Ep 2. Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam
- November 6, 2013
UnSung season 7 episode 2 highlights the music career of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. The legendary group comprising Lisa Velez, Alex "Spanador" Moseley, and Mike Hughes made a significant impact on the music industry in the 80s and early 90s. The episode delves into their rise to fame, challenges they faced in the industry, and their ultimate legacy.
Viewers are transported back to the formation of the group in 1984 when introduced by Full Force, a popular group in the music industry. Lisa Lisa's powerful vocals, blended with the beats of Spanador and Hughes, created a unique sound that quickly gained attention. The trio's first single "I Wonder If I Take You Home" became an instant hit and launched their career.
As the group's popularity soared, they began facing hurdles. The highly competitive music industry made it difficult for Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam to maintain their position in the charts, and critics wrongly labeled them as a one-hit-wonder. Moreover, the group members were dealing with personal battles and trying to adapt to their newfound fame.
Despite these challenges, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam continued to produce chart-topping hits. Their music empowered fans, especially women who saw themselves represented on stage, with Lisa Lisa's music being seen as "girl power" before the term existed. Their hits, including "Head to Toe," "All Cried Out," and "Lost in Emotion," dominated the airwaves and dance floors in the 80s.
The episode explores how the group managed to stay relevant even as the music industry underwent significant transformations. Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam embraced new styles and collaborated with other artists, including Full Force and Cult Jam member Mike Hughes' solo career as MC Sar & The Real McCoy. Viewers also get an exclusive look at the group's music videos, including behind-the-scenes stories.
In addition to the members' personal battles, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam also faced legal issues. The group's music label went bankrupt, leaving them without the royalties they deserved. Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam also found themselves in the middle of a legal battle with another artist claiming credit for their hit song "All Cried Out." The lawsuit delayed the release of their album, causing a significant impact on the entire group and their career.
UnSung season 7 episode 2 of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam is not just about success on the charts. It's also a story of overcoming personal battles and inspiring a generation of young women through their music. The episode is a tribute to the group that defined a generation of pop and R&B, and the viewer is left with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam's music.