The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

B. Cox takes a look at R&B and pop icon Janet Jackson's sixth studio album The Velvet Rope, as it turns 25. On the heels of negotiating and signing the biggest record label contract in history and her successful album tour from her fifth album Janet, the superstar suffered a nervous breakdown. Plagued depression driven by childhood issues, body dysmorphia, eating disorders and troubles in her not-yet-public marriage, she took time to regroup and decided to open up her very private life and explore this issues on record.Working with longtime collaborators, the production duo of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, she wrote the album with her then-husband Rene Elizondo. Within the 22 tracks, she explored issues such as same sex relationships, self doubt, accountability, domestic violence, AIDS, LGBTQ issues, loneliness, despair and redemption. While not initially embraced by the critics, the album was a boom commercially, being certified triple platinum and selling over 8 million copies worldwide. Two of its singles, "Together Again" and "I Get Lonely" placed within the Billboard Top 100 Top 5 with "Together" reaching the No. 1 spot for two weeks.Since its release, critics and fans alike praised Jackson for her transparency, vulnerability and strength in addressing such hot issues, while also lauding the production and lyrics. The album has been called everything from her magnum opus to one of the most important musical works on the 1990s -- regardless of genre.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: Janet's Jackson's 'The Velvet Rope' Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-janet-jackson-the-velvet-ropeThe Things: What Janet Jackson Revealed About Herself On 'The Velvet Rope" Albumhttps://www.thethings.com/what-janet-jackson-revealed-about-herself-on-the-velvet-rope-album/The BoomBox: 'The Velvet Rope was a Challenging Record' My Conversation with Jimmy Jamhttps://theboombox.com/velvet-rope-was-a-challenging-record-my-conversation-with-jimmy-jam/Nylon: 20 Years Later, Janet Jackson's 'The Velvet Rope' Still Deserves Praise. https://www.nylon.com/articles/janet-jackson-velvet-rope-20th-anniversary25YearsLater: The Velvet Rope: The Queen of R&B's Magnum Opushttps://25yearslatersite.com/2022/02/15/the-velvet-rope-the-queen-of-rbs-magnum-opus/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this bonus segment of Relics Of The Past, B. Cox looks back on a vital part of every hip-hop head's car journey in the 90s and 2000s: the CD binder aka "The CD Book". He explains the different types of books that existed, how each user would organize their binder and what the experience was to hold multiple CDs literally at an arms reach while in your ride.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodBuild Your Own Amazing Podcast Website In Less Than 5 Minutes!https://www.podpage.com/?via=ivecre8Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In a bonus episode, B.Cox looks back on what he thinks may be the greatest R&B release week of the 1990s: September 16, 1997. During that release week, four classic and essential albums graced the store shelves and stereos everywhere: Mariah Carey's Butterfly, Usher's My Way, Jon B's Cool Relax and the Soul Food Soundtrack.Each album would be become multi platinum albums and have huge commercial success with monster singles. This lead to the rise to iconic status of Carey, the start of superstardom for Usher, a model of consistency for Jon B and helped make Soul Food the cult classic as a movie that is deserved to be.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodBuild Your Own Amazing Podcast Website In Less Than 5 Minutes!https://www.podpage.com/?via=ivecre8Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox commemorates The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast on its third anniversary. It's been a long journey in the three years since the first episode posted highlighting Mobb Deep's Murda Muzik. He gives a basic history on how the show became into existence, the challenges through COVID and his most memorable moments while recording. He also takes some times to give shout outs and thanks to the many podcasters and content creators who were guests on the show as well others who supported.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodBuild Your Own Amazing Podcast Website In Less Than 5 Minutes! https://www.podpage.com/?via=ivecre8Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox looks back at Virginia rap duo Clipse's major label debut album Lord Willin' as it turns 20. The group, made up of brothers Gene "Malice" and Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton grew up in Virginia Beach and were close associates of producer Pharrell Williams growing up. After securing their first record deal with Elektra Records in 1996, their first album Exclusive Audio Footage which was scheduled to come out in 1999, was shelved when their first single failed to catch onto the charts.In 2001, Pharrell, then a successful producer as one-half of The Neptunes (with Chad Hugo), signed Clipse to his Star Trak Imprint. With an album completely produced by the Neptunes, Malice and Pusha T spit hard life tales of hustling and drug dealing over the innovative production. The first single "Grindin" became their most recognizable hit and became a classic known for its infectious drums and the duo's street wise hustle lyrics.The album was certified gold and established Clipse as an up and coming group to watch out for. It also helped to establish a new brand of "coke rap" in the 2000s that would become popularized and continued by some of their contemporaries later in the decade.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesSterogum-Lord Willin' Turns 20https://www.stereogum.com/2196772/clipse-lord-willin-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/Soul In Stereo: Ranking the Best Songs on Clipse's "Lord Willin'"http://www.soulinstereo.com/2022/08/ranking-the-best-songs-on-clipses-lord-willin.htmlGenius: Ever Since "Lord Willin'", Clipse Have Been Grappling With The Sins Of Their Pasthttps://genius.com/a/ever-since-lord-willin-clipse-have-been-grappling-with-the-sins-of-their-pastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox reviews Brooklyn and Diggin in The Crates (DITC) emcee O.C.'s second album Jewelz as it turns 25. After his critically acclaimed 1994 debut album Word...Life, O.C. took to the road to tour exclusively for almost three years. When he returned to the booth to record his sophomore album, he did so with an all-star cast of producers. Along with the returning DITC crew member BuckWild, who contributed production heavily on his debut, he also welcomed the likes of heavyweights DJ Premier, Mr. Walt from The Beatminerz, DJ Ogee and fellow DITC affiliates Showbiz and Lord Finesse.Featuring a slightly grittier sound than the jazz infused sound of his debut, O.C. spit his expert storytelling narratives and flexed his lyrical prowess with guest spots from Freddie Foxx, R&B singer Yvette Michele and the late great Big L, who was also a fellow DITC crew member. The album featured one single, "Far From Yours" with Michele, which reached #81 on the Billboard Hot 100.While not commercially successful, the album has been hailed as both an underground and cult classic and further solidified respect for OC as a lyricist and artist as he avoided the dreaded "sophomore slump."Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesO.C.'s 'Jewelz' Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-oc-jewelzAmbrosia For Heads: O.C. "Jewelz" Turns 20: It May Be The True Diamond In His Discography https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2017/08/oc-jewelz-is-a-great-hip-hop-album/WesCheddar: Interview with O.C.-Jewelz at 20https://westcheddar.com/2020/08/19/the-making-of-jewelz-with-o-c-2017/O.C. feat. Yvette Michele "Far From Yours" Music Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMk7gELBhroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox reviews Scarface's classic 7th album The Fix as it turns 20. After leaving long time label Rap-A Lot, the Houston veteran emcee moved to Def Jam South as their president, but was coaxed into releasing first and only studio album while on the label. Assisted by an all-star production cast that included himself, Kanye West, Nottz, the Neptunes, Mike Dean and T-Mix, he spit his customary commanding flow telling both cautionary tales and warnings against those who opposed him. However, Scarface also took the time to reflect on his spirituality and what his relationship with God did for him during hard times.He was also had an all-star slate of guest appearances, headlined by the likes of Jay-Z, Beanie Siegel, Nas, Kelly Price, WC and Faith Evans. The album was powered by two now-classic singles: "Guess Who's Back" and "My Block".The album is considered one of Scarface's finest works and is considered to be one of the best albums of the 2000s.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesStereogum: "The Fix" Turns 20 https://www.stereogum.com/2195283/scarface-the-fix-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/Albumism: Celebrating 20 Years of Scarface's "The Fix" | Album Anniversary https://albumism.com/features/celebrating-20-years-of-scarface-the-fix-album-anniversarySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox reviews EPMD's fourth album Business Never Personal as it turns 30. After three successful albums that carried them through the peak of hip-hop's golden era, EPMD released their fourth album and seemed primed for success well into the 90s.The album is packed into less than 40 minutes of funky, but thumping production by the group with two singles: "Crossover" and the posse cut "Head Banger" which featured fellow Hit Squad members K-Solo and newcomer Redman. The album went gold and is considered by some to be the group's third classic album, and by others a return to their roots of their freshman and sophomore albums.The success would not be long lived. Due to tensions over financial improprieties and accusations that Erick Sermon sent burglars to rob Parrish Smith's home, the group split shortly after the album, pursuing solo careers, before reuniting in 1997 for a new album.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: EPMD's fourth album "Business Never Personal" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://albumism.com/features/epmd-business-never-personal-turns-30-anniversary-retrospectiveHipHopScriptures: EPMD's "Business Never Personal" Album Anniversary https://www.hiphopscriptures.com/blog/2022/7/30/epmds-business-never-personal-album-anniversaryMedium: Funk Loops, Turmoil and Reconciliation: EPMD's "Business Never Personal" Turns 30...https://medium.com/micro-chop/funk-loops-turmoil-and-reconciliation-epmds-business-never-personal-turns-25-4f05419eabbfSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox looks back at Mary J. Blige's debut classic album What's the 411? as it turns 30. As the youngest signee of Andre Harrell's Uptown Records, the New York-born singer was brought under the tutelage of producer and executive Sean "Diddy" Combs for debut album. Utilizing samples of popular hip-hop records from the 80s matched with drums to complement the sweet vocals of Blige, she burst onto the scene with three smash singles in the summer of 1992. Working with the likes of Cory Rooney, Dave "Jam" Hall, Mark Morales and Devante Swing, the album shot to the top of the charts. The unique sound, coupled with Blige's persona, fashion and relatability, earned Blige her first nickname: "The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul".The album was certified triple platinum and won Blige Best New R&B Artist and Best R&B album at the 1993 Soul Train Music Awards. It was the start of a now 30 year career that has seen 14 albums all crack the Billboard 200 top 10 and also credited with making the marriage of hip-hop and R&B one of "real love"Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: Mary J. Blige's Debut Album "What's the 411?" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective=https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-30-years-of-mary-j-blige-debut-album-whats-the-411Music Musings & Such: Show It Some Love: Mary J. Blige's "What's the 411?" At Thirty https://www.musicmusingsandsuch.com/musicmusingsandsuch/2022/6/25/feature-show-it-some-real-love-mary-j-bliges-whats-the-411-at-thirtyThe Boombox: Mary J. Blige's "What's the 411?" Changed the Landscape of 1990s R&B https://theboombox.com/mary-j-bliges-what-the-411-re-shaped-the-landscape-of-1990s-rb/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In a bonus episode, B. Cox looks back at the impact and legacy of Company Flow's debut studio album and underground classic Funcrusher Plus as it turns 25. After negotiating a group friendly deal with Rawkus Records, the Brooklyn trio of Bigg Jus, El-P and Mr. Len crafted a debut that featured an unconventional production and rhyme style over 73 minutes that served as the launching pad for the brief success of Rawkus and also the blueprint for underground hip-hop for the next decade.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: Company Flow's Debut Album "Funcrusher Plus" Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-company-flow-funcrusher-plusPopMatters: Company Flow "Funcrusher Plus"https://www.popmatters.com/110482-company-flow-funcrusher-plus-2496076296.htmlSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy