How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Salt-N-Pepa, Eternal, Incognito, Brandy & Monica, Was [Not Was], Warren G, Sounds Of Blackness, New Edition, Rosie Gaines, Blessid Union Of Souls, Brownstone, K-Ci & JoJo
They are the performers of twelve vintage hip-hop, soul, etc. tracks that were ranked in various charts, this week (23/52) BUT … in the Nineties 90s.
For TWENTY FOUR more Hip-Hop & Soul - Vintage 90s Music Videos - week 23/52 - click here and here
Tracklist
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1 . Salt-N-Pepa - ShoopWritten by Cheryl "Salt" James and Sandra "Pepa" Denton, with help from Mark Sparks, this track is an anthem of flirtation and female confidence. Producer Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor, known for his role in Salt-N-Pepa's success, incorporated funky samples and catchy beats. The energetic, colorful video helped "Shoop" become a global hit. The music video is directed by Scott Kalvert. Writer(s) : Pepa, Otwane Roberts, Johnathon Blount, Salt, Danyel Gerard, Ike Turner Publisher(s) : Henchmen Publishing, Progressive Music, Sons Of K Oss Music Inc Featured on the 1993 album "Very Necessary".
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2 . Eternal - I Wanna Be The Only One (w/ Bebe Winans)This collaboration between British group Eternal and gospel singer Bebe Winans was produced by Rhett Lawrence. Lawrence, who has also worked with Mariah Carey, delivered a polished production with complex vocal arrangements. The song celebrates love and fidelity, with Winans’ passionate performance perfectly complementing Eternal's harmonies. The music video is directed by Randee St. Nicholas. Writer(s) : Bebe Winans, Rhett Lawrence Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp, Emi Blackwood Music Inc, Rhettrhyme Music, Benny S Music Featured on the 1997 album "Before the Rain".
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3 . Incognito - Don't You Worry 'Bout A ThingIncognito, a jazz-funk group led by Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, covered this Stevie Wonder classic with sophisticated and modern flair, adding brass arrangements and funky grooves. The track features Maysa Leak on lead vocals, bringing deep emotion to the song. Writer(s) : Stevie Wonder Publisher(s) : Black Bull Music Inc, Jobete Music Co Inc Featured on the 1992 album "Tribes, Vibes and Scribes".
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4 . Brandy & Monica - The Boy Is MineThis duet with Monica, produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, marked a turning point in Brandy's career. The song, which talks about romantic rivalry, was a huge success. Brandy and Monica's voices complement each other perfectly, creating a memorable dynamic. The music video is directed by Joseph Kahn. Writer(s) : Fred Jerkins, Rodney Jerkins, Japhe Tejeda, Brandy, LaShawn Ameen Daniels, Brandy Norwood Publisher(s) : Emi April Music Inc, Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, Henchi Music, Fred Jerkins Publishing, Bran Bran Music, Ensign Music Corporation Featured on the 1998 album "Never Say Never".
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5 . Was [Not Was] - Papa Was A Rolling StoneThis track is a cover of the iconic Temptations song. Was (Not Was)'s version, produced by Don Was and David Was, adds a modern funk and soul twist. With session musicians like Marcus Miller on bass and Randy Jacobs on guitar, the instrumental richness is undeniable. The visually striking video uses retro effects to enhance the song's nostalgic theme. The music video is directed by Paris Barclay. Writer(s) : Jean Bocheux, Sylvain Firmin Guion, Gerard Houver Publisher(s) : Paramount Allegra Music Division Of Paramount Pictures Featured on the 1990 album "Are You Okay?".
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6 . Warren G - Smokin' Me Out (w/ Ron Isley)Produced by Warren G himself, this track blends rap and classic R&B with the legendary Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers. The song is built around a smooth groove and Isley's characteristic vocal melodies. The music video is directed by Paul Hunter. Writer(s) : Warren G, Chris Jasper, Marvin Isley, Ronald Isley, Ernie Isley, Rudolph Isley, O Kelly Isley Jr Publisher(s) : Bovina Music Inc, Emi April Music Inc Featured on the 1997 album "Take a Look Over Your Shoulder".
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7 . Sounds Of Blackness - Spirit (w/ Craig Mack)Produced by Gary Hines and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, this track fuses gospel and hip-hop. Craig Mack, known for his hit "Flava in Ya Ear," adds an urban dimension to Sounds of Blackness's powerful vocals. Genres : gangster rap, hardcore hip hop, hip hop Featured on the 1997 album "Time For Healing".
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8 . New Edition - Something About YouUnder the production of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, this track showcases the legendary R&B group's vocal harmonies. The song discusses the complexities of love and relationships, with a gentle melody and mid-tempo rhythm. The video, showing the group members in various romantic situations, complements the song's sentimental theme. Writer(s) : Terry Steven Lewis, John Walter Bush, John Bradley Houser, Brandon Aly, Kenneth Withrow, Jimmy Jam, Edie Brickell Publisher(s) : Kmr Music Royalties Ii Scsp Featured on the 1996 album "Home Again".
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9 . Rosie Gaines - Closer Than CloseProduced by Narada Michael Walden, known for his work with Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, this track allowed Rosie Gaines to display the full extent of her powerful voice on a song about intimate connection and deep love. Writer(s) : Francis Jules, Dana R Bailey, Rosie Gaines Publisher(s) : Motown Songs, Dredlix Music Inc Featured on the 1995 album "Closer Than Close".
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10 . Blessid Union Of Souls - I BelieveProduced by Emosia and Eliot Sloan, the group's leader, this song is a call for tolerance and acceptance. The lyrics, inspired by Sloan's personal experiences, offer a message of hope and faith. The pop-rock sound is enhanced by vocal harmonies and acoustic guitars, creating a warm and inspiring atmosphere. The music video is directed by Michael Salomon. Writer(s) : Eliot Sloan, Jeff Pence, Emosia Publisher(s) : Tosha Music, Shapiro Bernstein Co Inc Featured on the 1995 album "Home".
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11 . Brownstone - If You Love MeProduced by Michael Angelo Saulsberry, this track captures the essence of 90s R&B with tight harmonies and polished production. The group, formed by Monica "Mimi" Doby, Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell, and Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert, achieved great success with this song thanks to its sincere lyrics and catchy melody. The music video is directed by Jesse Vaughan. Writer(s) : Dave M L Hall, Dave M L Hall Publisher(s) : Ness Nitty And Capone Publ, Orisha Music, Stone Jam Music, Unknown Publisher, W B Music Corp Featured on the 1994 album "From the Bottom Up". |
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12 . K-Ci & JoJo - All My LifeThis brother duo, K-Ci and JoJo Hailey, produced this romantic track with Rory Bennett. Written as a dedication to their families, it’s praised for its emotional vocal harmonies. Legendary R&B producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis mixed the track, giving it a refined, timeless sound. The video features the brothers performing the song with heartfelt emotion. The music video is directed by Lara M. Schwartz.. Writer(s) : Carmelo Antonio Cianflone, Isaac Marshall Lucas, Kathleen Reiter, Jason Rabinowitz, Colton Fisher, Hunter James Sumner Publisher(s) : The Math Club Music, Bad At Math Songs Featured on the 1997 album "Love Always".
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. “Shoop” samples “I’m Blue” by the Sweet Inspirations. The song was central to Salt's creative process, even involving her young daughter in the recording studio.
2. The Eternal-BeBe Winans collaboration was their third recorded effort, highlighting a productive musical relationship endorsed by both parties' labels.
3. Incognito's cover of “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing” is notably rooted in the acid jazz genre. Led by Maysa Leak's vocals, it revitalizes Stevie Wonder's classic.
4. The lyrical theme of “The Boy Is Mine” mirrors the narrative of two women vying for the attention of one man, taking cues from the iconic duet by Jackson and McCartney.
5. Was (Not Was) covered “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” a song initially released by the Undisputed Truth and later popularized by the Temptations.
6. Ronald Isley of the Isley Brothers fame collaborates with Warren G, blending his legendary smooth vocals with Warren’s distinctive rap style.
7. The song “Spirit” reached number 35 on the UK charts, blending Craig Mack’s rap flow with the gospel sounds of Sounds of Blackness.
8. Bobby Brown took co-lead vocals alongside Ralph Tresvant in New Edition's track “Something About You,” bringing a touch of his signature style to the song.
9. Rosie Gaines, known from Prince's New Power Generation, performed a 1997 hit that achieved critical acclaim, securing a MOBO Award.
10. Blessid Union of Souls replaced a racial slur with “brother” for radio, maintaining their message while navigating broadcasting sensibilities.
11. “Spellbound” by K-Solo was sampled in Brownstone's 1994 single, showcasing the seamless blend of R&B vocals with hip-hop influences.
12. K-Ci & JoJo’s song debuted on radio in January 1998, setting the stage for its success on multiple formats later that year.
For THE FULL HIP-HOP & SOUL COLLECTION click here
