In 1998, Timbaland and Blackground ruled hip-hop and R&B. Back then Timbaland was primarily working with hip-hop and R&B artists, mostly focusing on artists on his own imprint: Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, and Playa. They gave us slowed down and uptempo erratic beats that had fans like wtf is this….this shit is tight!
Cheers 2 U was one of my favorite songs of the Timbaland/Blackground era, it was one of those songs you would dedicate to your boo on the radio. Or you would order the video on The Box, call your boo and be like, “I ordered that just for you..” And then your parents would see the charges on their phone bill for ordering music videos on TV, and would put a 1-900 block on the phone.
Enjoy this week’s throwback video, and have a wonderful and blessed weekend! *Besos*
I was chatting with Rules Girl on Twitter last night, a super cool diva representing Chi-town. She totally repped her city, inspiring me to post her fellow Chicagoan Da Brat for this week’s Friday throwback video.
This video is important for one main reason – this is the only time we’ve ever seen Da Brat dressed in feminine clothing, and not as a butch. Brat represented herself in this video as a chick that’s sexy without being trashy, and who can FLOW at the same time. She showed that a female emcee doesn’t have to dress like a dude to be lyrically respected. I’m all about embracing femininity, not hiding it…but do you, Brat. Chick had a banging body in this video…there’s no way I would hide that under baggy jeans and timbs!
Enjoy your weekend everyone! I hope you enjoy your Valentine’s Day, and hopefully you have Monday off to recover!
I stanned for SWV in junior high. Their b-girl/R&B swag resonated with girls who came of age in the 90s. This week’s throwback track sparks much nostalgia. Enjoy, and have a wonderful weekend!
Brand Nubian dropped major knowledge in their music. “Don’t Let It Go To Your Head” should be required listening for every aspiring hip hop artist. This song reads as a syllabus to getting into the game. I think this was 1996, 1997 maybe. Around the changing of the guard to the bling-bling era.
Happy Friday ppl…have a wonderful weekend. HipHopMuse loves you. Mwah!
Don’t forget to watch the hip hop honors tonight on VH-1, 9 pm est/pst. This year VH-1 is honoring the legacy of Def Jam Records, a leading force in the hip hop movement. This the first time a record label will be honored on the show.
Look forward to appearances by Eve, Method Man & Mary, Ashanti & Ja Rule, and more. Hosted by Tracy Morgan.
I randomly heard this song on the radio the other day, and I’m inspired to share this throwback track with you! This song brings out the inner house-y drag queen in all who enjoy. If I were a man, I would be the cuntiest drag queen in existence.
