There are many tours to choose from this summer: Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, New Edition, SZA, and more. But if you need your ’90s R&B fix, long no further than the Summer Block Party with Jodeci (DeVante Swing, Mr. Dalvin, K-Ci, and JoJo), SWV (Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George, and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons), and Dru Hill (Sisqó, Jazz, Nokio, and Tao). While the official dates have not been announced, they plan to rock the United States and Canada.
To get you ready, here are six songs — and one bonus track — we must hear from the R&B legends.
Jodeci’s “Forever My Lady”
While “Gotta Love” was the first single from their 1991 debut album, it was the second single, “Forever My Lady,” that put the group in R&B superstardom and is a must at any Jodeci concert. Written by Al B. Sure! and DeVante Swing, the ballad became the quartet’s first no. 1 hit, spending two weeks on top of Billboard’s R&B chart. See the original music video above.
Dru Hil’s “Never Make a Promise”
Fans will certainly be waiting to hear “Never Make a Promise.” With Larry “Jazz” Anthony singing lead, the song was released in 1997 and stayed in it’s no. 1 spot on the R&B charts for four weeks. Penned by one of the most popular songwriters of the 1990s, Darryl Simmons, the song peaked at no. 7 on the U.S. pop chart. “Never Make a Promise” is an R&B classic, reminisce above with the music video directed by Frank Sacramento.
SWV’s “Weak”
Arguably their most famous song, SWV’s third single from their debut album has become an essential on any slow jams playlists. Songwriter Brian Alexander Morgan wrote the track because of a crush he had on singer Chante Moore. In 1993, the single topped the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts for two weeks and has sold over 3 million copies. Prepare for SWV to bring the house down with this ballad.
Jodeci’s “Freek’n You”
This is definitely a classic baby making track from the group’s 1995 third studio album, The Show, the After Party, the Hotel. Written and produced by DeVante Swing, the song dropped in June 1995 and peaked at no. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the group’s fourth rop 40 hit. We definitely can’t wait for K-Ci to belt out the unforgettable riffs and runs on this song.
Dru Hill’s “In My Bed”
“In My Bed” became the group’s first no. 1 R&B hit in 1997. With Sisqo on lead, the song about infidelity also charted at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. When Dru Hill starts singing this power ballad, expect the crown to go crazy. See the music video above, which includes a twist that was ahead of its time for the 1990s.
SWV’s “Downtown”
SWV is known for big hits like “I’m So Into You,” “Anything” and “Weak,” but hardcore fans love their NSFW song “Downtown.” For years, Coko refused to sing the song due to her religious upbringing but we did get a taste of the track during their Verzuz special with X-Scape. In recent years, the song has gotten credit for being sex-positive. We can only hope Coko will have no shame in taking us “Downtown” for the block party.
Sisqo’s “Thong Song”
While 1999’s “Thong Song” was released when Sisqo was solo, the club-banger is a necessity from the Dru Hill frontman. Co-written by Sisqo, the song charted at Billboard Hot 100 and who can forget the track’s catchy chorus, “She had dumps like a truck, truck, truck / Thighs like what, what, what / Baby move your butt, butt, butt / I think I’ll sing it again.” In case you forgot, see above.
