Urban Thought Collective

The original bad boys. You know them. You love them. You were maybe even freeked by them? Yep I’m talking about Jodeci. The Mad Band. Honestly, I think they’re the last great R&B group. If you think about it, that’s ridiculous, because their last album was released THIRTEEN years ago. Say what you want, but these guys were talented. They released two definitely classic albums and one debatably classic? That’s one fine pedigree if you ask me. Now, the smart aleck in me wants to link to pics of the group.

“COME AND TALK TO ME (REMIX)”
“Talk to me baby.” Hmmm. The eternal debate. Which version is better? This one or the original? Both versions have their pros and cons, but I have to go with the remix. I just think the remix has a better groove. Plus, the video has half naked chicks so you really can’t go wrong there. What? Me objectifying? OK, I’ll make up for it in just a second.

“LOVE U 4 LIFE”
“Girl I keep on falling…” Ahh, black love. How can you not love this video? I have no overwhelming, pressing need to get married, but this video makes me a big ole softie. Who wouldn’t want to have their wedding outside, in the courtyard of a freaking mansion? Ladies this is my tender side, it only comes out once every three months. Anyway, the only thing I don’t like about this video is DeVante’s hair. I still don’t know what the Hell he was going for. That thing scares the bejeezus out of me to this day.

“FREEK ‘N YOU”
“What must I do?” The 1st day of sophomore year my roommate played this album on a loop for the ENTIRE day. Thanks Samario! I haven’t been able to get this song out of my head for the last 13 years. DEVANTE SING!!!

“FEENIN’”
“Without a doubt. You know you’ve got me strung out.” Wow. Diary Of A Mad Band was like the soundtrack of 12th grade. The first side is just…well if you were there you know what I’m talking about. “Classic” doesn’t really accurately describe that vibe. I definitely don’t miss going to high school, but I do miss that vibe.

“GET ON UP”
“Everybody grab somebody.” Ain’t nothing but a party ya’ll. Nice change up from the freeky boys. Seriously, isn’t this the perfect groove for a block party or family reunion? I can just see my Uncle Rabbit trying to cut a rug to this jam, showing us youngins how it was done back in the day. Plus, I absolutely adore the video. More videos should be shot in black & white. Thelma, your task for December is to get more video directors to shoot in B&W. Can you handle that, my dear? lol

Diallo Tyson is a filmmaker, comedian and old school music junkie. When he’s not busy, he is a rapper with the group “Two Pimps and a Dream.” Step into a groovin’ time machine every week on UTC.