Documentaries wishlist 2

 Content is King and with all these streaming channels competing against traditional television/cable channels. You need plenty of content, scripted content by itself won't cut it so documentaries are often produced to shed light on figures or important moments in history or the culture. Right now with the Hollywood writers and actors strike, it maybe some time before we see some new scripted programming. Which opens the door for more documentaries and more subjects for documentaries to cover.

I'm always down for a good documentary. With recent documentaries on Michael J. FOX, American Gladiators, and even the Wham documentary. And documentary series like Dark Side Of The Ring as well as the new Dark Side of the 2000s feeding my documentary appetite. 

I previously wrote about five subjects I wouldn't mind seeing being covered in a documentary. Many of which, if actually were produced would feed my nostalgic loving soul. After watching the recent American Gladiators documentaries on Netflix and ESPN 30 for 30 respectively. I thought of five more pop culture subjects I wouldn't mind seeing an documentary on.

WMAC Masters

I'm going to be honest here, I know this one is very obscure and the least likely to ever get a documentary from this list. That does not negate the fact that in the mid-90's amid the Power Rangers and martial arts craze, WMAC Masters was a solid kids show that deserved more love.

It was a mix between pro wrestling and American Gladiators, with some Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter sprinkled in. Filmed at Universal Studios Florida, the series was hosted by Shannon Lee (daughter of Bruce Lee). It featured real life martial artist portraying fictional martial artist, competing in a fictional tournament to win the final prize The Dragon Star. All the while giving lessons on martial arts styles and weapons. It was over the top and cheesy, but pure 90's just look at the intro. After two seasons it was abruptly cancelled.

In coming up with topics, I discovered that a book was released covering the history of the show. I'm going to add that to the list of books to buy. I'm sure even with the book there is so much history tied up in this brief show that deserves to be told.

Baywatch

In the 1990's supported by a catchy theme song and beautiful woman, Baywatch ruled the syndicated TV landscape. Created by David Hasselhoff, it resurrected his career while making stars out of woman like Carmen Electra, Yasmine Bleeth, and of course Pamela Anderson. In fact it may have been the last major successful phenomenon syndicated program before first run syndicated shows started to lose their luster amidst changing habits from the audience.

Upon doing research for this blog, I found out there is already a docuseries in the works called Baywatch: The American Dream. Which former star Geena Lee Nolin has a hand in helping produce. Looks like it was worked on during the height of the pandemic, and does not have a release date yet. The most information I could find on it was through the instagram page for the film. All a guy could ask for? Please release it sooner than later. 

FUBU

In the early 90's four guys from Queens, New York brainstormed and designed a new clothing line called FuBu (For US By Us). The four entrepreneurs Draymond John, Carlton E. Brown, J. Alexander Martin, and Keith Perrin set up to make fashionable Street wear that was also affordable for the community.

They went through they're trials and tribulations getting their business off the ground, but started gaining popularity and traction when LL Cool J started wearing their attire everywhere he was pictured.

Uncle L even referenced them and wore a FUBU hat in a commercial he did for GAP, which helped boost their appeal. 

FUBU led the way in the 90's and brands like Phat Farm, Karl Kani, Sean John, and Roc-A-wear followed their lead. However, by the time the late 90's/early 2000's came FUBU was considered no longer in style.

Their story needs to be completely told, including the slow backlash from the culture as styles changed. I vividly remember my freshman year of high school, it was no longer considered "cool" to wear the brand due to opposition of the name. To the brand making a comeback of sorts as the nostalgia wave comes around to its heyday.

Let's give these four brothers their shine and tell they're story.

Toys 'R' US

We all remember the jingle and proclaiming I'm a Toys 'R' Us kid. We remember the oversized stores  especially to a kid stocked with what seemed like an endless supply of toys and games. Geoffrey the Giraffe our favorite mascot. Not to mention the sheer joy beaming from our faces as kids when our parents let us one go in Toys 'R' U s and two go in aimlessly for what seemed like hours.

Many Millennials were crushed when it was announced in 2018 that Toys 'R' Us was filing for bankruptcy and closing all their stores. Going the way of other once upon a time retail giants like Woolworth, Montgomery Ward, Radioshack, Circuit City, and Tower Records. The story needs to be told on how did it get that point? With a changing retail landscape and online shopping booming. How did Toys 'R' Us not adapt properly? What went wrong? what's going on with the supposed "reboot" of the company? and just how much the store meant to a generation of kids.

Long live Toys 'R' Us and share the story from it's inception to it's sad end.

WB/UPN

During the mid-90's two new broadcast networks were sprung up to go against the Big Four (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox). These two upstarts known as The WB and UPN found a small amount of success by targeting niche audiences. Both networks targeted the Black Audience in it's early years with comedies such as The Steve Harvey Show, Wayans Brothers, Jamie Foxx show, and Smart Guy (The WB), and Moesha, Malcolm and Eddie, The Parkers, and Girlfriends. The WB then branched off becoming known as the network for teen/young adult focused dramas (Dawsons Creek, Felicity, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill). UPN mainly relied on WWF's Smackdown and the Star Trek franchise along with their successful Monday Night block of Black sitcoms to stay afloat.

Despite their success, neither network could really gain traction to sustain longevity. Most of their programming was looked down upon, even when they were really good shows (Veronica Mars). Or shows that could have been something if just given a chance 7 Days and Special Unit 2 on UPN, Jack and Bobby, Gross Pointe on WB.

Eventually in the mid-2000's both networks decided the landscape was changing too much and if they wanted to survive they needed to merge. Thus they picked the cream of the crop of show's from both networks to keep and The CW was born. Which ironically is going through some things regarding their programming direction under new ownership. 

There is a book on this very story that's on my list to read called Season Finale: The Unexpected Rise and Fall of The WB and UPN . Both networks were an integral part of my pre-teen/teenage years when network TV catered to older audiences and there was a time cable TV was not in my mom's budget. Especially with the Black sitcoms that many of us still enjoy today, the story of how both networks realized they were tumbling needs to be told.

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Best Action Movie Dads

 It's that time of year to celebrate all of the great father's out there, and all that we do big and small for our families. As I do every year since becoming a father, I write a blog or two about fatherhood and pop culture in some way. This year I decided to focus on Action Movie father's.

We all love a good action movie, and action character especially when they are relatable. Here are the top five action movie dad's in my opinion.

5. Scott Lang

Scott Lang may not be as strong as Thor, as smart as Tony Stark, or noble as Captain America. One thing Scott Lang definitely is..is a father. A very goofy, flawed and aloof one at that, but a very loving one. In each of his three Ant-Man films, his relationship with his daughter is a driving force within the plot.

Feeling like he missed so much of her life while incarcerated, then thanks to the blip and him being stuck in the Quantum Realm. He cherishes every moment he has with Cassie. He may not be out snapping necks, but his actions are made with the intent to secure his relationship with Cassie and protect her at all cost. 

4. John Matrix

                                

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as John Matrix in the 1985 film Commando. A single father who happens to be a retired Special Forces colonel. He set's out to rescue his daughter Jenny, when she is used as collateral to get him to perform an assassination attempt on a political figure in a fictional South American country.

John's not having any of that and set's out to destroy a lot of shit to save his daughter. When he's not blowing shit up, he's a gentle giant taking walks with Jenny and be a nurturer of pets. Bottom line don't cross him or his daughter. 

3. Cameron Poe

In 1997's Con Air, Nicolas Cage play's Cameron Poe a former Army Ranger who killed a man attacking his pregnant wife. Eight year's later eligible  for parole, he just so happens to be on the same plan with a bunch of hardcore murderers who decide to hijack the plane. All he want's to do is get home to his wife and his now 8 year old daughter he's never met.

Cameron's sole purpose in this film is to get to his family. He save's the day and attacks any prisoners who views him as a threat. All in the name of a husband's and father's love, you can't go wrong with that.

2. Roger Murtaugh

Roger Murtaugh is a LAPD veteran played by Danny Glover in the Lethal Weapon series. He always manages to put up with his crazy partner Riggs (Mel Gibson) antics, and his most famous line in the entire series is "I'm getting too old for this shit". Murtaugh is the father of three children Rianne, Nick, and Carrie. Rianne has subplots in the first and fourth films, while Nick has a significant subplot in the third film. Poor Carrie is just there in all three films.

Through the series Murtaugh proves he will do whatever is necessary to protect his family, including becoming one cold bastard making sure they are safe when they are targeted by criminals. In the fourth film he also establishes a friendship with a Chinese immigrant Hong bonding over both being family men.

Through the series it's often highlighted that one defining trait of Murtaugh is how much of a family man he is. 

1. Bryan Mills

We've all seen the films and offered our opinions on what we would do in those scenarios. The Taken film series features Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills. A former CIA agent who travels to France to rescue his daughter who has been abducted by some sex traffickers. Simply put Bryan shows how dangerous and lethal he is when he goes on his mission.

He may not have been a great husband and realizes the error of his previous ways, but no doubt he is a top tier father throughout the film series. Traveling half way around the world to rescue his daughter (which every parent would do) and using all the ingenuity he can to make it work. Is why he's one of the top action movie dads

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Bruno Mars At Preakness Experience

 

Saturday night at the Preakness fest, I was able to check off a bucket list item by seeing Bruno Mars live. Despite the rain that began to pour just as his set was beginning, it was 1,000% worth it. In 45 minutes Bruno Mars backed by his crew The Hooligans, had the entire audience singing every word of every song, dancing in the field despite the muddy conditions, and overall having a good time after waiting all day to see him.

He opened with one of his biggest hits 24 K Magic, and closed with what probably is his biggest crossover hit Uptown Funk. He effortlessly danced across the stage, carefully avoiding the spots on the stage getting hit from the downpour. He played guitar so that he is a MUSICIAN and not just an artist. He has so many hits that it was probably difficult to curate his selection and cram into the limited set, and it's easy for us as fans to forget that he only has released 3 solo albums beginning with his debut 2010 album Doo Wops and Hooligans.

He showed love to all three of his albums performing hits such as Just The Way You Are and Marry You from his debut album. Locked Out Of Heaven  and one of my favorite Bruno songs which in my opinion is one of his most underrated songs Treasure and from his second album 2012's Unorthodox Jukebox. Along with the title track from his 2016 third album 24K Magic (hard to believe it's been almost 7 years since that album released), he also performed That's What I Like. Serenading the crowd while he played guitar he performed the 2010 Travie Mccoy hit Billionaire which he was featured on.

I personally wished he would have performed Finesse, but have no real qualms about the set list. If I would have had to stand in the rain for a 90 minute set from him, I would have. Even in the rain, his performance was just as entertaining and mesmerizing as any TV performance you've seen. He proved why he is a modern day musical legend. I'm gathering my coins to see a full length Bruno concert (his show tickets are quite pricey), and just like this time it will be well worth it.

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28 Random Things That Define The Culture

It's Black History month and while Black History is 365 days a year, it's important to showcase all the culture has to offer in February. This blog cover's 28 random things that define the culture, other than the top 10 the listing has no real merit. It's just random stuff that came to mind while writing the article, so here we go.

28. Lunch Time Rap's

Lunch Time cipher's in schools across America are a staple and has not skipped an generation. There's always a "DJ" banging on the lunch table making the beat, while two aspiring rappers battle each other until a hating ass administrator or teacher comes along and puts a end to it.

27. Motown Records

We listened to it as our parents and grandparents cleaned the house, and now we jam to the classic Motown sound. It carried Black People throw the civil rights era and provided hit after hit. Judging by how everyone was on their feet during Stevie Wonder's Motown Medley at this year's Grammy's. Its clear Motown music is timeless.

26. Def Jam

The house that Russell built it, it's far from the powerhouse it once was. However Run DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy and many more Def Jam artist really were the first hip-hop artist to cross over. Many of their hits still load our playlists. 

25. Ginger Ale

Try to dispute all you want, but when your stomach just ain't right Ginger Ale can solve most of your problems. It's a reason it's a Black Household staple.

24. Fubu

Fubu (For Us, By Us) was a 90's clothing staple, it means so much more now especially on the renewed focus to keep Black dollars within the company. Time for a major comeback.

23. Essence

A staple of Black household book shelves and coffee tables, Essence has been telling important stories within our community since 1970.

22. Essence Fest 

Essence fest is a full weekend of parties, concerts, and celebrating the Black culture. The festival covers a lot of ground over the weekend from Black Health to Black Wealth, food, music and everything in between.

21. Jet magazine

Much like Essence and Ebony magazines, JET magazine is a Black community hallmark. Telling stories since 1951, it was an outlet for Black people during a time when our stories weren't told. This clip from Boomerang gives an idea on just how revered JET was.

20. BET

When MTV still wasn't trying to play Black artists, Robert Johnson started Black Entertainment Television. Initially known for playing music videos all the time, it's programming trajectory has changed but the mission of showcasing Black Excellence has not.

19. Apollo Theater

The mecca of Harlem, The Apollo Theater has been instrumental in showcasing Black artist since the 1930's. It's history is now, then, and forever.

18. Bad Boy Records

If Motown was the sound of Black America in the 60's and 70's, Def Jam was the voice of the youth in the mid 80's to early 90's. Bad Boy Records was the Black voice from the mid to late 90's, highlighting success, flashiness and just a good time.

17. 106 & Park

In response to MTV's wildy popular music video countdown show Total Request Live (TRL), in 2000 BET debuted 106 & Park. Which an entire generation grew up on watching the top ten countdown, waiting for the throwback of the day, and of course Freestyle Friday.

16. Yo! MTV Raps

Before 106 & Park there was Yo! MTV Raps, MTV's and the mainstream media's acknowledgement that Hip Hop was here to stay and couldn't be stopped. The show ran for five seasons and opened so many doors for so many artists. 

15. Jordan Sneakers

Since their release in 1985, Jordan's also called J's have been a must have in any sneakerhead's collection. 

14. Strawberry Filled Candy

If you went over grandma's or any older relative's house, chances are you found a bowl or jar full of Strawberry filled candy.

13. Crown Royal Bag

Once you finish that Crown Royal bottle, what to do with the bag is the next question. The answer whatever you need to store in it. Change, important documents, loose bills whatever it's better to repurpose than throw away.

12. Spades

Want to get a good time at the family function going, and possibly cause an argument. Play some spades. 

11. Uno

Maybe the only other card game that will have Black folks side eyeing you, throwing up their hands, and debating about how the game is supposed to be played.

10. Hennessy

                            Have no idea what's in it that's so addicting, Black People just love Hennessy. 

9. Plastic Market Bags

They serve so many purposes, protecting valuables and folks hair, sometimes their shoes in inclement weather. Something to carry the plates you took from the family function, dumping smelly food or diapers to mask the smell.

8. Spaghetti

If Black People having a gathering for a large group or just tryna make something that will stretch for the week. They gon make a large pot of Spaghetti, may even fancy it up a bit and put some shrimp in it.

7. Drawer full of Condiments

No matter how many we already have in the house. If some takeout food provides some condiments, we saving them for later.

6. Sunday Dinner

After a long week of work and running errands, Black folks look forward to a good Sunday Dinner. Sometimes the meal rivals that of a Thanksgiving spread. 

5. Fraternities & Sororities 

Seen all around college campuses and often pillars of community service. Fraternities and Sororities are a huge part of the Black culture.

4. HBCU's

The halftime show's, The Marching band's, Greek life, and just a sense of family. HBCU's play a important part in educating the future and celebrating the culture.

3. Frankie Beverly and Maze Before I Let Go

You cannot attend a Black function without someone playing Before I Let Go. Once it come's on even those not on the dance floor will be singing along, waiting for that moment to scream at the top of their lungs "Before I Let You Goooooooooooooo".

2. Line Dances

The Electric Slide, The Cha-Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, The Wobble and many more. Black people love love love a good line dance.

1. Family Reunion

Life get's busy a Family Reunion is always a good opportunity to get everyone together near and far to enjoy each other's company, and celebrate love and family.

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Super Bowl Halftime WishList

Rihanna shut down the Super Bowl last night, love it or hate it there is no doubt Rihanna did one of the many things she does best. That's get folk's talking, whether it was her song selection, lack of guests, or the subtle reveal that she is expecting again (congratulations to her). 

Now that the Super Bowl is over for the year, Rihanna's performance is still talked about and we can pretty much acknowledge we are not getting a album or new tour for a good while. It is time to look ahead to next year's Super Bowl and the halftime show. Although the exact length has not been disclosed, Roc Nation entered a multiyear deal in 2019 with the NFL to produce the halftime show.

Roc Nation has done a great job of the halftime performers chosen since then, but they also have a delicate balance of making sure the artist selected has crossover appeal. The artist selected also has to be on a certain "level" so to speak, with that here are 5 artists I wouldn't mind seeing performing at the Super Bowl.

5. The Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers are a duo who music covers multiple genres EDM, Hip-Hop, and pop. I saw them perform live at the Made In America Festival in 2017. They definitely have the crowd engaged during their performance. Their biggest hits are Something Just Like This, # Selfie, Roses, and one of my favorites Closer. If they were chosen for next year's Super Bowl it would help promote their space endeavor in 2024.

4. Ariana Grande

When Ariana Grande debuted back in the 2010's all I heard was a young lady who starred in a Nickelodeon show trying to be a singer. I did like her song with Mac Miller The Way, other than that I was eh on Ariana. As my wife played more song's of hers in the car, I thought damn Ariana can sing. She is one of the biggest artists of the past decade and has some certified bangers like 7 Rings, Break Up With Your Girlfriend (Cause I'm Bored), Baby I ,Problem and one of my favorites One Last Time among others. Let's give Ariana, her time on the grand stage of The Super Bowl.

3. Bad Bunny

I'll admit I had never heard of Bad Bunny until he showed up on WWE TV to perform his song based on the legendary wrestler Booker T. He then followed up with an amazing in-ring debut at WrestleMania in 2021. Little did I know how big of a star Bad Bunny is with his music fusing Reggaeton and Latin Trap, he is also known for having his concerts seem like a party.

Bad Bunny speaks English but performs all his songs strictly in Spanish, which caused an uproar with captions at the Grammy's this year with basically those of a certain tone slow or outright refusing to get with the times. A Super Bowl performance would be another step in making people realize how much the world has changed.

2. Usher

One of the biggest artists of the past 25 years, at one time the heir apparent to Michael Jackson's throne. Usher Raymond is a megastar but above that he is a performer that is going to give you a show. He participated in The Black Eyed Peas halftime show at Super Bowl XLV in 2011, but the man deserves the stage all to his own. From You Make Me Wanna to My Way segue into a little U Remind Me before bringing the moves for U Don't Have To Call, Caught Up, and of course Yeah! and OMG. Usher would take full advantage of his 15 minute set and leave an impression that properly would put his show in the conversation as one of the best Super Bowl shows ever.

1. Chris Brown

This one will probably never happen due to many sitting on their high horses choosing to hold a serious mistake he made at 19 years old against him. Make no mistake about it Chris Brown can sing and dance as he too is a performer. The only man who could reasonably challenge Michael Jackson or Usher for their spots. I've never seen him live but my understanding is that he give's his all for each show. He has been a mainstay of the R&B/hip-hop game for nearly 20 years growing and perfecting his craft with each album. If he wanted to go full pop he can pull Run It, Wall To Wall, Turn Up The Music or Yeah Yeah Yeah! out his catalogue. Want to be a little rugged he can throw some Loyal in there Party or Go Crazy. Either Way when his set would be over everyone would be exhausted from dancing and moving so much.

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Top Twenty Black Sitcom Theme Songs

 Sitcom theme songs we as fans love them. It helps set the tone for the show and often gives a brief synopsis of the show's overall story.

There are some undeniable classic sitcom theme songs in the world. The ones you will hum out of nowhere or sing just cause it popped in your head. Within the Black culture we love our classic sitcom themes, in my opinion here are the top ten Black sitcom theme songs.

20. Thea

The show itself only lasted for a season and wasn't very popular, but the theme song to the 90's sitcom Thea deserves to be in the conversation of best Black Sitcom themes. Thea Vidale herself sang the theme song and she bought the soul out of her to perform it.

The sister also starred Brandy and Jason Weaver who both could have contributed to make the theme song even better.

19. Sister, Sister

Debuting in 1994 and starring twin sisters Tia and Tamara Mowry, along with sitcom legends Jackée Harry and Tim Reid. Sister Sister is a true 90's sitcom and the theme song is a representation of the time period, colorful and upbeat. You'll be singing it and not even realize it, as the characters aged the show updated the theme song with a slowed down R&B edge to remind audience these were now young woman. 

I Prefer the original theme but they are both good intro's and worthy of the top twenty list.

18. Smart Guy

Following right behind the Mowry Sister's is their younger brother Tahj Mowry and his show WB show Smart Guy. Sung  by Kristian Rex the theme song is light hearted and catchy enough to have audience members singing the jingle while the show is airing and afterwards.

17. Amen

The theme song to Amen could get you ready for Sunday service or get you through a rough day with a little inspiration. Sung by Gospel singer Vanessa Bell Armstrong she put her whole soul into this song, thus you feel "Shine On Me" soon as the beat drops.

16. Kenan & Kel

For 90's kid's Saturday Night's were reserved SNICK on Nickelodeon. Along with All That and Are You Afraid Of The Dark? a major reason for the popularity of Snick was Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, and their show Kenan & Kel. Their theme song rapped by Coolio (probably the safest rapper from a content perspective they could find.) is infectious and while follows the same rap melody as other Coolio joint's. Make's you rock your head back and forth as you wait for the laughs to begin.

15. Sanford & Son

Probably the only theme song on this list that doesn't have any lyrics. The intro to the 1970's sitcom Sanford and Son is that infectious. Produced by Quincy Jones you hear the jazz influence all over the track and it plays nicely over images of Fred and Lamont Sanford, their junkyard and their red truck.

50 Year's later hum Sanford & Son and someone will join along.

14. Family Matters

To be honest I kind of was on the fence about adding this one. I had to relisten to it several times and realized it absolutely belonged on this list. Family Matters was a staple of ABC's TGIF lineup (man I miss those days) and  in many Black families home's. The theme song "Day's Go By" sang by Jesse Frederick makes even more sense the older you get. It 100 % is a top twenty them for Black Sitcoms.

13. Girlfriends

This Theme song is perfect because it get's right to the point of the show. If the title wasn't enough of a hint one of UPN's rare classics, Girlfriends focuses on a quartet of friends and the bond they have through their up's and down's in life. I had no idea Angie Stone sang the theme song, listening back I definitely hear her voice and it fit into the neo-soul vibe that was popular during the show's run.

12. Martin

Honestly Martin is my favorite sitcom of all-time and there's not much to the theme song. Damnit if it isn't catchy though.

11. 227

"Well There's No Place Like Home". 227 followed the tight-knit residents of a apartment complex in Washington D.C. The theme song was sang by none other than Marla Gibbs and it give's off a welcoming vibe. I feel like 227 often get's lost in the conversation of top tier but not quite classic Black sitcoms and the theme song is right up there with it deserving more flowers.

10. One on One

One on One is a good but not great sitcom, it's typical early 2000's UPN fare. Not a bad show but not a great show, a little cheesy but you were going to watch the whole half hour. That theme song however is top notch in my opinion. I don't know what it is but it just hits and is very catchy.

9. In Living Color

We owe the Wayans Family so many flowers for how they've entertained us over the year's. The classic 90's sketch show is not only hell of funny to this day, that theme song by Heavy D is a classic as well. You could play that joint at a party and I'm sure the dance floor will fill up, the song is more than a show intro it's a vibe.

8. Good Times

Good Times, ain't we lucky we got them? This sitcom is still relevant today as it was in the 1970's when it aired. When you hit road bumps you think about the Good Times you've had which is what Good Times is all about. The song is catchy with a message and is a top ten theme song.

7. Half & Half 

Another UPN sitcom theme Half & Half intro simply HIT'S, maybe more so than other UPN shows and one I've yet to mention. This theme has R&B and Gospel blended very well in this intro, and the video help's cause it looks like the cast were having the time of their lives performing it. 

I've heard conflicting stories on who actually performed the intro, some sources say Melodie Daniels others say Shanice (I love Your Smile fame). Either way this song deserved to be longer than 40 seconds. We need a full 3 minute's of this song.

6. Diff'rent Strokes

"Now the world don't move to the beat of just one stroke." even if you've never seen Diff'rent Strokes you have heard that opening line. You may or may not be shocked to learn that Alan Thicke (Dad on Growing Pains, Robin Thicke's father) actually sang the theme song. The lyrics are simple, the melody is simple and it get's to the point. Which makes it one of the top theme song intro's ever.

5. A Different World 

A Different World the show itself is a classic, but on matter how you slice it A Different World the theme song may be more popular than the show. Longtime fans of the show randomly sing the lyrics and the beat can be infectious enough to get you to dance. Now the question often becomes which version of the theme song is more beloved? There were three versions throughout the six season series all performed by legends. Season 1 was sung by Phoebe Snow, Seasons 2-5 were sung by the Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin. Then the last season got a New Jack Swing infused intro sung by Boyz II Men. Truth of the matter is you can't go wrong with any of them. 

4.  Moesha

Mo-to the E to the..Moesha. Probably UPN's first hit Moesha debuted in 1996 and ran for 5 season's. Since Brandy is a real singer who else would perform the intro but her? Produced by Kurt Farquhar who also produced intros for other favorites on this list One on One, Sister Sister, Girlfriends. As well as some that didn't make the cut like Cousin Skeeter. 

Moesha is probably one of the biggest theme song's to come out of the 90's. It was remixed a few times throughout the show's run to coincide with Moesha getting older. Either way it is a bonafide hit.

3. The Jeffersons

The Jeffersons debuted January 18th, 1975 almost fifty years later it's theme song is still beloved. "Well we're moving on up" is one everyone says when they come across a come up in life. I never knew this but Janet Du'bois of Good Times fame actually sang the theme song. She put her whole soul into the song as well, and it show's because Decades later it is woven into pop culture.

2. Living Single 

This theme song hit's on absolutely all cylinders, the beat, the dancer, and of course a rap by show star Queen Latifah. Living Single is just as beloved today as it was back in the 90's, besides the good material the theme song has a lot to do with why it's still a staple on streaming services and cable TV. Go to a 90's party and the DJ is likely to blend it into their set, the intro is just that damn good. 

1. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Come on, could anything else be number one? If someone randomly yell's out "In West Philadelphia Born and Raised", there is surely going to be someone if not everyone who chimes in and finishes the rest. This theme song actually gets performed at karaoke bars that's how popular it is. Rapped by none other The Fresh Prince himself Will Smith, the intro gives you a quick run down of the show's plot and with it's upbeat demeanor let's fans know out the gate the show is lighthearted and funny.

There's an extended version that was obviously cut for time, but every and now then during a rerun it's played and the song slaps even more as the kids say. 

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