STATE OF R&B

As I sit here jamming Jodeci's classic 1991 album Forever My Lady I seriously want to shed a tear. I know Tavis Smiley has his "State of the Black Union" that he holds annually, but for real someone needs to have a "State of R&B" conference so we can figure exactly what the hell happened to good music. We need to get to the bottom of this quick and come up with a plot to rid the industry of all these so-called R&B singers who can't even carry a tune.

The 90s were a great time for R&B. You had Whitney, Mariah, Anita, Jodeci, TLC, Brandy, Aaliyah, Boyz II Men, R. Kelly (cannot deny his impact in the 90s), and the list goes on.

JODECI - 'FOREVER MY LADY'

These guys really popularized wearing combat boots with just about any outfit back in the day.

STEPHEN “STATIC MAJOR” GARRETT - (1976-2008)

Songwriter/artist/producer Stephen "Static Major" Garrett, died unexpectedly on February 25th, 2008 in his hometown of Louisville Kentucky. He was 32.
The cause of death is under investigation. It is being reported that the cause of death may have been from an allergic reaction (a brain aneurysm) brought on from a shot given to him for a persistent flu virus.

I'm so sad right now. 'Cheers 2 U' has been one of my favorite songs since '98. I want to send my condolences to Static's family and friends. Rest in paradise brother.

Songwriting/production highlights (just some of Static's brilliant work)

* 1996: "Pony" for Ginuwine
* 1998: "Cheers 2 U" for Playa
* 1998: "Are You That Somebody?" for Aaliyah
* 1998: "Same Ol' G" for Ginuwine
* 1999: "Eyes Better Not Wander" for Nicole Wray
* 1999: "So Anxious" for Ginuwine
* 2000: "Say My Name (Timbaland's Remix)" for Destiny's Child
* 2000: "Try Again" for Aaliyah
* 2000: "Come Back In One Piece" for Aaliyah (featuring DMX)
* 2001: "We Need a Resolution" for Aaliyah
* 2001: "More Than a Woman" for Aaliyah
* 2002: "Addictive" for Truth Hurts
* 2002: "Don't Know What to Tell Ya" for Aaliyah
* 2002: "Erica Kane" for Aaliyah
* 2004: "Come as You Are" for Brandy
* 2006: "Tell Me" for Diddy (featuring Christina Aguilera)
* 2007: "On the Hotline" for Pretty Ricky
* 2007: "Juicy" for Pretty Ricky

PLAYA - 'CHEERS 2 U'