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The 90s Were All That: The Best of 1997

Now that we’re steadily making our way through 2017, 1997 – 20 years ago – feels like it happened 50 years ago. We can probably all agree that the 90s was one of the greatest decades. Since we’re always feeling a little nostalgic, let’s flash back to the best of 1997.

FILM

Loves Jones

Best of 1997

photo via IMDb

Love Jones is the classic 1997 film starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long. It explores the love and romance between a poet (Tate) and a photographer (Long). Loves Jones features a lot of poetry recited by the leading stars that many can recite from memory today. The film has definitely garnered a cult classic following after its release.

Selena

Best of 1997

photo via Roger Ebert

Starring Jennifer Lopez, Selena was released following the death of the singer in 1995. The story of the Mexican singer is a popular one that gained even more attention following the release of the movie. The film begins when Selena starts singing at a young age and ends after she was murdered by Yolanda Saldivar. Many have stated that this film set Jennifer Lopez’s career on the map.

Good Burger

Best of 1997

photo via wikipedia

“Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger. Can I take your order?” Good Burger is definitely a classic film starring the duo Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. The duo got their start together on the Nickelodeon TV show “All That” before branching off into their own show “Kenan & Kel.” The Good Burger skit came from “All That” and they expanded it into a movie. The movie follows Dexter and Ed, two teenagers who work at a burger joint, as try to stop their competition, Mondo Burger, from putting them out of business.

TV

The Chris Rock Show (debut)

Best of 1997

photo via Google Play

Chris Rock is probably one of the most well-known comedians of all time and in 1997, he was given his own show on HBO. It was a talk show featuring him doing stand-up, sketches, or interviews with guests. The show ran for 5 successful seasons on HBO and ended in 2000 with an Emmy Award.

Martin (finale)

Best of 1997

photo via IMDb

Throughout the 90s and even now, you’ll find many people who will say that “Martin” is their favorite TV show. Created by and starring Martin Lawrence, this sitcom was a big hit during the 90s. The show began its successful 5 season run in 1992 and would continue on into 1997 before ending the series in May. The series helped boost the careers of Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, and Tichina Arnold.

MUSIC

Life After Death by The Notorious B.I.G.

Best of 1997

photo via Amazon

The Notorious B.I.G. is considered one of the best rappers of all time, and his reign began in the 90s. After his death on March 9, 1997, his album Life After Death was released two shorts weeks later. Some of his biggest hits were featured on the album, including “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems.” The album was nominated for 3 Grammy Awards, which included Best Rap Album and Best Rap Solo Performance.

No Way Out by Puff Daddy and the Bad Boy Family

Best of 1997

photo via Amazon

In 1997, the producer Puff Daddy (Sean Combs) released his debut album. The album featured the producer himself and many of the artists on his Bad Boy label, some of whom were The Notorious B.I.G., Mase, and Lil’ Kim. The album featured some big songs like “It’s All About the Benjamins (Remix)” and the ode to the late Biggie Smalls “I’ll Be Missing You.”

My Way by Usher

Best of 1997

photo via wikipedia

After the release of his debut self-titled album, Usher released My Way in 1997. A commercial success, the album featured the hits “You Make Me Wanna…” and “Nice & Slow” that both went platinum. The album was nominated at the Billboard Music Awards for Male Album of the Year and his singles “You Make Me Wanna…” and “My Way” were nominated at the 1998 and 1999 Grammy Awards, respectively.

The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson

Best of 1997

photo via Amazon

Janet Jackson released her sixth studio album The Velvet Rope in 1997. Although the album didn’t release many singles, the track “Together Again” is one of Jackson’s most successful songs and topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts at #1.

Baduizm by Erykah Badu

Best of 1997

photo via wikipedia

The breakout album is by the mother of neo-soul was released in February of 1997. Baduizm was many of ours first introduction to Ms. Badu and the album spoke to the hearts and souls of black women around the world. With hits that made us get deep–“On & On”, touched on the unspoken experience many of us have at some point in love–“Next Lifetime”, and even the complexities of black men and work “Otherside of the Game”. Even though this album was released 20 years ago, we still play it as loud and often today as we did then.

The year 1997 seems like so long ago, but it’s only been 20 years! In the comments below, let us know which 90s year was your favorite!

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