Includes articles about Montell Jordan, Charlotte Sweet, Jody Watley, the current state of UK R&B and The Family Stand, plus Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Spring - "Chuck It Up" and "I Get Lonely" by Janet Jackson.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: FINLEY QUAYE - "Your Love Grows Sweeter"
UK Albums: VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Speed Garage Anthems Vol 2"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: THE JACKSON FIVE Feat BLACK ROB - "I Want You Back '98 (Bad Boy Mix)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: DESTINY'S CHILD - "No No No"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: DESTINY'S CHILD - "No No No"
US Singles: USHER - "Nice & Slow"
US Albums: 2 DA GAME - "Charge It"
Includes articles about Billy Porter, Morcheeba, Deni Hines, Steve "Silk" Hurley, Carleen Anderson and Oran "Juice" Jones, plus Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Jeff Lorez reports from New York, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Roni Size - "Watching Windows" and "I Need Your Love" by Keni Burke.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: SHOLA AMA - "Much Love"
UK Albums: USHER - "My Way"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: ARETHA FRANKLIN - "A Rose Is Still A Rose" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: KAREN RAMIREZ- "Troubled Girl (Mixes)"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: NEXT - "Too Close"
US Singles: USHER - "Nice & Slow"
US Albums: BRIAN McKNIGHT - "Anytime"
Includes articles about Byron Stingily, The Whispers, Gilles Peterson, Levert, Sweat & Gill, The Jackie Brown Movie, Filo, Marsha and Kimberley Scott, plus Jeff Lorez relects upon The Artist (formerly known as Prince Rogers Nelson), Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Pump Friction - "That Sound" and "Holler" by Genuwine.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
UK Albums: USHER - "My Way"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: LYNDEN DAVID HALL - "Do I Qualify (Def Squad & Original Mix)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: GENUWINE - "Holler"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
US Singles: USHER - "Nice & Slow"
US Albums: YOUNG BLEED - "All I have In This World Are ... My Balls And My Word"
Includes articles about Cleopatra, Something For The People, Queen Pen, Davina, Gang Starr, Martha Wash, Loren and Juliet Roberts, plus Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include The Sounds Of Blackness - "Pressure"/"Hold On (Change Is Comin')" and "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Byron Stingily.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: ALL SAINTS - "Never Ever"
UK Albums: USHER - "My Way"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: BLACKSMITH - "Fight 4 The Right" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
US Singles: USHER - "Nice & Slow"
US Albums: USHER - "My Way"
Includes articles about Destiny's Child, K-Ball, Jagged Edge, Playa, James Mtume and Karlin & Soulshock, plus Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, Pete Reilly writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Family Stand - "Ghetto Heaven" and "Gettin' Jiggy Wit' It" by Will Smith.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY - "High"
UK Albums: USHER - "My Way"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: LAKIESHA BERRI - "When You Touch Me (Phat Boy Mix)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
US Singles: LSG - "My Body"
US Albums: USHER - "My Way"
Curiously, for a compilation of tracks that were 25-30 years old, this was the "Album of the week" in "Blues & Soul" 755 (8 Jan 1998 - Image #1591371). Normally the B&S "Album of the week" (a strange title as the magazine was fortnightly) was something totally contemporary.
Includes articles about Neresa Maye, Terry Callier, Taral Hicks, Uncle Sam, Paid & Live and Trevor Nelson, plus Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Smokin Beats - "Dreams" and "Is It Scary" by Michael Jackson.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: BUSTA RHYMES - "Dangerous"
UK Albums: 2PAC - "R U Still Down (Remember Me)"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: SPARKLE - "Twice (Darkchild Mix)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" 1997 Floorfillers Chart: NOTORIOUS B.I.G. - "Mo Money Mo Problems"
UK "Urban Essentials" 1997 Chart: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
US Singles: LSG - "My Body"
US Albums: 2PAC - "R U Still Down (Remember Me)"
The advert in "Blues & Soul" 755 (16th Dec 1997 - Image #1591171) states that this was to be released on 15th December 1997 along with another CD version (presumably 569 148-2)
Includes articles about Thriller U, Christion, Jermaine Dupri, Darryl Hall & John Oates, Lethal and Eternal, plus John-Andre Holley writes about Blaxploitation movies, David Nathan reflects on the state of R&B in 1997, Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, Pete Reilly writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Russell Crewe writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include The Brand New Heavies - "Shelter" and "Feel So Good" by Mase.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: DRU HILL - "5 Steps"
UK Albums: ALL SAINTS - "All Saints"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: CARL HENRY - "I'm Thinking"/"I Will" (CD/LP)
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: JULIET ROBERTS - "So Good"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. - "Sky's the Limit"/"Kick In The Door"
US Singles: LSG - "My Body"
US Albums: ERYKAH BADU - "Live"
Includes articles about 4.0, H-Town, LL Cool J, Mase, Bootsy Collins, the 1997 MOBO Awards , Bizzi and Conner Reeves, plus Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Jamie Topham writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include The Gravediggaz - "The Night The Earth Cried" and "Together Again" by Janet Jackson.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: ALL SAINTS - "Never Ever"
UK Albums: RAKIM - "The 18th Letter"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: JANET JACKSON - "Together Again" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: PAID & LIVE Feat LAURYN HILL - "All My Time"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: SHOLA AMA - "Who's Loving My Baby"
US Singles: LSG - "My Body"
US Albums: RAKIM - "The 18th Letter"
Includes articles about Kwesi, Lynden David Hall, Chico Debarge, Celetia, Truce, Hinda Hicks, Ambersunshower and Bobby Brown, plus Tony Monson muses, Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Jamie Topham writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Buckshot LeFonque - "Another Day (In The Mood)" and "Appletree" by Erykah Badu.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: JAY-Z Feat BABYFACE & FOXY BROWN - "Sunshine"
UK Albums: M PEOPLE - "Fresco"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: GANG STARR - "You Know My Steez" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: LL COOL J - "Phenomenon"
US Singles: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
US Albums: VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Gang Related OST"
I suspect that this was a "Europe" release, rather than specific to its country of manufacture (The Netherlands). On that basis I've added the advert for it that appeared in "Blues & Soul" 751 (21st October 1997 - Image #1590878) which shows the release date to be October 20th 1997.
Includes articles about Jon B, Jay Z, Janet Jackson, Usher and The Lighthouse Family, plus Tony Monson muses, Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, Pete Reilly writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop, Bigger writes about "Urban" music and Jamie Topham writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Michelle Weeks - "Don't Give Up" and "Sexy Cinderella" by David Lynden Hall.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: ETERNAL - "Angel Of Mine"
UK Albums: JANET JACKSON - "Velvet Rope"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: IN A MAGAZINE - "911 (America)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: ETERNAL - "Angel Of Mine"
UK "Urban Essentials" Chart: BUSTA RHYMES - "Put Your Hands Where Your Eyes Can See"
US Singles: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
US Albums: BUSTER RHYMES - "When Disaster Strikes"
This looks to have been released in September/October 1997 along with other Tappen-Zee album reissues by Mongo Santamaria and Richard Tee as there was an advert for them in "Blues & Soul" 750 (7th Oct 1997 - Image #1590446)
This was most probably released in September/October 1997 as there was an advert in "Blues & Soul" 750 (7th Oct 1997) that featured it (Image #1590425).
Includes articles about EPMD, Sam Salter, Boyz II Men, Common, Myron, Desert Eagle Discs, Ali, Ola and D-Influence, plus Tony Monson muses, Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop and Jamie Topham writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Martha Wash - "Carry On" and "4 Seasons Of Loneliness" by Boyz II Men.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: JANET JACKSON - "Got 'Til It's Gone"
UK Albums: MARIAH CAREY - "Butterfly"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: ALI - "Feeling You"/"Love Letters" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: ANGIE STONE FOR THE DEVOX PROJECT - "Everyday"
US Singles: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
US Albums: MASTER P - "Ghetto D"
Editorial Contributors: Mark Webster, Steve Hobbs, Lewis Dene, Roger St. Pierre, Pete Lewis, Ralph Tee, Mat-C, Jon-Andre Holley, Nick E, DJ Debra, Jamie Topham, Tony Monson, Pete Reilly, Tony Rounce, Susie McClelland
American Representatives: Jeff Lorez, David Nathan..
Includes articles about Shola Ama, Big Bub, Simone Hines, Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Brian McKnight and Courtney Pine, plus Tony Monson muses, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, Pete Reilly writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop and Jamie Topham writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Roachford - "The Way I Feel" and "Ooh La La" by Coolio.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: MARIAH CAREY - "Honey"
UK Albums: SHOLA AMA - "Much Love"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: DEVOX feat ANGIE B STONE - "Everyday (Full Crew Remix)" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: TOTAL - "What About Us"
US Singles: USHER - "You Make Me Wanna"
US Albums: PUFF DADDY & THE FAMILY - "No Way Out"
I suspect this was a "Europe" release rather than a "German" one. I've added the advert for it that appeared in "Blues & Soul" 748 (9th Sept 1997 - image #1590107) which states it was released on September 1st 1997. "Blues & Soul" 748 was on sale in both The UK and Germany.
Includes articles about Philip Bailey, KRS One, Finley Quayle, Shola Ama, Soul II Soul and Yvette Michele, plus Steve Hobbs waxes lyrical about "Real Soul", Tony Monson muses, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Seamus Haji writes about House Music, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop and Jamie Topham writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Lauryn Hill & The Refugee Camp All Stars - "The Sweetest Thing" and "All Mine" by Portishead.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: SHOLA AMA - "You're The One I Love"
UK Albums: PUFF DADDY & THE FAMILY - "No Way Out"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: D-INFLUENCE - "Magic" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: MARIAH CAREY. - "Honey"
US Singles: DRU HILL - "Never Make A Promise"
US Albums: PUFF DADDY & THE FAMILY - "No Way Out"
Includes articles about Frankie, Gravediggaz, Lauryn Hill, Phajja, Sprinkler, Denasi, Deni Hines, Conner Reeves, Brigette McWilliams and Robyn, plus Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Tony Monson muses, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, Pete Reilly writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop and Jamie Topham writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Snoop Doggy Dogg featuring JD - "We Just Wanna Party With You" and "Who's The Mack" by Mark Morrison.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: WILL SMITH - "Men In Black"
UK Albums: PUFF DADDY & THE FAMILY - "No Way Out"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: BRIAN McKNIGHT Feat MASE - "You Should Be Mine" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: SWV Feat PUFF DADDY. - "Someone"
US Singles: DRU HILL - "Never Make A Promise"
US Albums: BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY - "The Art Of War"
Includes articles about Etta James, Missy Elliott, Omar, Gerald Levert and Adina Howard, plus Steve Hobbs writes about "Real Soul", Tony Monson muses, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop and Jamie Topham writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Notorious B.I.G. & Mace - "Mo Money Mo Problems" and "Kiss And Tell" by Brownstone.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: WILL SMITH - "Men In Black"
UK Albums: PUFF DADDY & THE FAMILY - "No Way Out"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: FOXY BROWN Feat DRU HILL - "Big Bad Mamma" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: SWV Feat PUFF DADDY. - "Someone"
US Singles: PUFF DADDY & FAITH EVANS - "I'll Be Missing You"
US Albums: MISSY "MISDEMEANOR" ELLIOTT - "Supa Dupa Fly"
Includes articles about Patti LaBelle, Jungle Brothers, Mama Mystique, Benz, Grandmaster Melle-Mel & Scorpio, Tracey Lee, Todd Terry, Timbaland and Spearhead, plus Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, Tony Monson muses, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop and Jamie Topham writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Curtis Mayfield - "Just A LIttle Bit Of Love" and "Everything" by Mary J Blige.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: COOLIO Feat 40 THEVZ - "C U When U Get There"
UK Albums: VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Men In Black OST"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: PRETTY BOY LLOYD - "Got Me On A High" (12")
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: LIL' KIM. - "Not Tonight"
US Singles: PUFF DADDY & FAITH EVANS - "I'll Be Missing You"
US Albums: GOD'S PROPERTY FROM KIRK FRANKLIN's NU NATION - "God's Property"
Includes articles about Lawrence Payton, The Braxtons, Teddy Pendergrass, Maxwell and Rosie Gaines, plus Steve Hobbs writes about "Real Soul", Pete Reilly writes about Jazz, Tony Monson muses, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop and Jamie Topham writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Changing Faces - "G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T." and "Hypnotize" by D-Influence.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: PUFF DADDY & FAITH EVANS - "I'll Be Missing You"
UK Albums: WYCLEF JEAN & THE REFUGEE ALLSTARS - "The Carnival"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: SWV - "Can We" (CD/LP)
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: NOTORIOUS B.I.G.. - "Mo Money Mo Problems"
US Singles: PUFF DADDY & FAITH EVANS - "I'll Be Missing You"
US Albums: GOD'S PROPERTY FROM KIRK FRANKLIN's NU NATION - "God's Property"
Includes articles about All Star, The Starsky & Hutch disco nights phenomenon, Changing Faces, Wyclef Jean, Blacknuss, The Ohio Players, Roger Troutman and Vanessa Simon, plus Dean Johnson reports from the North-West, DJ Debra writes about Jazz, Tony Monson muses, Lewis Dene writes about new and upcoming releases, Nick E writes about House Music, Mat-C writes about Hip-Hop and Jamie Topham writes about The UK Club Scene.
New UK singles reviewed in this edition of "B&S" include Todd Terry - "Somethin's Going On" and "Gotham City" by R Kelly.
#1 Records :-
UK Singles: AZ YET - "Hard To Say I'm Sorry"
UK Albums: WU TANG CLAN - "Wu Tang Forever"
UK "Hip List" Import Chart: LESCHEA - "Rhymes & Beats" (CD/LP)
UK "Club Hoppin'" Floorfillers Chart: NOTORIOUS B.I.G.. - "Mo Money Mo Problems"
US Singles: PUFF DADDY & FAITH EVANS - "I'll Be Missing You"
US Albums: GOD'S PROPERTY FROM KIRK FRANKLIN's NU NATION - "God's Property"