Paramount + Music Docs Wishlist

 

Paramount Plus has recently released a documentary about Boy Bands and the chokehold they have had on pop culture throughout the years. It's a very interesting documentary that I really enjoyed. Paramount Plus can be a frustrating streaming service, but one thing it has going for it is the amazing music focused docs they have been produced. 

The latest one joins a growing list of Paramount Plus produced docs such as the Milli Vanilli doc which helped people realize how great they were and how wronged they were. Cyndi Lauper, 80's hair metal genre, and how napster and downloading music blew up. After watching the doc, I did my usual and started thinking about subjects I would like to see Paramount Plus do documentaries on.

10.Ashlee Simpson Lip-Sync Scandal

Ashlee Simpson has never been considered a strong vocalist. Yet on October 26th, 2004 during an appearance on Saturday Night Live, she became the subject of mass scrutiny when a recording track played before she took the microphone.

It led to wide confusion before she did an awkward dance and left the stage. Accusations of lip syncing spread out and it took her some time to recover. It'd be nice to hear the whole story behind this mishap and the ensuing issues it caused.

9.B2K

One group that wasnt mentioned in the Paramount doc was B2K. In the early 2000's the popularity of B2K rivaled that of a Backstreet Boys and Nsync, especially in the Black community. Debuting in the fall of 2001, the group released their self-titled debut album in March of 2002 and the train known as B2K went full speed ahead from there. From that point on they headlined scream tours, made music videos for what seemed like every song they had. And stole the stage when they performed.

In early 2004 just as their debut film You Got Served was about to be released, the group broke up. With three members separating from Omarion and more importantly their manager Chris Stokes. Allegations and finger pointing presumed from there. Omarion went on to have a successful solo career, and the group reunited in 2019 to go on tour. They just can't seem to get out of their own way as a unit, and are holding back their legacy. Time for everyone to express the reasons why.

8. Latin Pop Craze of the 90's

During the late 90's while the pop Craze led by Boy Bands and teen sensations was taking the world by storm. There was another genre ruling the airwaves, the Latin Pop music scene exploded. Led by Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, and Christina Aguilera pulling double duty. Other stars such as Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez who released her debut album in 1999, helped the genre gain crossover appeal. 

The Latin Pop Craze story has never been told fully from its fruition to the flame out. It's time it is given it's due.

7. Dixie Chick's exiled 

This moment in music history was covered in the 2006 film Dixie Chicks: Shut up and Sing, but it's been over 20 years since the whole ordeal happened and needs to be revisited. In 2003 the Dixie Chicks were one of the most popular music acts in country and music overall. That was until they publicly denounced President George Bush and the Iraqi war.

It seemed like they lost just about everything when that occurred. And they had to wade through death threats and such. They were able to eventually move past that controversy and the journey needs to be shared.

6. Regional Music

This topic would need to be a docu-series more than a documentary so that each subject would get their proper due. That is region based genre's of music, sounds that are unique to certain areas and usually only natives to that area appreciate it for what it is. Baltimore club music, D.C. go-go music, Chicago House Music, New Jersey Club, Miami Bass, crunk music the list goes on and on. These sounds are unique and speak to people in different ways, time to really spotlight these various genres.

5. Emancipation of MiMi

2025 marks the 20 year release of Mariah Carey's album The Emancipation of Mimi. This was her comeback album that bought Mariah back to her chart topping ways, after the much publicized mental health breakdown she had during the release of her Glitter album and film. During the production of this album Mariah enlisted the aid of producers such as Babyface, Jermaine Dupri, Pharrell Williams, and Kanye West among others. It paid off big time.

The album's top single We Belong Together you could not escape that year. It went 7 x platinum and was nominated for 10 Grammy's, winning two. It was even rereleased with additional songs and the public still ate it up. The Emancipation of Mimi reminded people that Mariah is a legend, and it's time the backstory of that album is shared to celebrate it's greatness.

4. M.C. Hammer

I wrote a blog about M.C. Hammer and his rockstar status earlier this year. Hammer's story has been covered in a VH1 Behind The Music episode and a 2001 TV movie on VH1. And then the story kind of stopped there, he went from the highest of the highs to the lowest of the low's after he squandered his money and the rap industry turned against him. He eventually found happiness and Christ, became a tech investor and even had a reality show in 2009 on A&E dubbed Hammertime. He's also starred in several commercials in the 2000's and 2010's starting a second career as a endorser.

There have been reports the hip hop industry has been trying to give Hammer his flowers every chance they can in the last few years, yet he constantly turns them down. A documentary for him to explain his reasonings and how he feels about the newfound appreciation for him would be amazing TV.

3. One-Hit Wonders

One-hit wonders are probably the most consistent thing in music. All genres have them, and all eras have them. There's also no rhyme or reason or "science" to what makes a one hit wonders. Here today, gone tomorrow is often the story of one-hit wonders. A fun introspective documentary covering some of the biggest acts that had one hit and was gone in a blink of a eye, would probably help some of these acts get introduced to a new generation. 

2. Spice Girls

Formed in 1994 and hailing from London, England five young ladies burst onto the U.S. music charts in 1996 with their hit single Wannabe. From there Sporty, Scary, Ginger, Baby, and Posh Spice took over pop culture screaming Girl Power. For the next year and a half, the Spice Girls released their debut album Spice and a follow up Spice World. They starred in a film carrying the same name, had dolls and young girls aspired to be them.

Then suddenly in May of 1998, member Ginger Spice left the group and things spiraled from there. The group's popularity tail spined, and just like that it was over. They released one more album as a quartet in 2000, Forever. Since then the group has gotten back together and broken up more times than one can count. Yet their legacy is still as strong as ever, as the 90's nostalgia cycle is still running. It's time all 5 women tell their side of the experience and bring fan's in on the wild ride...which hopefully leads to a reunion tour. 

1. New Jack Swing

To me New Jack Swing is the one of the greatest genre's of music ever, that still does not receive the full credit it deserves. Merging the styles and sounds of hip-hop and r&b, the sound of New Jack Swing still influences both genres as well as pop music to this very day. Founded by producer Teddy Riley in 2018, New Jack Swing became more than music. It became clothing, lingo, and a way of life it was a certain style.

Record labels such as Uptown Records headed by Andre Harrell were built off of the new jack swing era. Television series like New York Undercover were birthed from the culture of new jack swing. As tastes changed in the mid-90's the sound kind of faded away, but it's legacy lives on and it's time the entire story of that era is told.

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Ten Favorite Bobby Brown Songs

 Bobby Brown is undoubtedly the king of the stage. Watching clips from his heyday he had stage prescence, charisma and the moves. We can't forget the moves as he made his foot work light work. I've seen him twice with New Edition and saw him last month perform solo for the first time, and while he can't dance like he use to. He still is one of the coldest ever to grace the stage.

 Watching him perform you can definitely tell Usher and Chris Brown were inspired by him. With both giving him his flowers in recent years. Its no doubt in my mind if he didnt have his demons and consistently made quality albums. He would be in the convo as an all-time great. Hell he may have performed at a super bowl.

He dropped four solo albums in his 40 year career, while everyone knows Don't Be Cruel and Bobby dont sleep on his first album King Of The Stage. 

I am a big New Edition and Bobby Brown fan and figured since it's the king's bday  I'd share 10 of my favorite Bobby Brown songs.

10. Humpin' Around

The lead single off his 1992 Bobby album, the song is high energy with a heavy bass and drum influence. The brilliant thing about the song is that you are so busy you probably miss the meaning of the song. The song is about one partner in a relationship suspecting the other is cheating. While the accused is telling them pump your breaks.

The music video involves a lot of dancing and I won't lie when that song comes on I do my fair share. Especially when I convince myself I can dance to it and burn some calories.

9. My Prerogative

My Prerogative is really about blocking out the noise, living life and doing what you makes you happen. Bobby has said it is his favorite song he's ever done, and knowing what his life was like when he made the Don't Be Cruel album was made. I can totally see where he's coming from, for me though it's a cool Bobby B. song but nowhere near a top tier favorite.

8. Rock Wit'cha

Bobby along with Babyface who produced the song, had to show folks he had range. Which he display's in the song, it's a totally 80's song. Soft and sensual, Bobby let's the lady in his life know he's down to party. The backing instruments and the fade out of the chorus repeating "I want to Rock" just give's this song the chef's kiss.

7. Good Enough

Following up on showing range, Bobby let Babyface produce another hit for him on this track. This could be a sequel to Rock Wit'cha in my opinion. On the previous song, he just wanted to party all night, on this one he confesses if he's not up to par in many ways. He will work as hard a possible to make things right.

The drum heavy set helps drive home the tropical feeling of the song as well.

6. I'll Be Good

I first heard this song on an episode of 227 that Bobby Brown guest starred in. He showed that masterful footwork in his dancing scene that episode. It wasn't until I got older and actually listened to the Don't Be Cruel album I realized how much this song hits. It's 100% contains that New Jack Swing sound which makes sense since Teddy Riley produced it and is quite funky, you have no choice but to get up and dance to this song. I often wonder why a actual music video was never made for this one.

5. Every Little Step

An uptemo feel good  drum heavy New Jack Swing song about weathering the storm of relationships. Every Little Step will have everyone in a chokehold on the dance floor. The video that introduced everyone to the gumby haircut and the roger rabbit dance. The choreography in the music video, will have everyone trying to be as slick as Bobby Brown. No matter how much you try to resist you, you will bop hard to this.

4. I'll Really Love You Girl

Talk about an underrated album cut. This song is it, I'm still really confused why it was never released as a single. Everything just comes together and blends so well with this song, from Bobby's vocals to the cohesiveness of the instruments on the beat. Simply put this is one smooth track across the board. Here is the song for those who have never heard it, it deserves to be more well known and on quiet storm type radio programs everywhere. 

3. Roni

Bobby's most popular ballad and it's easy to see why. L.A. Reid and Babyface struck gold again with the production on this. The background horns and drums make a perfect combination to create this soothing beat. This is the type of song that a guy can use to sweep a woman off her feet if he plays his cards right. The whispery soulful of the background vocals helps bring home the sensual vibe. 30 plus years later Roni still has a gripe on ear lobes when its played.

2. On Our Own

If there is one Bobby Brown song that is without question my shit!!! it is this one. Released as a single for the 1989 Ghostbusters II soundtrack, this is another banger produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface. If you've ever heard it I shouldn't really have to explain why it is the shit. If for some reason you've never heard it, play it and let me know how long you go before tapping your feet. 

1. Don't Be Cruel

Now honestly I debated on one and two because they both just hit on all cylinders in my opinion. When I sat and thought about it what else could be number 1 but Don't Be Cruel? This song never gets old and everything just came together so flawlessly with this one. Even from the prelude track that proceeds the actual song, with it's haunting vocals. Then when the beat drops man it's game over from there.

Another masterpiece by Babyface and L.A. Reid, the lyrics, the beat, Bobby's rap. It's simple Don't Be Cruel is infectious as whole. I use to wear this song out playing GTA: San Andreas riding around town. I've actually danced to the choreography on this track when I call myself trying to do light exercise. At times my toddler daughter joins me in and always repeats "Don't Be, Don't Be". Which should tell you how impactful the song is. 

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Documentaries Wish List

 I recently stumbled on a documentary on Hulu about the golden years of Nickelodeon called The Orange Years. Watching how Nickelodeon was formed and classic shows such as All That, Guts, Secret World of Alex Mack, Doug, and Salute Your Shorts came to be. Made me remember just how awesome and big of a deal Nickelodeon was during the 90s.

After watching the documentary, I started thinking about other topics I wouldn't mind seeing documentaries about. I love a good documentary so here's my top 5 wish list.

5. Cartoon Network

Depending on who you talk to Cartoon Network may have the edge over Nickelodeon, in which one was the top kids channel of the 90's. Debuting in the mid-90s Cartoon Network utilized the Warner Bros and Hanna Barbera library owned by Ted Turner to build it's network. It introduced kids of the 90s to older cartoons from the 70's like Jonny Quest and The Jackson five cartoon, it also introduced us to Space Ghost with his coast to coast series.

It wasn't until the network started developing it's own cartoons it really took off. Dexter's Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd n Eddy, and Courage The Cowardly Dog made the network. It would be interesting to hear from the power players of that era about the network as a whole and the respective shows that put it on the map.  

4. Sega Channel

The Sega Channel was so ahead of its time. A monthly subscription service through certain cable providers, there was a cartridge to insert into the Sega Genesis console. That cartridge afforded subscribers access to video games and the game library rotated every month. Sound familiar? 

The Sega Channel debuted in 1994 long before Cable TV On Demand features and streaming services. One of my closest friends had it when we were kids, man he was the coolest kid around and at the time rich in our eyes. I would love a in depth documentary on how the Sega Channel was born and why it didn't catch on like it should have. Was it cost for consumers? Was it the infrastructure? or was it just Sega was losing popularity in the console wars? Questions that need answers.

3. BET

Cable network BET was founded January 25, 1980 a full year before MTV hit the airwaves. Starting out in the new wave of Cable TV as a two hour program block on another feed, it eventually became it's own full-fledge 24 hour network in 1983. Over time giving the culture programs such as Video Soul with Donnie Simpson, Rap City, Teen Summit, Planet Groove, 106 and Park, and BET Uncut (some wild videos including Tip Drill played on Uncut). The network also gave several comedians of the 90's exposure with the hilarious Comic View.

BET was sold to Viacom in 2001 for $3 Billion, it'd be interesting and educational to hear how Robert Johnsons vision came about. The growth of BET through the years to include substations and even BET restaurants. It'd also be interesting to hear some of the resistance BET faced for many years when it often tried to change programming methods and move away from playing music videos all day.

2. ABC TGIF

During the early to mid 90's especially you were likely doing one of three things on Friday nights going out for a good time, going to Blockbuster to pick up a movie, or sitting in front of the TV for two hours of ABC's TGIF TV block. It was must watch TV and a cultural phenomenon which even included it's own jingle to kick the night off. TGIF gave us Family Matters, Full House, Hangin' With Mr. Cooper, Boy Meets World, Dinosaurs, Perfect Strangers, and Step By Step. It also gave us some eh type shows and duds like Baby Talk, Clueless, You Wish, Teen Angel, Two Of A Kind, and Aliens In The Family. 

I'll admit many of those shows have not aged well, but it was a wonderful moment in time. 90's nostalgia is still going strong it's time someone tells the story of how TGIF came together, reached massive heights and came crashing down as staples ended or moved to other networks (CBS stole a few shows and tried to emulate the success towards the end of the 90's). Somebody, anybody make this happen. 

1. New Jack Swing

If you know me you know I love the New Jack Swing era of music, I always felt like I was born 10 years too late and was actually suppose to be an young adult living life during the height of the era in the early 90's. Anyway it's about time this genre of music which was an fusion of hip hop and r&b to get it's well deserved recognition and it's story be told.

New Jack Swing was founded by Teddy Riley and Bernard Belle in the late 80's and soon other producers such as Babyface and L.A. Reid and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis utilized this sound. Soon entire labels like Uptown and Laface were built on the New Jack Swing sound. Legendary artist Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, TLC, Boyz II Men, New Edition, Bobby Brown, Guy and so so many more built their careers off of this genre. From it's beginnings to the influence it still holds on music today, it's time the New Jack Swing story gets told. 

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Andre Harrell And Uptowns Legacy

It's often said that we as a society dont give people their flowers while their here. Sadly, that is often true and the recent passing of Andre Harrell proves that. Andre Harrell started in the music industry as 1/2 of the rap duo Dr. Jekyll (Andre) and Mr. Hyde. The duo had moderate success as a group and had a small role in the 1985 hip hop classic "Krush Groove". Being an artist was Andre's introduction into the music business, but it was his role as a mogul that cemented his legacy.

After working with Def Jam Records for a few years, Andre took what he learned from Russell Simmons and started Uptown Records. Uptown Records helped usher the fresh new jack swing sound of the late 80's-early 90's. Right along with other new jack swing pioneers such as Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Babyface Uptown Records bought a new groove to airwaves.

Uptown Records introduced so many legends to the masses and produced songs that undeniable classics. The Uptown Records roster included Heavy D, Al B. Sure, Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Christopher Williams, Guy, Groove B. Chill, Father MC, The Lost Boyz, Soul for Real, and Biggie Smalls for a brief moment. Behind the scenes among these great artists was a young A&R executive named Sean Combs. Who learned from Andre and went on to start his own record label Bad Boy Records and is now a legendary entertainment mogul.

Besides the music that Uptown graced us with. Andre and company also employed the Motown system of ensuring their artists were styled correctly, had stage presence and poise. Uptown was known for their great music and the fashion forward style of their artists.

Uptown was the label with style and grace. Like Berry Gordy and Motown, Andre and Uptown inspired the next generation of music moguls. Just like with Bad Boy Records, Uptown paved the way No Limit Records, So So Def Records, Cash Money, and several other Black owned music labels.

In late 2019 BET started pre-production on a Uptown Records mini-series, hopefully production will continue and a new generation will get to learn and understand the greatness of Andre Harrell and Uptown. Like MJ, Whitney, and Prince along with other legends, Andre Harrell was an icon in the music game and his loss is a blow for the culture. Out of this loss, his contributions will be revisited, loved all over again, and appreticated more than ever before. The legacy of Andre Harrell will live on forever

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Why We Still Love House Party 30 Years Later

“I don’t give a damn if Marvin Gaye ‘Gonna be there, you Won’t!”- Pops

That line sums up the basis of 1990’s House Party which has become a classic in the 30 years since it’s release. Released March 9th, 1990 and starring tarring rap duo Kid N’ Play, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, A.J. Johnson, and Robin Harris the movie was a film the culture didn’t know it needed until it was released. High schooler Kid gets into a scuffle with school bullies (Full Force members B-Fine, Bowlegged Lou, and Paul George) during lunch That causes Kid’s dad (Robin Harris), to ground him and keep him from the biggest party of the year thrown by his best friend  Play.

What ensues is a night of dodging bullies and the cops, getting the girl, and having fun. In the early 90’s most Black films highlighted inner-city youth and issues, and the aggression that a lot of Black youths harbor. House Party on the other hand showcased an often under depicted demographic middle-class Black youths who just want to get laid and have fun.

House Party carries so many attributes of the culture that still resonate today. Kid N’ Play and all their friends care about how they dress and look. They just want to rap and dance and look good doing it. Throw in sneaking out while you’re grounded, worried parents who are also pissed. Dealing with overzealous cops, high school bullies that look too damn old, and playing the game to get the girl. The soundtrack is a time capsule of late 80’s hip hop and r&b, and the now legendary New Jack Swing sound. Everyone knows and loves the classic dance off in the middle of the film between Kid N’ Play and Tisha Campbell and A.J. Johnson. 

We can’t forget the quotable lines that make the movie enjoyable to watch time after time. “I smell Pussy”, “follow the drip”, “What the hell is a Public Enema?”, “I would put my shoe so far up your ass, you’ll be shitting sneaker for a month.” "I'll fight a girl", "I know you will, I seen your ass get beat by a couple." And so many other lines you can still quote today, and those in the know will instantly get it.

House Party also is one of those movies that has a lot of stars or actors with consistent work, that you did not realize. Martin Lawrence is a comedy legend who starred in the classic sitcom Martin a couple of years later, and inspired a generation of comedians. Stand up legends Robin Harris and John Witherspoon displayed why their two of the funniest comedians ever. Tisha Campbell has built a nice career displaying her comedy chops between Martin and My Wife and Kids.  A.J. Johnson has built a fitness empire for herself. Everyones favorite scumbag Clifton Powell has an appearance. Funk legend George Clinton steals his scene as a DJ at a party. Daryl Mitchell, Anthony Johnson, Kelly Jo Minter, and Joe Torry all faces you may know more than the name, all have small appearances in the film.

House Party is a movie that those under 18 who watch it enjoy it because of some of the adult content, and looking forward to being in those at times dangerous but relatively harmless situations. Adults on the other hand can watch and relate to the carefree teenage days when you just needed to get home before your parents realized you were gone.

House Party has left a legacy between two direct sequels starring Kid  N’ Play, and a sequel starring music group immature that is related to the original strictly by title. There was also a sequel released in 2013 in which Kid N' Play make a cameo appearance. There are plans to reboot the original with Lebron James producing it, which goes to show how influential the film is years later.

It has made legends out of Kid N’ Play and let several Black youths know dance moves can get you the ladies. House Party is a simple film with a  simple mission, enjoy life and have fun doing it which is why we still love it 30 years later.    

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