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Black America Web
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
20 Black Love Songs That Defined the '90s
Black love songs in the '90s didn't whisper. They belted. They cried. They begged. This era gave us unmatched vocal power, emotional storytelling, and iconic R&B melodies. These records shaped weddings, slow dances, and heartaches. They offered anthems for lovers, hopefuls, and the heartbroken. And Black artists owned the genre. Boyz II Men ruled radio. Toni Braxton owned pain. Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige blurred pop and soul with raw, unforgettable vocals. These artists didn't just sing about love — they defined how it felt. These tracks weren't just popular — they built legacies. Even today, TikTok and TV shows keep them in rotation. If you grew up hearing these songs in your living room or at your cousin's cookout, you already know. We picked 20 tracks that moved the needle and made time stop. From prom night anthems to tear-jerking ballads, these are the definitive love songs of Black '90s R&B. Scroll on. Feel it all again. Black Actors Under 30 We Should Be Paying Attention To Before Fame: 20 Black A-Listers Who Starred in Canceled Shows Famous Child Stars Who Tragically Died Too Soon 20 Black Love Songs That Defined the '90s was originally published on 1. 'End of the Road' – Boyz II Men This chart-smashing ballad set the tone for '90s heartbreak with unmatched harmonies and emotional power. 2. 'I Will Always Love You' – Whitney Houston Whitney's soaring vocals turned this cover into the ultimate anthem of lasting, unconditional love. 3. 'On Bended Knee' – Boyz II Men Boyz II Men begged for forgiveness on a track that dominated airwaves and wedding playlists alike. 4. 'Always Be My Baby' – Mariah Carey Mariah delivered a playful yet soulful promise of eternal love that became an instant classic. 5. 'I'm Your Baby Tonight' – Whitney Houston Whitney blended pop and New Jack Swing to declare devotion with fierce confidence and vocal power. 6. 'Can We Talk' – Tevin Campbell Tevin's breakout hit captured youthful nervousness and romantic longing with smooth, flawless vocals. 7. 'Let's Get Married' – Jagged Edge This slow jam flipped the script by turning commitment into the cool choice for a generation. 8. 'Sweet Lady' – Tyrese Tyrese's silky debut serenade offered pure R&B energy with emotional depth. 9. 'No Ordinary Love' – Sade Sade's hypnotic voice explored the ache of love that refuses to die, even when it hurts. 10. 'Not Gon' Cry' – Mary J. Blige Mary sang pain and power into this ballad, turning heartbreak into a bold declaration. 11. 'Forever My Lady' – Jodeci Jodeci's gritty vocals honored fatherhood, love, and loyalty all in one unforgettable track. 12. 'Vision of Love' – Mariah Carey Mariah launched her career with this vocal powerhouse, setting a new standard for love ballads. 13. Come and Talk to Me' – Jodeci This track made shy guys feel seen, bringing New Jack Swing swagger to sweet intentions. 14. 'Angel of Mine' – Monica Monica's heartfelt delivery celebrated the life-changing power of finding the right person. 15. 'My, My, My' – Johnny Gill Johnny's velvety vocals made this one of the smoothest seduction songs of the era. 16. 'Cupid' – 112 112 blended innocence and devotion on this easy-listening favorite for young romantics. 17. 'Spend My Life With You' – Eric Benét feat. Tamia This duet gave wedding aisles a new anthem with its soft sincerity and vocal chemistry. 18. 'Weak' – SWV SWV captured the physical pull of love with harmonies that melted radios and hearts. 19. 'Sweet Thing' – Mary J. Blige Mary reimagined this Rufus & Chaka classic into a raw, passionate ballad for the hip-hop soul era.
CNN
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
D'Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné! dead at 64
D'Wayne Wiggins, singer and guitarist for the popular R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! has died after a battle with cancer, his family announced on the group's verified social media Friday. He was 64. 'With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D'Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones,' their statement read. 'Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community.' CNN has reached out to representatives for Wiggins and Tony! Toni! Toné! for comment. Wiggins was one of the co-founders of the group, which included his half-brother, Raphael Saadiq, on bass and vocals and cousin, Timothy Christian Riley, on drums/keyboards. Tony! Toni! Toné! formed in their native Oakland, California, in 1986. They released their debut single, 'One Night Stand,' the following year. Their album 'Who?' and their hit single 'Little Walter' debuted in 1988. They became some of the stars of the New Jack Swing music movement of the '80s and '90s. Their hits, including 'Feels Good,' 'Whatever You Want,' 'Anniversary,''It Never Rains (in Southern California)' and 'Just Me and You' are now classics. The three singers eventually broke off to pursue solo projects, but managed to stay close in ways that have escaped many other groups like them. 'There's nothing like being at home and being on stage together is like being at home in our living room,' Wiggins told CNN in 2023, when the group came back together to tour after 25 years. 'Timing is everything.' He told CNN they learned from artists like Earth Wind and Fire to hone their craft with time. 'It's about building a brand,' Wiggins said at the time. 'Not many R&B or even in hip-hop artists understand that, but we do.' His family reflected on his accomplishments in their statement. 'D'Wayne's life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California,' they wrote. 'He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.' The note ended with the Wiggins family requesting privacy. 'We mourn with you, and are deeply grateful for your love and support,' they added. The announcement of his death came days after a post which stated that Wiggins was 'experiencing medical complications.'
CBS News
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
D'Wayne Wiggins, founding member of soul/R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, dies at 64
D'Wayne Wiggins, Oakland native and a founding member of the soul/R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! died Friday morning at age 64, the group announced on its Instagram page. "With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D'Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones," the post's caption read. "Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community." The Instagram account had posted on Wednesday before that Wiggins had been "experiencing medical complications" and was "working through it one day at a time." View this post on Instagram A post shared by TONY! TONI! TONÉ! (@tonytonitoneofficial) Wiggins was raised in East Oakland and attended Castlemont High School. Aside from his work with Tony! Toni! Toné!, Wiggins established his own recording studio in West Oakland called "House of Music." and is credited with discovering Destiny's Child, who would become one of the best-selling girl groups of all time and launch the career of Beyoncé. Wiggins also worked with other major best-selling artists such as Carlos Santana, Too Short, and Alicia Keys. The popularity of Tony! Toni! Toné! peaked in the late 1980s to the mid-90s with the group originally composed of Wiggins, his brother Raphael Saadiq—born Charles Ray Wiggins—and their cousin Timothy Christian Riley. The group rode the New Jack Swing wave of the era, which combined R&B, hip hop and jazz, melding in other styles including soul, funk, and gospel. The band's list of hits includes three on the Top 10 pop charts: "Feels Good" in 1990 and "Anniversary" and "If I Had No Loot" in 1993.
CNN
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
D'Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné! dead at 64
D'Wayne Wiggins, singer and guitarist for the popular R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! has died after a battle with cancer, his family announced on the group's verified social media Friday. He was 64. 'With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D'Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones,' their statement read. 'Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community.' CNN has reached out to representatives for Wiggins and Tony! Toni! Toné! for comment. Wiggins was one of the co-founders of the group, which included his half-brother, Raphael Saadiq, on bass and vocals and cousin, Timothy Christian Riley, on drums/keyboards. Tony! Toni! Toné! formed in their native Oakland, California, in 1986. They released their debut single, 'One Night Stand,' the following year. Their album 'Who?' and their hit single 'Little Walter' debuted in 1988. They became some of the stars of the New Jack Swing music movement of the '80s and '90s. Their hits, including 'Feels Good,' 'Whatever You Want,' 'Anniversary,''It Never Rains (in Southern California)' and 'Just Me and You' are now classics. The three singers eventually broke off to pursue solo projects, but managed to stay close in ways that have escaped many other groups like them. 'There's nothing like being at home and being on stage together is like being at home in our living room,' Wiggins told CNN in 2023, when the group came back together to tour after 25 years. 'Timing is everything.' He told CNN they learned from artists like Earth Wind and Fire to hone their craft with time. 'It's about building a brand,' Wiggins said at the time. 'Not many R&B or even in hip-hop artists understand that, but we do.' His family reflected on his accomplishments in their statement. 'D'Wayne's life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California,' they wrote. 'He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.' The note ended with the Wiggins family requesting privacy. 'We mourn with you, and are deeply grateful for your love and support,' they added. The announcement of his death came days after a post which stated that Wiggins was 'experiencing medical complications.'
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
D'Wayne Wiggins Dies: Co-Founder Of R&B Hitmakers Tony! Toni! Toné! Was 64
D'Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the hitmaking R&B trio Tony! Toni! Toné!, died Friday of cancer at his home in Oakland, CA. He was 64. His family confirmed the news in an Instagram post, writing: 'With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D'Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones. Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community.' More from Deadline 2025 Deaths Photo Gallery: Hollywood & Media Obituaries Roberta Flack Dies: Rich-Voiced R&B Singer Whose Instant-Classic '70s Hits Included 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' & 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' Was 88 'Sugar': Jin Ha, Laura Donnelly & Tony Dalton Join Apple Series For Season 2 Guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Wiggins started Tony! Toni! Toné! in 1986 with his younger brother Raphael Saddiq — né Charles Ray Wiggins — and their cousin Timothy Christian in Oakland. Melding styles including R&B, soul, funk, soul and gospel, they rode the New Jack Swing wave of the early '90s and had three Top 10 pop hits with 'Feels Good' in 1990 and 'If I Had No Loot' and 'Anniversary' in 1993. Their debut single, 'Little Walter,' made the top half of the Billboard Hot 100 but topped its R&B chart. It was the first of a dozen Top 10 R&B hits for Tony! Toni! Toné! through 1996, five of which hit No. 1. The group was equally adept with dancefloor fodder and gentle ballads. DEADLINE RELATED VIDEO: The trio's made four studio albums — Who? (1988), The Revival (1990), Sons of Soul (1993) and House of Music (1996) — all of which went platinum except their debut, which went gold each achieved gold. 'D'Wayne's life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world,' his family added in their statement. 'He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TONY! TONI! TONÉ! (@tonytonitoneofficial) Best of Deadline 2025 Deaths Photo Gallery: Hollywood & Media Obituaries 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys & More
