Ep 9. Al B. Sure!

Al B. Sure! was an R&B singer/songwriter in the late 80s and early 90s who was known for his smooth vocals and romantic ballads. In this episode of UnSung, we take a closer look at his rise to fame and the struggles he faced along the way.

We first learn about Al B. Sure!'s upbringing in New Jersey, where he was raised in a musical family. His father was a jazz musician and his mother was a singer, and he grew up surrounded by music. Despite his love for music, Al B. Sure! initially pursued a career in graphic design and worked as an art director before ultimately deciding to pursue music full-time.

Al B. Sure! got his big break in 1987 when he was signed to Warner Bros. Records. His debut album, In Effect Mode, was released the following year and was a commercial and critical success. The album spawned several hit singles, including "Nite and Day," which became a #1 hit on the R&B charts.

Despite his success, Al B. Sure! faced some criticism from the R&B community, who accused him of being too pop-oriented and not "authentic" enough. He also struggled with his image, as his signature hairstyle and preppy clothing sometimes overshadowed his music.

In the episode, we hear from Al B. Sure! himself, as well as his family, friends, and colleagues. We learn about his collaborations with other artists, such as Quincy Jones, and his work as a songwriter for other R&B performers.

The episode also delves into Al B. Sure!'s personal life, including his relationships with women. He was famously involved with fellow R&B singer Karyn White, and the two had a son together. We hear from White herself in the episode, as well as other women who were involved with Al B. Sure! over the years.

Throughout the episode, we see footage of Al B. Sure! performing and recording in the studio, as well as clips from interviews and music videos. We get a sense of his personality and his passion for music, as well as the struggles he faced as a black man in the music industry.

In the end, we see how Al B. Sure! continues to be recognized as an important figure in R&B history, despite some of the criticism he faced during his career. We see how his music has influenced younger generations of R&B artists and how his legacy continues to endure.

Overall, this episode of UnSung gives a fascinating glimpse into the life and career of a beloved R&B singer. Through interviews with those who knew him best, we get a sense of his talent, his struggles, and his impact on the music industry.