'92 | Don't wanna play the same game

Another banger from yet another of the numerous R&B groups that dominated 90s music. Perfect NJS-ness and harmonies. If memory serves me correctly, they made a Family Matters appearance as well. This gave their debut album much success. Their sophomore, All That Matters unfortuanely did not, but is an awesome album.

411 | Bulls vs. Celtics : Game 6

I haven't been so excited about the NBA playoffs since Detroit toppled the Lakers' then-Dream Team. Seven OT's in four games has created the best series this year. I'd definitely keep an eye on Chicago especially if they can contain themselves to venture back to Boston for game 7. They did it in game 1. Did anybody else see that block!

'00 | Whoooa-o-o

I remember not even listening to the lyrics; all I wanted to do was imitate Barrington's scatting.

New New | God in Me

Mary Mary changes it up with this gospel....BANGER. Via TSS Between the synths and autotone, and celebrity cameos (Fanzsworth Bentley) I dang near expected T-Pain to burst through the curtain and two-step down the runway. I understand the message of the song and the audience it will certainly minister to, yet there is still that question in the pit of my stomach; where is the divide between secular and spiritual. Believe me I am definitely not the one to judge because I clearly enjoy both genres of music; but if there is suppose to be such a divide between the world and God's work, to those who believe in strict gospel music and do not enjoy contemporary mixing, where do you draw the line? For me personally Kirk Franklin is one pf my favorite artists, (although I enjoy his early work better, but don't all fans appreciate artists' firsts over newer material) so it is hard for me to make a good case. I bumped "Stomp" as quickly as I jammed to "This Is How We Do It." It may be wrong but I feel there is a way you can enjoy the music you like and still live righteous under God's vision. And now I'm off my soapbox.

'98 | Slam

With Nonchalant being from D.C., it felt natural to continue that theme. Slam is the docudrama of the U.S.'s war against drugs and its continuously growing number of victims - black men. Set in D.C. Saul Williams plays a young, intelligently gifted poet surviving the streets. After a friend is severely shot during a drug deal gone wrong, Williams is caught up, left to put thing sin perspective. A tale in manhood and truth, the film depicts an all-too familiar story of our black men in the inner cities.

'96 | Had a good day, damn I must have missed it

Nonchalant hit it big with this monster of a rap conscious cut. Here she pinpointed the downfalls of dealing and slinging, and how it affects all around. The twist she evokes with the "dealer's" perspective on the second verse is haunting, to sense how someone in that situation justifies their circumstance. It's sad anyway.

8709 Special | the Return

R&B may be given a boost of adrenaline this year with the return of Maxwell. All were stunned when the newly shaved man appeared to pay tribute to Al Green @ the BET Awards. His new album BLACKsummer'snight is slated for an '09 release. Here is the first single..."Pretty Wings." Shout out to TSS. And here is one of my favorites by the mellow-falsetto-voiced singer.

PBP | 58 points

Say it ain't so? Via Yahoo!

New New | Halle Ber-raaaaaaaay, Hallr Berray

The new dance track from Hurricane Chris. You may have heard this in the club, or even on Ellen's show with the real Ms. Berry. It's more (annoying) catchy as his debut. Shout out to Mileka.

'90 | Go! Go! Go! Go!

Rumor has it Chubb Rock only ventured into the hip-hop industry to pay for medical school. Love this track; a sure party starter.

? | Double Take II

Is it me or does Matt Giraud look and sound like a paler, American, Daniel Merriweather?

'95 | And we can "pump pump"

Adina Howard's Do You Wanna Ride spawned the now classic debut single "Freak Like Me." Some reason we had the single, and played it all the time. I think my dad liked it because of the Bootsy Collins sample and the 70s funk sound west coast hip-hop had embodied.

I don't remember watching the video; I do remember the B-side remix though.

'97 | Don't waste your time

Mr. Back @ One had a unusual hit with the Boys of Bad back in the day. Off his fire album Anytime, Brian McKnight reached a new fan-base with the hip-hop influenced "You Should Be Mine (Don't Waste Your Time)."

SICK | Robocop

(SD) Kanye West - Robocop (1988 import version) from Myk Dawg on Vimeo. Via elitaste

'94 | Life Gets in Your Way

The Brand New Heavies's Brother Sister stayed in rotation in my household. A great mix of funk, soul, pop and R&B.