Archive » July 2008

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#22: Mint Condition 'Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)'

There were some great male R&B groups born in the late '80s and early '90s. Whether it was New Jack Swing, new-jack swagger, well-made love songs or incredible harmonies, they all brought something different to the table. And then there was Mint Condition, a true band in every sense of the word that brought that missing element to the table--instrumentation--and could go from New Jack to smooth jazz to R&B to rock with ease. I always talk about Mint Condition as one of the baddest bands in all the land. 

After signing with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to their Perspective Records label, the band's debut album, Meant to be Mint, was released in 1991 and went platinum on the strength of today's countdown entry, the ballad "Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)"--the ultimate "girl, you betta get right" song. Lead singer Stokely Williams let his lady know that she could play games if she wanted to, but there was gonna be a point when he wouldn't let her continue to break his heart. Besides his incredible runs that close the song, my favorite part is the intro, where once he whispered the word "pretty," you knew it was time to grab your partner and slow dance for the next four minutes and change. The song was certified gold, staying on the charts for 34 weeks, entering the  top five (#3) on the R&B charts and #6 on the Pop list. And now here it is on our countdown as we turn the corner toward #1. Certified classic.

Harlem  |  07/31/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Yes We Can!

SoulBounce.com is Campaigning for the 2008 Black Weblog Awards!

Did you know preliminary noms for the 2008 Black Weblog Awards begin this week? Oh yeah! They sure do! SoulBounce.com is eligible for some nominations because (1) it's a weblog and (2) we're Black. Check out our Staff Page for proof. But there's a variety of categories for which we're specifically eligible. Check out what they are after the bounce and don't forget to start putting in a bid for us on August 1st which, loosely translated, means tomorrow!

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nOvaMatic  |  07/31/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Looks Like Janelle Has A Reason To 'Smile'

Despite the fear that being signed to Bad Boy Records would somehow turn Janelle Monae into a hip hop-soul pop tart (à la Cassie), she is back with some new material from her forthcoming Suite I: The Chase EP. The acoustic giutar on "Smile" along with the simplistic beauty in Monae's voice is a welcome change from the futuristic sci-fi sounds on her past tracks. As an added bonus, the additional instrumentation on "Mr. President" is still simplistic and, dare I say, more pop-worthy than her previous work. While we should all wait and see what's to come from the Janelle/Bad Boy merger, these two tracks demonstrate that she has more range than even some of her stans may have known. 

ill Mami  |  07/31/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

First Spin

The Floacist Wants You To 'Work It, Baby'

With a Floetry reunion having about as much chance of happening as Hillary Clinton being elected the next President, it's safe to say that Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart have moved on. The Songstress has stayed busy by adding her vocals to tracks by various artists, putting out a tragic mixtape and working on her new album, from which we've heard a few potential leaks. On the other hand, we haven't heard as much from the Floacist as we have her former partner in rhyme, but that doesn't mean that she hasn't been on her grind. Quite the contrary, she is readying a solo project, which according to her MySpace page will be named The Offering...xx and is labeled the "Pre Album, Album." Alrighty then, that's different. And so is her sound this time round. Don't go into it expecting to hear an album full of those baby-making grooves and the neo-soul aesthetic that Floetry was famous for. That presence is still there, but the majority of the cuts lean toward Brithop with Natalie spitting over hard-hitting beats. An example of this can be heard on the cut "Work It, Baby," a loud declaration to stand tall and be proud. Admittedly, I wasn't feeling this at first, but the more I've listened, the more it's grown on me thanks to the lyrical content. I don't love it, but I don't hate it either.

So what do we think about this one, folks? Is it dope or does it make you say "nope"? Have at it in the comments.

The Floacist: "Work It, Baby"


The Floacist [MySpace]

Butta  |  07/31/2008 at 11:40 AM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

Relax in Paradise

Hiram Bullock (1955-2008)

Guitarist Hiram Bullock Dies at 52 [JT]
Hiram Bullock [MySpace][Official][Wiki]

Butta  |  07/31/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Infatuation Situation

• Any guesses about who the mystery rapper is on the cover of VIBE's 15th Anniversary Juice issue? [VIBE]
  
• Wyclef owes Jacob the Jeweler some serious coins. [HH]
• Christina Aguilera strikes a pose for Macy's 150th anniversary. [DL]
• Monica works the pole on her new album cover. [SONYC]
• T.I. and Nelly are planning an album together. Cue crickets. [UMB]
  
• Who's the better band between Tony! Toni! Toné! versus Mint Condition. You be the judge. [BIB]

Butta  |  07/31/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#23: Prince and the Revolution 'Purple Rain'

It goes without saying that "Purple Rain" by Prince and the Revolution is one of the most iconic songs, albums and movies of all time. If you weren't a Prince fan before 1984, then you surely became one that summer when the album and movie were released. I could go on for hours about Purple Rain the film and Purple Rain the soundtrack, but my focus here is on "Purple Rain" the song.

"Purple Rain" was unlike anything we had heard before from Prince. It was an unashamed power ballad and featured some of his finest guitar work. The anthemic track was the culmination of the film and a fine end to the album, even if you didn't know what the song was about. Prince's lyrics, filled with all 2's and U's, about purple rain falling down is either about a lost lover or basking in God's love or all or none of the above. Prince is deep like that.

Recorded live at the legendary First Avenue in Minneapolis, MN, it's hard to believe that "Purple Rain" peaked at #2 on the US Pop charts. Considered by many to be his defining song, anyone who has been blessed to see Prince live in concert knows that this is one of high points--not that there are any low points--of his show. I have seen people moved to tears when he plays this song live. And how could you not? "Purple Rain" is one of the most emotional recordings from a man who will go down in history as one of the greatest to ever do it.    

Since Prince has removed all audio or video of himself from (and otherwise take all of the fun out of) the internet, we won't be posting the song or any video of "Purple Rain" here. We love Prince, but he ain't shutting SoulBounce down. No, ma'am! Surely the majority of our visitors all already know how the song goes. Feel free to break out your air guitar and sing along with the lyrics after the bounce.

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Butta  |  07/30/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Now We Know What A-Noise Jill Scott

Hypothetical question: Let's say you're an artist, performing to a full house, and while you were in the middle of a segue, the audience became restless and started milling about, talking on cell phones and to their neighbors to the point of distraction. Would you: (a) ignore the crowd and do your thing; (b) speak a little louder, and with stronger emphasis so they'd get the hint and maybe, I don't know, stop talking!; (c) address the situation head-on and then gracefully transition into the next song; or (d) all of the above?

Well, if you chose (d), you'd be just like Jill Scott during a recent performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival when the crowd's noise began to escalate. At first she continued on with her performance, ignoring the noise. Then, as the volume grew, so did Jilly's voice, hoping they'd understand that she was speaking and they needed to simmer down. You think they got it? Nope. But they sure did once our girl from Philly let 'em have it. Evidence of her handling her business was captured for our amusement below. I think I personally would've brought out fire hoses and let 'em loose on the crowd. But that's just me. Viewer discretion is advised.  [JS]

 

Harlem  |  07/30/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

I Was There

Sketches of a Dwele Concert

Our visitor and friend IKandiDiva recently attended the Charlotte, NC stop of Dwele's "Sketches of a Man" tour and you know what? He was good, she says! I've heard some conflicting opinions regarding Dwele's mastery of the stage. I've seen him live, and although I love Dwele very much, I'll have to say it's a good thing he was the opening act. Check out a sample of IKandiDiva's report after the bounce along with some footage. And remember to send your concert reviews and artist experiences to iwasthere@soulbounce.com. Don't forget to hit us with some pics and clips if you can!

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nOvaMatic  |  07/30/2008 at 1:30 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

First Spin

GZA Disses 50 Cent and Still We Ask 'Who Cares?'

While this is not me in the picture above, it certainly expressed how I feel about GZA's latest track "Paper Plate," which is a dis record of sorts aimed towards that bastion of all that is indecent and improper about hip hop today, 50 Cent. I mean the last portion of the previous sentence in complete jest. What I crave to understand about "aging hip hoppers" (Soulja Boy's sentiment, not mine) is why is it so important to dis someone who you absolutely know cannot hold a flame to you in the lyrics department? Wouldn't it be so much more creative and simply better to just come out with some material that you know is just dope? Aren't you validating those who are worse than you lyrically by feeding their flame of hateration? Yes, GZA, you are. And by the way, while I love you and the Wu-Tang Clan like play cousins, it is entirely possible to rhyme over a beat that does not always have to sound like it was a throwaway Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) track. You're better than that. I'm just saying.

GZA: "Paper Plate"

ill Mami  |  07/30/2008 at 12:25 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink