The Best You Never Heard: Janet Jackson, Jazmine Sullivan, Ciara, Rita Ora & Craig David

Published: Tuesday 4th Dec 2012 by Sam

Pinned: Posts Resume As Normal Below

The Best You Never Heard is back! After a lengthy rest on the bench, each week will once again see That Grape Juice spotlight an array of little known gems. Featuring picks from the TGJ editorial team, we want to know…who chose the best song! Let us know below…

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Janet Jackson – ‘Discipline’

The absence of Janet Jackson‘s creative partners in crime Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, saw many fire bullets at the star’s 10th studio album. However, it’d be criminal to take aim at the undeniable home run: the title track, ‘Discipline’.

Crafted by Shea Taylor and Jackson fanatic Ne-Yo, the super-sexed-up slow-jam is an ode to BDSM. J’s vocal delivery gives the impression that she is in an enjoyably painful predicament from which she has no intention nor desire of getting out of. From the moaning to the trademark harmonies – which in this particular song are as eerie as ever- the X-rated number is by all means a classic Janet “baby-making song”.

Damita Jo’s suggestive live interpretation of the track is another example that one shouldn’t be fooled by the “Good Times” smiles and shy attitude the singer/actress displays during promotional interviews.

Hopefully, in the very near future, Pop Royal Janet will bless us with a new record filled with Disciplines, Feedbacks, and other gems akin to those that have slipped under the radar in recent years {JOE}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”Jl9C7Ni5W28″]

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PJ Morton & Jazmine Sullivan – Built For Love

Despite sending shockwaves through the industry post announcing her “retirement”, soulstress Jazmine Sullivan still found her name etched as a feature on some unfortunately overlooked gems. PJ Morton‘s debut single ‘Built For Love’ was certainly one of those gems. A throwback to a time when real music dominated charts, the ‘Lions Tigers & Bears’ beauty unleashed her melismatic roar over the Morton tune about love on the rocks.

Morton, son of famed gospel singer Bishop Paul Morton, tickles the ivories while the two soar over the 70s-inspired duet. The song was released shortly before it was announced that the crooner had signed with Young Money entertainment

Press play and fall in love {RASHAD}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”MoRmera0aUM”]

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Ciara – Shut Em Up

It’s common-knowledge that Ciara’s last studio outing ‘Basic Instinct’ was pretty much a disaster – so much so that she told us she wished it didn’t come out.

However, the project’s poor handling doesn’t mean it didn’t birth some of her best material yet. Case, point ‘Shut Em Up’.

Ironically not featured on the 2010 album’s final tracklist, the cut was one of the many songs leaked and left on the cutting room floor. “Why” is beyond us, as the track was banging!

Produced by Infinity and penned by Soundz, ‘Shut Em Up’ served as an emphatic bite back at all of her critics – doing so over a bouncy beat that thankfully sounded more club-geared, than Pop-star political.

More than anything, the track excels in that anyone can apply the lyrics to their own reality. Too often, those that “can’t” vent by slamming those that “can”. This song tastefully tells them what they can do. {SAM}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”u3F2cvzb1Bg”]

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Craig David & Rita Ora – Awkward

Before signing onto serve as Roc Nation’s leading newbie, Rita Ora‘s claim to fame came courtesy of ‘What’s Your Flava’ maestro Craig David.

However, while 2008’s ‘Where’s Your Love’ stands as their most recognizable outing, it’s their 2007 duet that ‘Awkward’ that will undoubtedly surprise any unfamiliar with it. Surprising somewhat is that this is Ora’s voice at just 17 years old, boasting a conviction that some of her older contemporaries are still yet to master. Enjoy below {DAVID}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”CwX2Ieuk5no”]

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