ThisisRnB Presents: Summer Playlist (’90s Edition)

Mariah Carey – “Honey (Remix)”

This record introduced us to the grown and sexy Mariah! “Honey” was released as the lead single from the singers sixth studio album, Butterfly. The song and it’s remixes were a re-defining moment in Carey’s career, pushing her further into the Hip Hop world. The record found great success becoming Carey’s third single to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed at No. 1 for three weeks.  It spawned multiple remixes, most notably the Bad Boy remix featuring Ma$e and The LOX, and the So So Def remix by Jermaine Dupri, which features a rap verse from Da Brat.

Destiny’s Child – “No, No, No, (Pt. 2)”

None of us saw this coming, or knew what was being started here! Wyclef was on top of the world at the time and when he told you “the streets pump the remix” everyone did just that! The introduction of Destiny’s Child was not unlike other groups from the decade, 4 young girls from Texas,  but there was definitely something unique about them, and their extensive training shined through.  “No, No, No,” produced by Vincent Herbert, Rob Fusari and Wyclef, was the first single released from their debut album. The remix version, aka “Part 2,” reached No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1998 the song would help the ladies win two Soul Train Awards – Best R&B/Soul Single by a Group, Band or Duo and Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist.

Mark Morrison – “Return of the Mack”

The UK’s urban music scene was really starting to bubble in the ’90s as well. One of the most distinct voices to emerge during that time was German born singer/songwriter Mack Morrison.  The third single he ever released “Return of the Mack,” brought him mega international acclaim. Initially released in the spring of 1996, the single spent two weeks at No. 1 on the UK charts. A year later it would become a massive hit in the States, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of ’97. Produced by Cutfather & Joe, the track includes samples of “Games” by Chuckii Booker and “Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club.

Faith Evans – “Love Like This”

She could never have known it, but in 1998 Faith Evans released a song that would go on to become one of the greatest club remixes ever. “Love Like This” was the lead single from her second studio album, Keep the Faith.  With its blending of Hip Hop and Disco elements, the record became a huge dance-influenced R&B hit. It would reach No. 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart and peak at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. A remix made by MC, Fatman Scoop, and Crooklyn Clan would give the record another life of it’s own, and continue the songs success internationally to this day.

Next – “Too Close”

It certainly felt like nothing could stop R&B in 1997, and new male trio Next had something special for the charts with their second single. Following their debut song “Butta Love,” which reached the Top 20, they kicked off cuffin season early with the release of “Too Close.”  The DJ Kay Gee-produced single would climb all the way to the top of the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart and No. 1 on the Hot 100. It also landed at the No. 1 spot on Billboards Year-End chart for 1998.

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