This song was ahead of its time combining R&B with a rap interlude. Not too long after this song came out many songs both R&B and some rock had "remixs" with rap added to them.
Thiis wasn't the first time rap and r&b had been put together ( i think Melle Mel with Chaka Kahn " I feel for you " was) but it was the first time I think a singer reached out to a rap group for a song.( The producers snuck Melle Mel onto I feel for you) I always pictured New Edition smacking their heads saying "why didn't we do that ?" Nearly 20 years after its realease the truth in Rakim's rhymes on this song still rings true. Far as i'm concerned... CLASSIC record
I was 20 years old, and mere weeks away from going to boot camp (US Army) at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina when this joint dropped. I’ll be 55 at the end of this month, and this gem STILL SLAPS. Thank you Jody, EB & the God Emcee for collabing on this timeless classic.
I had forgotten this song even existed. I watched a shalamar documentary and decided to go to itunes and download some shalamar and jody and came across this GREAT old song. LOOK INTO jody's MAKEOVER cd, she's still wonderful.
We are the same age then, Im 31, I was 12 back in 89 too. Time flies, It seems like yesterday when I was listening to this song on my boom box lol, It's still da bomb in 2009. Song lyrics in this song is definitely a true story for me and made me see people in a different light.
First time I heard Rakim spit his verses on this song I crowned him the 'MC GOD' and that was back in '89 and he still is. This song with Jody Watley was the dopest collaboration of its time. As for Jody Watley what a fine specimen of a woman she was.
Ms. Watley I just want you to know, I want to post this video on my Facebook page on my 44th birthday or when I finally get married. Whichever comes first.This song is a classic. thanks for making it. PS I remember always hearing your music of your first solo album on the radio every time we turned it on. You`re one of the best and continue to shine. Take care
yes i totally agree with you.i believe she was the first to feature a rapper in a pop &b song. plus!....she had vougers in the video befor Madonna did her Vogue video. right on Jody...a pioneer.
I'm glad UA-cam is giving more comment space because I have a lot to say about this song and I may not even finish in one post. First of all...Good God!!! Jody's talents go beyond anything I can write. We all know that. Let me draw your attention to one Mr. Eric B. DO YOU HEAR THE CUTS AND BREAKS THIS CAT IS HEAVING AT US??? I don't know a DJ even now that can pull up next to him. Rakim. Rakim. Rakim. There is a world of out there missing it's king.
Um I Still have this song on a 45 & on a cassette ... That's Right!!! I'm old school! We put the needle on the Records when the song beats go like this! Love You Jody!
Ms. Watley...I just wanna say thank you for the "timeless" message. I was in high school when it came out and I loved it, and it still applies now and I love it! It is still in my ITunes!
"Friends will let you down. Friends won't be around. When you need them most where are your friends?" "Jealousy and envy reign. Never wanna see you get ahead. They just hold you back." This song is so true. I mean I have been blessed to have so many real friends in my life, but I have also had my share of so-called "friends," who really just didn't care when times were tough - didn't show the love and support they should have, like I did for them, and tried to hold me back in a lot of ways.
First mainstream pop/r&b song where a rap artst(s) were given more air time on a song....this song is sooo underappreciated...a true artist (Jody Watley) is secure enough to share the spotlight with other talent on her or his work of art...Jody Watley: TRUE artist...one that is NEVER afraid to continue development and take a chance....take that today's "so-called" artists! :)
I doubt there are many modern DJ's that could add that scratching without over inking the cake and going wild on the crab. Eric compliments the song and keeps a nice rhythmic flow going without spoiling the track.
It sure does, This song help you see how fake your so called friends could be, I had friends I grew up with as kids that I no longer talk too, Way to much drama. I got my own family now, I rather not deal with any friends.
I here you lol. I can Definitely relate too, Thats why I'm a loner now. All I need is my dh and My daughter, Im done with friends lol, Backstabbing tricks Left all that drama behind 12 years ago, I give no-one my number I don't want to be bothered by no-one, And when I run into them I tell them that too lol.
OKAY!! I had people lie on me and I was a great friend too, That was not cool I think about that Sometimes, Now they regret it, I Dropped them and told them the reason why 12 years ago,I saw one of the Ex-friends last year and told them I talk too no-one but my kids lol and that I am in town visiting, I don't give out my number, Nice seeing you. and kept it moving lol, People seem to forget stuff so quickly, I think I hurt there feelings lol. .
This is the first song that I can recall that had an R&B song that featured rap. I don't count really Blondie with Fab Five Freddy. Ground breaking song! Thanks for the post.
It would be great if someone could get the video from Jody and Rakim called "Off The Hook." It makes me mad that it is not up. It would be to have it with great quality as well.
I think Chaka Khan's "I Feel for You" that had the first rap/r&b fusion.I know it was old school but it is what it is. That being said this vid does rock.
Jody was all that mattered fashionwise in the 80s... she had influence like no other. I still to this day wear big hoop earrings because of her LOL! Absolutely the best.
Never ever would I let a person take advantage of the friends I love but when they see you got what they don't hell yeah they want it they didn't earn it all they got planned is how they can make what you got there extra action and mind you they give up no lead back so they never owe its on and paid in full.. the sad part is that it was not my doing they took your kindness for weakness and started a long life of nothing your way but lets see if I can not help you back on your feet whats not be
Jody was the FIRST to feature rappers in song and video. find another artist who did this befor her? in pop, dance, r and b and rap...Jody is a pioneer!
Part II of my post Part II of my first post Finally, I know everyone is going to groan collectively at my expense, but it's how I feel and I have to say it, so here goes...Not once did the N-word pop up in this song. Not once did I feel like a bitch or a ho. Thank you Jody, Eric, and Rakim. Music done properly. Well done.
Ive heard that too. Im not sure which source has the most correct information but I also heard that Jody and Eric B and Rakim were the first R&B/Rap combination that came out. I remember Chakas song too
Ra was on anotha level totally! When i heard this cut here- i was like damn he can a general topic and complicate it and make it profound to where you can still feel him!
Ahh yes! You guys are right. Forgot, but he was not on the video, just Boogaloo and Shabadoo dancing all up in the video. Although I do not remember any rappers featured in the video which is what my mind played reference too.
But u get fried in the end when u pretend to be........... the Great Rakim from the East Coast! Peace Jody I always liked this song!
A great collabo between Jody Watley and Eric B. and Rakim. I really used to blast this joint in my dorm room alot......
I cherish my friends. A few good friends that stick around are far more valuable to me than any boyfriends that just come and go.
everyonce in a while we will have a very unique and under rated artist and Jody Watley is that artist
This song was ahead of its time combining R&B with a rap interlude. Not too long after this song came out many songs both R&B and some rock had "remixs" with rap added to them.
Thiis wasn't the first time rap and r&b had been put together ( i think Melle Mel with Chaka Kahn " I feel for you " was) but it was the first time I think a singer reached out to a rap group for a song.( The producers snuck Melle Mel onto I feel for you) I always pictured New Edition smacking their heads saying "why didn't we do that ?"
Nearly 20 years after its realease the truth in Rakim's rhymes on this song still rings true.
Far as i'm concerned... CLASSIC record
one of the 1st and maybe only videos to show rappers, r n b, drag queens, and voguing
Man this was my jam back in the day..And it's the truth too..sad but true!
I was 20 years old, and mere weeks away from going to boot camp (US Army) at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina when this joint dropped. I’ll be 55 at the end of this month, and this gem STILL SLAPS.
Thank you Jody, EB & the God Emcee for collabing on this timeless classic.
I had forgotten this song even existed. I watched a shalamar documentary and decided to go to itunes and download some shalamar and jody and came across this GREAT old song. LOOK INTO jody's MAKEOVER cd, she's still wonderful.
rakim looking MAD fresh
This collabo came out before Mary J. Blige and Method Man. This song is up there with that. One of the best
I use to love Jody Watley...she still looking fine too..
This was from the 80's
realest thing ive ever heard
I forgot about this remix. Most friends phoney nowadays. They will set you up in less than a minute.
rakim shiited hard on this song one of his most underrated rhymes alot of high tech pattterns on this shit
Hit #9 in Billboard. God bless!
@rjvernesto Jody Watley was the epitome of a gorgeous woman for a period of time. Hell, she is still fine as all hell.
Just looked it up. Summer of 89!
Way before any of these modern day wanna be divas, there was Jody Watley!
Very true song!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vogue even WOW
We are the same age then, Im 31, I was 12 back in 89 too. Time flies, It seems like yesterday when I was listening to this song on my boom box lol, It's still da bomb in 2009. Song lyrics in this song is definitely a true story for me and made me see people in a different light.
Born in 77 76 ?
First time I heard Rakim spit his verses on this song I crowned him the 'MC GOD' and that was back in '89 and he still is. This song with Jody Watley was the dopest collaboration of its time. As for Jody Watley what a fine specimen of a woman she was.
Still is
Ms. Watley I just want you to know, I want to post this video on my Facebook page on my 44th birthday or when I finally get married. Whichever comes first.This song is a classic. thanks for making it. PS I remember always hearing your music of your first solo album on the radio every time we turned it on. You`re one of the best and continue to shine. Take care
lol wasnt many if an hip hop artist spittin on r & b tracks let alone mainstream hits...rakim is the God emcee
CLASSIC
yes i totally agree with you.i believe she was the first to feature a rapper in a pop
&b song. plus!....she had vougers in the video befor Madonna did her Vogue video.
right on Jody...a pioneer.
and Madonna's Vogue video didn't come out til 1990...just had to mention that too...lol.
Friends, Real Love, Some Kind of Lover, Looking for a New Love - my band covers all 4. Fun stuff! I got the piano sheet music for her Greatest Hits.
Timeless classic! I just hope hundred years from now they still listen to the real music like that!!!
I'm glad UA-cam is giving more comment space because I have a lot to say about this song and I may not even finish in one post. First of all...Good God!!! Jody's talents go beyond anything I can write. We all know that. Let me draw your attention to one Mr. Eric B. DO YOU HEAR THE CUTS AND BREAKS THIS CAT IS HEAVING AT US??? I don't know a DJ even now that can pull up next to him.
Rakim. Rakim. Rakim. There is a world of out there missing it's king.
Um I Still have this song on a 45 & on a cassette ... That's Right!!! I'm old school! We put the needle on the Records when the song beats go like this! Love You Jody!
Ms. Watley...I just wanna say thank you for the "timeless" message. I was in high school when it came out and I loved it, and it still applies now and I love it! It is still in my ITunes!
Still a tune over 24 years after coming out
two of the best rap verses ever to be put on wax...!!!
...rakim....(who else)
WHAT A TUNE!!! Check out that scratching
"Friends will let you down. Friends won't be around. When you need them most where are your friends?" "Jealousy and envy reign. Never wanna see you get ahead. They just hold you back." This song is so true. I mean I have been blessed to have so many real friends in my life, but I have also had my share of so-called "friends," who really just didn't care when times were tough - didn't show the love and support they should have, like I did for them, and tried to hold me back in a lot of ways.
Akasha realness
First mainstream pop/r&b song where a rap artst(s) were given more air time on a song....this song is sooo underappreciated...a true artist (Jody Watley) is secure enough to share the spotlight with other talent on her or his work of art...Jody Watley: TRUE artist...one that is NEVER afraid to continue development and take a chance....take that today's "so-called" artists! :)
Shalimar was a phase.. *80's to 90's... 10 years of solo dominance for my girl Jody!
I doubt there are many modern DJ's that could add that scratching without over inking the cake and going wild on the crab. Eric compliments the song and keeps a nice rhythmic flow going without spoiling the track.
It sure does, This song help you see how fake your so called friends could be, I had friends I grew up with as kids that I no longer talk too, Way to much drama. I got my own family now, I rather not deal with any friends.
Shit I used to chill in the NYC while this song was hitting in the clubs, I miss NY
brings back memories of the days when it was safe to sit on the porch in the country in the 80"s
My 2 FAVORITE MUSIC ARTISTS RAKIM & JODY!!!! 😍😻🌟💎🎤👩👽👑💛💙💜💚❤💝💗💖👾🚀
I here you lol. I can Definitely relate too, Thats why I'm a loner now. All I need is my dh and My daughter, Im done with friends lol, Backstabbing tricks Left all that drama behind 12 years ago, I give no-one my number I don't want to be bothered by no-one, And when I run into them I tell them that too lol.
A classic...ALSO...very true!!! Strangers just disguised as your friends!!
OKAY!! I had people lie on me and I was a great friend too, That was not cool I think about that Sometimes, Now they regret it, I Dropped them and told them the reason why 12 years ago,I saw one of the Ex-friends last year and told them I talk too no-one but my kids lol and that I am in town visiting, I don't give out my number, Nice seeing you. and kept it moving lol, People seem to forget stuff so quickly, I think I hurt there feelings lol.
.
Oh I loved this song. Jody Watley was hot, and Rakim was lyrically adept as usual! What a colloboration!
The cut is still hot 20 years later!!!
This is the first song that I can recall that had an R&B song that featured rap. I don't count really Blondie with Fab Five Freddy. Ground breaking song! Thanks for the post.
It would be great if someone could get the video from Jody and Rakim called "Off The Hook." It makes me mad that it is not up. It would be to have it with great quality as well.
#9 Hot 100, #1 Dance and #3 R&B Hip Hop. Well done from a classy lady and artist then and now.
HIt#3 soul, #9 pop in Billboard. God bless!
yea kikony...Jody was a pioneer man. she was the first to do this, and this was 1989! Jody is the bomb!
So true, friends yours and mine.
I think Chaka Khan's "I Feel for You" that had the first rap/r&b fusion.I know it was old school but it is what it is. That being said this vid does rock.
who posted this video?would love to get a copy of this,as i'm one of the dancers in the video,& did the choreo....thanks...peace
this the first song that combined rap with singing a song
Right on, Jody.
my favorite jody watley song....
Eric B and rakim make this song kick. I love his rap part in this video.. Love the 80's stuff.
DOPE. this track really illustrates the perfect marriage between HipHop and RnB
Jody was all that mattered fashionwise in the 80s... she had influence like no other. I still to this day wear big hoop earrings because of her LOL! Absolutely the best.
i love Eric B & Rakim so i'm happy to see that this collab worked out ;) praise to the God MC!
Corallis 92 yes!!!!!
A Great Song About How Some Friends Can Really Be
Good old school tune, with some wisdom in there; as we mature, most of us learn what a true friend is and trim down the roster accordingly.
Can't get this song out of my head. :)
Never ever would I let a person take advantage of the friends I love but when they see you got what they don't hell yeah they want it they didn't earn it all they got planned is how they can make what you got there extra action and mind you they give up no lead back so they never owe its on and paid in full.. the sad part is that it was not my doing they took your kindness for weakness and started a long life of nothing your way but lets see if I can not help you back on your feet whats not be
This song is tight as hell!!! Made even better by the smoothest of all time Erik B.!!! Big ups '89!!!
This was the bomb!! OMG!! I'm feeling nostalgic for the good old days of music now.
Brings back memories from High School. I'm guessing 1990 or 91?
friends WILL let u down friends WONT be around...
use to be a quiet storm BUT now it's raining....
Jody was the FIRST to feature rappers in song and video. find another artist who did this befor her? in pop, dance, r and b and rap...Jody is a pioneer!
"I feel for you."- Chaka Kahn ft. Melle Mel
Rakim 1st to use 16 bars on RnB song w/Jody on "Friends"
Best song ever!!!!
True talk, powerful lyrics.
this song and video was such a break thru at the time. now, its almost unheard of not to have a rapper in a song and video. right on jody!!!
Part II of my post
Part II of my first post
Finally, I know everyone is going to groan collectively at my expense, but it's how I feel and I have to say it, so here goes...Not once did the N-word pop up in this song. Not once did I feel like a bitch or a ho. Thank you Jody, Eric, and Rakim. Music done properly. Well done.
Ive heard that too. Im not sure which source has the most correct information but I also heard that Jody and Eric B and Rakim were the first R&B/Rap combination that came out. I remember Chakas song too
thanx for the vid jackie u rock girl !!!!!! ........... another one of my jams girl u know it :)
I have LOVED this song since it came out! I still have the cassette single!
Sis 2 Sis U know it !!!!
Classic Stuff !
Eric B & Rakim ... ! My All Time Favourite Emcee & Producer :)
I dunno who this Jody Watley is ....
She is Good :)
Friend will let you down
THIS WAS A KUT!
Good for you. If you're ever post that kinda stuff, this is the song to do so. Great scratchin too! :D
Ra was on anotha level totally! When i heard this cut here- i was like damn he can a general topic and complicate it and make it profound to where you can still feel him!
So, true! Great song! Checkout Rakim he remind me of 2pac in this video!
Ahh yes! You guys are right. Forgot, but he was not on the video, just Boogaloo and Shabadoo dancing all up in the video. Although I do not remember any rappers featured in the video which is what my mind played reference too.
wow, i didnt know that - i think i have only one album of her.
since that song she is my friens
Wow! I didn't know Ra could scratch...
Rakim > Today's Rap Artists
u are absolutley right,
Waooooooooooooooooo, i can still fell the rhym
real music tasteful and hip pay attention youngsters
Fake friends are very easy to find. They are everywhere. Real friends - dunno - a myth.