The Anthem of New Jack Swing
"Motownphilly" isn't just a debut single; it's a mission statement. Released in 1991 by Boyz II Men, this track introduced the world to the "East Coast Family" sound—a seamless blend of 60s Motown harmonies and 90s hip-hop production. Co-written by Michael Bivins (of New Edition) and Dallas Austin, it requires energy, attitude, and impeccable timing.
To sing this well, you can't just be smooth. You need to be percussive. The challenge lies in navigating the rapid-fire lyrics while maintaining the lush, four-part harmony that defines the group's sound. Let's break down how to tackle it.
AI Coach Tip: Rhythmic Precision
New Jack Swing demands that you sit right on top of the beat, or even slightly ahead of it. Lazy phrasing will kill the energy. Practice the verses with a metronome to ensure your sixteenth notes are clean.
Phase 1: The Verse & Groove (0:22 - 1:04)
The song kicks off with high energy. The lead vocals trade off, but the unifying factor is the "swing" rhythm. You shouldn't sing this straight; it needs bounce.
The Trap: Running out of breath before the pre-chorus. The lines are wordy. Identify your breath marks early—usually on the snare hits—so you don't gasp for air mid-phrase.
Phase 2: The Harmony Stack (Pre-Chorus)
This is where Boyz II Men shine. As the song builds to the hook, the background vocals thicken. If you are singing lead, you need to cut through this texture with a brighter tone.
- The Blend: If you are practicing the backing tracks, listen to Nathan Morris (Bass). His root notes ground the complex chords.
- The Pitch: The intervals are tight. Use the AI Coach to visualize if you are sliding into notes (portamento) or hitting them cleanly. This style demands clean hits.
Phase 3: The Breakdown (2:30 - 3:15)
The bridge famous for the line "Motownphilly back again" switches to a rap-sung style. This section is less about melody and more about cadence. Keep your consonants sharp and percussive to match the heavy drum break.
As the song outros, Wanya Morris unleashes his signature tenor runs. These are often pentatonic scales sung at high velocity. Start slow, master the notes, then speed up.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocals belt up to a C5 in the ad-libs, though the core melody sits comfortably in the mid-range (G3-G4).
Absolutely. Boyz II Men is a group with diverse ranges. A baritone can comfortably sing the verses or Nathan's harmony parts. You can also transpose the track down -2 semitones in the app.
The outro runs are fast. Break them into small chunks of 3-4 notes. Practice them on a "Nu" or "Mum" syllable to reduce tension before adding the lyrics back in.
