With her 1992 smash "Real Love," Mary J. Blige almost single-handedly showed the world that "hip-hop" did not always mean rap. The forceful, defiant, funky R&B single was indisputably hip-hop, and was heralded as such. Sean "P. Diddy" Comb's label, Bad Boy, has become one of the icons of the rap world and always been a showcase for the best in soulful hip-hop from 112 to Carl Thomas. Fittingly, Blige's seminal hit (in this case, a remix featuring the Notorious B.I.G.) leads off BAD BOY'S R&B HITS, which collects 12 of the most compelling examples of hip-hop soul.
As it's a Bad Boy compilation, R&B HITS features copious servings of label founder P. Diddy, who always straddles the R&B/hip-hop line in his recordings, including his unforgettable crossover hit with Usher and Loon, "I Need a Girl (Part One)." P. Diddy also guests on 112's classic bedroom jam "Peaches & Cream" and Faith Evans's "All Night Long," and collaborates with R. Kelly on "Satisfy You." BAD BOY'S R&B HITS also brings in some of the best crooners of the '80s, with New Edition ("Start Turnin' Me On"), and the '90s, with Jodeci ("Come and Talk to Me"). Bad Boy has always worked with the best in R&B and hip-hop and this collection drives that fact home. (Note: The accompanying DVD presents seven Bad Boy videos.)