A second album always needs to have a sense of exploration to make it fresh. Harking to the past formula of success is needed but moving with the current sounds and using upcoming producers. Brian's contributed great tracks on New Beginning. The biggest problem was not relessing Fine Time. Fine Time is a ballad masterpiece, can not stress this enough it had Brian's stamp all over it. To me not releasing that track was a huge error in judgment. They released 6 tracks from the debut but only 3 from the follow up. It didn't make sense. The girls were under contract, RCA called the shots. They could have released a 4th single. Talking of Allstar...."You're the One" is a vocal masterpiece with soulful opera style soprano vocals by Coko and enveloping angelic backgrounds by all the girls. The Remix of that track is one of the best Remixes of all time!! The new beat, resung with soaring vocal runs by Coko at the end. Taj's background with the sample of "Break My Stride" . I was so happy to see them perform the remix live. OK now we get to Rain! Yes this is a unique mature, gentle, soulful and soothing track and is really connecting with the younger generation. Nothing sounded like it at the time and to this day its stands the test of time. No cover version comes close to Coko's expressiveness and the light and shade in that lead vocal. SWV and Brian were a match made in heaven.
@@dianevrules I wouldn't call it a failed project as it got to platinum status and made profit for RCA and the girls. It was unrealistic to think it would match the 3xplatinum of the debut. The first album sold so much cause singles and remixes were constantly put out over a lengthy period of time. But the New Beginning era was very short. The first mistake was releasing "Its All About You" as 3rd single. It should have come later (4th single) or not at all. However it was released and it under performed. The momentum could have been kept up soon after the 3rd single under performed if they quickly released "Fine Time" as the 4th single with a video made while SWV were touring (to save costs) was all it needed. Similar to TLC "Digging On You" video concept. So let's say RCA released it and a video filmed but the cherry on the cake would have been an Allstar or BAM resung remix making it an uptempo version like they did with "Anything". It's about formula, it's about doing what worked in the past like Brian said. SWV were known for their remixes. But when RCA gave up so soon, it stagnated the album's sales. But you can't have everything. The first album era was perfection single wise, to have 6 singles released seems like a dream. All the right singles were chosen. All the exciting and fresh remixes that came with them. It was like a golden era the early 90s RnB.
You can't talk about New Beginning without talking about Pharrell Williams. SWV helped to put Pharrell on. "Use Your Heart" and "When This Feeling" are masterpieces
@@joshuamcdowell9745 thank you pharrell did his thing...new beginning was great in its own right..."im so in love" was a dope track from that project as well...it couldve been executed better but the album as a whole is a classic in my book
And you can tell Rain was written for Brandy because the song itself is more so tone driven which was Brandy’s style of singing particularly back then then the style of Cokos singing which was part tone and part belting. But as great as Cokos version is I would love to hear Brandy’s version tho.
Thank you BAM for confirming this. I remember reading years ago on an old SWV fan website that Missy’s “I Can’t Stand The Rain” video was filmed the same day SWV recorded “Rain”. Coko was literally mentioned in Missy’s 1st verse I wonder what happened between her and Missy??? Coko is a vocal beast but she never appeared to be as well liked as Lelee and Taj. Also, Lelee wasn’t featured in the video only Taj was.
They said in the interview that their manager was enabling beef between the girls by putting them against each other. Also, Coko (evident in all their songs) was receiving more recording time and leads which led her mother to ask for a higher cut. This pissed the girls off because 1) they didn’t know Coko was recording more sessions 2) they wanted to have lead verses too.
Also Taj, received more slacked from Lelee and Coko as she was more approachable than the 2 of them... Taj also had a sexual affair with Kenny Ortiz, their A&R which was confirmed in their SWV Reality Show
Been waiting on this . Brian been my boy . “Always on my mind” sent me! - That’s my jam! This dude produces the phuck outta songs. One of the baddest out there . Slept on . Watching with bated breath. 🥰🥰🥰
Let’s keep it a buck. They wanted to be more involved and his ego got in the way. Therefore he threw fits and they had to pull teeth to get records from him. That’s what even a lot of local artists & producers do, they get so offended & pissy when the next person tries to add any input, so they retaliate by being difficult . I love Brian’s work, don’t get me wrong. But even through watching him on the reality show and looking at his interviews, you can just tell he’s a “my way or the highway” type of dude. Which is unfair when you working with younger talent who just want to develop in all areas, and have a better understand of how to see the fruits of their labor. Yea formulas work, But an artist doesn’t wanna feel stagnant, cause then the audience will sense the stagnating feeling & move on 💯
If you wrote 4 hit songs on a debut album, and then by the 2nd album, now the " group" doesn't seem interested to give you a placement, as this is his livelihood, and he created the "sound" of the group, you would feel some type of way? it seem like all parties had an ego of some sort
This is a great video interview much love and I love love swv albums the first two albums are amazing top to bottom ❤ the third was nice but the first two were great
I’m a huge SWV fan... have all 5 of their albums no cap... but on the real... the New Beginning Album although it sold over a million copies possibly closer to two million, it still wasn’t as good as It’s About Time or Release Some Tension. New Beginning didn’t have the emotion or feeling as their first and third albums. Brian Alexander Morgan however provided SWV with their sound that is all facts, not sure why RCA was pushing him out of the way. The fallout with Missy and Coko is interesting. The fact that Rain was meant for Brandy is interesting as I believe it would have been a hit for her as well. SWV needs a biopic ASAP because the girls and BAM have a story to tell. I can’t wait to hear the new music between Bam and SWV. Taj was the only member to cameo in Missy’s video btw.
@@HalftimeChat I got an idea from reading the gossip blogs but I never knew about Missy and Coko falling out... that was interesting but again outside of celebrity they are still people... but good interview
This would have been a interesting interview but this guy the host cant seem to spill out one damn sentence with fumbling and mumbling… how do you conduct an interview without the ability to ask a coherent question!
I simply love him on “You’re Always On My Mind”. He sang so melodic and romantic. Still makes me feel good on the inside. I love all the he listed…amazing!!
If he could have sold them using his voice, he would have. Writers and producers seem to often underestimate the singers important contribution to the records; he should be saying our records and not "my" records. If he wanted to take sole ownership he could have released him as an artist; assuming the public would be interested in hearing him sing the songs.. If it was just about the song and beat, anyone should be able to release the song and it be a hit/classic...
Coko couldn’t even sell her own lukewarm solo material! Brian’s talent is what sold those records! Hence, the steady decline in album sells from the debut to the album before the breakup!
I call BS on Brian's reasoning on why Coko did most of the leads! !!! You did the entire first cd with Coko doing leads, not really giving the other 2 chances at all! How is this what the fans wanted?! It was their first project, sir! We would have accepted whatever you gave the public, including sharing of the verses! Brian, you are wrong!
He still appears upset that the two songs he wrote were not marketed as singles. But SWV was a group, then in 95/ 96 working with different producers / writers for the second cd. Its only fair they wanted to work with other producers and co write and all Brian Alexander wanted was for Coko to sing EVERYTHING like the first cd. They needed a change of direction and it showed.
what I heard from my industry friends is that Coko was the one that they really wanted to be SOLO but because it was LEELEE's group, they had no choice but to include them 3 on ALL records. The other girls were NOT going for Coko the Diva. This group spent 7 years not speaking to each other and after the first album, they were not on speaking terms while appearing together on shows, concerts, and promo.....a mess! BTW on the video use your heart, if you notice, there is only 1 scene of them together at the piano, all other scenes were shot separately bc they weren't even speaking to each other- mostly Coko vs the other 2 ( leelee and taj remained friends through out the years)
I’ve listen to Rain...no exaggeration, no lie....at least 500,000 from the time of release til now. It’s 1 of those songs I can listen to over and over, back to back without getting ear fatigue
Agreed some people are naturally charismatic like Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam and co despite their failings but there's something unlikeable about him. Plus they were all young so it was destined to happen.
@@HalftimeChat I could feel the ease and flow of the interview. He is very open about his feelings. There aren't many people like Brian who can tell their truth without fear. Most give us a watered down version of what happened, but he gives his real reflection of the situation. I really enjoyed the segments. Thank you for capturing this.
Get serious, Rain was only what it was bc of Coko's vocals. It would NOT have been anything with "elsewhere". So he should be appreciating her and nothing less. Also, did I hear that right that he didn't want SWV to co-write the song(s) with him? The songs they would be singing. Smh Selfish AF. Also, such a messy tendency bringing up an alleged issue with Missy that had nothing to do with him. Smh
Coko didn't like the fact that Missy tried to make a pass on her! Coko is a Christian! She hated the lyrics "Can we get kinky tonight like coko" in Missy's song 'The Rain' Missy likes em dark skinned like Tweet!
BAM is a musical genius but New Beginning is a no skip for me, it is diverse and fresh. What's It Gonna Be is the most underrated song of their whole career. Those harmonies give me chills.
TLC issues came from their management and label, not from producers. But for SWV, I think New Beginning is their best album BECAUSE they didn’t stay stuck on 1 producer or 1 sound. The Neptunes, Faith Evans, Babyface’s Brother (cannot remember his name), all gave them excellent material IN ADDITION to BAM’s contributions.
She knew that album was terrible 🤣 She looked like how she felt on the album cover. My best friend and always joked about it. And Brian is right she came to play on Rain. I’ll add Lose Myself, and When You Cry. The rest was straight 🗑
New Beginning is my favorite album. RCA just abandoned that album. Even SWV said it. It had so much potential to do more than It's About Time, but nobody cared. The singles were top notch too. Release Some Tension was just a rapper's dud.
RCA dropped the ball with New Beginning and Release some Tension. There should have been lots more promotion and better single selections, especially with New Beginning. That album should’ve had the same success as “ It’s About Time,” if not more. SWV has a long list of classic hits, and BAM is the mastermind behind many of them. Hate that they relationship soured, he definitely helped craft SWV’s legendary sound.
Word. “All About You” made the album lose momentum cause the song was trash and RCA had no business putting out “Release Some Tension” that quickly. SWV should’ve also capitalized off of being on the Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack more.
Its obvious the second album would not sale as much as the first. When a follow up is released 4 years ago the momentum is basically gone. I liked the three singles released. New sounds, nothing like the first cd. And Taj finnally got a chance for her voice to be heard upfront.
If/When you interview SWV, PLEASE talk extensively about New Beginning. Most of us fans know that that is their very best album but it gets glossed over in every documentary, interview, performance, etc. Ask about the recording process, WHEN the label dropped the ball, why was all about u the 3rd single, etc
It’s a shame that it appears SWV was kinda feeling themselves where they don’t need Morgan anymore. I imagine their management had something to do with that. Even though Alexander & the groups replacement producer are cool, I always feel with a musical sound, if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. They should’ve kept Brian & ride it thru. He could’ve took them to a next level, like a Teddy Riley. 👍🏾
At 8:30 I think he got his videos mixed up. It was Aaliyah's "If Your Girl Only Knew" video that had all the cameos near the end. Missy, Timbaland, 702, and Playa were all in that video.
Bro!.....every time I watch ur videos,I travel back to to my teens and 20's. Those records are time machines man!!!! Keep doing this and reminding folks of when writing and producing real r&b was at an all-time high
Whoa! Stop the press!!, SWV's classic song "Rain" was originally written for Brandy??? That's crazy.. I love finding pieces of information like that. Let's go Halftime Chat!!!
Lots of songs are turned down by one artist and picked up by another ….that’s NORMAL no abnormal or a big deal. Hit me baby(one more time) was meant for TLC not Brittany Spears , Love should’ve brought you home was written for Anita Baker not Toni Braxton , BED was written for Chris Brown not J.Holiday…it happens ALL THE TIME , big deal
Newsflash! Members of SWV only appear in the video "The Rain" when Missy mentioned Coko and Tamara was the only person shown. There were no SWV members at the end of the video.
Man I grew up under this guy's knowledge and skill he always taught us to be our best ...BAM thanks for all you taught and shared with us Big Bro..Team Southwest District...Wichita, Hutch, Newton and Beyond!
They didn't get to complete it however he wrote 4 songs for Brandy and shares exclusively on Sunday what the plans for the songs are in the coming weeks
I actually heard BAM play the demo of “Rain”. I was with a group of people and he was singing the hook. He also had two ladies singing each of the verses.
at the end of the day lol male producers can be very greedy and i think swv most likely wanted more input on the music they did after there first album
The story of RAIN is CRAZY!!!!!!! You mean to tell me Brandy was suppose to sing it but Rodney didn't want it?!! Whew, I don't know what to say. Oh I know, he wanted all the attention. I get it. He's a producer. I don't see anyone singing Rain but SWV anyways. Look at God!
I did not like the RELEASE SOME TENSION album; the only song that I really like on it is "Rain". When I heard it, I said, "SWV is back!--the magic was back!
Love you work brother keep it up please we need to document our history our Heroes and heroines this channel is Dope can you do a New Edition series and since you from London give us some soul 2 soul
Much appreciated. I'm working on getting New Edition. The guys are offline but I'm trying. I started trying to get Jazzie B from Soul II Soul but no response. I'm still trying 😇
Interesting… I just see this consistency in male producers ego and entitlement when it comes to female vocalist who truly bring their art to life. I don’t like the way royalties/publishing is done in the music industry. Yes the original thought comes from the producer, but its a team effort. But the way it’s done in the music industry gives these producers a nasty sense of entitlement and ego. I don’t like the way females are treated in the industry when it reality they always bring the art to life. I wish he spoke the entire interview like he did at the very end when he talked about Coko’s vocals on rain. You can tell he still has resentment and idk why when he’s getting huge royalty checks still to this day while SWV has to still tour at 50+ singing the same songs over and over. Just like when Jermaine Dupree basically let someone write an entire BioPic about Xscape solely because they were his songs and had the ownership without the ladies approval. Brian is amazingly talented but this interview was more focused on drama than the art which he claims was what SWV was messing up when they were trying to be co writers on THEIR album. #JusticeForPerformers
He said you never know how a song is going to go and that’s a fact! CoKo voice is the engine behind his songs thus making him an even better song writer. His writing skills is AWESOME as hell though!
What's it gonna be, fine time, that's what I'm here for all non singles those were fan favorites and those were songs I kept repeating and going back to Brian was right those songs were good enough to be released as singles they shouldn't have released lose my cool when they did it should have gone in place of someone from the 97 album I hated puffy rapping on the song the ten crack commandments sample saved that song.
A second album always needs to have a sense of exploration to make it fresh. Harking to the past formula of success is needed but moving with the current sounds and using upcoming producers. Brian's contributed great tracks on New Beginning. The biggest problem was not relessing Fine Time. Fine Time is a ballad masterpiece, can not stress this enough it had Brian's stamp all over it. To me not releasing that track was a huge error in judgment. They released 6 tracks from the debut but only 3 from the follow up. It didn't make sense. The girls were under contract, RCA called the shots. They could have released a 4th single.
Talking of Allstar...."You're the One" is a vocal masterpiece with soulful opera style soprano vocals by Coko and enveloping angelic backgrounds by all the girls. The Remix of that track is one of the best Remixes of all time!! The new beat, resung with soaring vocal runs by Coko at the end. Taj's background with the sample of "Break My Stride" . I was so happy to see them perform the remix live.
OK now we get to Rain! Yes this is a unique mature, gentle, soulful and soothing track and is really connecting with the younger generation. Nothing sounded like it at the time and to this day its stands the test of time. No cover version comes close to Coko's expressiveness and the light and shade in that lead vocal. SWV and Brian were a match made in heaven.
As always well put 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Great point 👍🏾
"Let's not give Brian anymore money" which backfired
@@dianevrules I wouldn't call it a failed project as it got to platinum status and made profit for RCA and the girls. It was unrealistic to think it would match the 3xplatinum of the debut. The first album sold so much cause singles and remixes were constantly put out over a lengthy period of time.
But the New Beginning era was very short. The first mistake was releasing "Its All About You" as 3rd single. It should have come later (4th single) or not at all. However it was released and it under performed. The momentum could have been kept up soon after the 3rd single under performed if they quickly released "Fine Time" as the 4th single with a video made while SWV were touring (to save costs) was all it needed. Similar to TLC "Digging On You" video concept.
So let's say RCA released it and a video filmed but the cherry on the cake would have been an Allstar or BAM resung remix making it an uptempo version like they did with "Anything". It's about formula, it's about doing what worked in the past like Brian said. SWV were known for their remixes. But when RCA gave up so soon, it stagnated the album's sales.
But you can't have everything. The first album era was perfection single wise, to have 6 singles released seems like a dream. All the right singles were chosen. All the exciting and fresh remixes that came with them. It was like a golden era the early 90s RnB.
You can't talk about New Beginning without talking about Pharrell Williams. SWV helped to put Pharrell on. "Use Your Heart" and "When This Feeling" are masterpieces
@@joshuamcdowell9745 thank you pharrell did his thing...new beginning was great in its own right..."im so in love" was a dope track from that project as well...it couldve been executed better but the album as a whole is a classic in my book
I always felt like "Fine Time" should have been a single
Yeeessss!
Most definitely. One of their best songs, but they have so many
Hell yeah that fine time was crazy real lyrics man
Absolutely!
Fine and where is the love
"Rain" was supposed to be for Brandy...Wow! I never knew that. I'm sure her version would've been great but I love what SWV did with it.
im sure there are lots of things you dont know.... lmaooo
I think Coko gave her all with the song especially after the drama they were going through.
@@HalftimeChat Great point. Coko's delivery was amazing. I've always loved "Rain" and would never have imagined there was any drama going on.
I can definitely imagine brandys raspy voice on the song
And you can tell Rain was written for Brandy because the song itself is more so tone driven which was Brandy’s style of singing particularly back then then the style of Cokos singing which was part tone and part belting. But as great as Cokos version is I would love to hear Brandy’s version tho.
SWV gave you props on versus. Great work!
“Fine Time” should’ve been a single! It was like the alternative ending to Weak.
Thank you BAM for confirming this. I remember reading years ago on an old SWV fan website that Missy’s “I Can’t Stand The Rain” video was filmed the same day SWV recorded “Rain”. Coko was literally mentioned in Missy’s 1st verse I wonder what happened between her and Missy??? Coko is a vocal beast but she never appeared to be as well liked as Lelee and Taj. Also, Lelee wasn’t featured in the video only Taj was.
They said in the interview that their manager was enabling beef between the girls by putting them against each other. Also, Coko (evident in all their songs) was receiving more recording time and leads which led her mother to ask for a higher cut. This pissed the girls off because 1) they didn’t know Coko was recording more sessions 2) they wanted to have lead verses too.
Also Taj, received more slacked from Lelee and Coko as she was more approachable than the 2 of them... Taj also had a sexual affair with Kenny Ortiz, their A&R which was confirmed in their SWV Reality Show
@@Nike5221 I am also surprised but B.A.M. had a sexual affair with TAJ... Keyword downtown lol she was definitely a favorite...
Wasn’t Coko in the Ladies Night video though? They also did a song on her solo project but I think it’s just on the deluxe version or something...
@@brandosmythe7259 Yeah Coko and Taj was in the Ladies Night video.
BAM is a Mad Scientist! All 8 of those jams made the Album.
You gotta put out all 5 hours of his interview. This is great stuff, mon!!!!
Don't worry it will come.
Been waiting on this . Brian been my boy . “Always on my mind” sent me! - That’s my jam! This dude produces the phuck outta songs. One of the baddest out there . Slept on . Watching with bated breath. 🥰🥰🥰
This is part 3. Don't forget to check out the first two
@@HalftimeChat Already watched those . Been waiting for this part of the story . Good job @Halftime chat. Devoted subbie ❤️
Thank you very much for your support 🙏🏾
When he started singing at the end of “Always On My Mind” OMG!!!
@@veeo2169 Gggguuurllll 🔥🔥🔥
Let’s keep it a buck. They wanted to be more involved and his ego got in the way. Therefore he threw fits and they had to pull teeth to get records from him. That’s what even a lot of local artists & producers do, they get so offended & pissy when the next person tries to add any input, so they retaliate by being difficult . I love Brian’s work, don’t get me wrong. But even through watching him on the reality show and looking at his interviews, you can just tell he’s a “my way or the highway” type of dude. Which is unfair when you working with younger talent who just want to develop in all areas, and have a better understand of how to see the fruits of their labor. Yea formulas work, But an artist doesn’t wanna feel stagnant, cause then the audience will sense the stagnating feeling & move on 💯
🤔
If you wrote 4 hit songs on a debut album, and then by the 2nd album, now the " group" doesn't seem interested to give you a placement, as this is his livelihood, and he created the "sound" of the group, you would feel some type of way? it seem like all parties had an ego of some sort
This is a great video interview much love and I love love swv albums the first two albums are amazing top to bottom ❤ the third was nice but the first two were great
Thank you for watching and supporting 🙏🏾
He did all my favorite songs on the "About Time" album
Here's a question I have. Why did Brian have to sing on You're Always On My Mind? Why couldn't he have wrote his lead for Taj or Lelee to sing?
Even in their CURRENT live performances, I don’t get why Taj or LeLee can’t just do that part.
@@brandosmythe7259 I honestly can hear Taj singing and nailing his part ijs
@@mistacansa5185 yep, Taj's tone would have CRUSHED Brian's part. Dude can sang and produce, though.
Fine Time was one of the best songs on the 2nd album.
Good conversation!
Thank you 🙏🏾
Absolutely love what's it gonna be 🎶
I do wonder what rain would sound like if it was a brandy song
That's a great question.
I can't imagine anyone else sing Rain but Coko, it was meant to be!
That’s what I’m here for is 🔥🔥🔥
Tried looking for Brian online b4 as those swv songs and I believe his vocals on 1 of the tracks on their 1st album were just on another level
"Always on my mind"
Excellent interview my brother, new subscriber here.
Thank you very much
Thank you 🙏🏾
Two words Coko. He knew what she needed. White women love her voice. SWV 4ever
I’m a huge SWV fan... have all 5 of their albums no cap... but on the real... the New Beginning Album although it sold over a million copies possibly closer to two million, it still wasn’t as good as It’s About Time or Release Some Tension. New Beginning didn’t have the emotion or feeling as their first and third albums. Brian Alexander Morgan however provided SWV with their sound that is all facts, not sure why RCA was pushing him out of the way. The fallout with Missy and Coko is interesting. The fact that Rain was meant for Brandy is interesting as I believe it would have been a hit for her as well. SWV needs a biopic ASAP because the girls and BAM have a story to tell. I can’t wait to hear the new music between Bam and SWV. Taj was the only member to cameo in Missy’s video btw.
Interesting point. I didn't know what was going on behind the scenes from swv until recently
Agreed. I feel the same way about new beginnings.
@@HalftimeChat I got an idea from reading the gossip blogs but I never knew about Missy and Coko falling out... that was interesting but again outside of celebrity they are still people... but good interview
@@OmarHudson 🙏🏾
Thank you 🙏🏾
I wonder how RCA found out about Rain?
Industry back channels especially when someone heard that Brandy wasn't going to record it
❤❤💛💛❤❤👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑
Seems like Brian gave SWV his weakest songs on that 2nd album. Love "What's It Gonna Be" tho ❤ However, it wasn't single worthy.
Shit it makes me feel a bit weird, thinking the song Rain was written by a man, on behalf of women.
😂😂😂
This would have been a interesting interview but this guy the host cant seem to spill out one damn sentence with fumbling and mumbling… how do you conduct an interview without the ability to ask a coherent question!
That's the best part of starting a podcast, you get to hone your craft as you go along
This man is so underrated! He deserves way more recognition!! He can SANG and WRITE!!
He was us talented and yes he can sing really well
He is a certified beast
YES he is
"Rain" was one of the most beautiful written songs in history. Lyric for Lyric it stands out... And was sung in great fashion!
GORGEOUS💕💕
I simply love him on “You’re Always On My Mind”. He sang so melodic and romantic. Still makes me feel good on the inside. I love all the he listed…amazing!!
Brian Morgan wrote some amazing songs, but let’s be clear...Coko’s voice sold them.
If he could have sold them using his voice, he would have. Writers and producers seem to often underestimate the singers important contribution to the records; he should be saying our records and not "my" records. If he wanted to take sole ownership he could have released him as an artist; assuming the public would be interested in hearing him sing the songs.. If it was just about the song and beat, anyone should be able to release the song and it be a hit/classic...
You are so right! Delivery is everything!
True Coko has a voice like no other. That tone is not to be toyed with
YYYYYYYYAAAAAAASSSSSSSSS
Coko couldn’t even sell her own lukewarm solo material! Brian’s talent is what sold those records! Hence, the steady decline in album sells from the debut to the album before the breakup!
I call BS on Brian's reasoning on why Coko did most of the leads! !!! You did the entire first cd with Coko doing leads, not really giving the other 2 chances at all! How is this what the fans wanted?! It was their first project, sir! We would have accepted whatever you gave the public, including sharing of the verses! Brian, you are wrong!
He still appears upset that the two songs he wrote were not marketed as singles. But SWV was a group, then in 95/ 96 working with different producers / writers for the second cd. Its only fair they wanted to work with other producers and co write and all Brian Alexander wanted was for Coko to sing EVERYTHING like the first cd. They needed a change of direction and it showed.
what I heard from my industry friends is that Coko was the one that they really wanted to be SOLO but because it was LEELEE's group, they had no choice but to include them 3 on ALL records. The other girls were NOT going for Coko the Diva. This group spent 7 years not speaking to each other and after the first album, they were not on speaking terms while appearing together on shows, concerts, and promo.....a mess! BTW on the video use your heart, if you notice, there is only 1 scene of them together at the piano, all other scenes were shot separately bc they weren't even speaking to each other- mostly Coko vs the other 2
( leelee and taj remained friends through out the years)
I’ve listen to Rain...no exaggeration, no lie....at least 500,000 from the time of release til now. It’s 1 of those songs I can listen to over and over, back to back without getting ear fatigue
This was the final song released before they split....what a way to end things.
Maybe it was his attitude.he's a dope producer but he's pretty smug/arrogant.I'll wait to hear his side😀
🤭🤭🤭
Agreed some people are naturally charismatic like Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam and co despite their failings but there's something unlikeable about him. Plus they were all young so it was destined to happen.
I used to follow him on IG. I could see how someone would feel that way.
Really? He seems pretty low key and humble
@@MrBean617 what his ig
I find his honesty refreshing. Everybody expects him to pretend everything was rosey, but I appreciate his candidness.
One of my easiest Interviews because he was willing to share without fear.
@@HalftimeChat I could feel the ease and flow of the interview. He is very open about his feelings. There aren't many people like Brian who can tell their truth without fear. Most give us a watered down version of what happened, but he gives his real reflection of the situation. I really enjoyed the segments. Thank you for capturing this.
Thank you for watching and supporting. Makes the hustle worth it 😇
I definitely appreciate that... No bitterness... Just the FACTS!!!
Right. I am glad someone understand and respect this. I like honesty not polite hollywood answers.
Get serious, Rain was only what it was bc of Coko's vocals. It would NOT have been anything with "elsewhere". So he should be appreciating her and nothing less. Also, did I hear that right that he didn't want SWV to co-write the song(s) with him? The songs they would be singing. Smh Selfish AF. Also, such a messy tendency bringing up an alleged issue with Missy that had nothing to do with him. Smh
Coko didn't like the fact that Missy tried to make a pass on her! Coko is a Christian! She hated the lyrics "Can we get kinky tonight like coko" in Missy's song 'The Rain' Missy likes em dark skinned like Tweet!
BAM is a musical genius but New Beginning is a no skip for me, it is diverse and fresh. What's It Gonna Be is the most underrated song of their whole career. Those harmonies give me chills.
*sometimes a relationship will run its course. if i see that you tryna sabatoge, im with parting amicably. i think swv didnt want to get tlc'd*
@@sweetbliss710 *good perspective*
@Queen Nita *but but but, there is a thing called sweat equity, that brian put into swv*
TLC issues came from their management and label, not from producers.
But for SWV, I think New Beginning is their best album BECAUSE they didn’t stay stuck on 1 producer or 1 sound. The Neptunes, Faith Evans, Babyface’s Brother (cannot remember his name), all gave them excellent material IN ADDITION to BAM’s contributions.
I love New beginning and still listen to it to this very day. I pretty much love whatever SWV sings lol.
Coko is an amazing singer with a team of beautiful voices
SWV have an amazing catalogue of music
ua-cam.com/video/YqSyxoXldZM/v-deo.html
Coko always say "rain" saved released some tension.
Makes sense
yup and they hatd that album
She knew that album was terrible 🤣 She looked like how she felt on the album cover. My best friend and always joked about it. And Brian is right she came to play on Rain. I’ll add Lose Myself, and When You Cry. The rest was straight 🗑
@@yedayeda1050 ok those are my favorite songs too the rest of that album is straight trash but i do like "i lose my cool" without the rap verse.
@@sicarresupreme True but Redman was so bad on the track I can eva listen to it 😩😩 it’s so cringy 🤣 I can’t take it!
Love Use your heart.... SWV. Needs more song's like that...
New Beginning is my favorite album. RCA just abandoned that album. Even SWV said it. It had so much potential to do more than It's About Time, but nobody cared. The singles were top notch too. Release Some Tension was just a rapper's dud.
Umm all I’m asking is for him to release brandys version...
Yes!
RCA dropped the ball with New Beginning and Release some Tension. There should have been lots more promotion and better single selections, especially with New Beginning. That album should’ve had the same success as “ It’s About Time,” if not more. SWV has a long list of classic hits, and BAM is the mastermind behind many of them. Hate that they relationship soured, he definitely helped craft SWV’s legendary sound.
Word. “All About You” made the album lose momentum cause the song was trash and RCA had no business putting out “Release Some Tension” that quickly. SWV should’ve also capitalized off of being on the Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack more.
Its obvious the second album would not sale as much as the first. When a follow up is released 4 years ago the momentum is basically gone. I liked the three singles released. New sounds, nothing like the first cd. And Taj finnally got a chance for her voice to be heard upfront.
@@PhillySoulableI didn’t know they were on that sound track. 🤦♂️
@@carltonwalton9819 All Night Long
@@PhillySoulable trash is subjective, I think it is their best work as a whole.
"Where is the love" is one of my favorite songs. The interlude to that song is really good too💜❤💜❤
SWV was the best women group of the early 90s along with Zhane. I don't understand and never will, why they didn't win Awards.
It was tough to win during those. The more commercial groups like TLC and En Vogue won the Awards
No they were not.
Too Dark...Sad but true
@@shawnstrickland7313 they we’re definitely in the top 5, ain’t no arguments there
No sell outs
If/When you interview SWV, PLEASE talk extensively about New Beginning. Most of us fans know that that is their very best album but it gets glossed over in every documentary, interview, performance, etc.
Ask about the recording process, WHEN the label dropped the ball, why was all about u the 3rd single, etc
Will do 👍🏾
@@HalftimeChat i agree
Thank you! New Beginning is a musical masterpiece.
Let me go study Brian Alexander Morgan pen game. Oh wait, I lived it! Let me go study anyway! Whew, this man is a beast!
It’s a shame that it appears SWV was kinda feeling themselves where they don’t need Morgan anymore. I imagine their management had something to do with that. Even though Alexander & the groups replacement producer are cool, I always feel with a musical sound, if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. They should’ve kept Brian & ride it thru. He could’ve took them to a next level, like a Teddy Riley. 👍🏾
Oh, wow. "Fine time" and "What's it going to be" are my favorites off of the second album. Didn't know he did those.
I also like Love Is So Amazing...and Use your heart...You are the one....
“What’s it gonna be” was mine! And “where is the love?”
@@geministwin6074 yes Love is so amazing is an awesome song too!
@@TrangPakbaby Yes!
ONLY TAJ WAS ON THAT MISSY VIDEO.
So I was told by Lelee
He wrote all the songs I love! Wish I could work with him!
I would do anything to bring back that 90s sound and the producers of that era!!!
At 8:30 I think he got his videos mixed up. It was Aaliyah's "If Your Girl Only Knew" video that had all the cameos near the end. Missy, Timbaland, 702, and Playa were all in that video.
Bro!.....every time I watch ur videos,I travel back to to my teens and 20's. Those records are time machines man!!!! Keep doing this and reminding folks of when writing and producing real r&b was at an all-time high
Who did “Downtown”?
Kenny Ortiz
Whoa! Stop the press!!, SWV's classic song "Rain" was originally written for Brandy??? That's crazy.. I love finding pieces of information like that. Let's go Halftime Chat!!!
Appreciate your support and watching 😇🙏🏾
Lots of songs are turned down by one artist and picked up by another ….that’s NORMAL no abnormal or a big deal. Hit me baby(one more time) was meant for TLC not Brittany Spears , Love should’ve brought you home was written for Anita Baker not Toni Braxton , BED was written for Chris Brown not J.Holiday…it happens ALL THE TIME , big deal
I absolutely adore RAIN ❤
That is favorite song from SWV
I don’t doubt his talent but he seems bitter I can see why he had friction with the ladies.
He is very talented but his personality is off putting
Use your heart was one my fav🥰💯🔥
It’s no surprise. Rodney was like that he ruined the last album they did together cuz she wanted to work with other producers
Newsflash! Members of SWV only appear in the video "The Rain" when Missy mentioned Coko and Tamara was the only person shown. There were no SWV members at the end of the video.
Never knew Rain was supposed to be for Brandi. But I’m glad it worked out because nobody sings that joint better than SWV.
To his point Fine Time should've been a single. New Beginnings could have better. SWV's label and managment screwed them up
The album version of anything is way better than the popular wu tang version to me.
I could only imagine how beautiful 'Rain' would sound in brandy's never say never say vocal tone.
Man I grew up under this guy's knowledge and skill he always taught us to be our best ...BAM thanks for all you taught and shared with us Big Bro..Team Southwest District...Wichita, Hutch, Newton and Beyond!
Did the interviewer get paid for this? He could not even formulate a question! Thank goodness BAM carried his own interview!
I'm late...but WAIT!!! Did Brandy finish recording "Rain" though? Does he have it on the hard drive somewhere? Lol!!
I STILL ONLT LIKE YOUR ORIGINAL PROMO 92 TO I'M SO INTO YOU NOT THE TEDDYS THOSE FUNKY CLUM MIXES ARE EPIC LOVE THE PROMO CD IT'S RED!❤❤💛💛❤❤👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑
You’re always on my mind. Was the best song on the first Album. Then Rain totally solidified Mr Morgan’s place
Brian is an awesome producer and writer. Timeless classics
Rain was the best song on that album
Yup
Sure was that album had to many guests
Yes
i agree.
Am I tripping,or do these two gentlemen kind of look alike? lol
😂😂😂
Same Colour sweatshirt
With all due respect....you’re the one and use your heart were the right singles.
Can we hear Brandy's version? Where is it? Lol
They didn't get to complete it however he wrote 4 songs for Brandy and shares exclusively on Sunday what the plans for the songs are in the coming weeks
I actually heard BAM play the demo of “Rain”. I was with a group of people and he was singing the hook. He also had two ladies singing each of the verses.
SWV always had the top song/production picks
at the end of the day lol male producers can be very greedy and i think swv most likely wanted more input on the music they did after there first album
They don't want to talk about that part
@@klmitchell5486 ever
this guy is very arrogant
😅
Why prop Rodney and other producers for their creative choice but not SWV for doing the same thing?
He wrote and produced Usher's "Crazy" on his debut album
Yes he did but he didn't like the production that Puffy added later on
I loved Crazy. That and "Whispers" which was produced by DeVante Swing.
What happened between Coko and Missy?
A fall out during the recording of "Can We"
Brian did some great work on Tamar's bluebird of happiness album.
The story of RAIN is CRAZY!!!!!!! You mean to tell me Brandy was suppose to sing it but Rodney didn't want it?!! Whew, I don't know what to say. Oh I know, he wanted all the attention. I get it. He's a producer. I don't see anyone singing Rain but SWV anyways. Look at God!
Yup... look at God
Rain was meant for SWV
I love his confidence in his work
I love fine time!!!!!!!!!!!! Omg
Love is so amazing was my jam off the New Beginning
Thank you for your creativity. That first album was iconic and it can never be denied. I still rock that first album.
Okay I’m confused. Was Fine Time supposed to been on the first record?
He didn't understand why they didn't release it as a single. He believes the group decided not to release any more songs from him
Okay that makes sense. I was wondering did he write it in 92
The interviewer can’t seem to get a sentence out. Highly irritating.
Okay
I did not like the RELEASE SOME TENSION album; the only song that I really like on it is "Rain". When I heard it, I said, "SWV is back!--the magic was back!
Wow!! These stories are interesting
You should hear the worship version of Rain
🙏🏾
It's has to be so hard to to work with females group .
I think it's hard working in an industry that takes more than it gives. The music industry has a way of bringing the worse out of you
Love you work brother keep it up please we need to document our history our Heroes and heroines this channel is Dope can you do a New Edition series and since you from London give us some soul 2 soul
Much appreciated. I'm working on getting New Edition. The guys are offline but I'm trying.
I started trying to get Jazzie B from Soul II Soul but no response. I'm still trying 😇
@@HalftimeChat Love this channel. Would be cool to see Loose Ends.
Interesting… I just see this consistency in male producers ego and entitlement when it comes to female vocalist who truly bring their art to life. I don’t like the way royalties/publishing is done in the music industry. Yes the original thought comes from the producer, but its a team effort. But the way it’s done in the music industry gives these producers a nasty sense of entitlement and ego.
I don’t like the way females are treated in the industry when it reality they always bring the art to life. I wish he spoke the entire interview like he did at the very end when he talked about Coko’s vocals on rain.
You can tell he still has resentment and idk why when he’s getting huge royalty checks still to this day while SWV has to still tour at 50+ singing the same songs over and over.
Just like when Jermaine Dupree basically let someone write an entire BioPic about Xscape solely because they were his songs and had the ownership without the ladies approval.
Brian is amazingly talented but this interview was more focused on drama than the art which he claims was what SWV was messing up when they were trying to be co writers on THEIR album. #JusticeForPerformers
He said you never know how a song is going to go and that’s a fact! CoKo voice is the engine behind his songs thus making him an even better song writer. His writing skills is AWESOME as hell though!
What's it gonna be, fine time, that's what I'm here for all non singles those were fan favorites and those were songs I kept repeating and going back to Brian was right those songs were good enough to be released as singles they shouldn't have released lose my cool when they did it should have gone in place of someone from the 97 album I hated puffy rapping on the song the ten crack commandments sample saved that song.
Release Some Tension was a good album to me but I didn't like the Lose my Cool video the video didn't match the song
Allen " allstar" Gordon did some work with Joe too as well as other artists the Ladae remix to deep down is another one.