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Young R&B stars on Black sitcoms, 1990s

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“1999”

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Young R&B stars on Black sitcoms, 1990s

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I like writing from different fictional female perspectives: the main girl, the mistress, the hot girl, the not girl. This poem “Scrub-A-Dub” is about the “not” girl, or the girl that’s not conventional, not chosen romantically, etcetera. I actually didn’t come up with the poem title until the last line. That’s when I had the idea to connect it to TLC’s song “No Scrubs.”

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Summer Walker music videos

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Mariah Carey paying tribute to Patti LaBelle at the 1998 Essence Awards

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Danielle Polanco in Omarion’s “I’m Tryna” music video

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When I wrote “The Black Girl in Overalls,” I thought of Tionne from TLC (her country twang and the song “Waterfalls”). But the whole point about the character in this poem is her childlike innocence. That’s why I included a picture of Ashley Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

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Since there’s a whole debate about whether R&B is “dead,” I had to post this poem, “Lyrics of Love and Lament.” I’m a 2000s kid that loves ‘90s R&B. But there are definitely some incredible R&B artists in this generation: Summer Walker (my favorite), Jazmine Sullivan, Giveon, and Lucky Daye—just to name a few. What I will say, though, is that I would love to see more Babyface-inspired balladry, heartfelt songwriting, and the *sanging* that ‘90s R&B is known for. At the same time, R&B has to evolve, and the newer artists are making that possible.

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Aaliyah, Romeo Must Die

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Aaliyah performing “If Your Girl Only Knew” on Showtime at the Apollo, 1996

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“California Love” was inspired by my recent trip to LA. I love ‘90s West Coast rap (including Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle album), so I had to include a picture of that rapper. This poem also mentions a few other California-related things: Malibu, wildfires, and the Hollywood sign.

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Chilli, U Remind Me, 2001

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Summer Walker on Still Over It, Apple Music (2021)

via The Ziaries

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Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison, A Different World (1987-1993)

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“How to Bag a Baller” reads like a diss to those mentioned — but it’s not, I promise! I actually listen to all of the referenced rappers (and especially love Nicki). I just write my poems in character, and this character is smart-mouthed. Kinda like Nikki from Save the Last Dance.

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Vince Staples for GQ, April 2021

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