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:
