Cocaine's A Helluva Drug...

Don't Be Cruel - Bobby Brown
Tender Roni - Bobby Brown
Every Little Step - Bobby Brown

Sorry for the missed post yesterday folks, I didn't get out of the bed all day. But for today, I'm back among the living thanks in part to Public Enemy's greatest hits (not misses!), a years supply of chicken noodle soup, and that new Jenna Jameson video...sike! Anyhow, I'm feeling better, but not good enough to go back to work but don't tell the bosses. I need to catch up on the happenings with "The Wire" and whatnot.

So while I was searching for some New Jack Swingness for a mix Cd I'm putting together, I ran across a few of the more famous tracks by Mr. Whitney Houston himself, Bobby Brown. If you are so inclined to get a year by year synopsis of Mr. Brown's record releases/law breakage/etc., check out this site here.

I was a fan of New Edition, I mean who wasn't trying to spit the lyrics to "If It Isn't Love" in the 5th grade to get the attention of the class cutie? Just me? Seriously? DAAM! Anyhow, Bobby Brown was an original member of NE until he bolted the group in '86 amid "creative differences". Off an on during the late 80's to early 90's, Bobby had a string of hits, three of which are linked up top for your enjoyment. But his best and in my opinion only "good" album was "Don't Be Cruel" which was released in 1988. The three songs we have for you today are off that album. Let's dissect them shall we? Lets.

Don't Be Cruel

Elvis probably was rolling over in his grave when this track came out. It's synthesized (& supersized) sound was prevalent during the late 80's R&B (that's Rhythm & BullShit) movement. As a fan of true skool hip hop music, this kinda song wouldn't really have ever been on my favorite mix tape or in heavy rotation but the girls liked it, so I did too. At first, being like 10 and all, I couldn't really get into the farce that was Bobby Brown rapping on this song. But over time it sort of grew on me. The message of the song was one of a pleading individual who was obviously putting in work in his relationship (I bought you twelve yellow roses, and candy too) but wasn't getting the "Super Mark Duper" work in return. This was/is a legitimate problem for fellas back then and even to this day. I have a feeling it's been a problem since the garden. But regardless of the purpose of this song, after 17 years it is a pretty funky song, albeit a New Jack Swing kinda funk.

Tender Roni

Ahh yes, the slow song that was pumping at all of the dances and socials back in 88 (set it straight!). This is one of my all time favorite slow jams, I mean after this song came out, dudes were calling their main ladies "tender ronies" like it wasn't akin to a Italian dish. I never knew a girl named Roni myself, but could you imagine those girls who were named Roni when this came out? Instant popularity boost. The song itself isn't really a ground breaking track, but it invokes those memories of dancing with your boy/girlfriend at that 7th grade dance. The one that you had to get your parents permission to go to. The one where when you'd get to a slow song, you had to have like 3 feet of space between the two of you or it was in school suspension. The one where while dancing, you were worried more about stepping on the other person's feet than you were about keeping rhythm. Man, those were the days.

It's sad to say, but I still have that problem now. I mean, when is my mom gonna let me do what I want to do without asking her for permission? Just joking...Seriously.

Every Little Step

Three words can sum up this track:
1. Upbeat
2. Hopeful
3. Declarative

If you are like me, and well TiVo and Dr. Mentos too, you remember stuff from old school videos more often that you remember other facts. If nobody has done it yet, I'm going to get together a Hip Hop Trivial Pursuit. How cool would that be...I'm claiming that shit right now. No Biters!!!! Well I found the video of "Every Little Step" and figured that I'd share it with you instead of writing about it. So peep it and reminisce (T.R.O.Y) on some old skool Bobby Brown madness. Before he went out like a punk.

So there you have it. Tuesday's post got me back in the loop and hopefully the remaining posts this week will be getting back to full strength. Look for the next few weeks to be going back to the "theme" format. We've been digging hard for some of your favorite funky tracks and we'll start bringing them out next week.

Side Note 1: I've never been big into Brackets or Fantasy sports for that matter but from what I am hearing, this year's NCAA tourney is a killer for almost everyone who has done one. Haven't all the two seeds been smoked? Check out Straight Bangin' for some insightful/hilarious rundowns of the action.

Side Note 2: I've only got two more classes after this semester and I'm finally done with my BBA. Thank you Jeezus!

Side Note 3: I'm mulling over getting my MBA this year, which starts about a month after I'm done with this program. Anybody got any suggestions? I'm prolly going to do a cost benefit analysis on that sucker to see if it'd be worth my incurred debt but if you have a thought, feel free to post it.

Side Note 4: Who actually wrote Bobby's raps? I'm betting on Jermaine Dupri...but that's just me.

The Funk's Video Recall Game Part 1:
Can you name the late 80's style/fashion/dance staples that are found in the Bobby Brown Video "Every Little Step"? Post your answers for a chance to win a fabulous (that's fa-bo-lo-us) prize and/or congrats from the staff.

Alright folks, I'm ghost like face until Wednesday.
Brother B