Before you read this, take a few seconds to think about your favorite songs from the early
2000’s. I’m sure about 10 songs popped up in your head including “Right Thurr” by Chingy.
Like a true 90’s baby, I love early 2000’s hip-hop and R&B. I mean, it was the best time for music compared to what we have now. Artists like D4L, Dem Franchise Boyz and Nelly came out the woodwork with hits. Music Super groups/labels were formed. Jersey dresses, 3 piece sweatbands and AF1’s were the thing! You can’t deny how lit the early 2000’s was. And what a time to be alive to see AJ & Free every day after school, 5 pm on the dot!
But for real, I’ll play any Outkast song at a party before Pills n’ Automobiles.
So, let me introduce you to the subjects of this post. How many of you remember the group Smilez & Southstar? Don’t remember? No worries, that’s what I’m here for. Come get yo’ background info!
Who:
Smilez: Rodney Bailey
Southstar: Rob Chapman
Origin:
Orlando, Florida
Label:
ARTISTdirect Records, Transcontinental Records, BMG
Discography:
Crash the Party (2003)
Singles:
“Tell Me” (Oct. 2002)
Now that you are caught up, you’re probably wondering why I decided to have this discussion about a group that only had one album. First of all…. Have you heard of the saying “Quality over Quantity”? Secondly, Smilez and Southstar were able to make Complex Magazines top 100 “One Hit Wonders” list for their smash hit “Tell Me”.
This post is about how dope “Tell Me” was back in 2002-2003.
I remember when I was 9, rapping this song as if my man did me dirty. Now, 9-year-old me had no idea what Smilez and Southstar were rapping about but best believe, I felt this song wholeheartedly. When “Tell Me” first hit the music scene, 106 & Park had it on their #5 spot the first week. Two weeks later, it maintained the #1 spot for a consecutive 3 weeks (What a Time to be 9!).
Back then, my dad used the application Nero to make me mix cd’s (I still make mix Cd’s). Every CD he made had to have “Tell Me” on it. I refused to have anything less than that song. Those long walks from the bus stop to my house were occupied by my CD player propped in my pocket because my hands were cold, w/ “Tell Me” playing on repeat.
To be honest, it wasn’t until I went to AtoZLyrics.com to find out what the chorus was saying. For the longest, I thought they were singing A-B-C-D. Please don’t ask me why. (LOL)
“Tell Me” is the quintessential anthem for the person who is in their feelings after a breakup but doesn’t want to show emotion. So, instead of wallowing at home watching “House of Dolls”, they instead go to the club to suppress their feelings. But when the night is over, they return home, scrolling through old photos in the camera roll.
I Love the Lyric
“I invested 3 years ma, plus this song”
Do you know how much studio time costs?
DO YOU!
“Tell Me” is a classic of our time. A nice reminder of how dope hip hop and R&B was in the early 2000’s. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane with me and this song
! Check out the video below or even bump it on your way to work!
Commentaires