For those of us who love R&B of the early aughts, the mention of the group Ruff Endz immediately brings to mind their uptempo anthem “No More” as well as the heartfelt slow jam “Someone To Love You.” Both songs were big hits for Baltimore natives David Chance and Dante Jordan, but the duo has more highlights in their catalog. They're currently back in rotation with their latest single “Congratulations,” taken from their fifth album Rebirth.
The song was written and composed by Ruff Endz and proves once again that they have a knack for writing ballads that hit the mark. In “Congratulations,” they take a mature perspective after a breakup, coming to the realization that it's best to move on, be happy that an ex has found someone who can make her happy and wish them well.
David and Dante’s voices sound as good as when they first stepped on the scene, and their synergy is evident as they alternate lead vocals and harmonize during the chorus. Musically, “Congratulations” is supported by keys, synths, guitar and programmed drums.
The DC Coles-directed music video for “Congratulations” opens with a compelling scene. A man shows up at his former lady’s house to pick up some of his belongings. She answers the door and proceeds to give him a box. As she does that, her new guy joins her at the door. The man on the doorstep congratulates the happy couple and tells his ex's beau that he has a good one and he should take good care of her.
Once the song starts, we see David and Dante enter the picture. They're first seen singing in a smoke-filled dark room, then in and around two expensive cars as they graciously accept that they need to move on. We also get glimpses of the former couple, now with their new partners.
The latter half of the video focuses on the man’s ex-girlfriend on her wedding day. She makes for a beautiful bride as she prepares to get married and start a new life, but not before our leading man tries to crash the wedding and gets escorted out. He returns to his car deep in his feelings and eventually finds solace in the arms of his current boo.
With "Congratulations," Ruff Endz shows that they haven't missed a beat in over 20 years. Listen to the track and watch the video below, and in case you slept on Rebirth when it dropped last year, take this as your cue to check the album out.
