As purveyors of all things past, present and future soul and R&B, we are excited to kick off Black Music Month 2023 with a SoulBoune Exclusive World Premiere from Detroit legends RJ’s Latest Arrival. The group has reassembled after an over 30-year hiatus to release the new single “One Step” featuring hip-hop duo Slum Village.
RJ’s Latest Arrival was formed in the Motor City by husband-and-wife duo Ralph “RJ” Rice and DeDe Leitta in the late 1970s. The band experienced regional success through frequent airplay on Black radio in Detroit and on the iconic dance show, The Scene. It was their breakout multi-platinum hit “Shackles” in 1984 from their second album Harmony that propelled them into the national spotlight followed by a series of Billboard-charting dance and R&B singles such as “Wind Me Up” and “Heaven In Your Arms” that has kept them on throwback playlists.
Now RJ’s Latest Arrival has something new for music collections with “One Step,” a steppers’ groove that lands just in time for summer cookouts and kickbacks and is certain to spur several new line dances.
On the track, our leading man and leading lady take to the dance floor and things quickly heat up. “I hope you’re ready / For what you started, baby / When it comes to love, I don’t play no games / When I step, I’m serious / You need to know / But you’ve got me curious (baby, let’s take it slow),” RJ lets her know from jump that he is serious about this love thing on the first verse.
We’re not sure what kind of moves he was making, but the chemistry reaches a fever pitch and his lady has to calm herself down and rebuke some lustful thoughts. “Let me catch my breath (oh yeah, yeah) / ’Cause with every step (every step) / I’ve got to control myself (uh hmm) / Remember what I told myself (mmm) / It’s just a dance (just a dance) / Control your mind (control your mind),” DeDe sings on the pre-chorus as they take a break from the dance floor.
As the song progresses, the couple has an undeniable connection. The vibes and conversation are tight, and this could be the real deal if they play it right. We are here for this grown and sexy tête-à-tête.
Slum Village’s feature on this track is a full-circle moment for RJ. He signed the original trio consisting of J Dilla, Baatin and T3 to their first deal on his label Barak Records in 1998. T3 continues the Slum Village legacy with RJ’s son Young RJ and proves they are still some of Detroit’s finest.
Get reacquainted with RJ’s Latest Arrival and listen to their triumphant return with “One Step” featuring Slum Village exclusively right here before it hits all DSPs on Friday, June 2nd.
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