The next step in Diana Ross’ comeback arrived Friday with the release of “If the World Just Danced,” the second single from her forthcoming return to pop.
Ross’ comeback began in June with the release of the single “Thank You.” Like that song, “If the World Just Danced” aims for the musical and spiritual uplift of Ross classics: “Turn it up and go give love a chance/Go out and take somebody by the hand/Put on your shoes and find out where you stand,” goes its chorus, concluding “So much better if the world just danced.” It’s also aimed unapologetically at the dance floor, but with a more modern twist. Whereas “Thank You” conjured memories of Ross’ Seventies work with the Chic organization, “If the World Just Danced” is steeped in contemporary club beats.
Like its predecessor, “If the World Just Danced” also boasts multiple collaborators: The song was written by no less than seven writers, including Aliandro Prawl, Andre Pinckney, Scott M. Carter, Amy Wadge (who co-wrote “Thinking Out Loud” with Ed Sheeran), Vanessa Wood, and Jaquetta Singleton.
Originally scheduled for release this month, Ross’ 13-track Thank You album is now scheduled for November 5th. Work on the album began pre-lockdown and was wrapped up with Ross recording her vocals in her home studio apart from the producers (who include the ubiquitous Jack Antonoff). Current plans call for Ross to return to the stage with a series of European shows next June.
VIDEOS
Two of California's longest tenured rappers, E-40 and JasonMartin, are providing wise advice for others. They are doing so on their latest collaboration "Too Much," which is out as of this weekend.
The track belongs to E-40 and it's one of many joint efforts. But this one won't get lost in the shuffle thanks to aforementioned message and theme. "It's too much real sh*t going on / Quit worrying about the fake, n****, yeah, yeah," JasonMartin raps on the sticky chorus.
E-40's unmistakable flow is on full display here as well as he drops truth after truth. "Don't worry about the fake 'cause the hate gon' come with the platе / The peons, they hеlla late, they late like holiday freight / And b*tch, I'm one of the greats and that ain't up for debate (Yep)."
Taking this track up a notch is the addicting instrumental. It's laced with West Coast bounce and a sticky piano melody. Overall, E-40 and JasonMartin's "Too Much" is a standout and deserves a spin ASAP.
For the Bay Area native, this single arrives following a multi-decade spanning NPR Tiny Desk performance. He was brought on to kick off this year's Black Music Month and he delivered for them in every way.
Quotable Lyrics:
As long as you don't try to line me up and stab me in the back (Uh)
As long as you don't try to get me chipped and get a player capped (Yep)
Misery love company, but company don't like misery
Now are we getting along? We better be, we family
I finally figured it out, I think I finally figured it out
Stop making excuses for ninjas and giving 'em the benefit of the doubt
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