Step into the gritty glamour of 90s R&B with Total's iconic "No One Else" video.
The Song
"No One Else" was released on November 28, 1995, as the second single from Total's self-titled debut album. The track was a product of the mid-90s hip-hop soul era, expertly blending smooth R&B vocals with a hard-hitting hip-hop beat. The original version features a standout rap verse from Chicago-born rapper Da Brat.
The song was co-produced by Bad Boy Records founder Sean "Puffy" Combs and Poke of the renowned production duo Trackmasters. It notably incorporates a prominent sample from "South Bronx" by legendary hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions, adding a distinct edge to its sound. The track also gained significant attention through its "Puff Daddy Remix," which brought together a powerhouse lineup of female rappers: Foxy Brown, Lil' Kim, and Da Brat.
The Artist
Total was an American female R&B trio, a prominent act signed to Sean "Puffy" Combs' Bad Boy Records in the 1990s. The group comprised Kima Raynor, Pamela Long, and Keisha Spivey. They were known for their distinctive harmonies and their ability to bridge the gap between soulful R&B melodies and the burgeoning hip-hop sound of the time.
As one of the leading female groups on the Bad Boy roster, Total played a significant role in defining the label's signature sound. Their music often featured collaborations with popular hip-hop artists, cementing their place within the hip-hop community while maintaining their R&B foundation.
Chart Performance
"No One Else" proved to be a considerable commercial success for Total, solidifying their presence on the charts. The single climbed to number 22 on the highly competitive US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its performance was even stronger on the R&B charts, where it peaked at an impressive number 4 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
The song maintained its popularity for an extended period, remaining in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 consecutive weeks. By the end of 1996, "No One Else" was recognized as the 87th most successful song on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart and the 22nd most successful on the Billboard R&B year-end chart.
Cultural Impact
"No One Else" played a pivotal role in establishing Total as a formidable force in 90s R&B and cemented Bad Boy Records' reputation for crafting commercially successful and culturally relevant "hip-hop soul" anthems. The song's fusion of R&B vocals with a prominent hip-hop sample and rap features was emblematic of the era's sound, appealing to both R&B and hip-hop audiences.
The Puff Daddy Remix, in particular, holds significant cultural weight. It's widely recognized for featuring an exceptionally rare joint musical appearance by then-friends and later rivals, Lil' Kim and Foxy Brown, alongside Da Brat. This collaboration captured a fleeting moment of unity among leading female voices in hip-hop, making the video a valuable historical artifact.
Fun Facts
- The music video for the original version of "No One Else" was directed by the iconic Hype Williams, known for his visually distinctive and influential work in the 90s.
- Shots taken from the original "No One Else" video were later utilized for promotional pictures for other singles from Total's debut album, including "Kissin' You" and "What About Us?", as well as for the album itself.
- The video for the "Puff Daddy Remix" includes a cameo from Puff Daddy himself, who recites lyrics from Sister Sledge's "We Are Family" in the intro, a nod to the "Bad Boy Family" collective.
- The Notorious B.I.G. also makes a cameo appearance in the "Puff Daddy Remix" video.
- The "South Bronx" sample used in "No One Else" was later re-used by producer Poke when he co-produced Jennifer Lopez's 2002 hit single "Jenny from the Block."