The Urban Feed

Michael Jackson: An Uncharted Legacy –
August 29, 1958-June 25, 2009

One of the greatest stories ever told and the biggest legacy to be created. Michael Jackson, the world’s greatest writer, performer, and arguably one of the greatest artists of all time. Started off as the little boy from Gary, IN, who sang with his four brothers at talent shows for schools. Michael Jackson along with his brothers became one of the greatest groups of all time, Jackson 5. After fifteen studio albums with his brothers, Michael slowly began to launch his solo career as he blessed the world with hit singles such as “Beat It,” “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,” “P.Y.T,” and many more. Michael’s long list of hit singles earned him the title of King of Pop and has helped him achieve an uncharted legacy. His everlasting legacy became evident to the world when he released his 6th Billboard breaking album, “Thriller.” With “Thriller” being his most popular and succesful album, holding the position of #1 for over 20 years, and having the most air time on radio and TV. Fortunately, Michael breaking of barriers did not stop just on the charts and stations, with his catchy beats and smooth lyrics, he made history as being the first black artists to be in heavy rotation on MTV.

One can only imagine the life that was untold by the star performer, as he went through years of scrutiny and tribulations. Fortunately for Jackson, he remained relevant to the world as he overcame all trials and continued to rock with us all. His success as an artist has appeared to exceed all negative connotations associated with his name, because nay-sayers around the world will all agree that his talent is not unseen and cannot be ignored. Michael’s scrutiny was an inspiration for us all and has shown society that no matter what others may say, it is always important to remain calm and remember who you are. One of Michael’s most important aspects of his personal life was his dedication to the community. Not only was he an inspirational artist, but he was also an outstanding humanitarian. Dedicated to helping children with cancer, Jackson has dedicated billions of dollars to cancer research and treatment. His humanitarian skills elevated his career as he was known for charitable work around the world.

His legacy of hard work, record breaking sales, and inspirational lifestyle led him to a path that no other artists may take. The only question that remains for most is who can continue his legacy? His unusual career has been imitated for over 30 years through the likes of Usher, Justin Timberlake, and Chris Brown; however, never been duplicated. Making music that everyone loved seemed to be his niche, and that niche allowed him to rise to the epitome of Pop culture, granting him the name of the greatest artist of all time. Although Jackson has passed away, his music will forever live in the hearts of millions across the world as he will forever be the King of Pop. We will always remember Michael Jackson for his uncharted legacy and everlasting music.

–Saidah Anderson
Check out more of the legacy below…

R.I.P Michael Jackson—We Love You

Popularity: 1% [?]

Reminisce: TLC

So I creep yeah/just keep it on the down low/said nobody is supposed to know

Who can forget the female trio with the sexy dance moves and the even more tantalizing vocals of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes, and Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas? In the ‘90s one of the hottest female groups TLC, took music to another level with controversial songs and a mix of pop, hip-hop, and R&B. The baggy- pants and condom-toting females took the music world by storm with hits such as “No Scrubs,” “Waterfalls,” and “Creep.”
Formed in 1991 TLC met in Atlanta, Georgia, when Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas, met Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes after Lopes’ split from another all female group. Soon after, the girls were introduced producer to Dallas Austin who would later be partly responsible for their hit singles and former R&B singer of the ‘80s Pebbles, who later on became their manager. After getting a deal with LaFace Records they released their fist album Ooooooohhh…On the TLC Tip February 1992. Songs such as “Ain’t Too Proud Too Beg” and “Baby-Baby-Baby” quickly rose to the top ten of the Hot 100 and Hip Hop/R&B Charts on Billboard and captured the attention of millions worldwide.

However, it was in 1994 a more mature TLC released CrazySexyCool—a more grown and sexy version of their previous album. Selling over 11 million copies with “Red Light Special,” “Waterfalls,” and “Creep” being among their many hits CrazySexyCool provide the dynamic balance between sexual encounters and experiences with “Creep” and personal responsibility and consequences with “Waterfalls.” Of course along with success follows drama. Before the release of CrazySexyCool, Lopes made headlines for being arrested on arson charges. In an alcohol-fueled rage she proceeded to burn down the mansion of NFL wide receiver Andre Rison. Lopes’ lawyers helped her to avoid jail time by claiming that she was an alcoholic, and instead she spent 5 years on probation. This incident; however, did not stop the album from winning the 1993 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.

TLC – Creep

SUPERNOVA | MySpace Video

After filing for bankruptcy in 1995 TLC disappeared for a while only to reappear in 1999 with another chart topping album titled Fanmail. Fanmail did not disappoint their fans that patiently waited for their return. This time TLC came back with a vengeance. “No Scrubs” was blasted in every car by males and females alike, and “Unpretty” became the theme song of all women who were tired of living by the American standards. While Fanmail proved that TLC had not lost their musical touch, tragedy struck once again in the lives of the three women when in 2002 Lopes was killed in a car accident in Honduras.

Despite all that the trials and tribulations TLC endured, it was obvious that they had a great influence over the music world. No other female group had teenagers walking around with baggy pants and condoms over their eyes. No other female group had females AND males singing songs about how “no good” men were. And no other female group could capture the essence of sex without looking raunchy the way TLC did. And that is why we love them.

TLC – Red Light Special (Official Music Video) – The best video clips are right here

Kiah McBride
Contributing Writer
The Urban Feed

Popularity: 2% [?]

The Story Teller of My Life: Erykah Badu

So when electronic, jazz, and hip-hop makes a baby with funk, you have The Goddess of Neo, the story teller: Ms. Erykah Badu. She has earned her title as Goddess of Neo Soul. One of the most honest and real artist of our life time; never afraid to speak her mind, and to call it like she sees it. Her style is all her own. You never question an Erykah Badu track because you know it’s her from the first beat to the very last note. But you’re probably wondering if she’s still relevant? Of Course! A breath of fresh air since Baduizm in 1997, Badu still has us grooving with her latest album New Amerykah Part 1: 4th World War. This completely transparent album allows us into her world like never before. It’s almost as you know her when the last song is singing through your speakers.

Now I’m a young cat so when she debut her first album I think I was seven years of age. So I may be a little biased when it comes to Erykah Badu but her success backs up my praise of her craft. I swear every time I hear one of her songs it brings me back to my first crush, the first time I thought I fell in love, and when I called Tyrone to tell him that I wasn’t putting up with his mess no more. I feel like she narrated my life. And she still speaks to my mood when I think I might have to go in on somebody. I get caught up on the journey she takes us when she begins to sing. She always has a lesson that you can learn from or a story that can give you a break when you need it. “On and On” and “The Other Side of the Game” gave you insight on urban life in the realest way. “You Got Me” lays out that two people who are successful in their lives can make a love work. This particular song still resides with me now that I’m off doing my grown woman thing. “Bag Lady” reminds you to take care of your issues so you will have room in your life to love someone and for someone to love you. Love is a thing we will battle until the day we die.

I wish we had more people who are along the lines of Erykah Badu. Not to say that people should copy her music, but carry the same confidence and integrity as she does. You never see compromise with her. From when she started to now, all you see is Erykah Badu. She is never afraid to be transparent, to tell the whole truth. Whether it’s an interview or a live performance, it’s the real thing all the time. She’s always ahead of the curve and she’s not willing or going to dumb down anything for anyone. She has the goods and she knows that. She lets you know that with every song that makes you move and think. Her lyrics are so vivid that you can picture it as she sings it. She doesn’t need to have overly elaborate performances because her music stands alone.

I could go on and on the narrator of my life but my article is allowed only so much space. This woman of substance had stood the test of time. She may have only been globally known since 1997 but she’s continuing real music in a time where singers don’t last but two days. And that is still saying a lot for our microwave music today. What sets Erykah Badu apart is that she’s a musician. She understands her art form. That’s why she can blend multiple styles together and move the crowd any way she sees fit. She knows what good music is and she understands what it is. And of course you know she will always be played in my iPod.

Yvette
Contributing Writer
The Urban Feed

Popularity: 2% [?]

Reminisce: Boyz II Men

And I’ll Take With Me The Memories/ To Be My Sunshine After the Rain/

It is not possible to talk about R&B and not mention Boyz II Men. Their soulful melodies and lyrical content appealing to the emotions of males and females alike is what made them one of the most memorable male vocal groups of all time. Whether you are hearing “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” at almost every graduation across America, or being serenaded by “I’ll Make Love To You” by your significant other, it is obvious that Boyz II Men has captured the hearts of R&B fanatics worldwide.

In 1988, four boys at the Creative & Performing Arts High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania discovered that four vocally talented individuals were better than one. Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris, Nate Morris, and Mike McCary came together to form the group Unique Attraction. Like most starving artists, the quartet found themselves singing anywhere they could that would possibly give them their big break. That break came backstage at the Philadelphia Civic Center where they met idol Michael Bivins—founder of New Edition and Bel Biv Devoe. After wowing the music mogul, Unique Attraction was eventually signed to Motown with Bivins as their manager. With the suggestion from Bivins, the group formerly known as Unique Attraction became the acclaimed Boyz II Men.

Their first debut album, Cooleyhighharmony, was released in May of 1991 and had numerous hits topping the Billboard charts such as “Motown Philly” (No. 3 in July 1991) and “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” (No. 2 in October 1991). From there they went on to make more chart topping hits such as “I’ll Make Love To You” that were featured on the album Boyz II Men II, which to date has sold more than eleven million copies in the U.S. alone.

What makes Boyz II Men one of the greatest R&B groups of the 90s is their ability to capture heart felt lyrics with their harmonizing vocals. There is not one R&B lover that does not have a Boyz II Men song on their playlists. Boyz II Men is the epitome of what a male R&B group should stand for, and will continue to be known as one of the most “commercially successful” R&B acts of all time.

Kiah McBride
Contributing Writer
The Urban Feed

Popularity: 2% [?]

I’m So Into You/I Don’t Know What I’m Gonna Do/

One can never say they are a product of the 90s if they don’t claim SWV. How can you avoid, the big hair, the earrings, COKO, LELE, and TAJ? How can you avoid the feel good songs such as “I’m So Into You,” “Weak,” and “Rain?” Literally exploding on the music scene in 1992, SWV was (and in some cases, still) a force to be reckoned with.

Discovered by former Guy Member Teddy Riley, SWV had the talent, drive, focus, but most of all the raw, edge, street appeal that attracted fans from jump. The threesome comprised of three women from both the Bronx and Brooklyn, New York charted Billboard with their first top 10 hit “I’m So Into You.” Later, SWV reached multiplatinum success with their first #1 single “Weak” from their debut album “It’s About Time,” along with other hits such as “Right Here,” and “You’re The One.”

SWV provided the always-essential “feel-good” element to their music, mixing a good hip hop beat, with a special voice such as lead-singer Coko mixed with the stylings of that New Jack. “I’m So Into You” was just that song you can and still play on a long road trip, that song you can have in your iPOD on the go and much more. Check out the featured videos from the songs below, REMINISCE: SWV!

Popularity: 2% [?]

You Know That You Remind Me/ of a love that I once knew/YES it’s TRUE/

Remember when MUSIC was REAL MUSIC, when it had actual feelings, emotions, and subjectivity? Well, Mary J. Blige’s “You Remind Me” is a prime example of what used to be! R&B today, is filled with too many beats and not too many lyrics. However, one female R&B has always been able to stand the test of music even through the recession, Mary J. Blige. From “What’s The 411″ debut, Mary J. Blige’s “You Remind Me (Remix)” is a classical rendition of a love lost, once found in another person.”You Remind Me” was one of Mary’s first singles off of her debut album “What’s The 411,” which was originally released July 28, 1992. From “You Remind Me” to “Reminisce,” the Yonkers-native maintained R&B success with collaborating with such producers as P. Diddy, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Brian Michael Cox and more. “What’s The 411,” Mary’s debut album sold 3 MILLION COPIES in its time, establishing Mary as the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul.”

What was so attractive about “You Remind Me?” What was not! The video and the song had and still has to this day, the element. The element of a feel good song. The 90s swing of new jack, mixed with hip hop, with the thoughts of what we still think of today. Haven’t you seen anyone that you have ran into, and thought that they remind you of someone that you once had something for? Mary’s “You Remind Me” gives a more assertive, clever, and friendly look of Mary J. Blige in her younger days. Check out the video above, Mary’s legendary “What’s The 411″ is in stores and online now!

Popularity: 4% [?]