Taral Hicks should've been big. Huge even. But singing ability (which she had in spades) doesn't necessarily translate into big time success.
Taral Hicks Feat. Missy Elliott - Ohh, Ohh Baby
This joint -- a predictable and average midtempo ditty from her 1997 debut This Time -- probably wasn't the best bet for a single. This is even despite tracks being written and produced by Missy Elliott, who, in the nineties, could do no wrong.
It took a Deneice Williams cover for Hicks to build some small time buzz:
Taral Hicks -- Silly
Not as good as the original but damn that's tight.
...kick the holy hell out of what's passing for R&B these days.
Running out of love? That's the same way I feel towards today's R&B.
There's nothing remarkable about Elusion (even given the fact that it's two sets of twins) or their one "hit" (I use the term really loosely) Reality.
A simple and typical R&B song from the 90's. TLC lite if you will. But it still bumps. It still exemplifies the energy that music of that era possessed. I dare anyone to say otherwise.
I've had enough "Red Red Wine" (aka the track people bring up to "prove" that they're "down" with reggae) thanks. But looking now, I see that lead dude Ali Campbell wasn't fronting...he's a serious dub reggae appreciator who's vastly underrated.
Been vibing off this for a minute:
Now that is a wicked chune. I dare you to not bob your head to tap a foot to this groove.
It’s hard out here for an emerging R&B artist. (duh!)
The Love Experience was the 2002 debut disc from self-proclaimed “R&B Hippie NeoSoul RockStar” (um okay) Raheem Devaughn. Now this dude can really blow (think Dwele or D’Angelo) but that’s obviously not enough these days. Nevertheless, Raheem keeps it real, bringing a brand of soul/funk/R&B that’s as sincere as it is good.
The Love Experience is good, not great, but mos def worth a listen. It's a shame that it didn't make bigger noise. Check it:
dope.
I’m expecting big things for his upcoming Love Behind the Melody next month, even despite the corny ass album cover:
..to return to a music landscape that barely remembers you.
Love me some Jill but the muted promotion and reception for her latest is somewhat puzzling, as is the slightly uneven effort she delivers this time around.
Videos like this:
ain't what's really good.
The Real Thing" Words and Sounds Vol. 3 is a measured "aiight" in my books. Right of the bat with this cover:
...shows Jill's been through some THANGS.
Indeed, How It Make You Feel and Wanna Be Loved are the standouts here.
Not really feeling the "rapping" Jill does here but meh.
Overall, I love Jill but not her strongest effort. But even a average Jill murders anyone out there currently claiming to be an R&B singer.
