K. Michelle’s fifth studio album, All Monsters are Human, is still in the works, but that didn’t stop her and Jazze Pha from delivering a dripping wet rendition of New Edition’s classic, “Can You Stand the Rain.”
Just so we’re clear, this is not a remake or your uncle’s version of the track made famous by Johnny Gill’s incomparable vocals, backed by Ralph Tresvant’s soft and sweet falsetto. It borrows from it and is a sample in the truest sense.
While the video features the Tennessee songstress perched atop a body of water while clad in a stunning gown, the sexual overtones and rather obvious lyrics suggest she’d rather be sporting her birthday suit. She challenges her partner with a night that eventually turns to morning, offers him a hot cup of coffee, promising him all the love he can handle.
When she initially announced the forthcoming single, conventional thought was that she would take the route of Sisters With Voices (SWV) 1998 hit, “Rain,” but that is clearly not the case.
It’s hard not to like K. Michelle’s daring and successful take on a track NE supporters fell in love with in 1988. After 30 plus years, perhaps it was time.
Peep some sample lyrics below before diving into the video.
You gon’ get soaked, so bring a raincoat
When we finish you gone see a rainbow (Oh)
Come swim in my waters like a sailboat
You just making love to me like Nemo
Come sip on it, as I drip on it
You gon’ have to change my name to H2O
