Former Jodeci lead singer K-Ci appeared at the Blast from the Past ~ R&B Edition in Atlanta over the weekend along with Dru Hill, Blackstreet, Jagged Edge, Guy, Next, Troop and Changing Faces

After cameos in videos by Fresh Daily (“Apollo 13″) and Brokn.Englsh (“Cherry Popper”) this year, I thought I’d share with you my very first experience being in a music video…

One day, many many moons ago, when I was in elementary school, my best friend at the time, Iaisha, found out that a music video was being shot in our projects (Amsterdam Houses, baby!). Turned out to be Sista (of which Missy Elliott was a member), and we were extra geeked to meet DeVante and Dalvin of Jodeci! We ended up taking them up the block to one of our favorite delis to get some grub during the shoot =)

Later, I got everybody’s autograph, but I lost them when my wallet fell out of a hole in my pocket not too long after =(

Peep our 2-second cameo at the end of the video in the crowd scene; my friend Iaisha is in the white shorts and I’m the girl in the blue windbreaker clapping off-beat (SMH). Good times!

Sista – Brand Nu

The fact that this is Devante Swing from the 90s group Jodeci is enough alone for me to have a WTF moment. CLEARLY, these last few years haven’t been all that good for him. SMH how time changed things in the WORST ways.

90’s R&B girl group SWV came out for a Thanksgiving concert over the weekend, all three sisters looking alive and well and kickin’ it with Lil’ Mo. Hell, if it wasn’t for their BET Awards perfomance last year (with TLC & Envouge), I would’nt have a damn clue whether these ladies were dead or alive! Glad it’s the latter.

Sticking with faces from the milk carton, 90’s R&B style, here’s a pic of half of Jodeci, K-Ci & JoJo, snapped on the red carpet at the Soultrain Awards earlier this month…

The track listing for Mariah Carey’s “Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (Remix Album) have surfaced and boasts a number of favourable collaborations.

Check out the list below:

1. Betcha Gon’ Know (Remix) Ft. Diddy & R. Kelly

2. Obsessed (Remix) Ft. Gucci Mane

3. H.A.T.E.U. (Remix) Ft. OJ Da Juiceman, Big Boi & Gucci Mane

4. Candy Bling (Remix) Ft. T-Pain

5. Ribbon (Remix) Ft. Fatman Scoop & Jermaine Dupri

6. Inseparable (Remix) Ft. Trey Songz

7. It’s A Wrap (Remix) Ft. Beyoncé

8. Up Out My Face (Remix) Ft. Lil Wayne

9. More Than Just Friends (Remix) feat. Alicia Keys & Lil Wayne

10. The Impossible (Remix) Ft. Jodeci

11. Angels Cry (Remix) feat. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony

12. I Want to Know What Love Is (Remix) Ft. Styles P. & Jadakiss

13. Call Me Now (Japan Bonus Track)

14. That’s A Smash (Japan Bonus Track)

Looks set to be a hot cd, I just hope this puts Mariah back on the mark as I dont know what happened with her latest LP, it should have done really well the same as E=MC2, both had some really good cuts, so I just really shocked. Just proves you can be at the top and have the best music but if your not getting promoted right you aint getting NOWHERE!. It’s sad Mariah has now had to feel what Janet went through while at IDJ, I say she better get her ass on a next contract asap. Seem’s that label is only investing in Princess Riri right now.

Allow me to share with you some of the music I’m digging right now… For the past month or so, I’ve been straying a bit from hip hop to reconnect with my other love, R&B. I’ve come across these three artists (well actually, 2 groups and 1 artist) through performances or recommendations from friends, and let me tell you – I’m hooked. Instant fan status…

Gotham Citi (www.gotham-citi.com; myspace.com/gothamciti)

A couple of months ago, I went to an art & fashion event called “Pop Is Dead” to show love to my boy TTK, who was showing of his work. At the event, there was a performance by a group called Gotham Citi under the guise of a “funeral,” where they sang over the body of a Michael Jackson impersonator. All I can say is that I stopped whatever I was doing, and I literally had goosebumps…that doesn’t happen to me very often, and I HAD to learn more about this uber-talented group of gentlemen.

Flip, Dijuan, Kartier and Marquel are four young men from Harlem and the Bronx who sound like a throwback to the good ol’ days of R&B groups fused with the sounds of today. Through their music, one can hear influences of Jodeci, Dru Hill, Boyz II Men, 112 and Day 26, just to name a few. They are talented vocalists, writers, musicians and producers, each with his own identity and sound but perfectly harmonious as a group. In their own words, “Gotham Citi‘s sole purpose is to maintain the integrity of music and stay true to the notion of pure, raw talent as well as adding their own unique texture to “re-set the standard” of music.“

If you’re lucky, you might find them in the subway during rush hour, singing acapella versions of both classic and original songs. After “Pop Is Dead” I can’t wait to see them perform again. In the meantime, I must content myself with the few videos available online. They released a single entitled “Daylight” (available on iTunes) that’s oh so infectious! Below you’ll find a couple of videos of Gotham Citi singing acapella, as well as one of them in the studio after recording “Daylight.”

Gotham Citi performing “Queen to Be” acapella:

Gotham Citi performing “Thank You” by Boyz II Men acapella:

Gotham Citi in the studio after recording their single, “Daylight”:

UPDATE (11.15.09): Gotham Citi doing renditions of “Love U 4 Life” by Jodeci and “Poison” by BBD:

G. Martin (myspace.com/gmartinsoul; youtube.com/gmartinsoul)

Last month, I was invited out to Newark, NJ by Silent Knight to contribute to a photography exhibit as part of the Hub City Revival anniversary show. There, I met G. Martin, from Brooklyn by way of Gary, Indiana (yup, birthplace of Michael Jackson.), one of the featured artists of the evening. A talented singer and musician (he can play several instruments), G. Martin blew me away with his performance. After chatting with him, I happily shelled out the measly $5 he asked for his EP and have been addicted to his music ever since… His music touches an emotional nerve as he sings about love and heartbreak – a sure sign of GOOD music. My personal favorites are “Hold On Love,” “Depressions” and “You.”

G. Martin is an Apollo Theater “Amateur Night” winner (7/29/09). Check out his performance and much-deserved win:

In the next video, he pays homage to his fellow/former Gary, Indiana native, Michael Jackson, by singing “I’ll Be There”:

G. Martin recently performed at the “Faces in the Crowd” showcase, where he dedicated his song to the memory of Saigon’s mother, who passed away a few days prior:

If you like what you hear, head on down to the Water Street Restaurant in DUMBO on Thursday, Nov. 19 to catch G. Martin in his next performance. Tell him Liz sent ya.

Pardon the Stranger (myspace.com/pardonthestranger; kendalanddef.blogspot.com)

Photo by Gwen Moore

So my Jersey folk (i.e. Brokn.Englsh & Deal the Villain) have been trying to put me on to Pardon the Stranger for MONTHS… I hated how their faces dropped everytime I told one of them I’d never heard any of their music. Well, a month ago, Lyriqs to Go posted the video for “Brand New Me” on Twitter and I checked it out. DUDE… GAME OVER. I love this group! Comprised of singer Kendal and producer DefDom, their music is such that you can’t quite put a label on it. “The Next Room” reminds me of Gnarls Barkley, but other songs are just straight sexy…

I finally had the opportunity to check out Pardon the Stranger when they performed at Daniel Joseph’s release show this past weekend. All the hype was for good reason – it was like I was entranced while listening to Kendal sing… I’m so glad I finally got to see for myself. Pardon the Stranger has a new fan in me!

Pardon the Stranger has an album entitled “We’re Here to Help” that’s currently available on iTunes… cop that! Peep the video for “Brand New Me” as well…

And there you have it… check out these talented artists, and let me know what you think. Just trying to shed some worthy light on the people who need it…Hopefully you’ll enjoy their music as much as I do and will become fans just like I did!

Greetings peeps. I am still a bit tazed from last night. I woke up with angel hair pasta on my shirt. Couldn’t parlay a sitch at all.

Aiight this week’s drawls droppa is “Forever My Lady” by Jodeci. This one is a baby making song. There’s no way a chick won’t let you get in after hearing this joint.

What in the world are they wearing? Peep out the ill stank leg at the 3:24 mark. ha

-Cleo

Ok, so if you didn’t know already, we’re huge fans of slow jamz here at TGL.  What do you get when an unstoppable force collides with an immovable object? Glad you asked.  Cheers 2 U (couldn’t help the R&B reference) for the return of Jodeci and H-town.

Enjoy!!!!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the video I’m actually a bit jealous lol, the special-effects are off the hook!! and if this is anything to expect of the quality for Chris’s new album I’m really impressed. I love the way the video began with him transforming from the car, makes me feel like a Lil kid again; aswell as the other transformations throughout the video, particularly the girls, I think it’s really creative how they made the outfits so technical and interesting to watch. Speaking of clothes, I’m loving the whole new-age Jodeci look they created for Chris. Personally I’ve been a fan of that style for a long while now so it’s interesting to see how the stylist used the 90s flavour for inspiration.

2 Thumbs up Chris, Keep it up!

This is an epic collab for the throw back R&B enthusiasts!  Ladies your welcome.

Bored, Need I Say More!

This was meant to be a weekly feature. The last time I did a Hidden Gem was in February

Par: 1 – Barry: 0

Actually while I’m on the subject, check out the last one.  A great record from Bilal here

This hidden gem, is from 1/4 of the legendary group Jodeci. Dalvin Degrate

You would be forgiven for not knowing, that back in 2000, Dalvin released a solo album titled “Met.A.Mor.Phic”. It was released independently and I think its fair to say, it was pretty shit.

However. The jump off single and the only record of the album that some people may find familiar, was this little beauty.

Still love this record!

The video was awful though LOL

So I’ve just been going through my daily blog run and I had just been on the first blog, (the ever so infectious Punch Bowl Blog) would you believe & I noticed that H-Town & Jodeci have a video out for a song called ‘Knocking Your Heels’ or was it H-Town featuring Jodeci? Yeah that’s what it was… OK Allow me not only A LATE PASS because apparently this song has been out for a good few weeks now BUT also a moment here please to say, WOW! Talk about Quite while you’re ahead… OR apparently NOT! But anyway here’s the video for your viewing pleasure…

I should say that on paper, this is a collaboration made in R&B Heaven but really ain’t this just what? Over a decade rather late? I dunno, that’s jus what I think… BUT yeah! So H-town are back & so are Jodeci (after a 13-year hiatus on Jodeci’s part)…

Erm IS it me or is Mr. Dalvin looking like a right crack-head in this video (circa 0.04 – 0.09)??? Although he looks normal again with the shades & hat on (lol) & that H-Town fella who takes the first verse? Shazam, his name is, doesn’t sound particularly good OR is that just me too?? Although in the latter parts of the song, he gets to show us why H-Town are legends in the R&B world… On a side note though, K-Ci is still the BUSINESS any day of the week and the other half of H-Town (third verse) sounds really GOOD but for what it should be… for everything this song should be, it really is quite the disappointment… Like I always say, it’s all in the name (ok I don’t usually but it works on this occasion) so erm… Knocking your Heels? Knockin Da Boots? Talk about originality mate! GOSH! Sipping out the nostrils & the ear holes on that one, don’t you think?

NOW I am all up for a H-TOWN & JODECI comeback as the next 80’s baby BUT I really wanna know what the plan here is… Because if it’s to dole out mediocre R&B records such as this in the hopes that 90’s R&B lovers & die hard fans will lap it up then someone somewhere is quite rightly mistaken & easily so! It’s 2009 & like that man Jay-Z said, ‘We’re ON to the NEXT one!’

It’s NOT all BAd news however, H-Town also have this record out called ‘Call Me Mr. Pac-Man’ (all the pun intended) which has been out for donkey months now (insert your late pass here), download it HERE cos I can actually fux with this one.

**OffBeat PAUSE-WORTHY Moment = Does he really say ‘yummy yummy yum yum’ on that Pac-Man song?’ SNM**

& while the likes of H-Town & Jodeci struggle to make a come-back into a world that has evolved a million times over… We @ OFFBEAT are completely hooked and utterly marveled at the quality of music that continuously flies under the radar, it’s just shocking!!!

To this effect, allow me to introduce you to one of the best male vocal performers I’ve heard in a long long time (best outta the UK for a minute)…

His name? Daley… ENJOY

- Daley – Rainy Day

I would give you some more music BUT I like to make you beg for it… or you could just ask Google, that works too lol! All I am saying is remember his Name… Daley & YES you probably heard it here first so BLAOW! Hope you liked it though ladies & gentlemen!

P.S I actually saw this amazing talent live about two weeks ago at a lil intimate gig in Central London & I’d implore you to check out his myspace for any future gigs because he really brings it HARD!!!

In other news, we gather that Mary J. Blige’s ‘I Can See in Color’ has replaced Mariah Carey’s ‘100%’ as the theme of Lee Daniel’s film titled ‘Precious’… Check out the strong contender for next year’s Oscar nomination for Best Original Song after the jump.

- Mary J. Blige – I Can See in Color

What can I say? It’s a very very good song from the Queen of R&B! Home-girl’s singing her heart out on this one & I absolutely love it!!! Check out the trailer for the Lee Daniels movie ‘Precious’ to be released on the 6th of November, that’s based on the 1996 Novel titled ‘Push‘ as written by Sapphire… really gripping stuff, I should add.

Well Mariah Carey can take some solace in the very stellar acting performance she gives in Precious as she starrs alongside lead actress Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton & Lenny Kravitz… Talking about Paula Patton though, the very beautiful Paula Patton, who is by the way Robin Thicke’s ‘Mrs’…

The Next Halle Berry? As asked by GIANT Magazine

OffBeat – BOIIII!!!

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did

Until the NEXT Time…

Peace, Love & Music

Triple A

LOL WTF H-Town is releasing a new album called “Child Support” LOLOL

1990s R&B groups Jodeci and H-Town have teamed up on the new track  Knockin Your Heels Off.

The track isn’t bad (even though it sounds a little dated) but the close up Devante distracted me.. WHAT HAPPENED????

Rest In Peace H-Town’s original lead singer Dino Connor.

Your thoughts please. Hit or Miss?

“Knockin Your Heels”