behindthegrooves:
On this day in music history: June 4, 1983 -...
On this day in music history: June 4, 1983 - “Juicy Fruit” by Mtume hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 8 weeks, also peaking at #45 on the Hot 100 on August 6, 1983. Written and produced by James Mtume, it is the biggest hit for the R&B/Funk band led by percussionist James Mtume. The son of saxophonist Jimmy Heath (The Heath Brothers), and formerly a percussionist for jazz legend Miles Davis, Mtume will form the band named after him in 1978, signing a deal with Epic Records. he track is written largely in the studio, with Mtume writing each verse as lead singer Tawatha Agee completes her vocal on the previous one. The bands’ label Epic Records will initially be hesitant to release the song, feeling that radio will not play it due to the provocative double entendres in the lyrics (an alternate version will be serviced to radio, replacing the line “I’ll be your lollipop, you can lick me everywhere” with “…candy kisses everywhere”). Within a week and a half of its release, the single will be the most added record on R&B stations across the country, immediately connecting with the public. It will quickly sell over a million copies in the US without cracking the Top 40 on the pop singles chart. “Juicy Fruit” will gain enduring popularity over the years when it is sampled or interpolated by numerous rap and R&B artists most notably on The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy”, and on singles by Warren G, and Keyshia Cole. “Juicy Fruit” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
