The Hot R&B Singles for 1996, formerly Hot Black Singles and so many other categories I can barely keep track of, has some crossover with the pop charts, but here are plenty of other songs.
Down Low (Nobody has to know) – R Kelly featuring Ronald Isley and Ernie Isley, seven weeks at #1
*Tha Crossroads – Bone thugs-n-harmony, seven weeks at #1; #1 pop
I Believe I Can Fly – R Kelly, six weeks at #1
Killing Me Softly – Fugees featuring Lauryn Hill, five weeks at #1 as an album track; no, I don’t really know how that works. The song was written by Gimbel and Fox, and was a #1 pop/#2 soul/#2 easy listening hit (as Killing Me Softly With His Song) by Roberta Flack. I do have the Fugees album The Score, from whence the 1996 hit came.
Not Gon’ Cry– Mary J. Blige, five weeks at #1
*No Diggity – BLACKstreet featuring Dr Dre, four weeks at #1; #1 pop
*How Do U Want It – 2 Pac (featuring KC and JoJo, three weeks at #1; #1 pop
Hit Me Off – New Edition, three weeks at #1. I believe this was on the playlist when my daughter and I saw them.
Twisted – Keith Sweat, three weeks at #1
Nobody – Keith Sweat featuring Athena Cage, three weeks at #1
Before You Walk Out Of My Life – Monica, two weeks at #1
*You’re Making Me High – Toni Braxton, two weeks at #1; #1 pop. Part of the New Edition show in Boston
I Can’t Sleep Baby (If I) – R Kelly, two weeks at #1
My daughter’s favorite
If Your Girl Only Knew – Aaliyah, two weeks at #1. My daughter has gotten into 1990’s soul, and Aaliyah was the lynchpin. This is why we went to the New Edition tour. She recently bought me an Aaliyah compilation.
Pony – Ginuwine, two weeks at #1. My daughter’s affection for ’90s soul turned me on to this artist, who I had not heard of previously.
These are number one from one week
You’re The One – SWV (Sisters With Voices). I own their 1992 debut album, It’s About Time.
*Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey; #1 pop
Last Night – Az Yet