RIGHT BEFORE the male R&B renaissance of 2005 featuring Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, T-Pain, Bobby V, Omarion & Trey Songz, 2004 gave us HOUSTON.
โI Like Thatโ was in constant rotation. From MTV Jams to 106 & Park to VH1.
Houston had that motion.
His self titled debut album hit the Top 20 and the lead single peaked at #11, one slot short of the Top 10. Both the album and single went GOLD.
Houston had the world in his hands.
But, unfortunately, as Black men, especially 20 years ago, we werenโt allowed to face our mental health struggles publicly or ask for help. Back then you were two things: weak or crazy. Sometimes both.
Shout out Houston for walking away when it all became too much. Saving yourself comes first. I pray wherever he is today that heโs healthy, thriving, and most of all: HAPPY AF.
His debut album is a classic and still in rotation over here.