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If you looked up "New-Jack Swing" in the dictionary, you'd see Guy. Comprised of Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Damion Hall, this seminal R&B trio was the first group to sport the new jack swing sound: essentially traditional soul vocals melded to hip-hop beats. Released in 1988, their self-titled debut album had some sweet Slow Jams, including Piece Of My Love and Goodbye Love--these songs had great lyrics and amazing production. The rest of the CD's uptempo jams were also memorable, and probably some of the best New Jack songs of the era. Songs like Teddy's Jam and Groove Me still make me bob my head today. Meanwhile, Riley found himself in strong demand as a |
songwriter and producer; in 1988, Riley produced Bobby Brown's Don't Be Cruel, the album that helped new jack swing cross over into the pop mainstream. Riley also worked with Kool Moe Dee, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Keith Sweat, Jane Child, and SWV, among others. In between albums, Guy contributed songs to the soundtracks of Do the Right Thing and New Jack City. 1990 brought Guy's second album, The Future, which featured one of the hottest Slow Jams in history--Let's Chill. Let's Chill was one of the smoothest love songs of all time; a song about settling down with that special woman. The song still gives me goosebumps to this day. Other great songs on The Future included Guy's remake of The Gap Band's Yearning For Your Love, and new jack classics Wanna Get With U and Do Me Right, featuring Heavy D. However, by the time Riley and Guy finally started to attract media attention for their innovative and influential work, the trio had broken up. Riley concentrated on his production and songwriting career for several years before forming the band Blackstreet, with vocalists Chauncey "Black" Hannibal, Dave Hollister, and Levi Little. The quartet released a self-titled debut in 1994. Aaron Hall released his solo debut, The Truth, in 1993; brother Damion followed in 1994 with Straight to the Point. Guy reunited in 1999, issuing Guy III early the following year, but the album was a major disappointment. Hopefully the "guys" of Guy will drop another project one day, reminiscent of their classic work. Until then we'll keep Guy alive on Sunday Nite Slow Jams!
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R Dub's Guy picks...
4favorite album: Guy
4favorite song: Let's Chill
4favorite lyric: (from Let's Chill) "I’m so happy, to have you here, standing right by my side...is it a dream, or reality...If it’s a fantasy, please don’t wake me" |
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