Episode 212: Bobby Brown

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Bobby Brown is one of the foremost stars of modern r&b. Starting out with his childhood pals Ricky, Michael, Ronnie, and Ralph, he formed New Edition, one of the biggest groups of the era. But that was only the beginning. Bobby became a megastar with his 1988 solo album Don’t Be Cruel, whose hits like “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step” helped usher in the New Jack Swing phenomenon. Following several years of nearly non-stop touring, his followup LP, 1992’s Bobby, continued the streak with the hits “Humpin’ Around” and “Good Enough.” Today, following years of New Edition reunions, reality TV, a memoir, and much more, Bobby is back to his first love—performing.

We talked to Bobby about growing up in Boston, highlights of his time with New Edition, finding his footing as a solo artist, his relationship to hip-hop through the years, and much more.

Tracks featured in this episode:

1. New Edition, “Kinda Girls We Like”
2. Bobby Brown, “Baby I Wanna Tell You Something”
3. Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, “Scorpio”
4. Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs, “Streets Of The Ghetto”
5. Michael Jackson (HQ) - Billie Jean - Introducing The Moonwalk - 1983 Motown 25th.
6. Prince Charles and the City Beat Band, “Cash (Cash Money)”
7. Jonzun Crew, “Pack Jam - 12” Remix”
8. New Edition, “Pass the Beat”
9. Bobby Brown - GirlFriend(Boston 1987 Awards)
10. New Edition, “School”
11. New Edition - performs Candy Girl on Soul Train 1983
12. The Cipher Episode 158 - Nice & Smooth
13. The Evolution of Boy Band Medley - Opening Performance | Boy Band
14. Bobby Brown, “Girl Next Door”
15. Bobby Brown, “Baby, I Wanna Tell You Something”
16. Bernard Wright, “Haboglabotribin’”
17. Bobby Brown, “Roni”
18. Michael Jackson, “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)”
19. Bobby Brown, “Take It Slow”
20. Bobby Brown, “My Prerogative”
21. Large Professor - The Bobby Brown & Kool G Rap Album That Almost Happened (247HH Exclusive)
22. Bobby Brown - My Prerogative live
23. The Incredible Crew, “Bounce (It’s Your Birthday)”
24. New Edition, “My Secret”
25. Bobby Brown, “On Our Own”
26. Busy Bee vs. Rodney Cee, “M.C. Battle At the Dixie”
27. The Fat Boys, “Stick ‘Em”
28. Tam Tam, “Do It Tam Tam”
29. Janet Jackson, “Control”

Show notes:

1. New Edition - performs Candy Girl on Soul Train 1983
2. Large Professor - The Bobby Brown & Kool G Rap Album That Almost Happened (247HH Exclusive)
3. New Edition, “My Secret (Didja Gitit Yet?)” video