Welcome to SoulMatters' Rare Grooves Section. Read extended reviews and commentary pieces on some of the best rock, reggae, gospel, soul, hip-hop, jazz, and funk albums of the 20th Century.
Mtume, “Juicy Fruit”
Epic Records
In 1978, the group Mtume, led by its founder James Mtume, signed with Epic Records. Up until then, they were lost in a shuffle of dozens of R&B funk bands. Then in 1982, everything changed. With the release of the album Juicy Fruit, and the self-titled single, Mtume forever cemented a place among most DJs classic jam lists.
People of a certain age remember this song and the accompanying video, but a lot of others associate the timeless hook “You know very well..What you are..You’re my sugar thing..My chocolate star” with Notorious B.I.G.’s song "Juicy" from his 1994 album, Ready to Die. Don’t get it wrong, that song is also a timeless hip-hop classic, but the original is what started it all. Keyshia Cole also used the Mtume sample on her 2007 hit, "Let It Go" featuring Missy Elliot and Lil’ Kim.
Here’s a flashback to the video that started it all. Hopefully you'll be able to see where Biggie's hit "Juicy" and Cole's "Let it Go" used Mtume's sample.
Enchantment, “Gloria”
Roadshow Records
When people talk about classic R&B groups from the ‘70s several names come to mind: The Stylistics, The O’Jays, Earth Wind & Fire, are a few of them. Enchantment is one of those classic groups that might not be on the tip of everyone’s tongue today, but back in 1976 when their hit song “Gloria” came out, it sure was something to talk about.
Comprised of Emanuel (EJ) Johnson, David Banks, Joe (Jobie) Thomas, Ed (Mickey) Clanton and Bobby Green, this five-piece vocal group formed in Detroit, Michigan back in 1966. While they label jumped for several years, it was not until they signed a deal with United Artists’ Roadshow Records label and recorded their self-entitled debut album that the group became successful.
“Gloria” was the second single off their debut and what a release! Without a doubt, this song captures the essence of the period. It is beautifully romantic and mystifyingly enchanting. R&B artists of today simply can’t be compared to the likes of this group. The craftsmanship and professionalism of Enchantment speaks for itself, and this is the reason we consider them and “Gloria” to be a rare, and unforgettable groove.
Don’t take our word for it, here’s a classic video performance of Enchantment’s “Gloria”.
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