90s music
Music for 90s babies and fans of timeless pop music; explore the decade defined by boybands, Europop, girl groups, rap, and so much more.
Melodies of September
Here I was ready and willing to go. The cd/tape deck sat on the corner left side of the stage by the heavy dusty stage curtain edge. I was so excited. How vain of me to take the stage and be Her, Deborah, Deborah Cox. I know every word. I know every song on the album and now I must transform myself from Grade 8 Alicia, everyone's favorite forward on the basketball team and leader of the track team into the impeccable, undeniable Deborah Cox. I know the whole album, I know the whole song. I put the One Wish album cd into the player and pressed play for song one to play out to the crowd. There it was "September". The auditorium was filled with close to one hundred students maybe more but who was counting. All of the school faculty was there, my home school teacher, my math teacher, my french teacher, my music/band teacher, my phys. ed. teacher, my science teacher/basketball coach, even the cute co-op student was there standing in the crowd while all my fellow classmates sat in the benches awaiting for my musical debut. I was already a star to them and they always cheered me on plus, we had another championship coming up this fall. No time like the present to set up myself for stage life. No classmates, I will not let you down! This alter ego would like you to enjoy this song, September. I need to you to feel the music and understand my song. This was my mentality, this is what I prepared for at home, everyday for two weeks afterschool. Before I go into my performance piece, let's talk about what it takes to be me and sing this amazing song that only Deborah and I can perform for the masses in the school. One Wish is an award winning album from an award winning singer. You know, Grammys, Billboard, AMA's and Soul Train Awards. Have you heard? Yes! Of course you have heard because she is a winner and not many people know about Canadian Black Talent but we the North with real houses and studios. And we work with real producers. Clive Davis, David Foster, Stevie J., Rodney Jerkins and music guys who are up to par on what the latest sound is. And Deborah Cox just happened to be that for me and many others. A winner. She gives smooth, sultry, rhythm and blues that allows you to feel and flow with every note she sings. She gives you the hip hop sounds that really make you move and bump to the beat as if your sitting on the block with your friends Saturday afternoon, the music that even the old folks will let you listen to just a bit because she reminds you of Whitney, Anita or Chaka. Here is a women who came out in 1995 and asked "Who Do You Love" so we showed her we love you Deborah. It is an amazing accomplishment to Canadian Black women when you see one of us make it across the pond and down to the South to all those Americans. We awe in appreciation that they made it . That is what we sent to the masses, quality and beauty all wrapped up in one. How you like us now ?! I think all big hits have to have a music video of people dancing in the streets or they will never be a superstar, I have proven this to myself and I can prove to others. Clive saw this songtress and knew we would all be trying to perform along with her in the video and dance in the streets. She's a star! Deborah, born July 13 is from Caribbean and Guyanese decent. So it was so easy to relate to not just to her sexy class but the strength in her vocals and flow of her arrangement that made me listen to her on my CD player over and over. It took this Grade 8 young girl about two weeks to learn the song to perform at our Charles Gordon Talent Show. She made me a Star! We practiced everyday after school during homework time as I said before two weeks. I was becoming a stronger vocalist even Toni Braxton, Brownstone and Celine Dion were also sometimes invited to my practices ( I was really just listening to the radio or saved money to buy from HMV or Columbia House). Time was minimal because we had to have the lyrics right. Standing in front of my classmates was not always an easy task. I had to look right and sing right. Deborah made it look easy, her style was in her music not just what she wore. Her wispy dark black, brown hair, almond eyes and fashionable taste stood out and did not make Nana compare her to Madonna. I had to be up to par. I was just a girl with some butterfly clips and bangs, my fitted tee and Attitude flared jeans. I needed to get good sleep and make sure I had a clear throat and clear vocals. This was my debut, it was not like singing O' Canada for the morning announcements. Deborah had been singing since she was twelve years old. She had performed on Tiny Talent Time and after building her resume through talent shows and competitions she grew into being a professional background singer for Celine Dion. Can you imagine being that young and belting beautiful notes. That is brave! That is what some of my favourite R and B artists do for me, is allow me and other women to be brave. Anytime there was a heartbreak or loneness, it could be me sitting in the room staring out the window wishing he was staring from the front yard below, it could be making up a dance with your friends out in the yard by the front porch, it was being able to have karaoke time in front of the mirror with your hair brush or even hearing the song for the first time on the radio and knowing it would be a hit. Bravery and skill come hand in hand with all my R and B divas. That is what I craved as a young girl was to being able to shine with my songs and lyrics, my words were heard and people liked to hear my voice. Deborah Cox worked with some of the best producers of all time. It was not a familiar thing to hear a Canadian R and B artist be a big hit on the US and International charts without an American push and still rep Toronto and Canada as their home unless you were Celine Dion or Shania Twain. The few like Tamia and Jully Black always make sure that the audience knew they are Canadian. And believe it or not it sometimes it opened up more opportunities to work with more artists. Deborah was able to work with crooners such as R.L. from NEXT and I would say the biggest collab you can have in R and B would be working side by side with Whitney Houston especially when you are signed to Clive Davis' Arista Records. And of course with being a queen you have to commune with other queens and that is where The Queen Project begun with Tamia and Ron Isley's Goddaughter Kelly Price. What powerhouses of soul and rhythm. Even though the divas took the stage together, they did not succeed as far as they should of on the charts but it did not matter. Together they were able to celebrate their growth and accomplishments as singers. Divas sing and move on. Deborah's direction in music brought her to the stage as a actress, highlighting her other artistic skills in entertainment and it made sense. She made it to Broadway debuting in Elton John's and Tim Rice's rendition of AIDA and it gave her a brighter spotlight. Branching out, acting out and singing out in the classic 'Jekyll and Hyde' as well as playing Miss Josephine Baker in 'Josephine' and more Whitney inspired parts such as the TV bio 'Whitney' directed by Angela Bassett where she was able lend her vocals to the soundtrack and next she played Rachael Marron in 'The Bodyguard' in the North American stage tour. Yes, busy working Miss Deborah made it happen. It is not a piece a cake for any R and B singer and with every step she made it exciting and her maturity and musicality was seen in each and every piece of work she added to her resume. Work ethic ladies! It is what made me sing this song 'September' that you can find maturity in music with every note and sound and the words plus, I had a crush on the cutest and only co-op boy in Charles Gordon. I leaned and poked my eyes out to the crowd hoping that I would not get cold feet. I knew I had to perform. If I can remember the Grade 8 Talent Show right I wanted to be the first to perform and to get over with singing the song so all I could hear was "You were good!", "Great job!" "Wow, whatta singer!". Maybe it would get me a cookie gram this year, these are the things Grade 8 should worry about. Maybe my grandma would take me more serious and we can change from singing to CHFI oldies in the morning to getting some of this concert money. We moving on up Nana! My Nana passed away years ago, she moved on up but not because of my singing, singing was just something we loved to do at home together. It is something about how the perfect vocalist can help connect you to their music with the flow and depth of the song. There is nothing like hearing Deborah Cox's riffs and high notes that are so on point in 'Nobody Supposed To Be Here' that it makes you just raise your hand and say yes girl! Or burst through the door when your man is sitting on the sofa taking in the boob tube and looks at you and the both of you pause to see if you can hit that note. Not everyone can hit that scream that is for sure. 'Nobody Supposed To Be Here' was a Soul Train winner in 1998 and played all over the radio. That is what her music does. It is impactful, unforgettable and it is soul. This is why I want to recognize her. Yeah, I know what you mean when you read this, how about Mary J. Blige, how about Toni Braxton or how about Faith Evans? Yes! I can go on and on as long as you know who you listening to that why we Shazam and You tube and Sportify, because we love them all, we want to listen. With every good woman, there is a good man. Her partner in crime, Lascelles Stephens is not only her husband but also cowrites and manages her astonishing career. Married in 1998 the two are truly unstoppable. For the two of them to be so organized and brilliant in business, it is a blessing to see them just as successful in their marriage being in an industry where relationships can happen or not be happening. It can really be work to be genuine and still put on a great show not just for the audience but your family and create a life for yourself and children. The two have three wonderful children and family resides in their hometown of Toronto as well as in Florida. He has given her balance in her life and career so I admire the woman and performer she is. With travelling and performing it really is inspirational to mothers on the go, but in Grade 8 I wasn't anyone's mama but I knew that this woman showed a piece of what love might entail as you grow into yourself in the different stages of love and life. "Here is Alicia Lewis, performing September by Deborah Cox!" Hands clapped and I walked across to the center of the stage. I glanced at the crowd with the microphone in my hand and cleared my throat ( I did not smoke weed this time in my life). I did a quick walk to the cd player and pressed play and walked quickly back to the center of the stage. The thing is the song has talking in the beginning so I kinda stood there and tried to look for my class and then I got nervous and lost track of the beat as to when to beginning singing so, ran back to the CD player to rewind the song and then walked back and said "okay okay, I am ready,". The CD played again and I missed the song again, so one of my teachers walked up and said "Alicia, i'll press play for you,". Now I am ready. I got through the first verse of the song with ease but, I almost forgot the second verse. The thing was the CD player was not as loud as it was when I played it at home and then I noticed my classmate snickering a bit at my vocals and the fact I am on stage alone and not with my teammates. It seemed like a delayed applause but they all gave a round of applause, everyone clapped. I stood there and bowed realizing that maybe I should of sung 'Nobody's Supposed To Be Here' or maybe 'We Can't Be Friends' because I don't really think anyone knew the songs on the album but me,it felt that way for a moment. True, 'We Cant Be Friends' and 'Nobody Supposed To Be Here' were the most popular songs plus I think it was a little too grown. Wow, what could I say now as I walked off the stage now I was a Senior Grade School songstress. I think I had basketball or track practice after school but I was relived. Ahh, it was great being a winner in school. If they did not bully me so much maybe they could of played tag outside with me more often or I could teach them to sing. Nah. Thanks to my R and B sheroes for getting me through Grade 7 and 8. Thanks Mary, Toni, Celine and SWV and of course Miss Deborah Cox.
By Alicia Faye Lewis5 years ago in Beat
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Black women in music
Growing up as a kid in the 80's and as a pre-teen/adolescent in the 90's. I honestly can't point to one particular black female artist that made a impact on my life, but I can take you down a path through memory lane from the very first that did to the very last. The first black female singer I absolutely fell in love with was Whitney Houston. When I tell you this very day. I still get goosebumps whenever I listen to her songs(I'll Always Love You, my fav song from her) She had such an angelic voice. I literally can picture her in heaven playing the harp, just singing away. Janet Jackson most definitely make the list, but before we knew Janet the singer. We all fell in love with "Penny" her character in the sitcom "Good Times". She was Michael Jackson's baby sister , who made a name for herself with her own brilliance. As far as the title of princess. Janet was the first princess of pop and r&b. I thought she was just the Prettiest Young Thing. I still want to marry Janet lol. Favorite song from her is "Anytime, Any place" .Mariah Carey was another black female artist who I enjoyed listening to. She was literally the female version of Michael Jackson at the time. She set records as far as number 1's on the Billboard. I can play any of her albums with no skips in between. "My All" is my favorite song from her. Hey get your pen and paper now, because when I'm done writing this you gonna make a playlist from it. Keep in mind I'm not listing my personal top list. I'm listing based off the chronological order I first heard their music. The top list is for another story. Toni Braxton is next on my list. I just thought she was drop dead gorgeous. She has that sultry , sensual silk like voice. I really enjoyed her music because she didn't bite her tongue yet she was vulnerable. I remember listening to her songs and thinking I do not want to be the type of guy who she made the sad songs about. My favorite song from her is "unbreak my heart". I want to mention the female groups here, because TLC is the only group from the 90's I'm writing about, because if I wrote about SWV, Total, Xscape, EnVogue, Changing Faces, Salt-N-Pepa, 702, Blaque, Brownstone, Divine, Jade, Kut Klose . This would be a book instead of an article:) I'm just gone put this out there. Chili was my favorite out the group, but damn this group right here. Anytime there was a house party anywhere. TLC music was played. Didn't matter if the tempo was fast or a slow jam. Parties and dances were made memorable because of TLC. My favorite song from them is "Creep". As we exit one of the best decades of my lifetime, but before we do I can't leave without mentioning "Baby girl" Aaliyah was the Princess Of R&B for my generation. She was a classic beauty. A classy woman all around. You know the kind of girl that stands out in a crowd, make the toughest homeboyz fall deep in love. I cried when I heard she died. She was truly special. Anytime I see her in movies. I get that same feeling I get when I watch any 2pac movie. She wasn't your average star. She was a shooting star. You rarely see shooting stars. My favorite song from her is "The one I gave my heart to". Last but definitely not least is Destiny's Child closing out the 90's. This most definitely was the start of the independent woman. TLC set the stage for them to come out with the type of music they made and Destiny's Child took the torch and ran like Forrest Gump with it. My favorite song by them is "Emotion". The last artist I'm speaking on and it's other singers after her that's definitely worth mentioning, but she still the standard, at least to me. I'm getting goosebumps as I write this(omg)Ladies and gentlemen without further ado. I'd like to talk about the incomparable Alicia Keyes. My fantasy wife. The love I never experienced. Alicia is amazing. One can only be so lucky(swizz beats)I'm a band geek so the fact she plays the piano too is icing on the cake. She's such a younique talent. I'm not a star struck type of guy like I don't go crazy insane over celebrities, but if I could pick a celebrity I would like to meet. It's definitely Alicia, no doubt. She's a musical genius plus she's beautiful. The Most High definitely showed out when He created Alicia. I know I sound like a 15 year school girl talking about her crush, but the woman is phenomenal. Hell the "Girl is on fire" and "No One" can put her out. It's "Un-Thinkable" that I've "Fallen" for this beautiful woman through her music. She definitely made me appreciate "A Woman's Worth" and Alicia "You Don't Know My Name" but we have something "In Common" but I'll keep that a "Secret" . You are truly a "Superwoman" and I will continue to watch your videos "Like I'll Never See You Again" Keep living the way you want and I'm "So Done" with this article..
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Love Stinks (Yeah, Yeah)
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90’s Alternative Rock is the Anti-Valentine’s Day Playlist You’ve Been Waiting For
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By Horace Wheatley5 years ago in Beat
