2024 NAACP Image Awards: Gear Up for the ‘Legacy Tour’ With These Classic New Edition Songs
On Saturday, March 16, New Edition received the Hall of Fame award at the 55th NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles. And if you haven’t heard by now, the legendary r&b band is currently doing a "Legacy Tour', and they’re bringing along Tank, Keith Sweat, and the original members of Guy—Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Damion Hall.
Ronnie Devoe, who spoke on behalf of the legendary group, expressed his gratitude for the tremendous honor.
“This is such an honor. So many people poured into us over the 40-plus years that we've been in this music industry. God, our Creator, our parents who gave us the gifts and the talents that we turned into our purpose. And a gentleman that gave us the name “New Edition,” Mr. Brooke Payne," Devoe said.
“We stand here from Boston straight out of Orchard Park projects. We stand here from Washington, DC. And more importantly, we stand here in brotherhood,” Michael Bivins added.
“Get a ticket, a flight, and a hotel to Vegas and join us. We always knew New Edition was meant to be here,” Bivins added. “We just had to understand our purpose. And it's coming together tonight y'all. We love you.”
So, in honor of their extensive musical event, scroll through your throwback playlists and refresh your memory with these quintessential New Edition records.
“Cool It Now”
By 1984, New Edition had the hearts of many young female fans, but the stardom would soar even further with the release of their smash single “Cool It Now” from the group’s eponymous second album New Edition. The track is about a guy professing his love for his girls, but his pals are close by strongly suggesting against it. The track succeeded and peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“If It Isn’t Love”
“If It Isn’t Love” is the first single from their fifth studio album, Heart Break, and one of the biggest tracks from the album, with no surprise, considering it’s a Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis original. The song earned a nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the Grammy Awards in February 1989.
“Mr. Telephone Man”
“Mr. Telephone Man” is another notable track from New Edition’s sophomore album New Edition. The song focuses on a conversation between a telephone operator and a guy who can't accept that his romantic interest isn’t interested in talking. Instead of embracing his fate, he foolishly thinks there is a problem with the girl’s phone connection.
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“Can You Stand The Rain"
New Edition released their r&b ballad “Can You Stand the Rain” from their fifth studio album, Heart Break. The group collaborated with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis again, with Ralph, Ricky, and newest member Johnny on lead vocals while Michael handled the spoken piece.
“I'm Still In Love With You”
New Edition finds unity as all six members unite from their sixth studio album, Home Again, released in 1996 with “I’m Still In Love With You” as their second single; “Hit Me Off” served as their first. The track peaked at number seven and was the second single to be certified gold from the project.