ItsNotYouItsMe throwback Tuesday is one of our most preferred R&B Divas from 1990s and on, the one and only, thee vocal prodigy Toni Braxton!
“This week From The Vault spotlights one of Toni Braxton‘s most blazing jams, ‘You’re Making Me High.’
A first on a numbers of fronts, the song served as the lead release from the diva’s sophomore set ‘Secrets’ in 1996 and went on to become her first #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. [Signature hit ‘Unbreak My Heart’ would continue that trajectory by hitting the top spot straight after.]
A scintillating bedroom banger, the Babyface + Bryce Wilson production saw Braxton do-away with the ballgown ballads and instead set a more sensual agenda. And its accompanying video (directed by frequent collaborator Billie Woodruff) served as a visual exclamation mark.
Sporting a figure-hugging catsuit and sauce in earnest, the vocalist cemented herself as one of the era’s most sought-after sirens.
More than just beauty shots, the clip saw the singer skew playful – with she and guest stars (including Vivica Fox and Tisha Campbell) rating an assortment of men who emerged from elevator doors.
At a time when women, in music, film, and beyond, were presented as being for the male gaze, it was refreshing to see Toni and co flip the script.
For her efforts, Braxton was rewarded with her third Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Performance in 1997.
A classic song, from a classic artist. An eternal salute to Ms. Braxton, who over two decades later is still racking up Grammy wins and nominations.” – thatgrapejuice.net
