90's Jams #20: Bell Biv Devoe "Poison" (1990)

As mentioned in a previous entry, the classic trifecta of New Jack Swing would not be complete without "My Prerogative" and "Motownphilly." But "Poison" was its most massive and defining moment. With nearly a musical or lyrical highlight every few seconds, it's hard to keep up.. A brilliantly paced 4 minutes. AIDS was hugely topical in 1990, somewhat reflected in the lyrics by what many would consider misogynist, although no more than on The Chronic or nearly every hiphop album that followed it over the next 20 years. Dark, gritty, sinister.. Packed with enough hooks to receive VH1 airplay.. The snare drum.. the bassline.. There's almost too much going on in this song. With something to prove after New Edition, holy fuck...

IT'S DRIVIN ME OUTTA MY MIIIND