Album: Hard Core (Undeas/ Big Beat/ Atlantic; 1996)
Songwriters: Andreao Heard, James Lloyd and Jeff Lorber
R&B Peak Position: #9 (Airplay Only)
"I'm not the one you sleep with, to eat quick/ Want a cheap trick?/ Better go down to Freaknik"
The last track recorded for her solo debut album, Hard Core, "Crush On You" screamed single with it's cuddly Candyland bounce (sampled from jazz musician Jeff Lorber's 1979 "Rain Dance") and a slick Biggie chorus. Unfortunately, an out-on-vacation Kim never made it to the studio in time to place her vocals on the track before it was turned in to the label. "Crush On You" still made it onto the album, but it was oddly presented as a solo feature from Kim's Junior MAFIA mate Lil' Cease. By the time it was dropped as the second single from the album, all wrongs were righted and Kim was spliced in; living up to it's promise, the newly realized duet would emerge as one of the biggest rap hits of the year.
One of the tamer moments from the album, "Crush On You", like most of MAFIA's material, was heavily influenced by the floss-and-sex-focused raps charismatically brought to life by Notorious BIG. The two "Lil'"'s tag-team rhyme about lavish lifestyles filled with high-priced possessions and porno shenanigans, showing us how fun dating can be when you've got an endless amount of dough to play with. Cease gleefully wines and dines the bevy of beauties that surround him, while Kim teases the filthy rich with visuals of being "undressed in a bra all see-through". While their interchange is entertaining, neither are able to really overshadow the cut's dual main attractions: that cutesy beat and Biggie's effortless hook (Reason #67 why Mr. B.I.G. remains one of the best rappers ever).
Best Moment: It's vibrant video.
DL: "Crush On You" (YFH)
4 comments:
This is a jam! I'm so glad it wasn't lost in the vortex of different versions that didn't make it to the album. Although I suppose if there's ever a Lil Kim greatest hits it'd make an appearance in its music video version form.
This song was S-E-R-I-O-U-S when released and honestly speaking, I am sure the video had everything to do with catapulting it into its unforgettable status. Wicked post.
I love your blog, have been on it regularly and also added it to my blogroll. Do check out my space when you get a chance. You will most likely enjoy my flashback video of the day along with my Friday album of the week. Take care and keep up the wicked work!
I loved this song when it was out and I STILL do. To bad Kim don't look the same.
Damn, thanks for this! This shit banged back in the day!
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