JAGGED EDGE

This group may not be deemed by many as ‘old school’, but their first album Jagged Era was actually released in the 90s (1998).

Twins Brandon and Brian Casey, Richard Wingo and Kyle Norman were discovered by Kandi Burruss from Xscape. She introduced them to Jermaine Dupri, who signed them to his So So Def imprint on Columbia Records in the mid 90s. JE came about at the right time, as after the likes of Jodeci and Boyz II Men faded from the spotlight there wasn’t really an r&b group which combined great voices with well-written timeless love songs. But JE bought that back in the late 90s – they were up on their songwriting too – and I am certainly thankful. In this post I gotta talk about the first two albums mainly as they are the oldest and more importantly my favourites.

But before I do, I must say I am so excited that the boys are coming back here later this month (Sunday March 21st), to do a one off show at the IndigO2.

And to show appreciation to everyone who has supported this blog over the last three months, I have a pair of tickets… yes, just ONE pair (lol!) of tickets to give away.

To be in with a chance of winning them for you and a partner or friend to see the guys live, in what I know will be an amazing show, just answer this simple question:

Name one of JE’s hit songs?

Please send answers with a name and a contact phone number to: info@imisstheoldschool.com

Competition closes 6pm Wednesday 17th March, 2010, when the winner will be chosen at random and contacted. COMP NOW CLOSED

Now back to business…. There were lots of great songs on Jagged Era, including the Gap Band remake Wednesday Lover, but my number one joint on the gold-selling disc, and a general fave of mine, is Gotta Be, the group’s first ‘hit.

It is such a beautiful,sincere and pure song, and you don’t hear much of that these days. A lot of male singers wanna talk about ‘inventing sex’, divorce papers and all sorts. Lol! And I ain’t mad at them for that, as I definitely enjoy those songs too, but I guess at heart I am a bit of an old romantic and there is something about tracks like Gotta Be that just do it for me more than any desperate to induce an orgasm-theme tune ever can!

The song is also very memorable for the video – the original video that is, which features a young Destiny’s Child as the four love interests – that’s original members LaTavia Robertson and LeToya Luckett, as well as Kelly Rowland and Beyonce Knowles - who were JE’s label mates at the time. This particular video (below), which features Beyonce getting soaking wet with one of the members of the group (!), is VERY rarely shown. I think this has something to do with some contractual issues with DC, as a totally different video was also shot afterwards, and that is the one that usually gets aired. You know Mathew Knowles don’t play.

Speaking of Mathew, I remember interviewing Jagged Edge back in the day on one of their first trips to the UK. At the time the twins were dating LeToya and LaTavia from the group, which they were very open about. They also spoke some speak about how Matthew allegedly went on behind the scenes. But due to liable I couldn’t print it in the newspaper I was working for back then, and I sure ain’t gonna reveal it here now! I don’t want Mathew suing my ass with no company lawyer to have my back! lol! That interview was fire though. Must dig out the tape.

JE Heartbreak (2000), named after the New Edition album NE Heartbreak, is one of the best modern r&b albums of the last ten years. This album is as complete an album as you could wish for. The kind of album you could spend money on today and not be mad when your friend tells you that she/he downloaded it illegally, the day after! lol! And those kind of albums are rare in this day and age of ‘free’ music.

From wedding anthem Let’s Get Married, the soothing He Can’t Love You, the delicate What you Tryna Do, the jiggy Keys To The Range and my favourite… the gorgeous Promise, there is so much to enjoy. Just writing this reminds me how in love with this album I am! Even the opening hook Heartbreak is hot! The tight harmonies make you wish it was a full song that goes on forever. But enough of my gushing. Below is a selection of timeless singles from the multi-platinum set. Enjoy.