Join Joe and Toby as they revisit Naughty by Nature's iconic song "O.P.P." and its … unique take on relationships. “O.P.P.” was released in 1991 on the Tommy Boy label amidst a burgeoning era of hip-hop. Sampling Melvin Bliss's "Synthetic Substitution" and the Jackson 5's "ABC," "O.P.P." combines diverse elements into a cohesive sonic mix — just like another favorite from that era, the "hot and cool" sides of a McDLT burger!
They discuss Treach’s gritty persona, apparent love of baseball, and the surprising crossover success of "OPP". Plus, that time Will Smith went on a date with Sandra Denton, aka Pepa, and how Treach might have been displeased.
Toby and Joe riff on more songs about infidelity, exploring themes of taking action, keeping affairs secret, and facing consequences. They mention songs like "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé, "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood, and "Me and Mrs. Jones" by Billy Paul. Toby professes his love for "Lips of an Angel" by Hinder and they debate if that song was written for someone named Gretchen.
From Brandy and Monica's "The Boy is Mine" to Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and the Eagles' "Lyin' Eyes," there is no shortage of songs about cheating. Toby and Joe discuss Erykah Badu's song "Next Lifetime" and its thought-provoking music video that explores the concept of reincarnation and forbidden love across different lifetimes. They get into Jay-Z's album "4:44" and its title track, which serves as a heartfelt apology for his past mistakes. For a completely different approach to cheating, they look at Shaggy's song "It Wasn't Me" as an example of denying wrongdoing. They also discuss Luther Ingram's soulful song "If Loving You is Wrong," reflecting on its emotional impact and nostalgic appeal. Joe and Toby delve into Jurassic 5's song "Thin Line," which addresses the complexities of emotional infidelity and the importance of respecting boundaries in relationships. There is a surprise revelation about falling in love on airplanes, highlighting the vulnerability and safety of immediate connections without long-term repercussions.
“O.P.P.” is an iconic example of how music can capture the emotions and complexities of “entanglements” and other such situations, allowing listeners to connect on a deep level without experiencing them firsthand. Come along for another fun-filled Riff’s journey!
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