' 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡 ' › D. SWING

31.

(1994)

Rhonda.

"And that was Cry For You by my favorite male group, Jodeci. Joining us on the show today is none other than Rhonda Baker who helped contribute to the production of their Diary of a Mad Band album, which is currently multi-platinum. How do you feel about the guys and their success? I know it must be pretty exciting for you", Madelyne said as she leaned on her elbow that was propped up on the arm rest of her chair with her body turned slightly toward me, a smile plastered along her face.

I grinned softly while meeting her gaze, crossing one leg over the other, "Well, I'm really happy for the guys. They've worked really hard on the album and it had a lot of setbacks but God is always present and may not necessarily come when you want him to but he's always on time. The guys had plenty of reasons to give up and I'm proud that they didn't, actually following through to finish the album. It's honestly my favorite one because it displays so much growth and self-confidence. I know at first, they weren't really doing what they wanted musically because there was so much pressure on them to sound like other solo artists and groups on the label. Due to the fact that this album was a totally different sound, the label didn't support or promote it."

"Really? Wow!", she responded in utter shock at what I was telling her, her eyes wide. "The label didn't promote the album and this one sold millions of copies much faster than the first one. That is outstanding!"

"That's God. What He has for you, no man can touch. Jodeci has a lot of enemies and it's not because they're 'bad boys' or 'violent' but because they're young, black, and successful. On top of that, people are envious of how talented and unique they are. It's sad that us as a people—black people, that is—don't support and embrace each other like the Hispanics and Indians. You see their careers and businesses taking off because they don't beat one another down to build themselves up. Not saying that they're better than us, I mean, we're all equal but in that area, we could do much better instead of being jealous and putting money in other races pockets then wonder why we're not progressing. Hopefully the guys won't have to deal with anymore drama from outsiders", I said, shrugging my shoulders a little as I briefly glanced down at my lap then back up at her.

She gave me a nod with a tight smile, becoming a little tense, "There's a lot of talk from people saying that you're dating DeVantè Swing of Jodeci. Is that...true?" I could tell she was hesitant and was sure that she didn't want me to say yes because I've seen her flirt with him plenty of times, especially in a recent interview when she was asking to see his tattoos. Madelyne dressed classy however, that wasn't a reflection of who she truly was. She acted as if I didn't know about her and Dalvin's secret rendezvous that have been taking place since the first interview she did with them back in '91. I never understood a woman that lacked such self-respect to try and mess around with two brothers, as if two friends weren't bad enough. However, I kept my composure.

"No, it's not true. We grew up together and dated for a little while a few years back but that's old news. Nothing for people to still gossip about", I said in a calm tone to conceal my annoyance with her.

She relaxed a little but not too much, nodding her head, "Are you guys still good friends?"

"I mean, I still love him. That was my best friend. But as far as us keeping in touch? Yeah, I haven't spoken to him in several months now. I don't have anything against him, though. It is what it is", was my response as I smiled at her. By this time, she wasn't tense anymore and was sort of back to her normal self. Figured.