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Welcome visitors to the new NJS4Ever.com! Have you checked out our Interviews section yet? Well if you haven't, don't waste any time and check out our exclusive conversations with the likes of Devante Swing of Jodeci, Bobby Brown, Andre Harrell, Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men and more from all over the globe! This thing is worldwide, baby! Head there now!
The New Hip-Hop
July 25th, 2010
“Its been an hour/ Since you’ve been gone/ And that’s too long/ So come back home/ I can’t live without you/ So I cry over you.”
That was the one and only Jodeci! This is when we had music that was articulate, and the lyrics had meaning! New jack and Hip-Hop when it first started was about music. The era challenged artists and producers to develop new sounds and deliver the vision in creative ways. The lyrics had meaning and substance; the artist took you on a journey of love, pain, loneliness, and desire. The music captured you, and I felt like that song and other songs were written for me!
Fast forward over five-teen years and the look and sound is different. The new jack era is gone, and Hip-Hop, has shifted to another direction. Don’t get me wrong, we still have some good artists, and good music. But the genre as a whole has gone away from music of inspiration, creativity, and vision, to music full of “fillers.” By that I mean the music is predominately about the beat. A hot beat garners more radio play, and the “certified club banger” title. Overall, Hip-Hop in my opinion is all about sensationalism, over quality. There seems to be an ineptness of some of the artists to deliver lyrics that are not saturated with sexual innuendos. Hip-Hop is garnering more attention for indecency and lack of creativity than anything else. Hip-Hop was inspiring to all genres and caused listeners from all backgrounds to embrace, and want to mimic the sound and the look.
I believe one giant reason the genre has become what it is now, is due to the decline of record sales. With file-sharing, and the ability to just take one or a couple of songs that you like, it is a win for the consumer, but a loss for the record company and artist. The way the artist looks is trumping the talent, and the substance of the music. Sex sells! The marketing is all about sex appeal, and sexually charged lyrics. Due to this, the lines of talent and image are blurred.
Like I said earlier, there is still some good Hip-Hop, I am a huge fan! I just want the level of creativity to return. I want to see more artists that can bring more than a sexy image and sexually laced music to listeners. To stay viable, the bar has to be raised. This starts with the artists, producers, and the fans demanding more.
Tamesha Preston
BLACKstreet Blues: Teddy Riley & Chauncey Hannibal Speak Out [Exclusive Video]
July 6th, 2010
Original BLACKstreet founders Chauncey "Black" Hannibal and Teddy "Street" Riley are speaking out in the wake of a number of BLACKstreet shows that are currently taking place without their inclusion and perhaps more importantly, their consent. Apparently, former members of the group have been performing with the name BLACKstreet at concert dates around the world in a move that is surely confusing the fans. We will bring you more on this story as it develops. In the meantime however, NJS4Ever has been furnished with a video clip by Teddy and Chauncey which requests that promoters and the former BLACKstreet members cease and desist their activity immediately.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
The Return of New Jack City Concert This Weekend!
June 22nd, 2010
This concert has been promoted locally in the NYC area via social media networks but this time around, it's important that we let the WORLD know that New York City, the birthplace of New Jack Swing still got it goin' on - especially on the New Jack Swing tip! This Saturday night, Chubb Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Christopher Williams, Monifah, and Jeff Redd are going to descend upon the Paradise Theater in the Bronx for a concert being dubbed The Return of New Jack City! By all indications, this will be a concert series, so in order to ensure this event keeps happening, if you are even **remotely** inclined to go....what are you waiting for? Get your tickets!!!
Tickets are only $37.50 and $55.00 each!
For more information, call (212) 252-4942 or (917) 270-3321.
New Interviews by Jon B and Bernard Grobman
June 15th, 2010
It's been a little while since the last update, but we've got more on the way from the likes of Montell Jordan, Ginuwine, Teddy Riley, and Adina Howard! But first up, we're happy to present new interviews with Jon B and New Jack Swing/Hip-Hop Soul Era musician Bernard Grobman!
For most of you, Jon B will need no introduction. He first emerged on the scene in 1995 opposite Babyface on the track, "Someone To Love," from the Bad Boys soundtrack. His debut album Bonafide quickly followed, featuring the single "Pretty Girl," as well as a solid album that also including smoldering cuts such as "Time After Time." His second album Cool Relax featured "Don't Say" and his duet with Tupac Shakur, "Are U Still Down," as well as "They Don't Know" and "Watcha Say?"
Jon B's third album Pleasures U Like featured the club banger "Don't Talk," and he has since been attracting a dedicated following of fans while paving the way for the likes of Robin Thicke and Justin Timberlake. Be sure to catch our exclusive interview with Jon B, thanks to NJS4E's London correspondent Shand!
Watch the Jon B interview --HERE--
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Special Note: If you are in the London area, be sure not to miss Jon B at the Jazz cafe this SUNDAY June 20th! Call Ticketmaster at 08442774321 to get your tix.
Also, Jon B will be in Birmingham at the Drum Birmingham with Horace Brown and Omar on SATURDAY June 19th - call 01213332444 for ticket information.
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Bernard Grobman is a guitarist and producer who has worked with a number of New Jack/Hip Hop-Soul acts including Terri & Monica, The Black Flames, Salt 'N' Pepa and Anthony Hamilton. For the first time, he tells his story as a figure behind the scenes detailing his journey from playing for Broadway theatre, through freestyle, then New Jack Swing/Hip Hop-Soul, and what's he's up to now.
Listen to the Bernard Grobman interview --HERE--
New Jack Sweekend Update #3
May 2nd, 2010
Wow. A lot is happening in the world of New Jack Swing. Every year since this site was founded in 2002 seems to have been bringing more and more in the way of revivals. That summer, New Edition embarked on their first tour since 1997's Home Again campaign, and in the subsequent years we were the first to bring you music videos (before YouTube!) and by 2005, the first New Jack Swing Tour was taking place. Some people say it was thanks to NJS4Ever and the buzz we've helped sustain over the years that helped...if so, then hey...mission accomplished!
Now in 2010, we can barely keep up with all the activity! We'll get to all of that in a second, but first up, we're proud to bring you the first of two interviews that Teddy Riley granted NJS4Ever in April after BLACKstreet performed in London. Without further adieu, give it a listen below!
We hope you dug that! Next up in a very recent and exciting development is the emergence of the HOUSE PARTY REUNION TOUR! That is correct, Kid 'N' Play are back together in celebration of 20 years since the original House Party film that helped crown a banner year in the New Jack Swing Era, the mighty year of 1990. This tour is also slated to feature Chubb Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Montell Jordan, Full Force, The Force M.D.'s, and Lisa Lisa and The Cult Jam! Dates are currently being established, but in addition to the Bell Biv Devoe, Heads Of State and Funk Fest shows taking place this year, it seems 2010 is TRULY the year that New Jack Swing seems to be FINALLY reclaiming it's role as a huge force in urban music and beyond. All we can say is wow. We'll be sure to post the dates as soon as they are available. Bravo to the Ujaama Talent Agency for making this possible!
Thirdly, while this act pre-dated New Jack Swing, we're still incredibly excited to proclaim the return of The Time as a group, and they are currently on tour. Dates are posted in the NJS4E events calendar page, but in short they will be hitting Las Vegas, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Detroit. The Time will feature the ORIGINAL line up, which includes Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (!), Monte Moir, Jellybean Johnson, Jerome Benton, Jesse Johnson and Morris Day. This is a show not to be missed!
Lastly, DO NOT forget that if you live in the UK, and especially if you live anywhere near London, NJS4Ever is throwing Summer Jam 2010, another one of its UNFORGETTABLE parties on May 15th. Make sure you're not standing in line! RSVP as soon as you can...if you are on Facebook, you can do so here: (RSVP). Check out our events page for more details!
An open love letter from a fan of the New Jack Swing
May 2nd, 2010
Editor's Note: Every once in awhile, among the daily and weekly messages we get from fans of the New Jack Swing asking to connect with someone, wondering when the next party is, or simply telling us to keep it up (thank you, btw!), we get someone who wants to share their love, or their perspective on what made the New Jack Era so special. This time around, we're giving Tamesha Preston a platform to share her perspective! Based out of Oklahoma, Tamesha's favorite act from the era is Jodeci. Currently Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas, Trey Songz, and Mary J. Blige.
We hope you enjoy this love letter from Tamesha to the New Jack Nation and beyond....
"The New Jack what??"
That is what one of my friends asked me the other day that is several years younger than me. I looked at her like she was crazy. How could she not know about the New Jack Era? She obviously wasn't one of the girls screaming at the TV every time a Bobby Brown video came on! He was one of the big contributors to the movement with a string of hits. His voice was pure sex as he sung over the music that made you want to grind with him. The late 80's-90's bridged the gap between traditional R&B; it was harmony and soul intertwined with the variety of music from jazz, funk, and rap. The creativity came as these artists pulled from the variety of sounds.
The New Jack Era merged the sounds together and made it hot. The music came to the streets. Artists began carving out more of their identities. They were able to represent their style and where they came from. A hot beat helped artists showcase their swag. Artists influenced kids from all races in selection of their clothes, shoes, hair, and even their fingernails. Remember Coko from the popular group SWV? The style that was being rocked in the inner cities was taking off in the suburbs. The music branched over to every avenue. You could take that sound and rock it in the clubs, on the street corner, on radio stations, and in your cassette player with you being the only audience member.
If you were school age during this time you know how the music was jumping! You can probably remember people getting their moves together for the club or wherever. The music was fresh and different from the past artists. There was so much selection to choose from. I think one of the best song intros ever was New Edition's, "If It Isn't Love." I can still hear the drums rattling and see me trying to jiggle my butt to the steady tick and then try to imitate New Edition's moves right when one of the hook notes change to introduce the climax. This is one of the groups that helped set this movement off.
During this time we had so many slamming artists. I remember turning my little red radio up as loud as it would go to hear Hi-Five, Shai, Troop, and Tony! Toni! Tone! These groups and others had their own flavor. They attracted you by their style. It was exciting to see what they were wearing in their videos, and fun to imitate the dance moves. These artists were unique and people were able to see what was hot where they were from. A person in the Midwest was seeing what an Oakland, California kid was wearing.
During this time it was nothing to put the cassette tape in and let the music play. It was enjoyable to watch the dance competitions that were so frequent then. People took the dancing just as serious as the beats. Very few people was doing the two step then; there was dancing going on that some people practiced at home for hours. By the time you was ready to sit down, you already danced through three or four songs. It was good entertainment and something you could showcase and make your own.
A prime example of how our music merged together is Kool Moe Dee. Was he not cool? He was one of the original old school hip hop kings. He helped take rap out of the box of the inner city. On his second album he collaborated with Teddy Riley, who is now credited for his significant accomplishments to this movement. On Kool Moe Dee's second album he merged the beats with his rhyme and created a hot new sound. But it was his third album, Knowledge Is King and his single "I Go To Work" that showed his unlimited rhyming skills that gave him a lot of recognition professionally. He perfected the balance. He didn't overtake the beat and the beat didn't outshine him. Who didn't want to rock a dark pair of shades, get the cowboy hat and spit I go to work? He inspired so many other rappers like LL Cool J.
LL was exciting, the way he delivered his sound made me want to listen to him. He was confident and sexy. His style was hot! I had to get me a kango hat just like him. LL Cool J delivered his sound with passion and a ferocity that was wild. He was one of the first to break the mold of rap music being considered just for the inner city. He was successful at making his music unique and appealing to all markets. One hit that so many people could relate to was, "I Need Love." His message wasn't vulgar and demanding, but sensual. The beat for that song was sexy and it stuck with you.
Another major artist that made a mark on the new jack movement was Mary J. Blige. She had a pretty, soulful voice, and when sung over the variety of beats, her sound became unique. She took R&B to a whole new level. She brought the life she grew up in to the music and made it sound good. She made you want to listen to her music over and over. Through her music she drew you in; we felt her pain; her longing to be loved; her desire to be happy on the inside and out. She had charisma, and women especially were able to relate to her.
I'm sitting her listening to the radio. Trey Songz hit "Say Aah" is playing. The beat is nice and it captures you. You want to say "aah" right along with him. The music we have now is good but definitely not as hot or innovative as the late 80's and the 90's. My friend is mostly familiar with the music now. I explained to her what we listen to now is credited to the new jack era. The era revolutionized music. This era took music out of the box of what music should sound like. It opened doors for all sectors of music to work together.
Now it's nothing for a rapper to have a hip hop artist sing the hook in his song. I personally think the creativity; the shaping of an artist's sound is missing. Part of an artist's swag is his or her sound. The aggression they bring to the stage is their passion for the music, and that passion doesn't seem to be as strong now. The energy in the songs is missing. The use of instruments played in the studio with the artists recording is on a decline.
I know I'm not dancing to three or four songs straight anymore. It seems like now the goal is to get the next hit. Some of the music is dated so fast. A hot song last year or the year before that many people aren't trying to hear anymore. Music from the New Jack Era is a classic in many ways. I still turn the volume up when it's played on the radio. A lot of those songs bring to mind what was going on with me when the song came out. I love music, but I think I will forever be fond of the era I had a chance to grow up in. I don't see how music as a whole can duplicate the New Jack Era or surpass it. Some of the most innovative artists were in the late 80s-90. Pioneers like Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Michael Bivins just to name a few created sounds that transitioned music. Too many musicians for me to name changed the way we see music and appreciate it. They opened up people's minds and introduced their reality and existence to parts of the world that would probably never know. They helped our music change for the better and encouraged creativity.
Tamesha Preston
New Jack Sweekend Update #2
April 24th, 2010
On the subject of new music is a new track by New York-based rapper Qwes, who has ties to one of Africa's biggest stars, Akon. But Qwes isn't the reason we're mentioning or sharing this track, but it's because the track features none other than Ricky "Slick" Bell of New Edition and Bell Biv Devoe! Let us know what you think of this track below as well!
Qwes - "Love Juice" (featuring Ricky Bell) [Spring 2010]
Last, but certainly not least, we're sharing an upcoming gig featuring Next ("Butter Love," "Too Close," "Wifey") which will be taking place this coming Thursay, April 29th in London! See the flyer below
Don't forget that NJS4E has an EXCLUSIVE interview with Teddy Riley coming up! Stay tuned....hear what he has to say about the future of Guy, the future of BLACKstreet, and whether or not London is his favorite city to bring New Jack Swing!
New Jack Sweekend Update #1
April 10, 2010
As promised, here is the latest and greatest in the world of New Jack Era alums happening right now!
First up, both Steven Russell and Allen McNeil of R&B group Troop (think: "Spread My Wings," "Mamacita," "All I Do Is Think Of You") have released new albums which are available for purchase right now! It's been quite some time since we've heard new music from the troop camp, although circa 2005, Troop did release a song entitled "Thizzle" which garnered some airplay in their native Southern California. It should be noted that Steven Russell seems to have established himself (much like Kwame) as a producer of today's music too, with songs performed by artists such as Jordin Sparks ("No Air"), and Elliott Yamin ("Shelter."). However, with the launch of his label, Motel Music Media, this might be the right platform for a proper Troop reunion!
To learn more about each album, click here for Steve's album, and here for Al Mac's album.
Second up, SWV's reunion is official, and they will be appearing in NYC at BB King's Club & Grill (which is turning into quite the New Jack spot with Bobby Brown, Bell Biv Devoe, and Heads Of State all performing there this year so far!) on June 13th, 2010 in celebration of Cheryl "Coko" Gamble's birthday!
Thirdly, Al B. Sure!, Bobby Brown, and Christopher Williams have teamed up for Al B.'s "Secret Garden Rendezvous" which will take place on Saturday, May 8th 2010 at the Pasadena Civic Center (Los Angeles area). Whether or not they will be taking this show on the road remains to be seen - however, given the fact that the flyer also calls it the "Grown 'N' Sexy Tour," it sure seems like it!
Next up at fourth, and also taking place in May are the three Florida FunkFest 2010 concerts. The first festival takes place in Tampa on May 1st, and will feature (among others) Bell Biv Devoe, Babyface, and Doug E. Fresh!
The FunkFest party then moves to Jacksonville, FL where on day 1, Heads Of State will be joined by Keith Sweat and Slick Rick for a Friday show starting at 5pm (5/7)! Then the next day, the party continues with Babyface, SWV, and Heavy D!
But we can't forget the San Francisco Bay area! Radio station KBLX will be celebrating its annual Stone Soul Pic, which will feature Charlie Wilson, Ronald Isley, and seemingly performing as solo acts, Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, and Ralph Tresvant - and then rounding out the set is Mint Condition.
Is it us, or can we call this a Spring Jack Swing? It's hard to believe that back circa 2002-2003, none of this was happening. With the exception of New Edition's "Do the Damn Thing" tour (which resulted in Diddy signing them to Bad Boy), things weren't nearly as active as they are now. Let's enjoy it while we can!
And for all those in London, don't forget to RSVP for NJS4E's "Summer Jam" party here!
As always, to stay on top of all these cool happenings, be sure to visit our EVENTS page, handled most excellently by our very own New Jack Kid, Brandon Wright outta Ft. Lauderdale (thx Brandon!)
SPRING JACK SWING UPDATES THIS WKND!
April 7th, 2010
This spring, which is 20 years after New Jack Swing's banner year of 1990 (which featured releases by Bell Biv Devoe, Johnny Gill, En Vogue, Tony Toni Tone, Ralph Tresvant, Guy, and many more), seems to be a great one for New Jack Swing today! And NJS4EVER.com is the place to find out and/or discuss it! Stay tuned for our most recent interview with TEDDY RILEY which took place in London after their BLACKstreet concert coming soon! Also, NJS4E will be holding yet another party in London on May 15th, 2010! Check out the flyer posted to this page for details, RSVP, and stay tuned for our Facebook initiative on this.
In addition to all this good news, Bobby Brown, Al B. Sure! and Christopher Williams will be hitting the Pasadena Civic Center (we'll tell you more about that this weekend) in early May, and Bell Biv Devoe are still on the road. Bobby Brown just performed in Illinois, and by all accounts, he did a great job. Heads Of State will be in NYC in the very short term. In Oakland, CA - their annual Stone Soul Picnic (KBLX-FM) will feature Mint Condition, and Heads Of State....there's just so much going on we HAD to let you know that we'll be covering this in due time. Check back with us this weekend. We weren't playing when we claimed New Jack Swing is forever; because apparently, it's still going strong...and gaining momentum!
New Edition Reunites & BBD releases new material
February 26th, 2010
Great news! All six members of New Edition - that is, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill, and Bobby Brown are getting back together to not only embark on a tour, but also record a new album to be produced (according to rumor) entirely by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the duo responsible for New Edition's classic Heart Break album, as well as hits by Janet Jackson, Usher, Mary J. Blige, and many, many more!
This story was first reported by the world's best source for all things New Edition, the NewEditionFanClub.com website. According to New EditionFanClub, management will be handled by Irving Azoff, a looming figure in the music industry. Like NKOTB's return in 2008 (supported by Jimmy Iovine), this reunion is looking to be extremely well received.
And it seems the good news just keeps coming!
Bell Biv Devoe, who have been flirting with the possibility of releasing a new album since early 2009, have released a new song entitled "H.E.L.L.O," which in the opinion of NJS4E founder Andrew Knyte, is a "certified banger." The song, which was used as background music during the 'formation of BBD' segment on TV-One's "Life After...BBD" special which aired in late 2009, fits in seamlessly with today's music, and features Fatman Scoop.
"Perhaps the best part about this song is that BBD manages to 'fit in' with today's sound, while still sounding unique. What made BBD special in the first place is that they were trendsetters - once they arrived, other acts wanted to be like them. And this time around, they have smoothed out hip-hop all over again...it's a hazy, playful track that masterfully employs all three members perfectly," says Andrew Knyte.
Check out "H.E.L.L.O." below - let us know what you think!
Oh, and btw - "H.E.L.L.O." stands for "Highly Electric, Lethal, Lavish, Oh (I Adore Her)."
NJS4EVER Interviews Accion - formerly of Devante Swing's Da Bassment
January 18th, 2010
We are extremely pleased to present the latest interview in NJS4E's Special Series on Da Bassment, the musical collective put together by Jodeci's Devante that spawned Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Ginuwine, Tweet, and many more. Conducted by our very own Rashmi Susannah Vasanthakumar (who also interviewed Smokey of Playa, and Susie Weems of Sugah), this interview almost didn't happen. But thankfully, Accion agreed to allow this piece to run, and so here it is - for everyone who is still anxious to learn more about the REAL story of the musical collective that ended before it could really truly shine: Da Bassment.
Tobias Butler, then known as Accion (pronounced "action") , was discovered and signed to DeVante Swing of Jodeci to DeVante's own label, Da Bassment Records. Although, many people might not be as aware of Accion in comparison to the more famous ex- Bassment artists, he was an integral part of DeVante Swing’s Da Bassment between 1994 and 1997- the one and only collective DeVante put together at the start of the 90’s and the very same outfit that was responsible for launching many talented artists and producers, some of whom are still heavy hitters in the industry today. Accion rapped on the remix of DeVante's solo single "Gin and Juice," from the 'Dangerous Minds Soundtrack' and appeared in the video for the very same track, alongside most of the other artists from Da Bassment. Despite the fact he recorded many songs during his time with DeVante, none of this material was ever released as part of the crew. Accion parted ways with DeVante at the beginning of 1997 and since then has established his own record label ‘Tha' Hallway Inc’, from which he continues to release his rap albums along with his business partner and producer, A-Jamel. His work is hip-hop at its finest- thought-provoking and lyrically reminiscent of the 90’s and on its way to break new ground creatively in the years to come.
Before I lead on to the interview, I would just like to highlight that it was always going to be difficult to reach out to members of the original crew who have remained out of the media spotlight, let alone be able to complete an in-depth interview on life in a group that has been defunct for close to 13 years. For this reason I want to thank Tobias, who has never talked to the media in the past, for giving me close to six hours of his time to do a number of interviews, and for painting such a vivid picture of his experiences in Da Bassment and his time with DeVante. Tobias was extremely pleasant to talk to and what touched me even more, was his rock solid loyalty and caring for his group members- some of whom he hasn’t spoken to since their departure from the crew. If that doesn’t strike you to represent family, nothing will. And that’s exactly what was inherent in Da Bassment and aside from the sheer talent the group consisted of, it is a fact that has been omitted in the press, and something that NJS4E hopes to focus on. Thanks to Tobias for both his honesty and humility in helping NJS4E move forward with this article- it really would have been impossible without him. I hope this article re-ignites some much-needed thought on the undeniable fact of what the collective could have been capable of as individual members of the crew and as a group, should they have been unleashed into the industry as planned. Needless to say, it is unfortunate their fans didn't get a chance to see them in the limelight that they all so deserved. Equally, I also hope this clears up a number of misconceptions about DeVante and Da Bassment and reminds everyone of their accomplishments.
This interview is a dedication to a journey that begun at the start of the '90s which was never completed- one that encompassed talented singers, song-writers, producers and rappers and the great leader behind it all- an incredibly talented man who is still appreciated and very much missed musically today- the legend that is DeVante Swing.
DeVante's Da Bassment: Accion - Part 1
DeVante's Da Bassment: Accion - Part 2
DeVante's Da Bassment: Accion - Part 3
DeVante's Da Bassment: Accion - Part 4
DeVante's Da Bassment: Accion - Part 5
(Hint: click on Part 5 to hear new music from INF, the new act featuring Tobias, formerly Accion of Da Bassment!)
Teddy Riley's Statement on Allegations of Abuse
January 1st, 2010
Due to recent events, I am compelled to respond in detail to accusations made against me, by my daughters. I love my Daughters, but I will not allow my children to disrespect me in my home. Contrary to what I have been accused of, I would never beat my children.
Perhaps, I should have been a stronger disciplinarian as they were growing up. I worked very hard so that my children would want for nothing. In hindsight, I see that it was a mistake to give them everything they wanted so that they could have the childhood I never had. Unfortunately, they have taken me, and the privileged life I have given them, completely for granted.
Instead of being appreciative and realizing how fortunate they are, my children have an inflated sense of entitlement and expectation without having to work or earn their way.
However, my ‘children’ are no longer children, they are adults and I am trying to instill in them values and a work ethic of their own. My mother always told me “too many grown people can’t live in one house” so I encourage them to have their own homes if they cannot abide by the rules of mine. I am not an uptight Dad, I am as hip as they come but I will not tolerate being taken advantage of or disrespected, especially in my home.
I’ve been working since the age of 14, I bought my first car by myself. Nobody gave me a car. My kids don’t even remember their first car. I grew up with 6 of us in an apartment fighting over one bathroom. My kids have never had to share a bathroom, let alone a bedroom.
I’m asking everyone to let this one go… I’m only being a good parent. I’m a great father and everyone who knows me, knows this is true.
Thank you so much,
With all my love, Teddy Riley
- For more information as this unfolds, click here:
UPDATE: (1/3): The resurrected VIBE.com also has more information here:
R. Kelly speaks his mind on newer artists "disrespecting" more seasoned artists
December 29th, 2009
Borrowed from another website (SKEE-TV), we felt that this was an interesting viewpoint expressed by R. Kelly, which falls very much in line with the mission and spirit that NJS4E has operated by all along: to pay respect.
You can view at this link: R.Kelly Opinion 2009
Special thanks to Jeff from Intro for bringing this video to our attention!
UPDATE:
Another video has been brought to our attention, showing both the Tre Songz remark that sparked R. Kelly's response, and a response from Damion Hall on Tre's mention of Aaron Hall. This should provide some background into how this was started.
You can view at this link: Tre Songs talks R. Kelly / Damion Hall responds
New music by Bobby Brown, Jon B, just in time for 2010!
December 23rd, 2009
Now that 2010 is around the corner, new music by some familiar faces has started to surface just in time to ring in the new year with a bang. First up is an exclusive snippet provided to us graciously by Jon B; this is his tribute to the legendary Michael Jackson and we must say - it is definitely the business (meaning, good). Jon B has always been a favorite at the NJS4E camp, based on his smooth vocals, meticulous production, and love for all things New Jack Swing - particularly songs such as Ralph Tresvant's "Sensitivity" and Janet Jackson's "Lonely."
Next up is a track that has been leaked featuring the one and only Bobby Brown! Entitled "Damaged," the production and arrangement of the track is very up-to-date, and sounds like something Chris Brown or Omarion could have pulled off (think "Ice-Box"). We're not sure who wrote and/or produced the track yet, but if Steven Russell of Troop turns out to be involved, we will *not* be surprised in the least!
You can check out BOTH tracks by heading over to the BETA version of NJS4E-TV (WATCH THEM HERE!!!)
Last but certainly not least, a big THANK YOU to all of you who have supported us throughout the last year...be sure that the forthcoming year will be an even bigger and better year for NJS4Ever.com with more exclusive interviews featured (including Ginuwine, Jon B, Montell Jordan and Adina Howard already lined up for January) behind the scenes concert footage, parties organised in London, New York and Amsterdam and more big name musical articles....MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND BEST WISHES for 2010 from the NJS4Ever.com team!
New Edition - Heads Of State Soundcheck (Amsterdam 2009)
November 23rd, 2009
The Njs4ever team were allowed exclusive footage at the soundcheck in the recent Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant (Heads of State) European Tour. Over the coming weeks we will be sharing with you some of this footage which will certainly be worth watching out for.
Njs4ever would like to thank the artists for allowing them access backstage and also a special thanks to Candy Lowd for making this possible.
For further information on HOS or BBD checkout the New Edition Fan Club:
NJS4E's NEW JACK SWING CHRISTMAS JAM!
November 7th, 2009
It's been a while since our last party and thought it was about time to do it all over again! This will be a nice way to keep us all warm, with the build up to the festive season.
And so, we welcome all music lovers to a night of NJS4E:
SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER 2009
9pm-3am
@ CAMDENROCK
18 Kentish Town Road, Camden Town, NW1 9NX (opp Camden Station)
Click on the flyer to RSVP on Facebook!
Music to include:
New Jack Swing
80s Soul Classics
Golden Era Hip Hop
Hip Hop Soul
.....and a Michael Jackson Tribute set
Dj's on the night: Dat Ding (Freez'/Elmer J), Lady Gee, JP, Van Damme
Admission: £10 guestlist (before 11pm) MOTD. Guestlist to be requested as soon as possible. To guarantee entry, you can also pay via paypal.
Further info: Call 07920030654 / email: vijay[at]njs4ever.net
Hip-Hop Media Personality Ed Lover possibly on to something major with "C'mon Son!" video commentary
November 8th, 2009
Anyone exposed to MTV who enjoyed hip-hop during the New Jack Era (1987-1992) certainly remembers Yo! MTV Raps, and one of the co-hosts of that series' weekday edition, Ed Lover. Known for his hilarious Ed Lover dance, his extremely enthusiastic and comedic delivery, and as co-star of "Who's The Man?" with his co-host Dr. Dre, post-MTV, the duo moved on to radio, having graced the airwaves of legendary Los Angeles radio station 92.3 The Beat, and prior to that, New York's Hot 97.
Currently, Ed Lover is back on the New York airwaves on radio station Power 105 and making waves on the internet due to his ingenious pop culture commentary series known as "C'mom Son!" Presumably shot at the Power 105 offices, Ed Lover lets loose (profanity and all) on a number of pop culture happenings that are worthy of criticizing, and then holds up a piece of cardboard with the famous words written on them, and then lets out his trademark, "C'mon Son," followed by a scowl, and then some expletive-laden chatter in a gutteral voice, most often including, "get the f*** outta here with that sh*t." It's simply genious. It's so genious, Monday Night Football actually tried to copy Ed Lover (which he addresses in Part 3 of his series) with "C'Mon Man!" - shame on ESPN for that.
For those who may want to see this for yourselves, we have posted the first five C'Mom Son! episodes for your viewing pleasure. It's great to see someone from the New Jack Era becoming as relevant as ever! Enjoy!
C'Mon Son (Part 1) (watch!)
C'Mon Son (Part 2) (watch!)
C'Mon Son (Part 3) (watch!)
C'Mon Son (Part 4) (watch!)
C'Mon Son (Part 5) (watch!)
And as a bonus, check out Ed Lover (with co-MTV VJ Todd-1) in his music video, "You Down Wit MTV?" that was released in the fall of 1991 here!
For more, subscribe to Ed Lover's videos on YouTube here!
Joe & Ginuwine in Concert: Amsterdam
October 1st, 2009
October 13th 2009 will be a special night for the ladies, with two top entertainers in the field of R&B sharing the stage of the Amsterdam Marcanti. Both Joe (best known for the hits "I Wanna Know" and "Don't Wanna Be A Player") and Ginuwine ("Pony," "Differences,") will be performing with a live band that night. Both artists have recently dropped new albums in 2009, and are ready to give audiences a show worth remembering. While the next statement may sound astonishing to audiences in America, it really shouldn't: Europe appears to be the place to be to see great R&B performances from the New Jack and Hip-Hop Soul Eras. Quickly order your tickets at ticketmaster.nl or check out http://www.sfgent.com for further details.
Later this month, (on October 30th) Amsterdam will be the scite for yet another concert in the spirit of NJS4E, this time featuring Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, and Ralph Tresvant performing as New Edition, Az Yet, Montell Jordan, Next, Shai, Jon B, Adina Howard, and Case...all on one bill! This is the best R&B event Amsterdam has seen since the Real Hot Events of the late 90's. If you have bought tickets for the 27 March event (which was the first date for this event), I'm sure you're glad you kept your tickets. If you haven't or if you have returned your tickets, I'm even more sure you will go out and get tickets now! This line up pretty much represents all that NJS4E stands for musically.
A Great Day In Brooklyn - Michael Jackson's 51st Birthday
September 17th, 2009
NJS4Ever Godfather Barry Michael Cooper was on hand in the borough of Brooklyn on August 29th, 2009 for what would have been Michael Jackson's 51st birthday were he still here with us. On this day (which NJS4E founder Andrew Knyte attended as well), over 20,000 New York area fans gathered in Prospect Park, Brooklyn (despite the rain) to party, groove, and reminisce to Michael's music, thanks to organizers Spike Lee, and Keistar Productions, famous for their Soulslam: Prince & Michael Jackson party series, as well as their Wonderfull parties (Stevie Wonder). A special mention must go out to DJ Spinna, who is quite possibly the best soul music-spinning DJ in the country.
Barry Michael Cooper does an incredible job capturing the essence of that special day, featuring a poignant interview with comedian Tracy Morgan, footage of Al Sharpton's speech, and of course footage with Spike Lee himself, who invited Barry to attend.
You can watch all of this (and more - definitely head over there!) at Barry Michael Cooper's blog, Hooked On The American Dream.
FOX-TV's "Glee" makes mention of New Jack Swing
September 17th, 2009
Apparently one or more of the writers of Fox's breakout dramedy Glee do indeed "believe a thing about the New Jack Swing!" In last night's broadcast, apparently New Jack Swing as a genre is established as a plot point, featuring performances by a vocal group named Acafella formed in the school. They even performed Bell Biv Devoe's "Poison." All we can say is, nice. It's funny how people can know what something is, but just didn't realize there was a genre/name for it. Glad to see that Fox is helping to eliminate that problem with NJS.
Question: did anyone out there reading this actually see the episode? If so, how were the performances? Was NJS represented well? Leave a comment!
Special mention to 'Duckster' for the tip!
Special Editor's Note:
The stories below this entry have been specially selected to remain on the main page. However, all stories prior to the entry above can be found in the News Archive, which can be found at the bottom of this page. Enjoy!
Andrew Knyte.
Michael Jackson (1958-2009)
June 26th, 2009
Michael Jackson was pronounced dead on June 25th, 2009 at 2:26pm PST at UCLA Medical Center. It was devastating news that travelled nearly instantaneously across the world, largely through social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. It can be safely said that most of us were shocked by this sudden turn of events, and will forever remember where we were, and what we were doing, and even who we talked to, when we found out that the King of Pop had left us.
So much can be said about Michael Jackson. And so much more will be said about this legendary figure in the days, weeks, month, and years to come. His music spanned so many eras - from the 70s wave of Motown, the glorious and electric '80s, the more "realistic" 90s, and his finale with Invincible, featuring the strident "You Rock My World" and the utterly soulful "Butterflies." And this still doesn't begin to even remotely do justice to his legacy whatsoever.
Michael Jackson influenced virtually the entire genre of New Jack Swing, before he embraced the genre himself on the Dangerous album. And artists from The Boys (who covered "Got To Be There" in 1990) to most recently Al B. Sure! (who covered "Lady In My Life on his latest 2009 album Honey I'm Home which you can hear on this page) make no qualms about what he meant to them. We at NJS4Ever are still in shock...all we can do is watch and see what the aftermath of this will be, and be sure to celebrate his music and impact in the times to come.
We could say more. And we will in time. However, we would just like to send out our prayers and condolences to Michael's entire family and friends at this horrible time. If anything good has come out of this, it is that the entire world seems to have grown a little closer once again, knowing that a tremendous figure with such a loving message has left us (in the flesh, that is) forever. Perhaps we will all heed his message a little more closely, and "Heal The World" in the manner he so desperately wanted to manifest.
We love you, Michael.
NJS4Ever Interviews Susan Weems - formerly of DeVante Swing's Da Bassment
June 4th, 2009
Susan "Susie" Weems, one third of the R&B trio Sugah that also contained future solo artist Tweet ("Oops, Oh My," "Call Me"), is interviewed by one of NJS4Ever's newest writers, Rashmi Vasanthakumar in one of our most thorough and informative exclusives yet. For those who are not aware, Sugah was a part of Da Bassment, a collective of emerging artists assembled by none other than DeVante "Swing" DeGrate, the musical genius and mastermind behind one of modern R&B's most legendary (and stunningly influential) groups of all time, Jodeci.
Da Bassment was a collective so potent, it helped launch the careers of a number of famous alumni, including Missy Elliott, Ginuwine, the late producer/singer/songwriter Static Major (Lil Wayne's "Lollipop"), and current pop music svengali, Timbaland.
As Susie will share in this article, living with DeVante Swing and the rest of Da Bassment was a lot like MTV's Making The Band, except DeVante was pulling it off nearly a decade before Sean "Puffy" Combs was doing it. This is a story of being discovered, of enjoying an amazing time creating music with talented individuals, and of the excitement of touring with the likes of Mary J. Blige, the early Bad Boy crew (think: Faith Evans, Total, Notorious B.I.G., etc), and of course their "big brothers," Jodeci. But it is also the story of the eventual breakup of Da Bassment, the influence of Suge Knight, and how one by one, artists such as Ginuwine, Timbaland, Missy, and Playa would eventually break ties with DeVante in a bid to take their careers into their own hands.
While there are certainly many perspectives to be shared on the story of this undeniably gifted collective of musicians and performers (Timbaland named his solo debut Life From Da Bassment), this is certainly one of the most thorough, balanced, and interesting takes on how and why DeVante Swing found himself losing control of this truly brilliant situation he had created.
But before launching into this story, you are invited to take a listen (press pause on the Al B. Sure! new music player at the top of this page first) to a ballad entitled "End Of The Aisle" performed by Smokey (formerly of Playa) and Tweet and Susie. This may be the start of a wider reunion for Da Bassment. Stay tuned...
DeVante's Da Bassment: Susan Weems - Part 1
DeVante's Da Bassment: Susan Weems - Part 2
DeVante's Da Bassment: Susan Weems - Part 3
DeVante's Da Bassment: Susan Weems - Part 4
For older stories, go to the News Archive:
