Mya- Mya, the most influential self-titled debut in the R&B genre
April 21, 1998 was the day Mya dropped her influential self-titled album. This album was special to me because it was the grand year for music especially when there was top of the list artist who dropped like DMX (Its Dark and Hell its Hot and Flesh of My Flesh Blood of my Blood) Nore dropping his debut along with his international hit, “Super Thug” along with Master P. and his No Limit Campaign, Jay-Z, Nas, Missy Elliot, and even Lauren Hill went solo to drop her Grammy Winning Album, Miseducation Of Lauren Hill. 1998 was the best year for hip hop and R&B. The moment I first noticed Mya was when her single, “It’s All About Me” featuring Sisqo dropped and ever since then, I been wanting to hear more. Besides her dazzling looks, sweet smile, or even her beautiful hair, Mya is an entertainer who can sing, dance, and perform. Most definitely, She had the spunk of a cool typical teenager that people could relate too. I was 9 years old at the time and watching Mya perform was a grand spectacle, especially when it came to the songs she performed.
The album had 13 tracks but those tracks was a reminiscent of how simple and great life was. When the first song of the cd comes on, “Whatchu Want “, you got a little hip hop, jazzy, classy vibe that will make you snap your fingers. What a great way to start the CD off. The second track “Movin On”, (Remix on track 13 feat. Silkk The Shocker), the song revolved around a woman who is lost because her boyfriend goes back to his ex, this reminds me of a ballad that teenagers listen to as they develop heartbreak. Even though the song lyrics have to do with break ups, Movin on to me is an anthem because not just in relationships but in any bad situation, there is a time where you have to trust your gut instinct and make the clear decision then and there. There been times I felt that I’ll be Movin On. Let alone, this is one of the most played songs on my phone. Baby its yours is a cute little tune where Mya is feeling vulnerability towards the person she loves and she is willing to give up her all to make people happy. Keep on Lovin Me is a street anthem for the R&B heads to bop their heads. Although it is a love song, when the beat drops it is a jam where you can roll down your windows and let the speakers bump. It’s All About Me feat Sisqo was a song that jumpstarted the anticipation of this CD to drop. The video where it showed Mya dancing with a Chinese Wedding dress is attractive and it showed how diverse and special Mya is with her music, fashion, and performance. Through out the video, she is performing in the Chinese wedding dress developing a cool smooth theme for R&B and that cool smooth persona developed into Smooth Jones. Track number 6, “If You Died, I wouldn’t cry because you never loved me anyway” was actually a track I bumped heavy because even though you hear young and naïve Mya, she is pouring out feeling and emotions over a man she trusted but betrays her instantly. When Mya ends the song with “I hope you die, I hope you die”, that is relatable to some in sticky situations and with Mya harmonizing over the beat, it is known that Mya put all her negative energy into this song and it matched perfect because the title of the song and the lyrics that come with it defines how music and emotion can mix very well. The 7th song, “We gonna make you dance” was a pick up from If you died where the party is back and Mya wants to supply you with the dance music she was destined to bring. This is a finger snapping track where it is also a reminder of the 1990s R&B era and this was some new jack swing vibe where you can rock too. “If You were mine” is a bubble gum pop song where she is describing her feelings on how she would treat her man if he was hers. This shows that Mya had some type of substance when describing relationship statuses and wanting to be the best women she can be. Mya is proving that she is worthy in being in a relationship because in the lyrics, she said “If you were mine, then I treat you right”. Men, who wouldn’t want a woman like Mya who wants to look out for their man. The 9th track, “Bye Bye” feat. Missy Elliot, when you listen to it, you feel the 1990s energy in the air and you know it is about to be a dance track. Missy Elliot comes in and kills her verse and she also proved at the time why she is worthy in being in the music industry. The 10th track, “Anytime you want me” is a bouncy, smooth. R&B track where she is delivering a tease through the song. Her performance is so good on this song, I felt that she was hitting on me through the music and this is a journalist saying this. Like anybody who writes a book, captivating your listeners attention is important and Mya literally broke the 4th wall talking to her fans. This song is so vivid, I actually picture Mya Performing this in the same Sketchers she wore in the Movin On music video. The next Track, “Don’t Be Afraid” is a song about being shy around the person you love. I also felt that Mya captured her audience and with her performance and delivery on the microphone, she shook the room and put all of us men in our feelings listening to this track. The 12th song, “My First Night with You” is a love ballad that actually is sad to me. Reason why it is sad is because who does not want a perfect romance. Mya described it real well in this song and in the music video, I use to be jealous of the main man that took Mya on a date because she is a gorgeous woman who wanted the right love life. If you watch the music video, she is on a date going to house parties, the carnival, and even has a romantic walk on the beach. That seems like a perfect date you would pick for your woman. And finally, last but not least, Movin On Remix feat. Silkk the Shocker had me in love. The song, lyrics, instrumental, and music video matched perfect like an outfit picked. Watching the music video, she starts off in the classroom then gets a note. Silkk the Shocker is questioning the loyalty of her (Mya) boyfriend and offers her a spot to find new love with Silkk Himself. During the sequence of the music video, when she confronts her boyfriend, she breaks into dance in the lunch room in a pair of sketchers and overalls. With beautiful curly hair, rhythm, and swagger, Mya proved she is elite with her performance in her music videos. During the second verse, she shows off her cheerleading skills and basically brushes off her now ex-boyfriend while Silkk drops a hot 16 (I do not care, he can rap I don’t care what y’all say). Throughout the end of the music video, this performance was one of the best high school theme music videos I ever seen because this music video depicted the fun side of school which involved music, freedom, and how refreshing R&B was in the 90s.
Mya does not always get her flowers she deserves but she did drop a classic with this album. She has took her talent of her debut and expanded in many ways from music, movies, performance, fashion, and she even began her own record lable, Planet 9 where she owns 100% publishing and ownership. From a cute teenager with big curly hair to a woman who owns her rights to her music and continues to educate those the importance of ownership, Mya has been and always be a dominant force and her debut proved it because it showed the hunger and aggression that she has been craving. This album is forever a classic and also a time machine back to the good old days.
Live from the Stove Top,
Andrew Kenekham
