FAITH 20

By David Jordan Jr

The cliché “perfect timing” is often used; many times it is warranted and then sometimes it just seems like the right thing to say in regard to a specific event or occurrence.  A new face, new voice and a new sound meshed with a newly launched record label manufactured perfect timing for a new era in the sound and landscape of R&B. August 29, 2015 was the 20^th anniversary of the world’s formal introduction to then Bad Boy recording artist, singer Faith Evans. R&B music was beginning to vary at that point in time as more and more hip hop was beginning to be infused into the R&B music; first with the samples from hip hop and then with the use of hip hop artists in many of the songs. In the years prior to Faith signing with Bad Boy Records, Mary J. Blige and Jodeci were two of the first R&B acts to fully draw in not only a R&B audience but also a hip hop audience as well. This fact also merits one common denominator; Sean Combs a.k.a. Puff Daddy, a.k.a. Diddy, a.k.a P. Diddy, a.k.a Puffy. Puff Daddy was the illustrator of the blueprint that shaped Jodeci and Mary J. Blige and introduced the world totally to hip hop and R&B. By 1993 Combs had launched his own record label, Bad Boy Records and was slowly, yet steadily building a catalog of hit songs and talented artists. Faith had previously worked with Combs on the production of Mary J. Blige’s “My Life” album by adding background vocals,  thus allowing the meshing to begin early for the lady that would eventually become the first lady of Bad Boy. “Faith” allowed the entire world to hear not only a new voice, but a new sound as this album was solely a product of Bad Boy and its production from the legendary production team “The Hitmen.” Smooth sultry vocals from Evans, crisp production with deep bass lines in the album allowed for not only a memorable debut album, but an album full of heartfelt songs that easily stand the test of time. Another factor that ended up playing a major role in the legacy of this album is the courtship and eventual marriage between Faith Evans and Christopher Wallace better known as The Notorious B.I.G. At the time of their marriage, the world of music and entertainment  was as captivated with their union as they world is presently captivated by the marriage of JaY-z and Beyonce.  With the release of every single from her album, speculation came about in regard as to whether her songs were in regard to her husband or whether they were just a song. The first single released from the album, “You Used To Love Me” went certified gold; adding to the song was the video which featured her B.I.G. playing the role of radio station disc jockey and capturing even more listeners. As with many albums, some of the greatest songs are not even released as singles but are left for the listener to discover as jewels placed in the middle of other great songs. One of my favorite songs from the album is “Give It To Me” as smooth groove that incorporates a sample from Tyrone Davis’s 1979 hit song “In The Mood.”  The credibility of the greatness of “Give It To Me” can be seen in this clip as basketball legend Michael Jordan is cruising on the way to a game playing this song in his vehicle.

The history between Faith Evans and Mary J. Blige was revisited on this album as they collaborated on “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” a remake of the classic by Rose Royce. Any song that is remade has a certain level of expectation to live up to and can definitely not drop below this standard; Evans & Blige upheld the standard while at the same time adding their unique sound to this song thus making it uniquely their own. “Soon As I Get Home” was and still is a song that touches the soul of any person that listens to it. The defining song off of her debut, “Soon As I Get Home” is a song that resonates with any person that has or is in a relationship that is trying to maintain and build the relationship. The lyrics are effective in their simplicity and the vocals of not only Faith but of her background singers as well make this song that much deeper and impactful. 20 years later at any of her concerts when she performs this song for the audience the anticipations, enthusiasm and love for this song is just as great and even stronger than it was when the album was in 1995.

Longevity and relevance is what defines greatness and success in the world of music. Since her debut album was released in 1995, Faith Evans has released five studio albums and two compilation albums, in addition to being featured on the songs and albums of many other artists. The sincereness of Faith Evans in her music is heard in her lyrics and this is the thing that has allowed her to maintain and even increase her fan base. People love to listen to artists that they can relate to and the fact that Faith Evans uses her music as a platform to not only share her life, but to also inspire others to keep pushing forward is what life is all about; FAITH.