Music you've never heard….'til now! A blog of rare, hardly-heard or remembered pop, hip-hop, R&B, freestyle, dance and country music from the '70s to the 2000s. From one-hit wonders to no-hit wonders, this blog has it all!!
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Simple E (born Erica Williams in Oakland, California) was a female rapper from the 90’s. In 1994, she released her only album, “Colourz Uv Sound” which peaked at #88 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
Her first single, “Play My Funk” peaked at #72 on the Billboard Hot 100, #14 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart, #21 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #55 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in April of 1994, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. The song was featured in the Wesley Snipes movie, “Sugar Hill.”
The follow-up single, “Blue Jeans” failed to make any impact on the charts and after that, it seemed as if Simple E has faded into obscurity.
Solid HarmoniE were a British pop girl group that originally included members Rebecca “Beki” Onslow (born on January 3, 1975 in Swansea, Wales), Melissa Graham (born on October 10, 1975 in Coventry, England), and Mariama Goodman (born on December 25, 1977 in Lambeth, London).
In 1996, the group released their first single, “Got 2 Have Ya” which failed to chart at all. In 1997, Mariama left Solid HarmoniE to care for her mother and she was replaced by Elisa Cariera (born on June 16, 1978 in Orlando, Florida).
When Rebecca and Melissa were in the United States with their manager, they met Elisa at her father’s restaurant. Elisa was asked to sing a few lines and after that, Melissa asked Elisa to join the group. As they returned to the UK, Mariama came back to Solid HarmoniE and the group became a quartet.
In 1997, Solid HarmoniE released their self-titled debut album which charted in the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, and Norway, but surprisingly, not the United Kingdom. In the United States, they were the opening acts for boy bands Backstreet Boys and N’Sync.
Solid HarmoniE’s second single, “I’ll Be There For You” peaked at #18 on the UK Singles chart, #9 in the Netherlands & Sweden, and #10 in Finland. In the United States, the song peaked at #23 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
The third single, “I Want You to Want Me” peaked at #16 on the UK Singles Chart. The song charted moderately well in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
The fourth single from the album, “I Wanna Love You” peaked at #20 on the UK Singles chart. It also charted moderately well in the Netherlands and Sweden.
Solid HarmoniE’s last single, “To Love Once Again” peaked at #55 on the UK Singles chart and #46 in the Netherlands. In 1999, the group disbanded. Melissa went on to do a solo music career while Mariama joined the British R&B group, Honeyz.
Elisa and Rebecca continued with Solid HarmoniE and introduced new member, Jenilca Giusti (born on August 21, 1981 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico) in 2000. They were working on a new album, but unfortunately, it was never released. By 2003, Solid HarmoniE was no more.
Rebecca released her only solo single, “Wake Up” in 2002. Today, she has moved to the United States, is married, and has a child. She is working on becoming a solo artist in America.
In 2000, Melissa started her own solo career and released two singles, “Bulletproof” (which peaked at #89 in Germany) and a cover version of Belle Perez’s “Hello World.” She was working on her solo album that was supposed to be released in 2003, but it never happened. Melissa left her music career to care for her ailing father. Today, Melissa is now works as a songwriter.
Mariama stayed with Honeyz until 2000, but came back in 2006 until the group’s split in 2009. Elisa Cariera was working on a solo album, but it has yet to be released.
Jenilica participated in the Puerto Rico talent singing contest, “Objetivo Fama” where she finished in 5th place in 2006. She has continued to appear in plays and in 2007, she released her self-titled debut album. Jenilica is working her next album which has yet to be released.
In 2013, Solid HarmoniE announced that they were working on a comeback with the line-up consisting of Elisa Cariera, Beki Onslow and Melissa Graham. They started recording and doing photoshoots in March. Mariama Goodman (who was one of the original members of the group) will not be joining the new line-up due to her involvement with R&B band Honeyz.
Tanya Blount (born on September 25, 1977 in Washington, DC) is an R&B singer, actress and author.
She attended Morgan State University where she got a a major in psychology and was a member of the university choir. She even sang for Stevie Wonder in California.
Tanya signed to Polydor Records when she was 19 years old. She was featured in the 1993 movie “Sister Act: Back in the Habit” where she sung “His Eye is on the Sparrow” with Lauryn Hill, who was also in the movie.
In 1994, Tanya released her debut album, “Natural Thing” which peaked at #58 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. Her first single “I’m Gonna Make You Mine” peaked at #57 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.The second single from the album “Through the Rain” peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #27 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The song was Tanya’s only appearance on the Billboard Hot 100. The last single from the album “Hold On” failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, but managed to peak at #66 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
In 1995, Tanya received a “Soul Train Music Award” nomination for “Best New Artist,” but lost out to R&B singer Brandy.
She was one of many female R&B artists to be featured on the single, “Freedom” from the “Panther” movie soundtrack.
Tanya has starred in musical theater in plays such as “What Every Woman Wants,” “Sneaky”, “Preacher’s Kids”, “Born to Sing!” and “Christmas in Washington.” She even appeared in Tyler Perry’s 2008 movie, “The Family That Preys.”
These days, Tanya is married to Contemporary Christian musician, Michael Trotter and lives in Bowie, Maryland.
Her first book, “Through the Rain: 40 Principles for Surviving Life’s Challenges” was released in 2007 and she is currently working on her second book.
In February 2011, Tanya released her first single in 14 years, “Top Model” which is available on iTunes & Amazon.com. She is working a new 7-song album coming soon.
Chantay Savage (born on July 16, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois) is a female R&B\dance singer. Her singles have spent 452 weeks on various Billboard singles charts and her albums have spent 81 weeks on various Billboard charts as well. She is the daughter of a jazz musician.
Before starting her music career, she worked as a session singer and songwriter, writing songs for CeCe Peniston and Tanya Blount. Chantay co-wrote CeCe’s #1 dance hit, “We Got a Love Thang.” In 1993, Chantay released her debut album “Here We Go…” on RCA Records. It’s unknown how or if the album ever charted.
Chantay’s first single “If You Believe” peaked at #42 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #75 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. The song was featured in the 1995 movie, “Party Girl.”
Her second single “Betcha’ll Never Find” peaked at #70 on the Billboard Hot 100, #17 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart, #28 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #39 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #17 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 23 weeks.
The last single from the album, “Don’t Let It Go To Your Head” peaked at #108 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #14 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart, #28 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #80 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart (along with the song “Give it To Ya” which peaked at #120 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart), staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
In 1995, Chantay was featured on the single, “Freedom” for the “Panther” movie soundtrack. The song also featured Aaliyah, BlackGirl, En Vogue, Mary J. Blige, Vanessa Williams, SWV, and many more. In 1996, she released her sophomore album “I Will Survive (Doin’ It My Way)” which peaked at #106 on the Billboard 200, #14 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #2 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart.
Chantay’s cover version of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” became a hit for her, peaking at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100, #26 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #10 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #35 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and #5 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 23 weeks.
The single was certified Gold by the RIAA, selling over 500,000 units.
Another single, “Baby Drive Me Crazy” which didn’t appear to chart at all on the Billboard charts.
In 1997, Chantay was featured on rapper Common’s single “Reminding Me (of Sef)” which peaked at #101 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #57 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart and #9 on Billboard’s Rap Singles chart.
In 1999, Chantay released her third album, “This Time” which peaked at #56 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #21 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart.
The only single to chart from the album was “Come Around” which peaked at #62 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
In 2003, Chantay collaborated with spoken word artist Malik Yusef on the song “Auto-Eroticism” on his album “The Great Chicago Fire: A Cold Day In Hell.”
Three years later, she appeared on Full Flava’s album “Music is Our Way of Life” on a remake of the Earth Wind & Fire hit “September” for Full Flava‘s Music is Our Way of Life album.
Also during that same year, Chantay recorded the theme song for BellaNutri called “Always Beautiful” as well as an additional track “Shine” which was released on a CD for the company.
In 2012, she collaborated with spoken word artist, Quill on his track “Everything Must Change.”
Durell Coleman (born in Roanoke, Virginia) is an R&B musician that got his claim to fame after winning “Star Search” in 1985. After that, he signed to Island Records. During that same year, he released his self-titled debut album which peaked at #158 on the Billboard 200 and #33 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. His first single “Somebody Took My Love” which peaked at #30 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and #25 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. Another single “Do You Love Me?” peaked at #37 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.
Durell was the opening act for Anita Baker and the Temptations. He even toured with Earth, Wind, & Fire.
These days, Durell owns Durell Coleman Music. He is also the leader of America’s Premiere Party Band (or the Durell Coleman Band), whose members had worked with musicians such as Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Jessica Simpson, The O’Jays, Maxwell, Marvin Gaye, Rose Royce, Stevie Wonder and the Gap Band.
The band plays a variety of genres such as pop, R&B, hard rock, blues, or songs from the Great American Songbook.
They have performed at parties, weddings, and other special occasions for celebrities such as Billy Crystal, Mariska Hargitay, Lisa Marie Presley, Lucy Lawless, Elizabeth Berkley, Christian Slater, Brendan Fraser, Faith Hill & Tim McGraw and Gladys Knight.
To see the Durell Coleman Music website, go to: www.dcband.com
I am sad to announce that R&B singer Vesta Williams passed away yesterday. She was found deceased in a hotel room in El Segundo, California from a possible drug overdose. She was only 53 years old. Vesta is survived by her adult daughter.
Rest in peace, Vesta. Rare & Obscure Music will never forget you.
Passion (born Passion Lavon Broussard on February 21, 1975 in Oakland, California) is a female rapper from the mid-’90s. In 1996, she signed a record deal with MCA Records and in August of that same year, she released her debut studio album, “Baller’s Lady” which peaked at #85 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The lead single, “Where I’m From” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #29 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart and #88 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. It was featured in the film, “Bulletproof.” The follow-up single from the album, “Gigolos Get Lonely” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot R&B Singles chart.
Due to low album sales, Passion was dropped from her record label. From 1996 to 1998, she provided guest vocals on albums for artists such as Jamal, Keith Murray, Rappin’ 4-Tay, the D.O.C. and M.C. Breed. In 1999, she released her sophomore album, “Blame it On The Game” on the Yo Playa Patina record label which didn’t make the charts nor did the title song.
In 2003, she made her last musical appearance on rapper E-40’s album, “Breakin’ News” on the track, “That’s a Good Look 4 U.”
These days (according to research), Passion is a mother and works as a professional motivational speaker along with her son, Kevin.
Or-N-More were a pop\dance duo from New York that consisted of singer Orfeh and producer Mike More.
After Orfeh graduated from LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, she signed a record deal with EMI Records. Mike More also attended LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts where he met Orfeh and graduated in 1984.
Before Or-N-More, they recorded under the name “Genevha” and released one single, “Life in the Movies” in 1987.
In 1991, the duo released their self-titled debut album on EMI Records. It’s unknown how or if the album ever charted.
The first single, “Everyotherday” peaked at #46 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the club dance charts. The song featured rapper Father MC.
The follow-up single from the album, “Lonely Heart (Oh, No)” didn’t chart, but a music video was made for the song.
Due to a hierarchy change at EMI Records, Or-N-More was dropped from the label and Orfeh went on to become a songwriter after earning a publishing deal with Warner\Chappell. She is a member of NARAS, which gives her nominating and voting privileges for the Grammy Awards.
Orfeh has also starred in numerous plays, has done voice-over work, and in 2008, she released her solo album, “What Do You Want From Me Now” on Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records.
Mike More has written and produced music for artists such as Garth Brooks, Don Henley, Britney Spears, Freedom Williams (of C&C Music Factory fame), Dakota Moon, and Nobody’s Angel. He has founded a web-based media distribution company called Nabbr. He founded his own music production and publishing company, Mike More Media and is also a member of NARAS just like Ofreh.
Level III were an R&B\hip-hop trio from Atlanta, Georgia from the 90’s that consisted of the Taylor brothers: William, Marvin and Thomas.
In 1991, they released their debut album “Freezin’ ‘Em” on EMI Records. It’s unknown how or if the album ever charted. Their only single, “Groove Ya” peaked at #41 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
After that, it seemed as if the trio had faded into obscurity.
Me-2-U was an R&B group from Washington, DC that consisted of members Jerry Lattisaw (the younger brother of R&B singer Stacy Lattisaw), DeVaughn Howard, Eric Sanders, Damon Dunnock and Tony Dumas. In 1993, the group released their one and only self-titled debut album on RCA Records. It’s unknown how or if the album ever charted. The first single from the album “Want U Back” peaked at #112 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #45 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. The second single “All Night” peaked at #57 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. The last single “Raindrops” failed to chart. The group later went their separate ways, but continued to stay active in the music business.
Jerry Lattisaw and Tony Dumas went on to join a group called Majusty (the name was later changed to Prophet Jones) and released their self-titled album in 2001.
Devaughn Howard and Eric Sanders formed a group called Diversiti and released their self-titled album in 2002. They released solo albums under the names “Devon Howard” and “Eriq J’Mar” respectively.
Simple E (born Erica Williams in Oakland, California) was a female rapper from the 90’s. In 1994, she released her only album, “Colourz Uv Sound” which peaked at #88 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. 
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Passion (born Passion Lavon Broussard on February 21, 1975 in Oakland, California) is a female rapper from the mid-’90s.:format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1737518-1575645730-3870.jpeg.jpg)
In 1996, she signed a record deal with MCA Records and in August of that same year, she released her debut studio album, “Baller’s Lady” which peaked at #85 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.:format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-7645279-1535091135-1997.jpeg.jpg)
The lead single, “Where I’m From” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #29 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart and #88 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. It was featured in the film, “Bulletproof.”:format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8200742-1457024534-6991.jpeg.jpg)
The follow-up single from the album, “Gigolos Get Lonely” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot R&B Singles chart.:format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6274390-1611412730-3486.jpeg.jpg)
In 1999, she released her sophomore album, “Blame it On The Game” on the Yo Playa Patina record label which didn’t make the charts nor did the title song.
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