Levert - Casanova - US CDV - (1987)

Atlantic ‎– 7 81830-2, Atlantic ‎– 81830-2

This one takes me back! I was barely into double digits in age when I first heard it.

The Levert brothers are the sons of The O'Jays' founder and lead-singer Eddie Levert, and as a result, are something approaching R&B royalty. They released their debut album in 1985 

Gerald Levert was a Soul singer born in July 1966; Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. and died 10 November 2006 autopsy report concluded accidental overdose of prescription narcotics and over-the-counter drugs and pneumonia.

Sean Levert was born September 28, 1968 and sadly passed away March 30, 2008, 6 days after being admitted to jail (Cuyahoga County Correctional Facility). According to coroner's report his death was caused by complications from sarcoidosis, issues of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and withdrawal from Xanax. His wife won a lawsuit against Cuyahoga County and was awarded 4 million dollars.

Such a sad, sad end to a couple of legendary figures within the R&B scene.

What a great track! A true summertime jam for sure. And is it me, or do those drums sound a lot like the Bobby Brown Don't Be Cruel pattern?

This is the full original extended mix of Casanova, instead of the shorter edit that's been erroneously labelled on some compilations as 'extended'. 

It can be difficult to source so is shared with love and respect, as always. Also included is Throwdown and the regular, radio mix of Casanova.

Peace & luvizm x

Tracklist

1. Casanova (Extended Mix)
2. Throwdown
3. Casanova

Discogs page

Download: L-C.7z | Filesize: 53.5MB

Troop/Levert Featuring Queen Latifah ‎– For The Love Of Money / Living For The City (Medley) - US Promo CD Singles

Giant Records ‎– PRO-CD-4822

Kick the ballistics!

Keeping to our New Jack City theme and following on from the excellent Danny Madden - The Facts Of Life, we have another banger from the New Jack City soundtrack album, this time, two promo CD singles of Troop/Levert Featuring Queen Latifah ‎– For The Love Of Money / Living For The City (Medley).

Troop (an acronym for "Total Respect Of Other People") is an American R&B group from Pasadena, California. The group has had three number-one singles and ten top-ten singles on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, as well as five albums, which include three certified gold and one certified platinum album. 

LeVert was an American R&B vocal group from Cleveland, Ohio, United States.[1] Formed in 1983, LeVert was composed of Sean and Gerald Levert (sons of Eddie Levert, founder and lead singer of R&B/Soul vocal group O'Jays) and Marc Gordon. Levert would go on to release seven albums betweem 1985 and 1997. 

I'm really saddened to read that Gerald died of a heart attack due to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in November 2006. And Sean Levert died in March 2008, while serving time in the Cuyahoga County Jail, for failing to pay child support.

Soul Vendor salutes you, boys. Thanks for allo the amazing music. Rest in peace xxx

You all know this track, it's dope, and New Jack City opens to it, with that fabulous overhead shot looking down on the city as we focus on Nino Brown dangling one of his victim's off a rooftop. It's later sang acapella when we get that shot of Troop singing by a burning trash can keeping warm in the harsh grip of Nino Brown's crack winter.

I'm sure the drums are sampled from Teddy Riley's remix of Jane Child's 'Don't Wanna Fall in Love', although can't be entirely sure.

As cool as these mixes are, I'm sure they'll only be of interest to mixologists for the various breakdowns. I think on balance I prefer the original album cut.

Tracklist

1. For The Love Of Money / Living For The City (Medley) (Downtown Mix)
2. For The Love Of Money / Living For The City (Medley) (Uptown Mix)
3. For The Love Of Money / Living For The City (Medley) (Extended 12" Mix)

Discogs page

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Giant Records ‎– PRO-CD-4936

Mo' mixes here and I still think I just about prefer the original version on the album.

The Money Mix is quite different but lacks the original's punch to my ear, and not just because they've cut out Latifah's raps. The City Mix is essentially The Money Mix again but with Queen Latifah added back. The Cash Money Mix sounds the same again but is an extended/12" version.

Nino Brown's Mix is similar but different. It might be my pick of the mixes on this disc and yet I still prefer the other disc and the original album version above all else.

Still, they're worth having, if only to hear different takes on a classic.

Tracklist

1. For The Love Of Money / Living For The City (Medley) (Money Mix)
2. For The Love Of Money / Living For The City (Medley) (City Mix) (With Rap)
3. For The Love Of Money / Living For The City (Medley) (Cash Money Mix)
4. For The Love Of Money / Living For The City (Medley) (Nino Brown's Mix)

Discogs page

Download: TL+QL-FTLOM.7z | Filesize: 80.8MB