First and foremost, this track is all about Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, two of my favorite producers of all time, alongside Babyface, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, the Motown Funk Brothers, and Gamble and Huff. “If It Isn’t Love” epitomizes that classic Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis sound. New Edition was our version of The Jackson Five, our boy band growing up.
This song came out in 1988 when I was seven, a very impressionable time for me musically. I was influenced by my father’s records and what was on the radio, which was now this new jack swing sound with its distinct drums. This sound became my musical blueprint. New Edition’s dance routine was another highlight. If you know anything about our culture, you know we love a good dance routine.
“If It Isn’t Love” marked New Edition’s transition from boys to men, and they introduced us to their choreography. To this day, if you play this song, someone will break out into that dance routine, guaranteed. This song is foundational to my musical imprint. From ages 7 to 12, I was developing my own taste, buying my own records and tapes, and making mixtapes.
These songs were the soundtrack to my childhood, dancing with friends and cousins at cookouts, and seeing adults dance. This was a dancing era. We danced all day. I remember summers spent watching music videos and dancing to TLC, BBD, and others. I lived on the third floor, and I’m sure the neighbors weren’t thrilled with all my dancing, but I was always moving to the music.
