Top 5 Country Songs For Spring Break 2012: Jason Aldean, Ronnie Dunn, Jerrod Neimann, Luke Bryan, and Brad Paisley

Spring Break - no work for the week!   It's coming to an end but it's been a fun vacation.   Springsteen concert, beach, tennis, movies, great time with friends, fun in the sun, and it all ends with my tennis teams playing for back-to-back District Titles Monday and Tuesday.   Here's five recent country songs to keep the party going!


#1  "MY KINDA PARTY"    JASON ALDEAN

#2  "SUNTAN CITY"  LUKE BRYAN

 
#3 "ONE MORE DRINKIN' SONG" JERROD NEIMANN

#4 "LET THE COWBOY ROCK" RONNIE DUNN 

#5 "WAITING ON A TAN"  - BRAD PAISLEY

3 Bands That Didn't Last: Flipsyde, Lakeside, and Y&T

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"   FLIPSYDE

A hip hop/rap/pop band with 3 guys and one girl, hmmm, sounds like the Black Eyed Peas.  Flipsyde's single "Someday" was used as an NBC Olympic theme song but the band hasn't capitalized on that exposure.  "Happy Birthday" is not for the faint of heart, it's the story of a child who never got to have a birthday.   Life is unpredictable, every moment matters, and time and unforseen circumstances deeply affect us all.   This song has major personal meaning to me and it's a brilliant song of what might have been....

"FANTASTIC VOYAGE"  LAKESIDE

We're talking true FUNK here, Lakeside has the phat back beats, the 70's P-Funk look, and the energy of a street party.   Of course, Coolio redid this song and took it to #1 but the original maintains an innocence and vibe that makes it special.   Lakeside had another big hit but "It's All The Way Live" but this song will be their legacy.

"SUMMERTIME GIRLS"  Y&T

Another hair band that slipped through the cracks, Y&T, also known as Yesterday and Today, was signed to Geffen Records and had moderate success in the 80's.  "Summertime Girls" was more of a party track than their typical hair metal songs.   Y&T disbanded in the early 90's but Classic MTV has kept videos like "Mean Streak", "Rescue Me" and "Summertime Girls" alive forever.

RHCP Guitar Carousel: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, and There For Tomorrow

"DON'T FORGET ME"  RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS

Spinal Tap had the never ending drummer replacement theme, well, the Chili Peppers prove life imitates art when it comes to their lead guitarists.  First Hillel Slovak (heroin OD in 1988), P-Funk's Dwayne McKnight (temp), John Frusciante (their 5 big CDs), Arik Marshall (tour replacement), Dave Navarro (from Jane's Addiction), back to Frusciante after rehab, now Josh Klinghoffer for their new CD.   Frusciante was the best of the bunch, watch after the 5 minute intro the blistering, amazing solo by John.

"BRAIN STEW/JADED"  GREEN DAY

Green Day has been criticized for being too pop for punk, not hardcore, and commercial.   I'd argue that they introduced a lot of people to a new genre who later learned about bands like Black Flag, Bad Brains, Henry Rollins, Bad Religion, and so many more punk bands that never received commercial acclaim.   Brain Stew/Jaded is from 1995's Insomniac CD and the two songs became a medley in concerts.   

"REMEMBER WHEN"   THERE FOR TOMORROW
My favorite song by Orlando's pop punk band, There For Tomorrow.    Like most bands of the genre, the Vans Warped Tour has been critical to their success.   TFT has been on three Warped Tours.  "Remember When" has a great lyric:  "The door was always open but not enough to let me in.  My eyes are wide awake and I can see you clearly, but you don't stand out a bit. "

She's A Bad Mama Jama: Carl Carlton, Patti LaBelle, and Rick James / Teena Marie

"SHE'S A BAD MAMA JAMA" CARL CARLTON

Back in the 80's, this was THE JAM!  Carl Carlton was a two hit wonder, Everlasting Love was popular but this song is his legacy.   Love the opening lyrics, "She's a bad mamma jamma, just as fine as she can be".   I remember hearing this song on the cassette player blasting out loud on the basketball courts growing up, great 80's jam!

"I KEEP FORGETTING"   PATTI LaBELLE
Go out and find a copy of Patti LaBelle's CD "Classic Moments" of cover tunes released in 2005.  She covers artists who you are not supposed to even attempt to remake:   Aretha, Michael Jackson, Elton John, and matches the "untouchable" originals.  Here Patti covers the Michael McDonald #1 hit, "I Keep Forgetting We're Not In Love Anymore" and adds a great female twist to the timeless pop gem.

"FIRE AND DESIRE"  RICK JAMES and TEENA MARIE

BET Television has a great show called Unsung which chronicles classic R&B or hip hop giants from the 80's and tells the story of how they got started, their success, and ultimately "what ever happened to"...   Teena Marie's was excellent.   She was described as a spitfire, a voice that rivaled Chaka, an artist who black audiences loved but never broke through to the white audience.   Barry Gordy loved her talent, as did ex-boyfriend, Rick James.   Here is their finest moment, the ultra-romantic and sexual, "Fire and Desire"!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEL!: Katy Perry, Neon Trees, and Paulina Rubio and Espinazo Paz

"PART OF ME"    KATY PERRY

Katy Perry is re-releasing her Grammy nominated CD, Teenage Dream, with bonus tracks.  The CD will highlight a summer movie for Katy which is part bio-pic and part 3-D concert.   Katy is the 6th highest all-time sales leader in digital music sales and was voted MTV's Performer of the Year in 2011.

"EVERYBODY TALKS"    NEON TREES

"It started with a whisper....." Neon Trees are following up their mega smash "Animal" in 2010 with another chart topper. Neon Trees members are Mormons and have had impetus using this song in a commercial for the Buick Verano.   It's got a bouncy summer vibe and you've got to love the grindhouse scary movie themed video for a top 40 pop song!

"ME VOY"  PAULINA RUBIO y ESPINOZO PAZ

Paulina has 12 #1 hit songs in Mexico but has barely registered on the US charts.  "Don't Say Goodbye" was on heavy rotation on MTV's TRL in 2002 but her Spanish language CD's haven't hit the US mainstream.   This is a new duet that is a remix from the version originally released on her "Brava" CD.

    

Jennifer Aniston and Mark Wahlberg's Metal Moment: Guns N Roses, Bullet For My Valentine, and Steel Dragon

"PARADISE CITY"    GUNS 'N ROSES

The gritty debut CD that signaled the end of 80's Hair Metal.   Axl, Slash, Izzy, Duff, and Steven attacked pop metal with a vengeance.   "Hedonistic rebellion" was used to describe Appetite For Destruction and no extended guitar jam on the CD rivaled "Paradise City".   Slash's original lyrics got changed to "where the grass is green and the girls are pretty" instead of "where the girls are fat and got big titties".  Appetite has reached nearly 30 million in total worldwide CD sales.

"TEARS DON'T FALL"   BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE

Bullet For My Valentine have had an identity crisis.  Goth?  Metal?  Thrash? BFMV are bigger in England than the States.  Crossover songs like "Tears Don't Fall" have increased their popularity.  The video's guitar solo in the rain is as epic as the gasoline excitement at the end of the video!

"WE ALL DIE YOUNG"  STEEL DRAGON aka STEEL HEART

Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston's heavy metal movie, Rock Star, played homage to Judas Priest where a tribute singer gets to front the band he idolizes.   The big moment in the film is Mark's audition song.  This is actually Steel Heart ("I'll Never Let You Go") but they're named Steel Dragon in the film.

Janet Jackson with Jennifer Lopez: Robyn and AC-DC Mashup, Yellowcard

"THAT'S THE WAY LOVE GOES"    JANET JACKSON

"Like a moth to a flame, burned by the fire, my love is blind, can't you see my desire".  One of the smoothest R&B jams in Janet Jackson's catalog, the groove is laid-back, the vibe just pulls you in.  Look out for back-up dancer, Jennifer Lopez, in the background of the video.  Produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, this song stayed at #1 longer than any other Janet Jackson song.

"DANCING ON MY OWN ALL NIGHT LONG"   AC-DC / ROBYN Mashup

For years, DJ's in the club would create megamixes of the biggest hits.   Then came the European mash-up craze when DJ's took it to a new level.   DJ Earworm, my  favorite mash-up artist, does an awesome  year-end hit mix each December.   Here is DJ Schmolli combining the pop vocals of Robyn with the power rock chords of AC-DC. 

"ONLY ONE"   YELLOWCARD

First saw Yellowcard at Grad Night at Disney Orlando.    What sets this pop punk band stand out from the rest is their inclusion of a violin player in the band.   Yellowcard's first single was "Way Away" and gained its biggest popularity from the Madden video game.   "Only One" is a passionate love song of yearning, desire, and a confession of never-ending commitment.

New Footloose DVD Review: Gloriana, Whitney Houston with Enrique Iglesias, and Jeff Healey Band

"ALMOST PARADISE"    GLORIANA

Just watched the new Footloose DVD, the original is so iconic, required viewing for anyone who grew up in the 80's, and a guilty pleasure movie of mine.   The new version stars Julianne Hough (from Dancing With The Stars) and dancer Kenny Wormald.   There were no major changes in the script, you knew exactly what was coming next, yet this remake was a LOT of FUN!   Julianne's blue eyes and amazing body lights up the screen!  Dennis Quaid plays the role of preacher/Ariel's father, he's alright but John Lithgow really "owned" that role so well.   Kenny's version of Ren, complete with a little Boston accent, really grew on me during the film.   Miles Teller as Williard adds great comic relief.  Even the countrified soundtrack creates a little twist to keep you entertained although the new soundtrack doesn't come close to the original 1984 version.   If you're looking for a light-weight fun trip down memory lane, check it out!   I'd give it a 7 out of 10.

"COULD I HAVE THIS KISS FOREVER"    ENRIQUE IGLESIAS and WHITNEY HOUSTON

Enrique has had a tough life :)   The son of one of the world's biggest selling musical artists, Julio Iglesias.   Enrique records his first English CD and signs an unprecedented 50 million dollar contract for a new artist!   He marries tennis superstar and the #1 internet searched woman at the time, the outrageously beautiful Russian, Anna Kournakova.   Here he gets the rare opportunity to sing a duet with THE DIVA, arguably the best R&B singer of our generation.   Whitney sounds great with the Latin rhythms, it's a forgotten song by many but a great song in her catalog.

"I NEED TO BE LOVED"   JEFF HEALEY BAND

Jeff was first "discovered" by most of us playing as the bar band in Patrick Swayze's "Road House".  Who can forget first seeing a blind Jeff sitting down playing the guitar on its side and tearing it up like Stevie Ray Vaughn!  Jeff hit #1 with his ballad "Angel Eyes" which is so ironic.   "I Need To Be Loved" is from his Grammy nominated debut CD and it's a blues jam that demonstrates the underrated talents of the Jeff Healey Band.  

  

Promises In The Dark: Armin Van Buuren Ft Jacqueline Govaeart, Martina McBride With Pat Benatar and ASIA

"NEVER SAY NEVER"   ARMIN VAN BUUREN FT. Jacqueline Govaert

Trance love song that inspires you with the romantic lyrics and picks up your heart rate with a syncopated techno beat.   The beats remind me at times of Wham!   Jacqueline brings the right emotion to the lyrics and Dutch DJ Armin Van Buuren blends the perfect mix of sweetness with raw energy.   From the 2 min. mark to 3 min, it's pure bliss.

"PROMISES IN THE DARK"   MARTINA McBRIDE and PAT BENATAR

From the CMT Crossroads series, two of the most iconic powerful female voices team up for a remake of a 80's smash.  "Crossroads" brilliantly pairs current country singers with rock artists who inspired their music.   ZZ Top with Brooks & Dunn, Steve Miller Band with Kenny Chesney, and Jimmy Buffett with Zac Brown Band were some other notable pairings.    Martina began her career as a rock singer and her "pipes" are still amazing matching Pat note for note!

"WITHOUT YOU"   ASIA

From the mega-selling debut CD from 1982's supergroup, Asia, came this album track that didn't get a video or much airplay but stands among the best Asia has ever done.   "Without You" has it all, grand crescendos of drums, swirling rock guitars, Yes-like moments, keyboard solos, and lyrics that inspire.    The original members released a new CD last year and are working on a 2012 project.

Jimmy Page with Paul Rodgers Super Group: New Order, new John Waite, and The Firm

"CEREMONY"  NEW ORDER

Ian Curtis was the talented leader of Joy Division, a band that majorly influenced the New Wave sound of the 1980's.    But Ian was conflicted, dealing with depression, epilepsy, and just before reaching their highest musical moment, Ian committed suicide.   The film "Closer" vividly depicts Ian's life.  The band went on to rename itself, New Order and achieved the success Joy Division never reached.  "Blue Monday", "Bizarre Love Triangle", and "True Faith" all topped the charts.   But "Ceremony" was their first single, written by Ian before his death.  It's punk, electronica, dance music, and a haunting New Wave memory.

                              

"IF YOU EVER GET LONELY"   JOHN WAITE

John Waite, is back with a new CD "Rough and Ready" featuring a familiar retro sound, intelligent lyrics, and John's amazing voice.  John Waite was one of my first concerts on Halloween in Minneapolis.  His career has taken many turns including stints with The Babys, then going solo, fronting the underrated 80's band Bad English, and now back to his solo career.  He has that voice that can make almost anything sound good.   "If Ever" feels like Missing You Volume 2.

"SATISFACTION GUARANTEED"   THE  FIRM

Following the breakup of Led Zeppelin and Bad Company, you had two of the biggest rock stars on the planet looking for a creative outlook.   Guitar virtuoso, Jimmy Page, teamed up with Paul Rodgers for a Super Group collaboration that included the drummer from Manfred Mann.    The Firm didn't play Led Zeppelin or Bad Company songs, they stuck to their new material.    "Satisfaction Guaranteed" was the best of their singles.   The song has a slow building, sensual rock groove, that perfectly utilizes the talents of Page and Rodgers.

A Song For You: Ray Charles, Childish Gambino, and INOJ

"SONG FOR YOU"   RAY CHARLES

A jazz standard that has been sung by Michael Buble, Willie Nelson, Christina Aguilera, Donny Hathaway, Leon Russell (writer), but no one's version rang as true and memorable to me as Ray Charles' take.   His maturity, his reflection on his life (the highs and the lows), just speak to the heart here.   Ray rightfully won a Grammy in 2003 for "A Song For You".  

"LOVE YOU DOWN"   INOJ
Great cover from the mid-90's of a Ready For The World R&B classic.   Inoj was born in Madison, Wisconsin and had her biggest chart success with three covers:  "Love You Down", Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" and the Disco classic "Ring My Bell".     This song keeps the sensual feel of the original but new jack bass beats add a new spark and energy to the mix.

"HEARTBEAT"  CHILDISH GAMBINO

Donald Glover goes by the name of Childish Gambino and just released this single in November 2011.   Donald stars on the NBC Show, Community, with Joel McHale but here he flips his image with an intense rap about conflicting emotions, sleeping around, and the complications of the choices you make.

New Music Videos: Fun Featuring Janelle Monae, Ricardo Arjona, and Usher

"WE ARE YOUNG"  FUN Ft. Janelle Monae

You've heard this song on Chevy's Super Bowl commercial with the bungee jumping car, the song was used on Glee!, and now it becomes the first ROCK song to hit #1 on the Top 40 pop charts in 4 years.   Coldplay was the last rock group to have a #1 US Single.   The song is completely catchy, anthemic, and the big drums with the layered vocals on the chorus is unforgettable.

"FUISTE TU'"    RICARDO ARJONA Ft. GABY MORENO

What a gorgeous video of Guatemala!   Add this to a place I'd love to visit one day.   This is the 2nd single from Ricardo's newest CD.   The lyrics speak of heartbreak and placing blame.   "Fuiste Tu" - it was you.   Ricardo's verses translate to: No need to say so many things, you learn to love the thorns or don't accept the roses.  I never told you a lie, never blackmailed, the gray clouds are part of the landscape and don't look at me like that.   If there was a guilty here..... it was you."   Powerful lyrics, beautiful video.

 

http://lyricstranslate.com

http://lyricstranslate.com

"CLIMAX"  USHER

Usher returns with a new steamy baby-making  single.    Raymond Usher makes great use of his falsetto on this slow jam which recalls "Burn" and "You Remind Me".    It feels like a lost Usher track from five years ago and it's a welcome return!

Sade Gets A Metal Remake: Tantric, Deftones, and Stereoside

"CRAZY AND PARANOID"    STEREOSIDE

Based out of Ocala, FL, Stereoside is one of my favorite bands that haven't hit it big yet.   "On Our Way" is the greatest Kid Rock song that he's never sung.   "Walk Back To You" is a rocking power ballad that  should have been released and hit #1.   "Crazy and Paranoid" has a memorable dirty Slash-like guitar riff and must be played at high volume.    Ben Foster's lead vocals remind me a little of David Coverdale at moments here.   Looking forward to hearing more from this band on their next CD or catching them live if they come to the Tampa area.

"BREAKDOWN"    TANTRIC

Tantric was a offshoot of Days Of The New when everyone but the lead singer created Tantric.  During the mid-2000's they were on the rise.  "Astounded", "Mourning" and this song were tearing up rock radio.   Future CD's just maintain their momentum.   "Breakdown" is their crowning moment.   Lyrics about "checking yourself before you check out" and the theme of self-analysis dominate this post-grunge anthem.

"NO ORDINARY LOVE"  (Sade)   DEFTONES

Sade's sensual, sexual, slow groove hit from the mid 90's is one of the least likely songs to get a metal cover but the Deftones take on the challenge.  Lead singer, Chino Moreno, mesmerizes with his intense vocals that take you to the edge.   Sexual in a different style, enticing and dangerous.   This is from an EP of covers including "Drive" by the Cars, very creative choices!

People Think I'm Crazy: Rolling Stones, Luther Vandross, and Flogging Molly

"MISS YOU"    ROLLING STONES

My favorite Stones CD, Some Girls, was their celebration of New York City.   "Some Girls" crossed genres, new guitarist Ronnie Wood adds his famous slide guitar, and the Stones were experimenting with disco, country, punk, and the NYC vibe in general.  "Miss You" has those classic verses and Mick's signature delivery of lyrics like "I've been walking Central Park, singing after dark, people think I'm crazy".   "What's the matter with you, boy".   This song got the dreaded 'disco' label but it's just as much of a moody blues number and maintains the Stones rebellious attitude complete with a great sax solo by Mel Collins .    

"DANCE WITH MY FATHER"   LUTHER VANDROSS

Even if you had the worst dad in the world, Luther's song must remind you of someone special that you've lost and you wish you could have one more chance to be together.   The video is one of the best ever.   You feel like you're at a family reunion watching scenes of Beyonce, Brandy, Babyface, Stevie Wonder, and Damon Wayans (funniest part of the video!!!) with their dad or kids.  In addition, watching this video makes me miss the brilliant voice of Luther Vandross (died in 2005), another icon lost way too soon.  Fun Fact:  This song was co-written by Richard Marx

"IF I EVER LEAVE THIS WORLD ALIVE"     FLOGGING MOLLY

First heard this beautiful Irish love song during the Gerard Butler film, P.S. I Love You with Hillary Swank.    Flogging Molly are considered a Celtic Punk band yet they're from California and loved the Irish bar band sound so they went in that musical direction.   Their music is a combination of the Pogues and the Clash.   I'll never forget seeing the Hall of Fame Wall in Dublin, one thing off my bucket list!   

   

America: A Tribute To Heroes: Johnny Reznick and Fred Durst, Somos El Mundo, and TobyMac with Kirk Franklin & Mandissa

"WISH YOU WERE HERE"   JOHNNY RZEZNICK of the Goo Goo Dolls and FRED DURST of Limp Bizkit

From the 9/11 TV Special,   "America:  A Tribute to Heroes" comes a powerful acoustic duet from two lead singers of the biggest bands at the time.   Fred and John treat my favorite Pink Floyd song with reverence.  The poignant lyrics totally connected to the NYC tragedy and adding the violins gave new meaning to the classic rock anthem. 

"SOMOS EL MUNDO"    (We Are The World)

After the earthquakes in Haiti, the top Spanish recording artists got together for a remake of Michael Jackson/Lionel Richie's "We Are The World".  This version adds latin flair including a flamenco break, reggaeton, and all of the lyrics in Spanish.  Look for Ricky Martin, Shakira, Gloria Estefan, Thalia, David Archuleta, Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, Juanes, even Jose Feliciano!

"LOSE MY SOUL"   TobyMAC, KIRK FRANKLIN, and MANDISSA

Combining a white hip hop Christian rapper with a Gospel singer who lost early on American Idol sounds like a disaster in the making.   But TobyMac's song and video is inspiring.  The song isn't preachy, it's contemporary with a positive message about not worrying about losing the battle, it's about winning the war.  Watch the dramatic end of the video!   

Why Can't This Night Last Forever: Journey, Femme Fatale, Il Divo, and

"WHY CAN'T THIS NIGHT LAST FOREVER"     JOURNEY

If you had to name one voice to personify the 80's arena rock sound, Steve Perry of Journey would be it.   Journey originally had a different lead singer, but once Steve joined the group, album sales skyrocketed and Journey songs dominated every high school prom.   Critics despised Journey but songs like "Don't Stop Believin", "Anyway You Want It" and "Open Arms" will live on forever.    Here's a lost power ballad gem highlighted by a brilliant Steve Perry vocal.

"FALLING IN AND OUT OF LOVE"     FEMME FATALE
Femme Fatale, French for "dangerous woman", was a female fronted 80's hair band that only released one CD.   MTV picked up two of their videos ("Waiting For The Big One" was their other hit).   "Falling In And Out Of Love" sounds like a Bon Jovi title and fittingly this song sounds like Bon Jovi with a female lead singer.

"REGRESSA A MI  (Unbreak My Heart)"      IL  DIVO

Rumor has it that Simon Cowell heard Bocelli singing on the Sopranos and dreamed up this operatic Supergroup.   Taking four singers from four countries (USA, Spain, Switzerland, and France) singing classical versions of pop songs hit it big worldwide.   Here they take on the Toni Braxton love song, Unbreak My Heart, it's so  beautiful hearing it sung this way in Italian.  

  

Rhiannon's Best Version Ever: Fleetwood Mac ,Scott Stapp (Of Creed),Trust Company

"RHIANNON"     FLEETWOOD MAC

Incredible version of Stevie Nick's first big hit.    Rumor has it, Stevie wrote the song in only 10 minutes.   The song is inspired by a Welsh witch but the sone has taken on a life of its own.   This video from their reunion CD, The Dance, starts with a subtle, soft intro by Stevie, then Mick's drums kick in and the familiar rock version begins, then at 4:41 Stevie reinvents the song with her chant of "Dreams unwind, love's a state of mind", amazing video!!

"BROKEN"      SCOTT STAPP (Creed)

From his 2005 solo CD, Scott Stapp channels the inner demons that he's struggled with over the years.   In 2003, he put a gun to his head and contemplated suicide.   His band, Creed, had broken up after harsh words from critics and Scott's feud with band members.   "Broken" deals with depression and overcoming the mental war inside everyone's head at some point.  The inspiring lyrics including a powerful chorus means a lot to Scott and countless others as seen by the comments online.

"STRONGER"   TRUST COMPANY

A skater band out of Alabama released this single in 2005.   "Stronger" is a great post-breakup song and it has inspired me with the simple but direct lyrics:  "You want to tear me down, you want to hold me down, you can't control me now, You cannot take me out, because I'm stronger now".    Love the video in the skating halfpipe, great energy!

  
 

Brian McKnight Sings With His Son: Guy, Brian McKnight Sr and Jr, and Wyclef Jean & Mary J. Blige

"LET'S CHILL"      GUY

New Jack Swing took over the late 80's and early 90's.   Keith Sweat, Bell Biv Devoe, Al B. Sure, SWV, and it all starts with the supergroup Guy.    Led by Teddy Riley, Guy also included the brilliant vocals of Aaron Hall. Teddy later fronted Blackstreet.  "Let's Chill" was a slow dance favorite with the perfect blend of old school R&B and New Jack Swing.

"TEMPTATION"   BRIAN McKNIGHT Featuring BRIAN McKNIGHT Jr.

Brian McKnight's brother was a lead member of Take 6 and now Brian's son is getting into the business.   Classics like Anytime, Back At One, and Crazy Love dominated many Quiet Storm mixtapes.  Brian's chart success has dwindled but he's still putting out quality music.   This song is from his 2011 CD, Just Me, and features his oldest son.

"911"   WYCLEF JEAN and MARY J. BLIGE

Summer jam from 2000 featuring ex-Fugee Wyclef Jean and the Queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige.  The Haitian beats combined with one of Mary's best complementary vocals really shines on this hit!   The song samples Edie Brickell's "What I Am" and James Brown's "The Payback".   Love the line: "Someone please call 911, the alleged assailant was 5 foot one, and she shot me through my soul."