2/8/24

Jay C. Brandriet

A shout out to my bro Russ Riggs and his loved ones.

Tomorrow is his Birthday.

This June it will be ten years since his passing.

The connection he had with music has continued to be the coping device I lean on most.

His prime interest in R&B was the 1990’s sound led by Boyz II Men.

He took pride in being a die-hard from day one.

Hearing the jocks at school chant, “Rusty Riggs ABC BBD.”…… and seeing his grin.

Nathan Smith jokingly calling them “Boyz II Fem” even gave Riggs delight. He took it like, all publicity is good publicity.

Was there a line to purchase their new CD the second it was available at the mall? He would know, because he was the first person there.

He was having conversations with the salesclerks’ months in advance to ensure and track these release dates.

It would impress me how Rusty knew the songs we both acknowledged were “lesser level.” He could find what was right with that “6.” Russ had the patience for each track. Every one of them mattered. He liked the songs he didn’t like.

He preferred the “slow jams.”

Because of that, he was always searching for that quality medium and faster paced tune.

He saw Boyz II Men perform live four times and met them twice.

Today, the group has become SO big it’s crazy. Every time they are referred to in pop culture, it’s hard not to think about what his reactions would be.

His passion and salesmanship led to me having great affection for the group as well.

I’ll rank my 25 favorite Boyz II men songs and try to digest how Russ would perceive it.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

VISIONS OF A SUNSET (1995) Shawn Stockman

NEVER (1997)

HUMAN II (DON’T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME) (1997)

I MISS YOU (2004) Klymaxx cover

I SIT AWAY (1994)

THE TOP 25

#25- FALLIN’ (1994)

#24- ALL AROUND THE WORLD (1994)

#23- THANK YOU (1994)

#22- SNOW WHITE (2005)

#21- DREAMS (2000)

#20- LET IT SNOW (1993) Brian Mcknight

#19- YOUR’E NOT ALONE (1993)

#18- WISHES (1996) Nathan Morris

#17- THANK YOU IN ADVANCE (2000)

#16- I WILL GET THERE (1998)

#15- MOTOWNPHILLY (1991)

#14- DOIN’ JUST FINE (1997)

#13-DEAR GOD (1997)

#12- SHARE LOVE (1993)

#11- IT’S SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE TO YESTERDAY (1991)

#10- YOUR LOVE (1991)

#9- DO THEY KNOW (1993)

#8- THE COLOR OF LOVE (2002)

#7- 4 SEASONS OF LONELINESS (1997)

#6- ON BENDED KNEE (1994)

#5- I’LL MAKE LOVE TO YOU (1994)

#4- ONE SWEET DAY (1995) Mariah Carey

#3- END OF THE ROAD (1992)

#2- A SONG FOR MAMA (1997)

#1- PLEASE DON’T GO (1991)

There are two I know he WOULD have had that I excluded.

“Girl in the Life Magazine.” (1997)

“In The Still of the Nite.” (I’ll Remember) (1992)

I can see him choosing “Little Things” from their debut record.

Shawn was his favorite singer in the group, so the solo “Visions of a Sunset” would make his top 25.

Riggs would say “All around the world” at number 24? More like 34. That stench is ok.”

He would wonder where “Water Runs Dry” was on my list?

I’d explain it was more successful than great.

He’d note “Dreams” was a little low.

I’d guess he’d claim that I was “disrespecting “Motownphilly” five percent.”

I’d remind him FAVORITE is not the same as BEST.

He’d like the shine I put on the 1992 sleeper “Your Love.” He’d bring up the noise in the song that sounds like Lagoon’s “Jet Star 2.”

Russ would give me props for my “Snow White” pull.

I’d be reminded for the 20th time, “that album was only released in Japan.”

He’d bring up the night we saw them in the park with Ruth, Emi, and Justin.

He’d remind me how Nathan Morris told us all to call our moms, so the group could sing a “Song For Mama” for them.

Riggs would agree with my number one selection and would point out it was “the obvious choice.”

Despite the critiques, Russ would rate my list a “9.4.”

He’d be getting started on his own top 40 right away.

Jay C. Brandriet