Thirty-four years ago, on September 3, 1991, the dynamic East Coast hip-hop duo Nice & Smooth, comprised of Greg Nice and Smooth B., released their highly anticipated second studio album, ‘Ain’t A Damn Thing Changed.’ This LP, distributed via Rush Associated Labels and Columbia Records, arrived during a pivotal era for hip-hop, a period often celebrated as its ‘Golden Age.’ The album carved out a distinctive space for the duo, offering a refreshing blend of humor, charisma, and skillful lyricism that stood apart from the more serious, often grim, narratives prevalent in the New York City hip-hop scene of the early ’90s.
The Genesis of Nice & Smooth
Originating from the Bronx, New York, Greg Nice (Gregory O. Mays) and Smooth B. (Daryl O. Barnes) first collaborated in the late 1980s, making their initial mark on the underground scene. Their early work, including the single “Dope on a Rope”/”Skill Trade,” garnered attention, leading to a guest spot on Big Daddy Kane’s 1989 album ‘It’s a Big Daddy Thing.’ This exposure paved the way for their own debut album, the self-titled ‘Nice & Smooth,’ released in 1989. That initial offering was praised for its sense of humor and lyrical playfulness, establishing them as artists who could balance entertainment with engaging rhymes. Before ‘Ain’t A Damn Thing Changed,’ the duo had moved from Fresh Records and Sleeping Bag Records to the prestigious Def Jam Recordings family through their contract acquisition by RAL Records, setting the stage for a more significant platform for their sophomore effort.
‘Ain’t A Damn Thing Changed’: A Departure from the Norm
Upon its release, ‘Ain’t A Damn Thing Changed’ was noted for its departure from the prevailing ‘no smiles’ rap climate. While the album’s cover art, featuring the duo with a serious, urban-tinged aesthetic, might have suggested a shift towards a more somber tone, the music itself retained the duo’s signature ebullience and good-natured spirit. The album was characterized by its infectious hooks, dynamic production, and the contrasting lyrical styles of Greg Nice and Smooth B. Greg Nice was known for his boisterous, often stream-of-consciousness delivery, characterized by extended rhyme schemes and a unique vocal timbre. Smooth B. offered a more mellow, introspective, and polished lyrical approach, providing a perfect counterpoint that created a compelling balance within their tracks. This duality was a key element in their appeal, making their music both accessible and intellectually engaging.
Key Tracks and Musical Innovation
‘Ain’t A Damn Thing Changed’ featured a range of standout tracks that showcased the duo’s versatility. “Sometimes I Rhyme Slow” became one of their biggest radio hits, notable for its clever interpolation of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” melody, coupled with introspective lyrics addressing social issues like poverty, violence, and drug abuse. This track exemplified their ability to weave serious themes into their characteristic smooth delivery, earning significant airplay and MTV rotation.
Another fan favorite, “Hip Hop Junkies,” sampled The Partridge Family’s “I Think I Love You,” demonstrating their knack for incorporating unexpected, catchy samples into party anthems. The song’s humorous and nonsensical rhymes, particularly from Greg Nice, along with the group’s signature harmonized backing vocals (often provided by collaborators like Pure Blend), contributed to its infectious, feel-good energy. Other notable tracks included “Harmonize,” which set an optimistic tone for the album, and “Cake & Eat It Too,” showcasing their ability to craft slick, R&B-influenced hooks. The production, largely handled by the duo themselves with additional contributions, was marked by bouncy beats and vibrant, often playful, synth lines, creating a soundscape that was both rooted in old-school sensibilities and distinctly modern for its time.
The album also featured collaborations, most notably on “Down the Line,” which included a verse from Guru of Gang Starr, a respected act in the conscious hip-hop scene. This collaboration underscored Nice & Smooth’s ability to connect with and impress esteemed peers, proving they could deliver a rugged performance when necessary.
Contextualizing the Release: A Busy Year for Hip-Hop
The release of ‘Ain’t A Damn Thing Changed’ occurred on a significant date for hip-hop history, September 3, 1991. On the very same day, influential acts like Naughty By Nature dropped their self-titled second album, which would become a major commercial success, powered by the hit single “O.P.P.” Additionally, Poor Righteous Teachers released their second album, ‘Pure Poverty,’ further contributing to a rich year for the genre. 1991 was indeed a landmark year, marked by a diverse array of releases that cemented hip-hop’s evolving artistic and commercial trajectory, with artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Geto Boys, and LL Cool J also making significant contributions.
Legacy and Impact
Despite its critical acclaim and the success of singles like “Sometimes I Rhyme Slow” and “Hip Hop Junkies,” ‘Ain’t A Damn Thing Changed’ is sometimes overlooked in broader discussions of ’90s hip-hop classics. However, its impact lies in its unique contribution to the genre: a vibrant, fun-loving, and often absurd approach to emceeing and production. The album demonstrated that hip-hop could be both skillfully executed and genuinely humorous, offering an alternative to the more confrontational or strictly serious styles prevalent at the time. Nice & Smooth’s ability to blend catchy melodies, playful lyrics, and solid rapping, often without taking themselves too seriously, made ‘Ain’t A Damn Thing Changed’ a distinct and enduring piece of hip-hop history. Their harmonizing, danceable beats, and willingness to experiment with samples and vocal styles cemented their reputation as performers who brought genuine energy and showmanship to their music, a quality that continues to resonate with fans decades later.
