If it doesn’t feel like 90’s R&B…

There is a saying that goes “If it doesn’t feel like 90’s R&B I don’t want it.”  As crazy as it seems I’ve lived by this most of my adult life. At a very young age, I was introduced to the music of the times that came before me and also to the music of the 90’s that provided the soundtrack to my younger years and attached itself to many emotions.

Early on I began to relate what I was hearing to what I was feeling and what I was feeling to what I was hearing. Music has a funny way of evoking emotions that remained stagnant or filling up a space you didn’t even know was void. As a child, I saw how happy a song would make the adults around me. I saw how at gatherings they would grab their parter, a lover or spouse and smile brightly while reciting lyrics softly in each others ear.

In my 10 year old eyes this was love. For me, these types of moments defined how someone felt for their partner. These pockets of memories provided insight into the hearts of those dancing around me. Each song that would play would be curated for each special moment that if only for a second stopped time where it was.

The permeating emotions in the room served as a moment that remains frozen in my memories. Etched onto my heart in a way that almost has me delusional. The mental pictures and feelings I have from that time bring warmth when I feel my heart turn cold, bring joy when sadness sneaks it’s way in, and bring comfort when the sting of heartache almost seems unbearable.

When I think of love, I think of Wanya and the boys crooning “On Bended Knee”, I think of Total smoothly describing what it’s like “Kissin’ You", and Brownstone telling you to let me know “If You Love Me.” There’s no better feeling than what or who comes to mind when you hear your favorite song from an era.

There’s nothing better than when you’re riding along I- 75 in 75 degree weather with the windows down belting your feel good anthem. It’s my hope that as you listen to your favorite R&B playlist you’re reminded of your perfect someone, moment or thing. That you feel a warmth of happiness that’s indescribable. That it feels like old school R&B… smooth, in sync, and rooted in love

In all ways & in all things,

Let go & Let Love

-Tee