#rnb 1998

[louisbxne]

AALIYAH

ARE YOU THAT SOMEBODY (1998) Dir. Mark Gerard

[medullam]

Honeyz - Wonder No. 8, ph. Uli Weber [1998]

[musictyme]

Big Pun - Still Not a Player ft. Joe

[shibuyaseoul]

SOUL MATE - SAKURA genre: rnb / language: japanese / release date: 1998.02.18

Spotify☆ Apple Music

[unsungbabe]

Debelah Morgan | Yesterday (1998)

[justmight-mp3]

Maxwell - “Embrya” (1998)

[y2k-2day]

What time do you call this??????

I sincerely pity the man who pisses off Whitney and her girlfriends

Chef dancer costumes? Security guards maybe? Huh?

*Judging you*

*judging intensifies*

Whitney Houston - It’s Not Right But it’s Okay (1998)

[2ndtide]

This is my reaction to "Too Close" by Next.

Written by Kay Gee, Terry Brown, Robert Huggar, and Raphael Brown; it was produced by Kay Gee. Featured on the group's debut album, Rated Next, and was as its second single in 1998. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot and R&B singles charts. If you’re on YouTube, please be sure to comment, like and subscribe! 

[001archvies]

Song the day :Monica Angel of Mine 🎧🧘🏾‍♀️

[sims4bradshaw]

BOX - Letitia Matthews (1998).

Born in 1976, Letitia Matthews released her career-defining album "BOX" in 1998. This was her final release under Freezer Bunny Records. It has been said that its adventurous sound and sexually charged lyrics changed the sound of RnB permanently. The song “Chocolate Covered Strawberry” was named the best song of the 90s, and “Like Velvet (feat. Quay Acapella)” has been dubbed the most influential song of the 21st century. She was among the first to work with producers such as Santiago Clemens & Will Daniels. Multiple artists have cited Matthews as an inspiration for their own work and their own careers. After her departure from Freezer Bunny records, Letitia Matthews went on to release many other albums, including the Grammy nominated "Doves Rock." However, she was never again able to recreate the financial and critical success of "BOX" and has not released any new music since 2008. In 2014, she married Santiago Clemens and relocated to San Sequoia. Letitia still performs occasionally (her last tour was in 2019), but she has, for the most part, stepped away from the spotlight.

CC CREDITS UNDER THE CUT

@kiegross x brandysims tiara frontal @thepeachyfaerie love lipliner @redheadsims-cc crystal gel nails @sims3melancholic ashoura skin and lip tints @cocoelleansims summer dress brown highlights in hair made using @rustys-cc ombre acc seoul @roselipaofficial let me down slowly poses cosimetic eyeshadow N22

[mvneaten]

𝄞 𓂃 𖦹✮ ——⠀SOCIAL SUICIDE is a three piece girl group that debuted under doellette media on november 23 in 2018 , also being the first musical act to debut under the main company since the disbandment of their sister group blacklisted in 2014 . the main aim of the group was to ‘ turn the industry on it’s head ’ , just as their predecessors had done . this goal was then established with the release of their debut ep luxury goods . in order to give the group more exposure , doellette would make the lineup consist of their most popular models , as well as former blacklisted member prim . this would prove to be a detrimental move , however , as the release of their debut album would be met with backlash from the general public due to the majority of member’s lack of talent .

this backlash would then be met with the addition of youngest member aaliyah , who was previously part of the rnb duo darling mine until her removal in 2017 . not only this , but ida also made sure to assure the public that vocal lessons had become a priority , and there would be noticeable improvement in the release of their next album . however , it would take a full year for the album to be released , and by then the hype for social suicide had died down significantly . so , in order to bring back attention the girls and get traction going once more , came a series of pr stunts and scandals . most notably , nana’s homewrecker scandal – which , to this day , is still unknown whether or not it was true or false . the rumours blew so large and out of proportion that it appeared minji would have to leave the group , but in a turn of events aaliyah announced she had officially terminated her contract with doellette .

soon after aaliyah’s departure came the release of their third album , soon followed by a hiatus . during this period of time , bae would model and release snippets of solo music , before her eventual solo debut mid - 2020 cemented her position as the most popular , as well as the most liked , member . her collaboration with aliyah on the album , which was titled an ode to odette , also garnered a lot of attention , finally bringing some positive publicity to social suicide’s otherwise turbulent career . as of 2021 , the group has gone back to making semi - regular releases and have managed to establish as large and steady , loyal fanbase .

⠀⠀⠀┄⠀⠀⠀% . THE OVERVIEW⠀⠀⠀

✮ —— COMPANY : DOELLETTE MEDIA

✮ —— ASSOCIATED ACTS : WORLD’S END , DAZED DAYS , PULP FICTION

✮ —— DEBUT DATE : NOVEMBER 23 , 2018

✮ —— DEBUT EP : LUXURY GOODS

✮ —— GREETING : MODERN MARTYRS , WE ARE SOCIAL SUICIDE

✮ —— FANDOM : SOCIALITES

⠀⠀⠀┄⠀⠀⠀% . THE LINEUP⠀⠀⠀

NAEUN ‘ NANA ’ MYEONG : lead vocalist ( 1996 )

PRIMROSE ‘ PRIM ’ RHA : leader , main rapper ( 1998 )

BAE MAKKI : main vocalist ( 1999 )

AALIYAH NKOSI : former main vocalist ( 2000 )

[iamnotawomanimagod]

My first* ranking of The Great Impersonator

*'Cause I'll definitely revisit this as time goes on!

Here's my current ranking of TGI, from favorite to least-favorite, with a tiny blurb of my thoughts for each.

Dog Years - This one really sunk its teeth in me. I love the metaphor, as brutal as it is. I love the dumb B+ and O blood type pun in the first verse. I can't get over the Jagger reference, for some reason, it's a real knife twist. The vocals suit the lyrics so well. It's bitter, heartbreaking, but stands out from the rest of the album because it sounds kind of sultry and cool the way other Halsey works do. It's a perfect blend of what makes this album, and Halsey's writing in general, so good.

Lonely is the Muse - When this song came out, I knew it would become one of my favorite Halsey songs of all time. That didn't change with the full album release. I love moody, dark, slightly goth Halsey. The fact that Evanescence/Amy Lee was the inspiration for this one gives it major bonus points, too. Long before Halsey entered the scene, Amy Lee was my first real obsession. I love the lyricism here, especially in the bridge/final verse. The way this song builds up until she's basically screaming at the end - sooo good, gives me goosebumps. I hope I get to see this one live some day.

Alice in the Upper Class - I have to reiterate that I'm SO mad this song isn't available on streaming. This is a really fun, chaotic rock song. Feels like being manic, in the best way possible. I love the lyrics, the beat, the guitars. I hope it comes out on streaming soon!

Arsonist - I had a feeling we might get some really juicy break-up songs that are probably about Alev. She went for his fucking throat. I also just love the vibe of this one. I think they nailed the Fiona Apple homage, I would've made that comparison anyway even if I hadn't seen the IG post. And haven't we all know an arrogant, narcissistic asshole who just wants to burn your life down?

Letter to God (1998) - All of the Letter to God songs are beautiful, and I think they're best examined as a trio. But if I had to pick my favorite, it's 1998. It's the culmination of the concept, and it's just a really sweet, heartbreaking song. I love that it's about her son. And the way she pleads with God is so desperate and heartfelt. I also just love the way it sounds. Really does remind me of some soft pop/rnb from the late 90s.

Life of the Spider (Draft) - I didn't think we would ever get a song that was more raw and personal than "More". This song is an aching, gaping, open wound. I'm almost surprised they released it. It's bitingly honest and so, so sad. How could someone have made her feel this way, when she was so sick? It makes me angry. But the song itself is so beautiful and so gut-wrenching.

Hurt Feelings - Probably one of the more relatable songs on the album, especially for those of us with daddy issues. The chorus is so sweet and refreshing. There's a quiet defiance in this song that I really like. Halsey hasn't really written extensively about their childhood or family before this album - except on "I forgive you" but that's unreleased so we don't count it. I was surprised at how honest they are about their struggles growing up on this album.

The End - Where this era started, for us. It's a very sad song, but I think I hear the sweetness in it now, more so than when it was a separate single from the album. It's vulnerable and soft. I love how their voice sounds, the layered harmonies, and the guitar melody. It's a warm blanket on a rainy day.

The Great Impersonator - This is another one where she really nailed the inspiration - Bjork. I love her voice, she's singing in ways she normally doesn't, which is fun. And the lightness of this song, while it's still sad, is much appreciated after how heavy the previous songs are. It feels tongue-in-cheek, a little flippant, but in a good way. Halsey has always had a sense of humor about themself, and I think this and "Ego" are the two songs on the album that feature that humor the most.

Only Living Girl in LA - I think this is a perfect introduction to the album. It also doesn't feel six minutes long, which is crazy. It goes on a journey, which is something I love in a song, and I really like the weird little production elements. All the background noises, extra voices, etc. Plus that "this is Halsey St" line immediately after the lyric that she has no name - love it. And the ending is really powerful.

Darwinism - Their voice sounds sooo gorgeous, ethereal, but I'm not big on the lyrics. Weirdly enough, on an album of almost painfully specific and personal references, I find the lyrics to be a little generic. It definitely resembles a Bowie song, though. I love the way it sounds, the composition and production are beautiful. It's one I think I can listen to more casually because the lyrics don't stab me directly in the heart. The "you all know something that I don't" bridge is haunting, though.

Ego - Turns out this is the most fun song on the album, especially without AITUC! I love the self-deprecating lyricism, and it's a fun little bop. I think it's actually pretty weak compared to the rest of the album, but it's a very fun radio song and great as a single. I like it more if I separate it from the album itself.

Letter to God (1974) - I really like how messy this one feels, how you can hear Halsey's producer (I think?) instructing the musicians on when to come in. How muted her vocals are. It feels like an interlude, which is part of why it rates a little lower. But it also starts the story of this trio of songs, and I think it sets really important context for 1983 and 1998.

Letter to God (1983) - I did see someone say that each version of Letter to God represents different versions of Halsey - child Ashley, Halsey as a performer, and Halsey now/as a mother. This is the performer version, and I do like it. But, much like 1974, it feels more like an interlude than a full song. It works best in the context of the other two. I also love the little reference to "Hurricane" in the first verse, talking about moving to Brookyln and a boyfriend with track marks.

I Believe in Magic - This song is really sweet. It's very telling to compare the song Halsey wrote for their mom versus the song they wrote for their dad, lol. But I think the production and instrumentals are a little boring, and I don't relate to the lyrics very much.

Hometown - This song is cute, but it doesn't do much for me. If it wasn't a Halsey song, I might not listen to it. I love the storytelling aspect, and I also like the "oooohs" after the chorus. It's just not my favorite genre and I don't think Halsey is strongest in it.

Lucky - I can finally admit that I've never really liked this song, lmfao. I think the concept is so, so good. The video was brilliant. And the Y2K Tiktok blitz was very fun, if a little long. But I just don't really like the song very much. I like that she made a very, very sad bubblegum pop song, but I don't enjoy bubblegum pop very much.

I Never Loved You - I'm not a huge fan of the production or the lyrics. Just doesn't hit me very hard. There are some good lines for sure, but overall I just find it kind of boring, especially compared to the rest of the album. And it feels very toothless when compared to the other songs that she (seemingly) wrote about Alev. Maybe it's not about him, Idk. Or maybe she wrote this song later in time, when they were a little more healed about it.

Panic Attack - This is the only song I've had a hard time getting through on the entire album. It's catchy. I get it. And I love the delivery of "you make me fucking nervous" and the pre-chorus is good. I do not like the rest of this song at all. I had a feeling that'd be true the moment we got the very first snippet of it.

Final thoughts!

I think there's a slightly shorter version of this album that I would have enjoyed more. That being said, some of the songs I would've cut act as moments of relief and respite on an otherwise very painful and heavy album. So they serve a purpose on the album itself, even if I'm not a huge fan of them personally.

But I don't think I will go out of my way to listen to Hometown, I Never Loved You, Lucky, I Believe in Magic, or Panic Attack very much.

The rest of the album is absolutely incredible though. Halsey has grown so much as a songwriter, storyteller, and vocalist. I see what they mean about this being Manic 2.0, or Manic with Badlands confidence. It's like Manic's older, wiser sister.

I do think I might continue to struggle with how sad it is. I love sad music, but I need to be in the right mindset for it. I can't put this album on casually the way I can the others. That might be less true over time, as the initial sting/shock of how personal and painful this album is wears off, but for right now, there are some songs that I'll have to avoid if I'm already feeling sad.

I'm so glad Halsey was able to make this record. It must have been very cathartic and therapeutic. And the fact that they were still around to make it at all is a miracle. I'm really excited to see a lot of these live, and curious about what the other bonus tracks will look like.

That's all for now!

[medullam]

Honeyz - End of the Line, ph. Uli Weber [1998]

[musictyme]

Maxwell - Luxury: Cococure

[shibuyaseoul]

Misia - つつみ込むように・・・(DAVE "EQ3" DUB MIX) genre: rnb / language: japanese / release date: 1998.06.24

Spotify☆Apple Music☆ Youtube

[chillwildwave]

Attention, 4*Townies… To fuel the anticipation for “Behind The Spotlight: The Reality of 4*Town”, I would like to share a Headcanon on Robaire and Aaron Z to hint out what to expect from my fan fiction. Without further a do, let’s get it!

So you know Ro and Z were originally going to have a career as a duo, well, during the year 1998, Robaire’s mother got them to release 3 of their singles which were “I’ll Be”, “Heaven” and “All For You” which was Ro’s favourite song from their upcoming album. But during the process, Aaron Z saw Robaire acting strange around his mother as if she’s the only one who he cares about the most: it was then noted that Z found out that Ro was trying his hardest to make his mom proud in order to be successful by hiding his flaws to provide a more “innocent” image towards his audience. This was when Z knew that he was messing up and needed to compare himself to Ro in order to get better.

An example of this was when they were recording “All For You” on October 2000, while recording in the studio, Aaron Z was told by Robaire to “loosen up” so that he doesn’t mess up, but he kept on doing it as this led to times when Z couldn’t record anymore due to his self-worth issue, when it was time for him to continue recording, he would often look at Ro as a reminder of being perfect just like him so that he could get the song right.

After all of this conflict, “I’ll Be” was released on October 1998, “Heaven” was released on January 2000 and “All For You” was released on March 2000, all of this singles actually did well as they managed to reach the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, but “All For You” was their most successful song as a duo when it peaked at number 2 on the Hot 100 and number 1 on the RnB Charts, it also did well overseas such as the UK, France, Netherlands, Japan, Korea, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark.

To further promote their singles, they performed it as a duo as part of their “Livin N Lovin Tour” of 2000 and also performed as the MTV VMAs, despite the performances being critically acclaimed, there was much more intense drama that went on behind the scenes…

And that’s my headcanon for today which is also what you’ll see on my fanfiction.

Now, before I leave, I would like to know, do you have a favourite single from Z and Ro, is it Heaven, All For You or I’ll Be? And why do you like it, could you picture them singing this song? What did you like about my headcanon, could you relate to Ro and Z’s struggles, and most importantly, what are you most excited about for my fanfiction? Reblog, comment or I’ll ask you questions to let me know your thoughts… Oh, don’t forget, leave a like below for more content or updates from me!