1. It’s Been 25 Years Since 1990, We Feel Old…
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It’s hard to believe but 1990 was 25 years ago! Wow! We remember that year like it was yesterday. Because we love nostalgia, let’s go back and remember the jams we danced to and TV shows we had our VCRs set for! That’s phat! Or nah?
2. “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” premieres
Yes, one of the most defining shows of the decade premiered in 1990. Loosely based on Will Smith’s Philly upbringing, “Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air” ran until 1996. 90s kids recall the memorable moments and 2000s kids are getting schooled via “hypebeasts” websites. Who could forget Carlton, Jeffrey and Hillary! And R.I.P. to Uncle Phil.
3. Whoopi Goldberg Plays Oda Mae In “Ghost”
“Ghost” was a spiritual film with a romantic edge, but with the addition of Whoopi Goldberg as psychic Oda Mae, she epitomized comic relief! Goldberg stole the scene everytime she appeared and the next year, in 1991, she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
4. Denzel Washington Wins Best Supporting Actor in “Glory”
If you didn’t cry during that one scene in Glory with Denzel Washington, you must not be human. The beautiful one won his first Oscar in 1990 for playing Private Trip in the 1989 Civil War film. His win was arguably one of the most well-deserved from the Academy.
5. The song “Hold On” by En Vogue
The original quartet of En Vogue slayed with their debut single “Hold On” that crossed over to the top of the Billboard singles chart from R&B. The next year they earned their first Grammy nod. SANG girls!
6. Mariah Carey’s first single “Vision of Love”
Carey’s self-titled debut album has sold a mean 15 million since 1990, and she was awarded Best New Artist at the Grammys in ’91. “Vision of Love” was the first single for this 5-octave talent. Take us back!
7. “In Living Color” premieres
As a part of FOX’s irreverent programming, “In Living Color” created by Keenan and Damon Wayans, challenged America’s comfort level with the ‘hood or “ghetto” way of life, with a hilarious twist. The show featured upcoming Hollywood heavyweights like Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx and of course J. Lo was a Fly Girl dancer on the show.
8. “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
Excuse while we get our harem pants because we’re about to have the ultimate flashback! As we know, Hammer hit some hard times after the success of “U Can’t Touch This,” but this track was a great moment for him! And those dance moves were sweet! Hammer wound up winning AMAs, VMAs and two Grammy Awards for this iconic ’90s hit.
9. “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” by Janet Jackson
Directed by the late and amazing Herb Ritts, the baby of the Jackson family got sexy on a us with this clip! Also featured was Antonio Sabato, Jr. as her love interest and Djimoun Housou (the striking model in the clip!) We saw a lot more sexy clips and imagery from Janet with the release of her 1993 album “janet.”
10. The Kid n’ Play Saturday Morning Cartoon
You ruled if you had your own TV show or cartoon back in the day! And after the success of House Party, KNP hit up the Saturday morning cartoon circuit, even if for just one season. We’re still jamming to the intro though!
11. The hip-hop track “Who’s The Mack?” by Ice Cube
Dark, aggressive and too real for the establishment, N.W.A. member Ice Cube’s solo debut “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” was a critical and commercial hit. It remains one of the most important rap albums of all-time. Cube would later give another defining gem of the ’90s, otherwise known as the film “Friday.”
12. Nelson Mandela Is Officially Freed
After a brutal and unjustified confinement in jail for 27 years, Nelson Mandela finally walked as a free man on February 11, 1990. South Africa was liberated and post-apartheid. The world was inspired. Madiba went on to be the President of his country until 1999 and a world leader until he passed away in 2013. His legacy lives on.
13. “I’m Your Baby Tonight” by Whitney Houston
Whitney released her third LP “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and the song of the same title was smash for the voice of a generation. Super pop and dance-y, in the clip she played dressed up as The Supremes, Marlene Dietrich and Audrey Hepburn.
14. “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” by Tony! Toni! Tone!
A sweeping R&B hit from the vocally talented trio from Oakland. It should’ve got a Grammy nomination! But the video was directed by Lisa Bonet! And let’s talk about those white shirts getting the diva fan treatment! Sing it boys!
15. Milli Vanilli Are Revoked Of Their “Best New Artist” Grammy
Okay, so obvi this wasn’t “great,” but it happened. After millions of records sold and a solid fanbase in 1989, Milli Vanilli won the Best New Artist Grammy in 1990. But months later, word got out that the duo weren’t the singers behind “Girl, You Know It’s True” and “Blame It On The Rain.” In November, they came clean in a press conference and were removed as winners. Still our jams though!
16. Chris Rock Joins SNL
In 1990, as magazines probably wrote back in the day “a new Black face” joined the roster of TV staple Saturday Night Live, and that face was Chris Rock. Rock stayed on until 1993, but he definitely left some great clips we’re still YouTubing today.
17. “227” Airs Its Series Finale
“227” was a heartwarming, family sitcom that was entirely casted by Black actors and showed the Black female spirit. Led by Marla Gibbs (from The Jeffersons), the scene-stealer was Jackee Harry (yes, the mom from “Sister, Sister”). She won a Emmy Award for her portrayal of Sandra Clark. Also on the show was Countess Vaughn, who later starred in “Moesha.” “227” ran for 5 seasons.
