Today is a very special day for our continuing series, “Your Friend, the ’90s.” Not only is it Valentine’s day, but today we’re going to feature one of the most romantic ass-shakers ever constructed, as well as one of my top five songs from the ’90s.
It’s Q-Tip’s 1999 barn burner “VIVRANT THING,” and this is one of the only songs I NEVER skip over when it comes on my iPod. I love everything about it—the production, the flow, and even better? As Q-Tip says himself, “This is some heartfelt shit,” and one of the most surprisingly romantic songs to come from the decade. You could do worse than having a relationship as good as he describes. (Ignore the strippers in the video, and just listen to the words. Then watch it again for the strippers.)