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.
Right Here
Mint Condition Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Listen
I'm trying to man up see whats really good with you
Gentleman's approach, not bring it hood to you
Same things that you hear everyday like
"Hey ma, hey boo, baby whats your name"
Please pull up a seat, I'm so glad you came
Damn its so refreshing when you calling out my name
Been Pooh for so long it doesn't sound the same
My occupation rap and I make a little change
I see you not impressed with what this life brings
Finished school, got a job, girl do your thing
It's a lot of independent women wanna be claimed
Marry into money or marry into fame, or at least give birth to a check
With all due respect lets two-step in the name of like
Who says we gotta do the waltz all day and all night, it's like
[Chorus]
If love is not enough
We don't have to rush
Come around, I'll slow it down just you
Lady you should be
Right here next to me
Come around, I'll slow it down just for you
We can go to the movies
I'll take you to the park and promise to have you home before the lights go out
Steady asking you questions what your life about
Oh and me, mine's everything I scribe about
No doubt this my life and
Dedicated to this witting sacrificing everything for it
Wasted time I can't afford
So if it ain't you/then you know I'm cooped up to the record
I'll scoop you up in me Porsche, sike
You know I got a Nissan
That I'm still paying for, still got a lease on
But it don't matter 'cause that ain't my aim to get you
I got fame, but you know that just ain't the issue
Because you're looking like a woman of virtue
So well-rounded, no wonder your're in my circle
And normally you probably wouldn't give me the time of day
'Cause Tay got rhymes, but no he ain't got time to waste
[Chorus]
Sometimes I think I'm from another world (preach)
When I'm tryin'a tell a woman just exactly where I stand that (aight)
I want a girl, when I want a girl
And when I don't want a girl, I want a girl who understands that
And that's some hard shit to explain
To a woman that's in love with you, it's a pitiful thing
Until I had to figure
That I don't wanna play around, but I don't wanna settle down
And that's a man's dilemma, 'cause every man remembers
How his daddy and his uncles did it
'Cause more than likely that's the way they're gonna do it
I know it sound f**ked up and most wont admit it
But yo, I gotta face it 'cause I know I'm living through it
'Cause when the party stops and niggas get old
And the chain and the cars and the houses get sold, and that
Other side of the bed gets cold, you don't wanna be alone
So girl I'm tryin'a hold you
[Chorus]
Oh baby (Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
What you need to do is
Take it slow with me
Slow it down a little bit
(Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
We don't have to rush into anything serious
(Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
No we don't, take it from me
(Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
My name is Percy and I make miracles if you take it slow with me baby
(Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
The song "Right Here" by Mint Condition speaks of a man's dilemma in finding true love and settling down. The lyrics reflect a man's adventurous side to try different ways of finding love and getting to know the person in a more elaborate way. The artist starts by saying that he's trying to man-up and find out what's truly good for him. He wants to approach the woman in a gentlemanly way without bringing hood into the picture. The song speaks of the man's realization that love is not enough to sustain a relationship and that sometimes it's necessary to slow down the pace and take time to know each other.
The artist never fails to show his love for music and his dedication towards it. He also speaks of men's dilemma in settling down and choosing the perfect partner. The song reflects how men are torn between a desire for multiple partners and not hurting any of them. Meanwhile, the artist concludes that he wants a girl who understands him and his priorities, and with whom he can snuggle up in bed and not feel alone. This song is relatable to many people who are wanting to settle down with someone they truly love and connect with.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm trying to man up see whats really good with you
Approaching you as a gentleman to understand you truly
Gentleman's approach, not bring it hood to you
Not portraying a ghetto style or inappropriate behavior
My mother call me Thomas you can do the same
Referring to self by real name rather than nickname
Been Pooh for so long it doesn't sound the same
Tired of being called by the same nickname
It's a lot of independent women wanna be claimed
Many women seek to be in a committed relationship
Marry into money or marry into fame, or at least give birth to a check
Women may want a financially secure man or have their own aspirations
No doubt this my life and dedicated to this witting sacrificing everything for it
Committed to music career and sacrifices personal life
But yo, I gotta face it 'cause I know I'm living through it
Acknowledges the dilemma of wanting a relationship but not wanting to settle down
We don't have to rush into anything serious
Not in a hurry for a serious relationship
My name is Percy and I make miracles if you take it slow with me baby
Not wanting to rush and offering to build something meaningful together
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: I BABALOLA, PHILIP JACKSON, PHILLIP JACKSON, D LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rachelle
One of the last of bands. Mint condition is a group that I could listen to for hours. This is one of my favorite songs off of this GREAT ALBUM!!
waneelicious
I'm glad people appreciate this song as much as I do. Makes a woman feel special, that's what I'm talking about.
Lady V Ann
Stokley's voice melts my heart 😍Real talk in this song too ❤
stephen grissett
my favorite band, HANDS DOWN
SonsEnergy
REPEAT!!! over and over.Love it.
MariaLuisa Turner
This song right here is on point, I really like the way the drummer comes in with the off beat temple, that just makes the song hit even harder, I have always been a fan! Great band, the music pulls out the talent each band member has.
Anthony Moore
This Song Should Have Alot More Ratings....
Notion Records
I wish they played this live.
MsTstorm
I love Mint Condition! This is a great album.
kriticalelement
so glad we still have real singers and musicians like these guys that write great songs! this song is the best!