By PETER CRONIN - -Published by Warner/Chappell Music (BMI) With their debut album just hitting the streets, Blackgirl (aka Rochelle Stuart, Pamela Copeland, and Nycolia "Tye V" Turman) are new kids on the R&B block. But they go straight to the "old school" with their version of "Let's Do It Again." Written by Curtis Mayfield, the Staple Singers' version of the song went to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 back in 1975.Solid fans of both Curtis Mayfield and the Staple Singers, the members of Blackgirl found a way to pay tribute to both on their debut album, "Treat U Right," with a '90s hip-hop-flavored version of "Let's Do It Again." "We were talking with our producer, Derek Allen, about doing a remake, and Tye-V suggested Let's Do It Again' because it brought back memories for her of when she was a little girl," says Rochelle Stuart. "Her father used to have her stand on the piano in the juke joints and sing it. I do recall the song, but I was just a little kid, so I don't remember it all that well from back then. But we love it when we hear those old songs. It's nice to do some of the older stuff and give it a new flavor but still let it keep some of the sound of the old song. We tried to do Let's Do It Again' our own way, but we wanted to keep that old, churchy sound, like Mavis and the whole Staple family, that down-home sound, you know? I don't know all of Curtis Mayfield's stuff, but from what I do know, he is a great writer. I'm glad he's finally really being recognized. Everywhere we go, and no matter what we sing, everybody always loves Let's Do It Again.' They're liking our other songs, but that is always the show-stopper.
By LARRY FLICK
Spunky, persistent female trio puts a contemporary spin on the timeless 1975 classic, which was first recorded by the Staple Singers. A laid-back, hip-hop beat converges with psychedelic guitar riffs, as seductive vocals slink through familiar territory with a harmony-filled vocal edge. Play it again.
By LARRY FLICK
Heaven-sent vocals rise to the occasion of this demanding Daryl Simmons-produced ballad, drastically reworked from the original album cut. Angelic harmonies supplement the sweetness, as newly added keyboards and lush voices sweep through the enhanced production. From the CD "Treat U Right."
By LARRY FLICK
Rich, gospel-like harmonies capture the ear on a set filled with creamy melodies and laid-back, funky beats Trio takes the high road with positive lyrics that articulate pro-female theory as well as warm, romantic notions. Blackgirl combines the soulful harmonies of days gone by with '90s production, resulting in closely woven vocals and temporally hybrid musical arrangements.
By LARRY FLICK
Act rising from the latest wave of new-jill-swingers asserts itself as a posse of renegade women who will not succumb to the sexism their moms and sisters did. 'Nuff respect to 'em for taking a solid lyrical stand, and backing up the wordage with potent singing and a gritty funk/hip-hop groove that will sound quite nice on youth-oriented R&B formats.
By LARRY FLICK
Female trio aims to feed off the massive success of label mates SWV with this chunky and infectious new jill swinger. Although there is not a bit of new ground broken here, track is engaging and chock full of pleasant harmonizing. Rap interlude by Smooth lends street credibility.
The main problem with today's flooded R&B market is that, for the most part good singers are plagued by mediocre songs. Enter Blackgirl a female trio from New York. Even though they have great voices, many of the songs lack focus. However, some songs on the second side have redeeming qualities. "Things We Used To Do" is a laid back and mellow type of song that is reminiscent of Xscape's "Just Kickin' It." "90's Girl," the first single is an upbeat song that sticks out due to its top - notch production. Possibly the best song on the album is "Let's Do It Again," a remake of the Staple Sisters' 1970's hit. It has a relaxed back beat with an "old school" type of feel to it and best showcases the trio's talents.
1995: Nomination - Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist: "90's Girl"
1995 Nomination - Best New Artist:"90's Girl"
1995 Nomination - Single Of The Year (By A Group, Band Or Duo):"Let's Do It Again"
1995 Nomination - Album Of The Year (By A Group, Band Or Duo):"Treat U Right"
1995 Nomination - Top R&B New Artist
1995 Nomination - Top R&B Singles Artist (Group)
1995 Year End Music Charts - #67 Billboard Hot 100 Single Of 1995 "90's Girl"
1995 Nomination - Best R&B/Urban Clip (New Artist): "90's Girl"
1995 Nomination - Best Direction Of A New Artist: "90's Girl"
"Krazy" #37 on Billboard Hot 100
"90's Girl" #13 on Billboard Hot 100
"Where Did We Go Wrong" #38 on Billboard Hot 100
"Let's Do It Again" #25 on Billboard Hot 100
"90's Girl" #23 on UK Singles Chart
"Let's Do It Again" #66 on UK Singles Chart
"Krazy" #76 on Tokio Hot 100
"90's Girl" #7 on Tokio Hot 100
"Where Did We Go Wrong" #36 on Tokio Hot 100
"Let's Do It Again" #20 on Tokio Hot 100
"Hey, Look Away" #80 on Tokio Hot 100
