By now, you’ve probably concluded that I’m a babe of the 70’s, that’s been heavily influenced by the music of the 80s and 90s. Quite frankly, the music produced during these three decades have strongly influenced my present-day musical preferences.
Now allow me to call your attention to a particular hypnotic groove that drove my generation from the mid 80s and until the mid 90s. Ahhhhh! The good old days of Gumby fades; bamboo earrings…at least two pair; MC Hammer pants; and Gazelles. Let the reminiscing begin!
The sound during this period was undeniable. But what was it called? (Surely, you know where this is going.) Filmmaker Barry Michael Cooper, created a term for this music. He called it… NEW JACK SWING. Cooper went on to defined it like this, “NEW JACK SWING [is] pop music usually performed by black musicians that combines elements of jazz, funk, rap, and rhythm and blues. Unfamiliar with Barry? Well, he was the screeenwriter for a little film you might remember. Does the cult classic NEW JACK CITY ring a bell??
For those unfamilar with New Jack Swing, consider this simple equation:
The music of the New Jack swing era was heavy-laden with repetitive synthesizers and drum machines (sequencers and samplers). Who’s still using the TR-808?!
There was definitely a mastermind behind “the swing!” Super-producer…Edward “Teddy” Theodore Riley. If I had to guess, Teddy had his hand in nearly every piece of successful music produced during this period. His genius…his talent reached artist from Kool Moe Dee to SWV to Michael and Janet Jackson. Mr. Riley, I salute you!
Many of the artists and songs from this era are still being played on the “grown folks” R&B radio stations today across the country. If you were to look in my car right now, you’d find at least five CDs from the kings and queens of New Jack. Some of my personal faves include: Guy, NE, Heavy D, Blackstreet (the early years), Jodeci, Boyz II Men…oh this list could go on for days!
So…let’s try something new. Usually at this point in the post, I’d insert a plethora of YOUTUBE videos of the music I’d just written about. But today, I want to hear from you. I’d like to hear your thoughts about this post, so be sure to leave me your comments after reading this one! I’ve also created a quick poll. I want to learn which are your favorites!
Until Next Time…
-TL
[polldaddy poll=4050267]
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