1997 was a phenomenal year for music. From neo-soul to electronic-fused R&B to mafioso rap and progressive hip-hop sounds, the year was sonically diverse as multiple genres were all simultaneously prospering. In no particular order, these are five classic albums that will be celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.
1. The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson
Notable songs: “I Get Lonely,” “Got ’til its Gone,” and “Together Again
If Rhythm Nation helped her break the mold of just being Michael Jackson’s little sister and janet. ignited a sense of self-confidence and sensuality, The Velvet Rope effortlessly produced the aforementioned and so much more in Miss Jackson’s most prolific record to date. The concept album – which covered themes of depression, domestic violence, masturbation, BDSM, and HIV/AIDS among others – is largely introspective while still chronicling the perils and pressing matters of the world. Parading bright red curls and facial and body piercings while wearing erotic clothing such as latex, Janet had established herself as a sex icon through her major image re-haul that set the stage for the likes of Christina Aguilera and Rihanna in the future. The album is also noteworthy for experimenting with electronic and trip hop music and being an early example of “alternative R&B” akin to the music of FKA Twigs and The Weeknd among others; surely, the impact of this album is still felt today.
2. Life After Death by The Notorious B.I.G.
Notable songs: “Hypnotize,” “Mo Money Mo Problems,” “Ten Crack Commandments,” and “Sky’s the Limit”
Released two weeks after Biggie’s fatal shooting in Los Angeles, the double album – encompassing 24 tracks – eerily picks up right where “Suicidal Thoughts,” the last song of his debut album Ready to Die ends. Further delving into the mafioso rap genre while being able to simultaneously juggle ear candy for mainstream radio with hard-hitting rhymes and delivery for the die-hard rap fans, Life After Death was far from a sophomore slump, being certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2000. Aside from being hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time or influencing the careers of Rick Ross, for instance, the seminal album is credited with marking the end of the gangster rap era. Biggie’s murder coupled with the death of Tupac Shakur a few months earlier demonstrated the violence of rap music and subsequently signaled a shift to a more light and upbeat trend of hip-hop while moving away from its dark, gritty themes. Nonetheless, the seeds of a more “commercial” hip-hop were planted with this album.
3. Supa Dupa Fly by Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot
Notable songs: “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” “Sock It 2 Me,” and “Best Friends”
The hip-hop world was taken by storm upon the release of Missy’s breakthrough single “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).” The track accompanied by the ahead-of-its-time music video offered a breath of fresh air for its surrounding rap landscape. After being relegated to songwriting and producing for years for lacking “mainstream appeal,” Missy released her debut album Supa Dupa Fly in 1997 to widespread acclaim from critics and hip-hop fans alike. Although the rapper’s legacy has largely been re-written to omit her eroticism, the “Misdemeanor’s” debut is loudly and proudly sexual. Challenging traditional norms of femininity and sexuality, Missy is confidently sensual on tracks like “Sock It 2 Me” while sporting body and sex positivity. Aside from the subject matter, the sheer uniqueness of the album was truly remarkable.
4. Baduizm by Erykah Badu
Notable songs: “On & On,” “Next Lifetime,” and “The Other Side of the Game”
Leaving Grambling State University to focus full-time on music proved to be quite beneficial for a young singer-songwriter Erica Wright. Her debut album Baduizm, released under the name Erykah Badu, beautifully mixed funky and jazzy sounds with then-contemporary R&B and helped establish the neo-soul genre alongside fellow crooners D’Angelo and Maxwell. Its lead single “On and On” is beyond conscious; examining religion and the world while also using a clever metaphor involving $3.60, the track was the first neo-soul song to reach the number one spot on Billboard’s R&B chart and remains one of Badu’s most successful and awarded hits.
5. Uptown Saturday Night by Camp Lo
Notable songs: “Luchini AKA This Is It,””Coolie High,” and “Black Nostaljack”
Although not as successful or noteworthy as the aforementioned albums, Uptown Saturday Night is a fine piece of work. Producing one of the greatest rap singles ever and displaying similar album artwork to a painting from “Good Times,” Camp Lo was a refreshing conglomeration of hip-hop, soul, and jazz. The production was top-notch, the lyricism was stellar, and the music had an early 1990s flare. When people say that they miss “the golden age of rap,” this is exactly what they are talking about. Oh, and to top everything off, they even released a groovy ’70s style video that featured Jimmie “J.J.” Walker himself.
