the chal banz blog

You all remember Blu Cantrell? She debuted in the Summer of 2001 with her hit single "Hit Em Up Style(Oops)". She released her debut album, "So Blu" in July of 2001 and the album went gold. Blu Cantrell went on to have other hit songs mostly overseas though and there was a rumor that she was making a comeback. In the meantime enjoy your debut single and video.

Remember Total? The Bad Boy trio released their self-titled debut album in January of 1996. "Do You Think About Us" was released as the album's fourth single and it was produced by Raphael Saadiq of Toni Tony Tone fame. Check it out!

For today's throwback video, I took it all the way back to the year 1985. I was only 1 years old at time and I would come to discover this song years down the road. Me'lisa Morgan released her single "Do Me Baby", a Prince cover in 1985. The single went to #1 R&B and #46 Pop in 1986. Check it out!

Tonight's "Throwback Video" is from Shanice Wilson-Alexander(aka Shanice). "Turn Down The Lights" is the video and single from Shanice's 1994 Motown album release, "21..Ways To Grow". "Turn Down The Lights" just missed the top 20 on the R&B charts peaking at #21. Get into this classic video and song!

The Boys, a quartet on the Motown Records label released the video to their single "Crazy". The song was released in 1990 and poked fun at other videos such as Madonna's "Vogue", Michael Jackson's "Thriller", and Bobby Brown's "Every Little Step". I'm not sure what happened to the group after this but I was six years at the time and the "Thriller" scene used to always scare me. Ha!

In 1987 The System released the video to their hit single "Don't Disturb This Groove" which became a late 80s staple and a classic R&B hit. I personally don't know much about The System but I know they had another hit with "You Are In My System" and they worked on Chaka Khan's "I Feel For You" album. So travel down memory lane to this 80s throwback!

"Freak Like Me" was the debut single from Michigan native Adina Howard. The song was released in 1995 and appeared on her Gold debut album "Do You Wanna Ride?". Nowadays Adina is a chef and she tours every now and then. Do you all remember this song? I definitely remember it because I was 11 at the time and my sister and our cousin was always in the car playing it. That was back when the cassette singles were popular.

I was watching MTV's Ridiculousness and saw Carmen Electra and it made me think of her video for the single, Go Go Dancer. The song was likely produced by Prince as his influence on the song is pretty obvious. Carmen also dated Prince at the time who is responsible for giving Carmen Electra her stage name as we know it today. I remember the song and video for Go Go Dancer as it was pretty popular on The Box, remember that? One of their taglines were "Music television you control!". Those were the days! 

Terry Ellis of En Vogue went solo in 1995 and released the single What Did I Do 2 You? ; which was the second single from her album Southern Gal .  Terry Ellis and her En Vogue band mates were in the midst of working on new music. Somewhere along the way the ladies have had another one of their infamous falling outs. Now the group have split into two and are recruiting new members for the perspective groups. If you recall some years back Dawn Robinson left En Vogue for a short time for a solo career that went nowhere. Thereafter she joined the ill fated group Lucy Pearl and scored a hit with the song Dance Tonight . 

Janet Jackson released Doesn't Really Matter in 2000. It appeared on the soundtrack to The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps in which she starred. The song also appears on Janet's 2001 album All For You . Doesn't Really Matter went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for three weeks. Janet is currently working on a new album.

We know Joe for many of his hits over the years and "All The Things" is just one of the many. Joe will release his new album; "The Good, The Bad, & The Sexy" in stores and online October 18.

It was after this duet that people started attaching Lil' Kim and Ray J. I believe they did date for a short time. The two reunited recently onstage during Lil' Kim's concert which was sad to have sparked the Lil' Kim and Nicki Minaj beef. Nonetheless "Wait A Minute" is a song I really liked and its produced by The Neptunes; my favorite producers.

I never really liked this song but the video made me appreciate it a little more. I would typically skip this song on the album. I had to sit and remember what album this song was from and I believe its "The Diary Of Alicia Keys" album. ---------------- Now playing: Elton John - Elton John - I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues via FoxyTunes

One of the many hit singles and videos from Mr. Brian McKnight. He has been pretty quiet on the music scene for the most part. His short lived TV show really didn't last at all and I don't think I ever really saw it. Mediatakeout revealed some semi nude pics of him a week or so ago for those interested!

Blink and you might of missed this song which was from Olivia's self titled debut back in 2001! You realize that and you see Olivia has been around for a little while. She is attempting to get her name back through "Love & Hip Hop" and her single; "December" is on the bottom half of the R&B charts. ---------------- Now playing: Mary J. Blige - Your Child via FoxyTunes

Today is Janet Jackson's birthday. I don't remember how old she is but if I had to guess; I would say 44? Anyway the video to "Escapade" is one of the many Janet videos and its from her "Rhythm Nation" album. ---------------- Now playing: Janet Jackson - Escapade via FoxyTunes

I decided to really take it back today with this hidden gem. I never really knew of this song until awhile ago. I knew CeCe Peniston from her upbeat songs like "Finally" and "We Got A Love Thang" but this is just as good if not better. CeCe Peniston is actually returning to the music scene with a new single; "Stoopid" and an upcoming untitled album to follow. Be on the lookout for that! ---------------- Now playing: CeCe Peniston - Inside that I cried 1992 via FoxyTunes

One of the few songs I actually like from Tamia and some years down the road it was remade by Fabolous and Ashanti. Tamia got a little upset when she claimed that her vocals were still used and then radio changed the version to Fabolous Featuring Ashanti Or Tamia - So Into You.

I truly forgot about this song and many of you might have as well. This was the second single from Destiny's Child self-titled album.

This was the debut single and video from Ms. Jade who was brought to us through Timbaland and over the years has collaborated with Missy Elliott and Nelly Furtado. Ms. Jade has been pretty quiet in recent years but has managed to drop a few videos and mixtapes along the way. ---------------- Now playing: Brandy - Always On My Mind via FoxyTunes