The Untold Story Behind Total’s Contribution to "Juicy"
In the realm of hip-hop, few tracks resonate as deeply as The Notorious B.I.G.’s "Juicy." Released in 1994, this iconic song not only marked Biggie’s debut but also set the stage for a new era in rap music. Recently, during an interview on The Breakfast Club, members of the R&B group Total, Kima Raynor and Kesha Spivey, revealed an intriguing backstory about their uncredited contribution to this legendary track.
A Close Connection
Kima Raynor reminisced about her and Kesha’s close relationship with Biggie, describing him as their "little big brother." Their bond was forged through countless studio hangouts in New York, where they often found themselves in the same creative spaces as the rising star. One day, Biggie invited them to the studio, where he was working on "Juicy."
As Kima recounted, the atmosphere was relaxed and informal. "He was playing ‘Juicy,’" she said, and it was in that moment that Kesha began to hum a melody. Biggie, recognizing the potential, encouraged them to record their voices. "Y’all should go in there and put that down," he urged, leading to an impromptu recording session that would forever change their careers.
An Unexpected Contribution
What started as a casual visit quickly transformed into a significant moment in hip-hop history. Kima explained how their spontaneous involvement in the track was not initially planned. They were simply hanging out, and their harmonies added a soulful layer to the song’s already rich sound.
The following day, Diddy, who was instrumental in shaping Bad Boy Records, called them back to record vocals for another Biggie classic, "One More Chance." This further solidified Total’s place in the Bad Boy legacy, but the story of their contribution to "Juicy" remained largely unknown for years.
The Mystery of Uncredited Voices
Despite their integral role in the song, Total was never officially credited as featured artists on "Juicy." Kima explained that while their names might appear in searches today, it wasn’t part of the original plan. "I assume that it wasn’t necessarily supposed to have been a feature for Biggie because it was his first single," she said. The decision not to credit them was likely influenced by the desire to keep Biggie’s debut focused solely on him.
Kima also mentioned that their manager had cautioned them against such spontaneous contributions, indicating that the industry was still navigating the complexities of artist collaborations. "We actually got in trouble because our manager was like, ‘Don’t do that no more,’" she recalled, highlighting the unpredictable nature of their early careers.
The Lasting Impact of Total’s Harmonies
Despite the lack of official recognition, Total’s soulful harmonies became an essential part of "Juicy," contributing to its nostalgic sound and emotional depth. The track has since become a cornerstone of hip-hop culture, celebrated for its storytelling and the way it encapsulates the struggles and triumphs of Biggie’s life.
Total’s contribution serves as a reminder of the collaborative spirit that often defines the music industry, where many voices come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Their story adds another layer to the rich tapestry of hip-hop history, illustrating how unexpected moments can lead to iconic outcomes.
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