Dear 90's Music,
Once upon a time I stayed up every night in anticipation for what new and old videos you had in store for me. From Video Soul to The Box you managed to keep me engaged, something that I can't say the same regarding these lack luster videos I see today. Whatever came on, I knew I was in for a treat. From Boyz II Men to Brownstone to Zhane to Az Yet, every R & B or Hip Hop group or artist was my favorite at any given moment. Although my parents didn't understand our bond, I didn't care. You were all I listened to and played. My mom always told me if she caught you in her car, she would throw you out the window but I hid you very well. How I miss those days.
What happened to the melodies and in tuned harmonies that great groups of your era belted out? Gone are the days of artists full of substance and individuality that you produced. Your music made surviving high school and my teen years so much easier. Your songs didn’t just appear on movie soundtracks but provided me the soundtrack of my life. Every song had a story, a purpose and got me either thinking good thoughts or helped me through a situation. I looked forward to Tuesday’s because I knew something new was on the horizon and although I purchased music in the form of a cassette, I showed my cassettes the same love I would show a CD (compact disc). I remember playing Groove Theory’s “Tell Me” so many times on my car cassette player I decided to record it over and over again on another cassette to make my life easier by not constantly rewinding it.
I remember putting pacifiers on my Jodeci boots in order to add a feminine touch to a very masculine trend. Back then, I wanted to dress like TLC and appreciated them for giving an insecure teen clothing options that I viewed as fashionable that didn’t include showing body parts making me appear older than what I was. I recall getting my box braids a la Jade and Brandy. And let’s not forget the jean jumpers, Cross Colors and fitted tops. I miss those good ole days but most of all I miss you, the music of the 90’s. As far as I’m concerned, you will always understand me better than any other period in music and for that I’ll visit you every chance I get.
With Love & Great Memories,
-Stephanie
