'96 | Don't Want Nobody Else

There is no way in 1996 you could escape these four brothers and their sophomore album, Another Level. Blackstreet dominated R&B with such classics as the Bill Withers-sampled "No Diggity" and the ballad "Don't Leave Me." But it's another ballad, "I Can't Get You (Out of My Mind)", that stands out to me. Apparently the remix appeared on the soundtrack of the worst movie ever, but i digress.

'00 | Single, Sexy & Sweet

Fear of Flying erupted in 2000 and sent R&B artist Mya to the top. She was our equivalent to Janet; nice vocals, a style of her own, and killer choreography! The girl could dance her behind off! Why she can't seem to get an album out now is beyond me. If Bad Boy can push this, than Mya should definitely be seen and heard. "Free" was her third single and was featured on the Bait soundtrack.

MYA___FREE
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'93 | Funky Funky

This was my CUT. Music was fun, and I didn't have a care in the world. I have no idea what other songs they had, but this was forever on rewind in our cassette stereo player.

'99 | Heartbreaker

No other woman ruled the 90s more than Mariah Carey. Her debut in 1990 paved the way for an incredible career and a magnificent voice. Her album Rainbow garnered success including, if i remember correctly, some sort of MTV special when she sang at her old high school or something. Little did we know two years later she'd be here doing this. You've come a long way Mimi. Sidebar: This video received the Making the Video treatment

'09 | New New

This is the definition of swag. Nothing fly or flashy about it. On some grown man ish. Shout out to Nah Right.

Perfect subject for my 50th post! Hopefully fifty more will follow.

Channel Surfin' | Taking the Satge II

So I received a comment from Kate, a MTV representative [ :) ], concerning my opinion on their new show "Taking the Stage." I really appreciated the comment because I didn't know anyone was paying attention. Secondly, I must respond to her request to hold off until the second episode. I actually enjoy it more now. I still feel like I'm watching bad actors, but it is picking up. I really enjoyed Tyler and Mia's mash up. One word of advice, if we had followed the students around in like a True Life format, camera wise I think it would feel more authentic.

Taking The Stage - MTV Shows

'09 | New New

A few months right before Exclusive and years prior to Ike-itus, Chris Brown recorded a snippet entitled "Hood Ridin" prod. by Dre & Vidal. It had great single potential and was better than his first choice off his sophomore album. Here it is in its full length glory. Thanks Hip Hop Pop ad R&B stop. Too bad my joy is overshadowed by his current situation.

411 | Soulja Boy Protested

Read this over at HipHopDX. Apparently the artist's show at a college in Minnesota was met with small protest. They sited his demeaning lyrics toward women as the root of their disgust. How ironic because he will be here at Indiana University April 24 for our Little 500 celebration. According to the article it did not deter Soulja Boy or the audience from a great show, but it does make you think. I'm not going to lie, I enjoy a lil "Birdwalk" every now and then, but I did not buy his album, and I do not take him seriously. And i won't be attending his concert because I know for a fact that I am not the target audience.

8709 Special | This Will Be the Day

Being 21 I am at the age where people begin to contemplate the future. Where they're going to reside, what career they will have, and who/when/if they'll get married. Frankly the latter is definitely last on my list, but I certainly have thought about one aspect of that occasion: the wedding song. It is sort of tradition, especially for black folks, to have a song sang at your wedding. The usual suspects include "I Swear," "Here and Now," "My Love, Sweet Love," "For You," and of course any ballad by Boyz II Men. My parents joined to Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon in the Sky."Usually we think of the bride making these decisions, but being the music freak that I am, I have my top three choices for matrimony theme songs selected.

1 | Diamonds & Pearls - This song echoes love. I've always loved it, and it goes beyond just the simple husband and wife bond. It is a bond between true friends. 2 | Love Ballad - I experienced this vow of love on the radio years ago and was completely hooked. The lyrics are so sincere and Jeffery Osbourne's conviction at the end tells of a love that doesn't compare to any other.

3 | Together Forever - I was obviously late on this song since everyone hails "If I Ever Fall in Love" as their hit single and best work. But their entire debut is laced with pure R&B gems. And this one speaks volumes.

Honorable Mentions: Tony Terry's "With You" Ginuwine's "Differences" New Edition's "Can You Stand the Rain" Tweet's "Always Will"

G101.3 | It's the only way to be...

Yeah. You're probably thinking the same thing. Why? Just for the record, I pick these songs shuffling my library, and we all have guilty pleasures on shuffle. Every Charles Elementary schoolgirl was yelling about "Girl Power" and "Spice up your life." I can't deny the force that was the Spice Girls. And this song was incredible. Sensual, romantic, all that mushy stuff the schoolgirls liked. I always liked the video. Looking back now, this song was kinda raunchy.

? | Hey?

Did I miss the memo, or why does it seem like every song, hip-hop or R&B, has to install the annoying "hey hey hey hey" under the beat. Like I know we like to chant during our jams and what not i.e., Chubb Rock's "Treat Me Right" with the "Go, go, go, go" but...like EVERY song? For real? Examples: Keri Hilson is a multiple offender: Day26's (last) new single: Is it a Polow Da Don thing? Does it make a R&B song more hood? R&B and hood don't belong in the same sentence together.

P School | After all the reasons why...

I don't know any African American who didn't grow up listening to this group. I'm sure there are a few, but they are no acquaintance of mine. Friday nights were spent listening to their 3-disc compilation The Eternal Dance and the live album Gratitude. With a mix of funk, soul, rock, and gospel, Earth Wind & Fire is by far my favorite group of all time. And one can not mention EW&F without mentioning the signature love ballad led by Philip Bailey - "Reasons". And it has to be the LIVE version.

'95 | I LOVE THIS MOVIE

Taking it back to the old school when Disney could do no wrong and the dollar cinema still existed. "A Goofy Movie" detailed the story of Goofy and his teenage son Max, and the journey they take to understand each other as father and son, and as individuals. Funny film, but better theme song. Tevin Campbell's "I 2 I" finished out the film's climatic ending as Goofy crashed the concert of Max's favorite artist, and stole the show with that funny-looking fishing dance. Video belongs to Disney

Channel Surfin' | STEP!!

The George Jefferson of our generation, Martin Lawrence, catapulted to the top with his 90s sitcom, "Martin." From Shenneneh to Jerome, Brutha Man to Hustle Man, the characters were one of a kind. And secretly every black person knew someone exactly like that. More than the characters were the lingering jokes about them; Cole's Big Shirley and Tommy's "job." One of my favorite episodes had to be Gina getting her head stuck in the new bed headboard.

"Where am I gonna put it man? Where am I gonna put it?!"

'94 | I knoooow He is....