By Odeisel

In the post Jodeci/Boyz II Men R&B landscape, there haven’t been many groups that actually sang from the male point of view and represented the hood.  Perhaps foremost among them, specifically in terms of talent and catalogue stands Jagged Edge, a group possessed of solid vocal skills and superior production courtesy of Jermaine Dupri for most of their run. With hits like “Where The Party At,” “Promise,” and “Walked Out Of Heaven,” the group showcased affinity for both the ballad and the boogie which is fairly uncommon at this point.

The brothers Casey, with Wingo and Kyle have been silent for the past few years.  JD hauled ass for Def Jam to be with his main squeeze and the crew decided to remain with Columbia.  Whether that was the right choice remains to be seen but they are back in effect like AL B Sure’s eyebrow and return to the game with everyone’s favorite incarcerated rapper Gucci Mane and the self proclaimed “baddest bitch” Trina for the single “Tip Of My Tongue.” Only now they are down with Slip N Slide Records.

Jagged Edge Feat. Gucci Mane & Trina  01 1 Tip Of My Tongue

The song is powered by the Art of Noise’s “Moment’s In Love,” last jacked for Uncle L’s “Doin’ It” remix.  A deft use of it with an undercurrent of that double time drum that’s common in present day southern production. The group’s trademarked harmonized melody is still intact and while this is neither heart stirring or unusually hot, it’s more than in line with what is out there currently and it doesn’t sound dated at all. Gucci contributed verse x, nowhere near the performance on Mario’s summer hit “Break Up,” but not bad. 

Slip N Slide’s First Lady Trina doesn’t do much to harm her legacy, but that in itself is currently up in the air. She spits a bunch of clichés as well as a too old to be talking about it shout to “swag surfin” but at the end of the day, it’s all on K-Mart anyway, she’s all good.

All in all, a credible return.  With their talents, they could have returned to the game with a strong, masculine ballad, especially in a landscape that is sorely missing that.  For their fans, this will suffice to whet the appetite for more material.  In that same vein here’s a couple of teaser treats to get you ready for their full blown return.  Peace.

Jagged Edge- Calendar Girl 04 4 Calendar Girl

Jagged Edge-Lay You Down 05 5 Lay You Down

Jagged Edge-My Girl 06 6 My Girl

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