Jodeci, Jodeci, Jodeci. I have to admit I have a 90s R&B blind spot. I mean, they were broken up by the time I was in second grade, and at that point in my life I would have been scared off by their intimidating bad boy theatrics and into the safe and cozy comforts of Boyz II Men anyway. After all, Jodeci were the bad boys of R&B, whether it was the rumors of drug abuse, the threats to leave Uptown for Death Row, or K-Ci and Mary J. Blige's infamous abusive relationship. Frankly, I was too young for that much drama. I much preferred completely missing all the references to prostitution and casual sex on "CrazySexyCool" at that time, anyway.
However, I do remember "Feenin'," since I seem recall the lunch hour DJ at KDWB being mildly obsessed with it, even as late as 1998. Looking at this from a historical point of view, I think this is where the love affair between me and vocorders began. And we all know that's a relationship built on a solid foundation of everlasting wonderment and respect. On to the show!
Things to Note:
* Let's make some apologies first. I'm sorry for the opening. I wish we could just ignore Snoop Dogg, the weed smoke, the malt liquor, and the derogatory female slang. This is not "Ain't Nothing But a G-Thang," people. My mother is reading this.
* However, I am not apologizing for the third (!) part (AKA: The instrument destruction) of the intro since:
a) it shows that Jodeci was actually a BAND
and
b) it further validates my theory that kicking over drum sets and smashing guitars automatically makes one look as foolish as they do when they attempt to run with a backpack on.
* I know what you're all thinking: N'Sync totally jacked this concept, right? However, instead of prancing around in silk pajamas and pining over Amber from "Clueless," Jodeci are dealing with electric chairs and disturbing sadomasochistic visions. And I really don't think JC Chasez ever had to deal with Kim "Diddy's Baby Mama" Porter appearing as if from ETHER to haunt him, either. They suffer hard.
* I think head tremors and male R&B singers are mutually exclusive. I would like to have a directed study on this.
*I am a little uncomfortable that the prison code "8466-Feenin'" may be trying to draw an allusion to Nelson Mandela's own "46664" code. As much as I recognize that this girl has them feenin' worse than drugs, I am still unwilling to equate their strife with apartheid. But I COULD be convinced.
* 2:10 "I don't want ma damn breakfast!"
* I am actually highly disturbed by the guy at 4:00 with the pacifier in his mouth. I think he is the same guy in Busta Rhymes "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" video who is painted in glow in the dark green and puffs his cheeks at the end. LITERALLY QUITE TERRIFYING.
* On the other hand, I find the dance between 2:19 to 2:24 to be a hauntingly chilling portrait of mental illness. Or maybe I just think it's funny.
* I appreciate that despite being in an insane asylum, they still find the time to harmonize around a piano. Even if they are flanked by an overweight man in a diaper and a nurse being attacked. I would like to see Boyz II Men or Al B. Sure attempt that.
*Did you know that being electrocuted brings you into an alternate reality populated by wildflowers and upside down women in leather dresses? They left that part out of "The Green Mile."
* 4:50 speaks for itself, doesn't it?
and now, some YOUTUBE COMMENT HIGHLIGHTS:
"Is devante eyes brown, if anybody know can you please send me a message. " (2 years later, and this girl has not gotten her answer.) :(
"sometimes I think of life as a video game...when you die you start over to the beginng...and sometimes I think if I die then I would be born again...then it will be the 90'z again...but I'm just crazy" (SCREENPLAY IDEA!!!!!)
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