The group is well known for its highly diverse musical style (able to play anything from traditional jazz stylings to mainstream R&B and rock-based music to funk grooves and even Latin and Jamaican-based rhythms) and also its captivating live performances.
Discovered and originally signed to Perspective Records by music producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in 1989 (after being heard at a performance at a club in downtown Minneapolis called First Avenue), their debut album was entitled Meant To Be Mint (released in 1991).
Despite their musical versatility the band attempted to attract New Jack Swing listeners with their dance cut "Are You Free", but it wasn't successful (the song hit #55 on the R&B charts). However, they did enjoy major success with the stunning ballad "Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)".
The song stayed on the charts for 34 weeks, hitting the R&B top 5 (#3), and the Pop Top 10 (#6). Forever In Your Eyes was also successful (#7 R&B). Two years later they released their 2nd platinum album, From The Mint Factory (1993). They enjoyed success with the #2 hit "U Send Me Swingin'", while "Someone To Love" and "So Fine" hit the R&B Top 30. 1996 saw the release of "Definition of a Band". The album hit the R&B Top 20. Some successful singles on this album are: "What Kind Of Man Would I Be" (#2 R&B), and "You Don't Have To Hurt No More" (#10 R&B). Two years later, The Collection: 1991-1998, a greatest hits compilation, was issued.
After Perspective Records/A&M folded, the group signed with Elektra Records in 1999, releasing their fourth full-length album, Life's Aquarium (#7 R&B). It's main single, If You Love Me, hit the R&B Top 5.
As the 21st Century came around, Mint Condition was the only R&B/Funk band signed to a Major Record Label.
After a six year hiatus, the group resurfaced as a quintet due to former member and keyboard player Keri Lewis leaving the group to produce for other artists, such as his one-time wife, singer Toni Braxton .
During the same year, they released Living The Luxury Brown on their independent label Caged Bird Records. The album hit #1 on the Independent Album Charts. Live From The 9:30 Club, a performance of a concert at the 9:30 club in Washington DC, was issued in 2006.
My Sista
Mint Condition Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You Weathered...The Storm Through Everything
You Always...Forever Lifting Me...
I Love You...Adore You Sista
Gotta Know I'm Always Gonna Be Witcha
Sista...Sista...
Cause The Struggle's Only Gonna Get Bigger
Thank You For Helping Make Me A Mister
Sista...Sista...
With You I Will Be A Winner
Sista...Sista...
In Spite Of...Mistakes That I've Made...
Your Tough Love...Always Showed The Way...
Nobody...Walks & Talks Like You Do Lady...
I Get You...I Love You Sista...
Gotta Know I'm Always Gonna Be Witcha
Sista...Sista...
Cause The Struggle's Only Gonna Get Bigger
Sista...Sista...
Thank You For Helping Make Me A Mister
Sista...Sista...
With You I Will Be A Winner
Sista...Sista...
(Mother, Sister, Lover, Cousin, Auntie & Friend...
The lyrics of Mint Condition's song "My Sista" are a heartfelt tribute to the enduring strength and support of three important women in the singer's life: Mocha, Tiff, and Ebony. These women have weathered many storms and have always been there for the singer, lifting him up and showing him the way, even in the face of his own mistakes. The lyrics express a deep and abiding love and admiration for these women, calling them "sista" and promising to always be with them, no matter what the future holds.
The use of the term "sista" is significant, as it suggests a strong sense of community and kinship among black women, who are often faced with unique challenges and obstacles in society. By calling these women "sista," the singer acknowledges their shared experiences and expresses his own commitment to stand by them through thick and thin. The lyrics also highlight the importance of female role models and the impact they can have on the lives of young men, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Overall, the lyrics of "My Sista" are a moving tribute to the power of female friendship and support, and an uplifting celebration of the enduring bonds between black men and women.
Line by Line Meaning
Mocha...Tiff & Ebony...
Referring to the different skin colors of the singer's sisters, expressing how diverse and beautiful they are.
You Weathered...The Storm Through Everything
Acknowledging the tough times the singer's sister has gone through and how she's shown resilience.
You Always...Forever Lifting Me...
Recognizing how the singer's sister has always been a source of support and encouragement for him.
I Love You...Adore You Sista
Expressing the deep love and admiration the artist has for his sister.
Gotta Know I'm Always Gonna Be Witcha
Making a promise to always be there for his sister.
Cause The Struggle's Only Gonna Get Bigger
Recognizing that life's challenges will continue, but they will face them together.
Thank You For Helping Make Me A Mister
Grateful for his sister's role in shaping him into the man he is today.
With You I Will Be A Winner
Confident in the strength they have together to overcome obstacles.
In Spite Of...Mistakes That I've Made...
Acknowledging that he's made mistakes, but his sister has always been there to help him learn and grow.
Your Tough Love...Always Showed The Way...
Appreciating his sister's tough love and guidance in helping him make better choices.
Nobody...Walks & Talks Like You Do Lady...
Admiring his sister's unique personality and the way she carries herself.
I Get You...I Love You Sista...
Feeling a deep connection with his sister and expressing that love again.
Contributed by Owen K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.