Things Really Start To Heat Up: 1989 - Page 2Released in the spring of 1989, Madonnas critically acclaimed Like A Prayer album took on a more urban feel than its more mainstream predecessors did. The video for the albums first single (and title track) featured a nearly all-Black cast that was either sexualized, deified or both at the same time. The video also featured burning crosses, a Black Jesus who cried blood, stigmata on Madonnas hands, and a love scene on the floor of a church between Madonna (who had dyed her hair dark brown) and the videos suave protagonist (played by the actor Leon). Upset by the controversy surrounding the Like A Prayer video, Pepsi cancelled its multi-million dollar endorsement deal with Madonna, but music fans worldwide still supported the Queen of Pop. The second and third singles from the Like A Prayer album (Express Yourself, and Cherish) went on to become some of her biggest hits ever, and by the time Oh Father was released, Madonnas Blonde Ambition tour was wildly anticipated by many. Continuing on the pop side of things, the New Kids On The Block managed to achieve their first number #1 single with Ill Be Loving You (Forever), and proceeded to conquer the suburban teen market. They quickly followed up with a dizzying flurry of hits including Hangin Tough, Cover Girl, a remake of the Delfonics Didnt I Blow Your Mind (This Time) and This Ones For The Children all before years end. Emulating Teddy Rileys sound, former Las Vegas radio personality Dino (full name Dino Esposito) hit it big with I Like It, making him the first non-Black recording artist to incorporate New Jack Swing into his material. Other Dino hits circa 1989-90 included Summer Girls, Sunshine, and Romeo. Internationally, hits by Neneh Cherry, the Fine Young Cannibals, Technotronic and Soul II Soul all made an imprint in Pop and Urban music. London-based Neneh Cherrys Buffalo Stance (from her debut album Raw Like Sushi) was a worldwide smash. Born in Stockholm, Sweden (and the stepdaughter of Jazz trumpeter Don Cherry), Neneh Cherrys sound can be described as an irresistibly eclectic hot soup of dance and hip-hop music. Technotronic enjoyed phenomenal success with Pump Up The Jam and Get Up! (Before The Night Is Over) in 1989 and 1990. Based out of Belgium, the act prominently featured the vocals of Ya Kid K, a female rapper born in Zaire. The Fine Young Cannibals scored in a major way with the singles She Drives Me Crazy, and Good Thing. Editors Note: Sean P. Diddy Combs appeared as a dancer in a Fine Young Cannibals video around this time while trying to break into the music business. By late summer/early fall, a U.K. based act named Soul II Soul triumphantly emerged with Keep On Movin, an elegant urban anthem that resonated with urban and suburban audiences alike. Soul II Souls impressive follow-up singles Jazzies Groove and especially Back To Life (revived by DJ Clue in 2001) served to further immortalize the London-based collective in the minds of urban/dance music enthusiasts to this day. But perhaps the biggest international New Jack-influenced act to make a debut in 1989 was Milli Vanilli. In the spring of 1989, Rob Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan (adorned in red and blue sports jackets respectively) danced their way into the hearts of young America with the video clip for the refreshingly urgent-sounding Girl You Know Its True. The Germany-based duo followed that smash single up with Baby Dont Forget My Number, and by late summer had scored a third time with Girl Im Gonna Miss You, a smolderingly percussive ballad. |