicology 101 were very popular in the hip hop world. Gucci Mane shown his music along with Cam'ron, and Paul Wall. Method Man and Redman made Blackout! 2 on May 19, 2009. AZ made the album of Legendary. AZ is one of the few older artists that never lost his flow or lyricism at any circumstance. New artists and older artists made music like Hussein Fatal, Juicy J, Mos Def, Willy Northpole, Grand Puba, Maino, Yukmouth, Slaughterhouse, Killer Mike, Raekwon, Esoteric, Young Money, Kid Cudi, Mack 10, Royce da 5'9, Wale, 50 Cent (with Before I Self Destruct), and other people. The year of 2009 saw singles like Empire State of Mind, Best I Ever Had (from Drake, who was a newcomer back then), Keri Hilson ft. Kanye West plus Ne-Yo with Knock You Down, Forever (with Drake, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Eminem), Brother Ali's Good Lord, Nipsey Hussle's Hussle in the House, J Cole's Lights Please, Jay Z's Death of Autotune, and Jay Electronica's Exhibit C. 

 

 

In 2010, new developments existed in hip hop. DMX released his best songs in an album in January of 2010 along with Maino. Game signed a new record contract and returned to Aftermath Entertainment on February of 2010. The rapper Nujabes died on February 26, aged 36 in a traffic accident. On February 8, 2010, Canibus released the album of Melatonin Magik where he works with many underground artists to outline some of the most lyrical songs of all time. Ludacris in March of 2010 was the first rapper in 2010 to be featured on 3 top 10 Billboard Hot 100 charted songs. TI works on his new album after being released from prison. O.S.T.R. released its album.  Lil Wayne's of Rebirth reached gold with 505,000 copies by April of 2010. Guru died of multiple myeloma on April 19, 2010 at the age of 47 years old. He was a legend in hip hop with talent, skills , and a humble spirit. B.o.B's Nothin' on You was very popular. It would be platinum featuring Bruno Mars. B.o.B.'s album of B.o.B. Presents: the Adventures of Bobby Ray was released on May of 2010. Gucci Mane was released from prison in the same month. Eminem's single of Not Afraid debuts at number one in the Billboard Hot 100. The album of We Are Young from Young Money was Gold in May of 2010. Drake released the album of Thank Me Later, and Eminem released Recovery in June of 2010. Hip hop pioneer Rammellzee died on June 29, 2010. Recovery would be over 1,000,000 copies in its 2nd week. Drake hosted the August first annual Ovo (October's Very own) Festival having Jay Z, Eminem, Rick Ross, Young Jezzy, Bun B, and Fabolous. Kanye West's music video of Power is highly influential and shows that Kanye West will make music for a long time. 

DJ Khaled's All I do Is Win is popular. In the same month, Kanye West released Dark Twisted Fantasy and Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday were released. Huddy 6 (from Harlem's own Harlem World) died in a car accident at the George Washington Bridge in NYC at the age of 34. Lil Wayne was released from prison at November 2010. Dr. Dre released Kush from November 2010 featuring Snoop Dogg and Akon. Kid Cudi's debut album of Man on the Moon: The End of the Day was certified Gold by November of 2010. Waka Flocka Flame (born in NYC but he is based in Atlanta) had his first gold single of No Hands. By December 2010, Lil Wayne released his song 6 Foot 7 Foot" as part of his Tha Carter IV album. Hip hop artist Magnolia Shorty died as being murdered on December 20. Also, G-Dep in the same month admitted to committing murder in 1993. 2010 have albums from Brotha Lynch Hung, Snoop, Freeway, Beanie Sigel, The Outlawz, Inspectah Deck, Wiz Khalifa, Kurupt, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Trina, Nas and Damian Marley, Common, plies, Rhymefest, Juvenile, Rick Ross, and Lil' Flip. Many underground artists made music like Planet Asia, Sha Stimuli, Cyssero, Large Professor, Copywrite, Bronze Nazareth, Yelawolf, and other people. 

 

2011 saw tons of new events. By January of 2011, Shady Records signed Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf (who is known to glamorize the Confederate flag which I don't agree with). Jay Z and Eminem won Grammy Awards in February of 2011. Nate  Dogg died on March 15, 2011. Lasers by Lupe Fiasco debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 selling 2014,000 copies its first week. It was the first rap album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2011. Dr. Dre had 100 percent of the digital royalty from the Chronic after a lawsuit from Death Row Records. Tupac's 40th years birthday was celebrated in Atlanta and was hosted by Afreni Shakur. People there include Mike Epps, Erykah Badu, Rick Ross, etc. Ironically, Jimmy Henchman would be arrested after a manhunt. U.S. Marshals and DEA agents in NYC catch him. Later, he admitted to many crimes. A Tribe Called Quest documentary was released, and Wiz Khalifa's Rolling Papers became gold in 2011. Kanye West and Jay Z released Watch the Throne. It was the fastest selling album of 2011. Kanye West proved to his older hip hop ally Jay Z that he was a worthy hip hop artist. It was the third album to be debut at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2011. Jay Z and Lil Wayne have a rap battle over money and influence with songs like HAM and It's Good. Pusha T makes more solo moves by signing with Def Jam Records. Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV sold 965,000 in its first week. It's the 5th album to debut at number one. Ray J and Fabulous were involved in a verbal altercation by September 2011 in Las Vegas. This came after the Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz match. J. Cole released his album of Cole World: The Sideline Story. It charts at number one on the Billboard 200. J. Cole is an artist respected by old school hip hop people and new school hip hop fans. He is from North Carolina. He bridges the generational divide in hip hop. Rapper Lola Monroe signed with Wiz Khalifa's label Taylor Gang. RoseMo 700 was murdered in Los Angeles after he claimed to beat up the rapper Game. Heavy D died in November of 2010 at Beverly Hills, CA in his home. Drake debuted at number one with his album of Take Care. 1017 Brick Squard affiliate Slim Dunkin was killed in an Atlanta studio. Waka Flocka Flame's 2nd album is Triple F: Friends, Fans, and Family was pushed to be released in 2012 because of Slim Dunkin's death. In 2011, hip hop artists like Lecrae, Schoolboy Q, Yukmouth, Keak Da Sneak, Talib Kweli, Paul Wall, Big K.R.I.T., Lil Kim, Saigon, Joel Ortiz, Layzie Bone, WC, Planet Asia, E-40, Mac Miller, Max B, Ab Soul, Bizzy Bones, Layzie Bone, Pete Rock, Ace Hood, and other artists made music.  

 

 

The Younger Generation Asserts Itself (2012)

 

Hip hop in 2012 same some of the greatest hip hop albums of the 2010's. In January of 2012, Azealia Banks signed to Universal Music. The paradox of Azealia Banks is that she is a great MC. She knows how to rap with excellent lyricism. Her issue is her contradictory statements. She claims to be for black women, but disrespected black women with colorist slurs. She claims to be against racism, but she constantly prone to make hurtful statements about others along with once promoting bleaching creams. On February 2012, Kanye West won four Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, while Jay-Z and Kid Cudi have won one each. This year saw many D12 members leaving the group. On March 2012, T.I. announces he signed Iggy Azalea, Chip and Trae Tha Truth to Grand Hustle Records. This was controversial as Iggy Azalea is known for her cultural appropriation, and disrespected hip hop legends like Q-Tip. In the same month, MTV announces that Top Dawg Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based independent record label, have closed a joint venture deal with Interscope Records and Aftermath Entertainment. Under the new deal, Black Hippy member Kendrick Lamar's debut studio album, good kid, m.A.A.d city will be jointly released via Top Dawg/Interscope/Aftermath while releases from the rest of Black Hippy (Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q) will be distributed via Top Dawg/Interscope. Tyga made music too. 

On April 2012, Q-Tip has announced his signing to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam,  Coachella Music Festival, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg surprised the audience with a performance from 2Pac via hologram image, and Former D12 member Mr. Porter announced his debut album. Adam Yauch (known as MCA), one of the founding members of Beastie Boys, died on May 4, 2012, aged 47. Young Buck and 2 Chainz were arrested on various charges. By May of 2012, In the song "Exodus 23:1", Pusha T insulted Cash Money Records, igniting a beef between him and Lil Wayne. Shawn Chrystopher signs to Timbaland Productions. On June 2012, Nicki Minaj was pulled from performing at New York's Hot 97 Summer Jam because on-air DJ Peter Rosenberg called her song "Starships"   wack and corny. This was the start of some trying to blackball Nicki Minaj in the industry. Regardless of how people feel, Nicki Minaj knows how to rap. Her early freestyles and later music proves that she does have bars. Lil Phat died on June 7 after he was shot multiple times in Atlanta. 

 

 

On August 2012, Hip Hop executive Chris Lighty, founder of Violator and who managed and worked with artists like 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes, was found dead due to possible suicide. On September 2012, 50 Cent and Fat Joe have ended their feud, appearing on stage together at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards. Also on BET Hip Hop Awards, 50 Cent and his crew G-Unit have been involved into a fight with Maybach Music Group's member Gunplay. On October of 2012, P. Diddy had a car accident, Lil Wayne has seizures, and 50 Cent plus French Montana had a feud. Both Jay-Z and Kanye West each have six Grammy nominations for the 2013 Grammy Awards, Nas has four, Drake and 2 Chainz each have three, Andre 3000, Big Sean, Pusha T, Lil Wayne, and Wiz Khalifa each have two (on December 2012). On December 24, 2012, it was announced that Capital STEEZ, a close friend of Joey Bad__ and founder of Pro Era, died from a suspected suicide. In 2012, Kendrick Lamar released the Good Kid, M.A.A.D city album. Life is God from Nas was released in the same year. It was his most lyrical album since Stillmatic. Killer Mike released R.A.P. Music. Schoolboy Q released Habits and Contradictions. Nicki Minaj released Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. Ab Soul, Rick Ross, Big K.R.I.T., 2 Chainz, Future, Meek Mills, Lupe Fiasco, Aesop Rock, Frank Ocean, Macklemore, Currne$y, T.I., Brother Ali, O.C., Public Enemy, Freeway, DMX, Wiz Khalifa, Lecrae, Slaughterhouse, Sean Price, The Coup, E-40, La Coka Nostra, and other artists released songs and music in 2012. 

 

 

Hip Hop's Future Continues to Evolve (Conclusion)

 

The start and the end of the era of hip hop from 2006 to 2012 started with new changes. Napster was over in 2006. Myspace, Facebook, and Youtube during this time increased the power of grassroots artists to show their voices. Soujah Boy had his career from the Internet in part. It saw the growth of more alternative hip hop artists from Kid Cudi to Kanye West influenced by electronic beats and an unique sound. Gangster rap in the modern sense ended by this time. Legendary artists continued to make classics like Nas, Jay Z, Public Enemy, etc. The younger generation of musicians like Meek Mill, J. Cole, Def Loaf, Tink, Vince Staples, Drake, Hopsin, Machine Gun Kelly, Azealea Banks, Logic, Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Nipsey Hussle, and others showed their range of talent, their experiences, their skills, and their life stories. Many of these hip hop artists grew to high acclaim by 2020. By 2012 to the present, there is the modern history of hip hop music. That era is about contemporary hip hop. During this era (of hip hop music found from 2012 to the present)  hip hop is dominated by a combination of lyrical artists and a new wave of artists who show trap, drill music, and mumble rap. Mumble rap is probably the most controversial form of hip hop in our generation of the 21st century. Many people love it or hate. Some mumble rap is difficult to understand, lacks lyrical content, and is redundant. One of the most disrespectful, lacking in talent mumble rappers is Lil Xan. He is the person who said that  Tupac's music is boring. Another one, named Lil Pump is a Trump supporter, when we know that Trump is a sexist and a racist. Some (not all) of these mumble rap/soundcloud disrespect older legendary rappers who laid the foundation for them to be on the stage in the first place. I am from an older generation being almost 40 years old. Other parts of mumble rap do have a great musical quality and have words that mean something. Yet, mumble rap, emo rap, and soundcloud rap are still part of hip hop whether we like it or not. Soundcloud rap is part of the hip hop lexicon. I don't agree with the types of mumble rap that degrades women, glorifies drug abuse, and glorifies violence (as done by the worst mumble rapper of all time 6IX9INE. In the near future, I will expose this racist, hypocrite really strongly). Modern hip hop, like old school hip hop, has been praised, debated, and analyzed. The years of 2012 and beyond outline what hip hop is today with its numerous changes. The journey continues. 

 

By Timothy