BLACK HISTORY MONTH THROWBACK SPOTLIGHT: Two Great Cities run through Boyz II Men

Not hard to guess which two with a song like "Motown Philly"

R&B group Boyz II Men performed at the Des Moines Civic Center in Des Moines on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019. 20191001 Boyziimen

One of my favorite ’90s Throwbacks to dust off here on Throwback Nation Radio is “Motown Philly” by Boyz II Men. Not only is it fun, upbeat, and a great example of early ’90s new jack swing, but it encapsulates the vibe and feel of two great ERAS of music that came before: 1960s motown and 1970s “Philly Soul.”

While the group grew up in Philadelphia (even giving a nod to Philly cheesesteaks in their song), the Motown feel is omnipresent. Their rise in the ’90s lead to many imitators, but for me, only Boyz II Men brought the sound of these two All-American cities, and All-American styles of music, and melded them perfectly. ALMOST as perfect as the cheese on a cheesesteak. 🙂

Thanks for all your contributions to the musical world, Boyz II Men! Songs like yours give us another reason to celebrate today, and everyday!