Keith Sweat or R. Kelly? Back in the day, that was always a hot topic among R&B lovers in my neck of the woods. In fact, you could find bootleg copies of “Keith Sweat vs R. Kelly” mixtapes floating around. Though they would make for a great Verzuz, it’ll never happen for obvious reasons. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t speak on their debuts, Make It Last Forever and Born Into the 90s.
Between the two, Keith released his album first in November 1987. Many of the songs consisted of upbeat production, which helped define the New Jack Swing sound. “I Want Her,” the album’s first single, was the poster-boy for the newly created subgenre.
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The single reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
“Something Just Ain’t Right,” “Make It Last Forever,” and “Don’t Stop Your Love” were the album’s other singles.
Though it wasn’t a single, “Right and Wrong Way,” was one of the more memorable slow jam of the era.
The album was produced by Teddy Riley, one of the forefathers of New Jack Swing.
Make It Last Forever reached the 15 spot on the Billboard 200 and it atop the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album was certified 3X platinum.
R. Kelly & The Public Announcement released Born Into the ’90s nearly five years later. When you think of R. Kelly, his name doesn’t automatically get attached to New Jack Swing. However, the Chicago-native sprinkled some New Jack seasoning on “She’s Got That Vibe,” the album’s first single.
The song did well on the charts, reaching number 7 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Though the album had upbeat songs such as “Definition of a Hotti” and “I Know What You Need,” Kelz and PA kept it slow to midtempo with the album’s other singles such as “Slow Dance (Hey Mr. DJ),” “Dedicated,” and “Honey Love.”
The vast majority of album’s writer and production was handled by Kelly.
Born Into the 90’s reached the 96 spot on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album was certified platinum.
Again, I don’t think it will be Keith Sweat vs R. Kelly Verzuz anytime soon — or ever. But we can always debate their albums.
‘Make It Last Forever’ or ‘Born Into the ’90s’?
[Polls Are Closed!]
Keith Sweat – Make It Last Forever – Unanimous
R. Kelly & The Public Announcement – Born Into the ’90s – 0%