Silk - Hooked On You - (1995)

Elektra ‎– EKR212CD, Elektra ‎– 7559-66055-2

Discovered by Keith Sweat, Silk are an American R&B group, formed in 1989 in Atlanta, Georgia. They are best known for their 1993 hit single, "Freak Me", which reached number-one on the US Billboard Hot 100. They've had a string of other hits, but this one is my favourite.

There are a suite of remixes on here but the Original Extended Mix is by far the best to my ears. 

We start with DJ Clark Kent's mix, sampling Isaac Hayes' A Few More Kisses to Go, no doubt inspired by Redman's use of the sample.

Next up are the Trackmasters, and while I normally find them a little formulaic for my tastes, this is a surprisingly good mix.

The Chucklife mix is kinda boring to me so moving on quickly to The Trackmasters Hip Hop mix, which features Foxy Brown and Tyme dropping a bar each.

Which all brings us back to the highlight of this CD for me, the Original Extended Mix; simply perfect. I love those Ironside style sirens!

All in all, this was a really great value CD, packed with multiple versions. I'd have liked an acapella but I've lost count how often I say that!

Enjoy!

Tracklist

1. Hooked On You (Radio Edit)
2. Hooked On You (D.J. Clark Kent Remix Edit)
3. Hooked On You (Trackmasters Remix)
4. Hooked On You (Chucklife Remix)
5. Hooked On You (Trackmasters Hip-Hop Remix)
6. Hooked On You (Original Extended Mix)

Download: S-HOY.7z | Filesize: 62.4MB

Monica - Before You Walk Out Of My Life - (1996)

Arista Records / Rowdy Records - 74321 37404 2

320 Re-Up!! Originally posted 01/04/2012

Monica Denise Arnold (born October 24, 1980), professionally known as Monica, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and occasional actress. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Arnold was a member of Charles Thompson and the Majestics, a traveling 12-piece gospel choir prior to signing a solo recording contract with Arista Records in 1995, at the tender age of just 15.

In 1991, Monica was discovered by music producer Dallas Austin at the Center Stage auditorium in Atlanta performing Whitney Houston 1986’s Greatest Love of All. Amazed by her voice, Dallas offered her a record deal with his Arista Records-distributed label Rowdy Records and consulted rapper Queen Latifah to work as Monica’s first manager. Shortly afterwards Dallas and then staff producers 

Tim & Bob entered the studio with Monica to start writing and producing her debut Miss Thang which was eventually released in July 1995 and scored number thirty-six on the U.S. Billboard 200 and number seven on the Top R&B Albums chart. It was certified triple platinum by the RIAA for more than three million store-shipped copies and produced three top ten singles, including debut single Don’t Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days) and this track, Before You Walk Out Of My Life, both of which made Monica the youngest artist ever to have two consecutive chart-topping hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. 

Miss Thang subsequently won Monica a Billboard Music Award and garnered her an American Music Award nomination in the Favorite Soul/R&B New Artist category.

Let's not muck around here - I just can't get past that awesome Pete Rock Remix. That was my feeling back in the day and I've not changed my mind since.

There's not a bad version on this CD, and there really isn't a lot to chose from between the remaining three mixes, but, trust me, head straight for the Pete Rock Remix. Why would you need anything else??


Kymba :)

Tracklist

1. Before You Walk Out Of My Life (Radio Edit)
2. Before You Walk Out Of My Life (Pete Rock Remix)
3. Before You Walk Out Of My Life (Tony Rich Remix)
4. Before You Walk Out Of My Life (Mike Dean Remix)

Download: M-BYWOOML.7z | Filesize: 41.7MB