Do You Hear Me Now Black Male Vulnerability Don Cornelius Soul Train

Ed’s Review: This Jodeci joint was the first CD I ever purchased. I was still rocking cassette tapes at the time. But what an investment it proved to be as it endured repeated spins (I mean incessantly) throughout my freshmen year of college. In many ways, Jodeci was the antithesis of male R&B groups; an edgy marriage of hip hop swagger and “homie lover friend” sensitivity. They were the brothers that may get a sista to spend the night, but would be sure to call the next day.  Grossly underappreciated lyricists, their gift of pen is showcased on the hip hop generation wedding staple ” Love U 4 Life” as K.C.’s throwback vocals plead ” do you belive in love, and the promise that it gives?” Another personal favorite was “Pump It Back”, a chill groove with heavy baseline perfect for early Saturday afternoon loving. Amazingly, in this era of gimmick driven tunes, The Show, The After Party, The Hotel has aged well and could still get you a phone number and a hug…maybe even more!!

Sugar’s Review: Jodeci is the one of the few groups that proudly displayed their smoothed out- hood- come- here girl- bravado. Don’t get it twisted, Marvin Gaye and the Isley Brothers (stay strong Ron Isley) got their thang on but Jodeci is our generation’s love in your face group…with no apologies. The Show, The After Party, The Hotel was the soundtrack to every young crooner’s dream. From the tracks to what I call the ‘location skits’, Jodeci gets down. My favorite joint is ‘S More’ cuz it’s the perfect song for what you were thinkin on the way to the shower after a good, shall we say, evening. The album was loved by hoes and good girls alike. And I guess that’s good for everybody.

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