Why the 90s are STILL My Favorite Decade
On the last Monday of black history month, I knew I had to close out with a #musicmonday celebrating our black musicians. Recently, I bought a sweater from black woman owned Pushgrlstudio that said stuck in the 90s. When I saw it I knew I had to have it, not because I am stuck in the 90s, but because the 90s bring on nostalgia for me. I was born in the 80s, but grew up in the 90s. 90s music literally transports me back in time, and I can remember how fun and carefree those moments were. 90s music and memories will forever have a special place in my heart.
Yesterday the hubs took me out to run around because I was having cabin fever and he was like, “yo song just went off the radio and I was glad because I didn’t want you acting up.” I was like, “don’t punk me,” and he said, “ you don’t even know which song.” I was like, “of course I do RUMP SHAKER.” He laughs and says yep! Listen, I know every single word to rump shaker after all these years. It is still my jam. Let’s not talk about the fact that I was only 10 when that song came out, yikes. Folks claim that the songs these days are very graphic, well the songs in the 90s just covered it up better. They definitely used what felt like more appropriate metaphors. “All I wanna do is zoom zoom and a boom boom, just shake ya rump.” I mean he is definitely not talking about dancing. Think Next “I feel a little bump coming through on you,” or Jodeci “Every freakin night and every freakin day I wanna freak you baby in every freakin way.” They used words that were more consumable for most ears, but still gave off those sexy vibes.
The 90s R&B was where we started hearing more drums, bass, and experimentation adding different sounds to sampled production and lyrics. Rnb slowly evolved from slow ballads that were all about love to songs you could groove to with lyrics that added a little spice. Let's just say body rolling was in full effect. Lately Jade, “Don’t walk away boy” has been on rotation for me, for no reason at all besides it’s perfect for my kitchen concerts. That song is exactly the vibe I am describing though. It’s uptempo but sis is pouring out her heart to her bae letting him know she will be right there for him.
The 90s also brought on the bomb girl groups and I think that is what I miss the most. Xscape is my all time favorite girl group from the 90s because they all have amazing voices and they gave us ballads and music we can dance to. Many of their songs are hits from Just Kicking it to Understanding, those ladies did not miss. The 90s brought us Jade, TLC, Brownstone, En Vogue, SWV, 702, Salt-N-Pepa, Total, Changing Faces, and even Destiny's Child to name a few. Our culture was so rich at this time because these ladies were the representation that young black girls needed to see. Sexy, even with combat boots and baggy jeans, confident, intelligent, talented trend setters. The 90s celebrated black women of all shades of brown boasting all types of hairstyles from braids, perms, to afros. Not to mention the music is unmatched. What a time to be alive.
I would be remissed not to mention the male Rnb groups as well. The 90s were a time for great collaborations. To name a few Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Shai, Next, Hi Five, Blackstreet, Dru Hill, New Edition that gave us banger after banger. I will never forget the first concert I attended was Hi Five and I was maybe 8 at the time. My daddy Larry took me and I was beyond excited because the Kissing game was my favorite song at the time. I can still picture what I had on, a blue leather jacket and skirt and daddy was clean in white. I remember daddy letting me stand on the table so I could see. This was about 30 years ago and I vividly remember it. Forever memories is what 90s music did for us. The music was so special that it connects us to different events in our lives. All good music does.
While I am enjoying the new sound of RnB of today, nothing will ever replace the way I feel when 90s music comes on. I started a 90s playlist on Spotify that I will be adding to, but here is some light work to start with.
Are you a 90s music lover?
