“Bill collectors at my door, what can you do for me?”
This week From The Vault journey’s back to the era when Gwen Guthrie let the world know that there was “no romance without finance.”
Today’s pick is the late chanteuse’s classic anthem ‘Ain’t Nothing Going On But The Rent.’
Written and produced by Guthrie, ‘Rent’ is a R&B song which sassily details how she is only interested in the matters of the heart if it comes with advantages of the cha-ching variety. An ancestor of sorts to Destiny’s Child’s ‘Bills, Bills, Bills’, the track was a minor hit in the US where it reached #42 but fared better in the UK where it was a Top 5 smash.
Filled with faux-subliminal messages like “BUY”, “SPEND”, “MONEY”, the music video showcases footage of men at actual work as well as projections of dollar bills, fancy cars and even a yacht.
Though the message feels somewhat dated in a post Girl Power, Independent Women world, we applaud Guthrie for getting herself out there and stand behind such a bold statement.
Rest In Peace, Gwen!