Before they were dismissing a “Bug a Boo” for not paying the “Bills, Bills, Bills,” declaring their independence, or quoting Biggie to dish out reminders that “UPS is hiring,” Destiny’s Child made it clear they did not have the time for mess junk. On “Get on the Bus,” the budding divas slide atop a slinky Timbaland-produced, Missy Elliot-penned track that foreshadowed the best that was yet to come. With Beyoncé and Kelly taking turns to deliver some sass-filled verses, Timbaland’s whiny boyfriend character never stood a chance. Here, it became very clear: somebody could send your luggage.

Watch the “Get on the Bus” video, stream it, or get a coveted vinyl single.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post 97 Words: “Get on the Bus” by Destiny’s Child appeared first on THE 97.

Now, a xylophone might sound a bit elementary, but baby, it was simple. Whitney broke things down real easy just to be SURE the math was mathing!

“It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” was an iconic moment in Houston’s career. Her 1998 album “My Love Is Your Love” marked a stylistic shift, proving she could still fit within evolving trends in pop. She also showcased a bit more of her magnetic personality. The R&B anthem, produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, was equally empowering, and a huge hit — especially in gay clubs thanks to its iconic Thunderpuss dance remix.

In celebration of Whitney’s 60th birthday, and the 25th anniversary of “My Love Is Your Love,” the album has been reissued on vinyl.

Check out the Amazon exclusive clear vinyl with “white whisps” 2LP edition:

Watch the iconic “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” video, stream the album version, or the Thunderpuss club mix.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

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Reading is fundamental. Online, we often skip reading the “terms and conditions” before using apps and websites. However, IRL they’re a must, just like on the lead single from Mahalia’s sophomore album “IRL.” On the aptly-titled anthem, “Terms and Conditions,” she serves up a manifesto on how she expects to be treated by any potential man. Like her duet with JoJo, it harkens back to early aughts R&B, managing to sound invitingly familiar yet not reductive. On this mid-tempo groove, Mahalia channels the era both lyrically and sonically, delivering an empowering message with an authentic, soulful sound.

Watch the “Terms and Conditions” video, stream it, or order the “IRL” vinyl.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

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Sometimes a song is so good it has to hit twice. Entering summer 2023 as the #1 song on pop radio, Miguel’s 2010 hit “Sure Thing” has outperformed its original chart run thanks to becoming a viral sensation on TikTok. The metaphor-laden, guitar-driven R&B track sounds as fresh today as it did in 2010 with its chopped and screwed hook, guitar riffs, and the endearingly sweet melody sung by a passionate, then-25-year-old Miguel. “Sure Thing” created the formula for later, bigger hits like “Adorn,” and “#Beautiful” with Mariah Carey. This summer, one thing is sure: Miguel’s career is hotter than ever.

Watch the music video below, stream “Sure Thing” or grab some Miguel vinyl

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here.

The post 97 Words: “Sure Thing” by Miguel appeared first on THE 97.

Summertime is for sun, sand, and a So So Def remix. In the 90s, Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri never failed to deliver on the latter, and the “My All/Stay Awhile” remix, is no exception. A sexy summery mash-up of Mariah’s 13th #1 and the R&B classic “Stay a Little While, Child,” the track features Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz, a then up-and-coming rap duo from the Bronx, as Carey effortlessly glides between verses from both songs atop the Loose Ends sampled beat. While Carey’s now-classic Latin-inspired ballad was already steamy, this club-ready mix really made it swelter.

Watch the “My All/Stay Awhile” video, stream it, or buy Mariah’s “Butterfly” or “The Remixes” album.

The post 97 Words: “My All/Stay Awhile” by Mariah Carey appeared first on THE 97.

Beyoncé reunites with her #2 musical husband Kendrick Lamar for another surprise remix. For the pair’s third collaboration and third “RENAISSANCE” remix, Beyoncé takes another page from the 90s playbook by tacking a rap verse on the infectious “AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM.” Lamar rides the beat immaculately, bringing us back to 2023 to dish out some strong words for A.I. and embrace his second-place ranking behind Beyoncé’s actual husband on Billboard’s Best Rappers list (“rightfully so,” he says). Though he knows his place in that relationship, he should reconsider crowning himself “an honorary Beyhive” given the Hive’s polarized reaction.

Stream “AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM” here, order Beyoncé’s “RENAISSANCE” vinyl, or get those RENAISSANCE World Tour tickets.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here.

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VOLUME 1, Curated by John

Hang some holly, string up those lights and start caroling! Christmas time is officially here, which means it’s now socially acceptable to play all the holiday jams you’ve wanted to hear for the past year. Listen along to some yuletide classics like Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” Wham’s “Last Christmas,” and of course, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” mixed with some buried gems (Luther Vandross’s “Every Year, Every Christmas”) and obscure covers of Christmas classics (Celine Dion’s “Blue Christmas” – it’s the background vocals for me). Be merry, be bright and sing loud!

Listen to John’s 97 Minutes of Christmas Playlist

The post Playlist: 97 Minutes of Christmas, Vol. 1 appeared first on THE 97.

It’s almost expected that when a much-hyped diva duet finally drops, it may result in some disappointment. “Rain on Me,” Lady Gaga’s second single from Chromatica and hotly anticipated duet with Ariana Grande, falls victim to this unwritten law of Pop duets.

The song isn’t bad; it’s just… there. The 90s House beat begs for empowering lyrics and powerful vocals. Instead, it barely has verses and lacks the vocal acrobatics expected from this pairing.

Au contraire, in the visual, the duo delivered a serve of looks, drama and theatrics that can surely turn it into a hit.

Watch Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande’s “Rain On Me” video:

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“What Have You Done For Me Lately?” was the first single from Control and acted as the introduction to the all-new Janet. It served as a sampler, a taste of what was to come, hinting at the themes of independence, feminism, and control, it was just the right mix to set the era off. The single found a frustrated Janet chiding her boyfriend for his lack of effort in their relationship. Its video was a cinematic, Paula Abdul-choreographed game-changer. Her first true hit, it established Janet as a pop star and a leader in female empowerment music.

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