90’s R&B is having a moment–thanks to GenZ. With the virality of platforms like TikTok, Instagram and even Youtube, the songs of yesterday are ushering in a wave of nostalgia that is captivating the younger generation.
With the Michael movie becoming the highest-grossing biopic of all-time, it was also the streams of Michael Jackson songs that spiked—primarily amongst the Gen Z crowd. It goes without saying that good music never dies. For popular 90’s group BLACKSTREET, they would agree.
“Classic R&B in the 90’s was definitely the best year of R&B in my opinion,” said Chauncey Black, legendary member of BLACKSTREET. “Because [the era] was so saturated with great R&B groups…you could get five groups on one concert ticket! You can’t even get that now, so people are researching our old catalog and everything that exists, and they’re loving that. It’s just like the resurgence of Michael Jackson. My kids – that’s all they are playing right now. For my 9-year-old son and my 14-year-old daughter…it’s all about Michael right now.”
Although BLACKSTREET remixed “No Diggity” with Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” in 1996 (with MJ’s approval), Black’s kids unanimously prefer the King of Pop’s version, much to Black’s amusement.
Despite this minor dissent, one thing is clear—the BLACKSTREET sound is soaring high in this 90’s renaissance, scoring the iconic group a milestone of 5 billion streams worldwide, and a multi-generational audience that’s now majority aged 34 and under.
The GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum group touched down in North Texas on June 20, just fresh after two international appearances in Morocco and London. The Fort Worth Freedom Vibes Juneteenth Festival was the last stop on the global tour, emceed by Hollywood actor Omari Hardwick (Power) and K104FM’s Dede McGuire. BLACKSTREET headlined an evening full of 90’s artists that featured legends such as Carl Thomas, Case, Stokley Williams (Mint Condition), and Next. Sentimental vibes were definitely in the building.
The 90’s extravaganza also included an appearance by Actor Larenz Tate, who as of late, has received high praises for his role as Motown’s Berry Gordy in the film Michael. While celebrating Juneteenth in North Texas, not only did he honor Black fathers for Father’s Day, but also tipped his hat to the undying love and support of Black women. “There’s no one more loyal or who holds us down more than Black women,” Tate said to a room full of applause.
BLACKSTREET continued the love by serenading the women, showering them with roses, and soothing them with the iconic vocals that are reminiscent of classic R&B.
“We are extremely grateful for what God has blessed us to do. To still be in this game for over 30 years [and] to see people still going crazy at concerts, screaming our names and everything, is an amazing feeling that we can’t describe,” Black said.
The group delivered effortless performances of smash hits “Don’t Leave”, “No Diggity”, “Joy”, “Before I Let You Go”, and many others, along with bouquets of roses to the women in the crowd. On a call with Inspire N Style Magazine, the group even teased a hot, new album headed shortly on the way.
“This new album…is going to be special,” Black said. “We’re signed up with XOXO Entertainment Corp. and it’s been a different experience for us [and] a better situation. We’re not out here self managing ourselves any more. We have a team and we just thank God for the position we’re in, right at this moment.”
“I just want people to remember we’re still together,” he continued. “We have the original vocals of BLACKSTREET, and we just want to continuously give our fans what we can, even though we’ve passed our age of even doing this! God has preserved us to be here to do what we love to do. BLACKSTREET is here forever, through God’s grace and mercy.”
BLACKSTREET’s Eric Williams added, “No Diggity. No Doubt.”