1996 Rewind: Remembering Blackstreet’s Another Level

1996 is one of the most beloved years in hip-hop and R&B, so we’re going to spend all month celebrating its greatness! All 2026, we’re turning the clock back 30 years to review, revisit and relive the most pivotal moments of Black music in that era. And, of course, I’ll be joined by a host of music homies as we debate the best of the best.

Thirty years ago today, two words were on the world’s mind: No. Diggity. That song was more than just a hit for the moment, it’s a classic that has endured for three decades. And the album that houses it is just as memorable. James Moore returns to chat with me about Blackstreet’s brightest moment in the sun, Another Level.

Let’s get it! Share your earliest memories of Another Level.

James: I remember the singles saturating radio and video when I was in middle school.  I don’t think I actually listened to the whole album until a few years later.  The first time hearing the run from “No Diggity” to “Never Gonna Let You Go” is a feeling you don’t really get today.  You had three major singles and the rest were just as strong.  It reminds me that I’m not just old and artists don’t have that strong songwriting.  It makes a lot of the vibey music today just sound like the ad-libs & backgrounds.

Edd: It took me a long, long time to hear this album. Wanna know why? I was SO SICK OF NO DIGGITY THAT I DIDN’T WANT THE ALBUM. Seriously, “No Diggity,” Mariah’s “One Sweet Day” and the worst offender, Next’s “Too Close,” were among THE most played out songs of the 90s. And they aren’t even bad songs, just annoying ones after the 59872343rd radio placement. I know, I know, it’s petty and unfair to take my frustration out on the entire project, and when I did finally hear the full album (likely sometime in the Spotify era) I was very, very impressed. Of all of Teddy’s 80s/90s group ventures, Another Level just may be the best.

What made your No. 1 song No. 1?

James: “Good Lovin“

From memory I would have said “Fix,” but when that song fades away and “Good Lovin” comes on … they perfected the integration of hip-hop that they started on the first album.  Classic “Computer Love” sample with the gospel vocals.  BJ the Chicago Kid knew that was the one and had to flip it.

Edd: “I Can’t Get You (Out Of My Mind)“

I may not have loved “No Diggity” but I did love “I Can’t Get You (Out Of My Mind).” To me, it’s what BlackStreet does best – those yearnin’, beggin’, pleadin’ R&B bedroom burners. It’s also low-key one of the best vocal performances on the record. Very underrated.

What’s your pick for best video?

James: “No Diggity”

“No Diggity” for the Lil Penny feature alone.  Tapping into Chris Rock and Penny Hardaway’s cultural moment at that time contributed to the success of that record as much as featuring Dre, sampling Bill Withers, and just being good music.

Edd: “No Diggity”

“No Diggity” runs away with this one. It’s easily the group’s most remembered video (unless you count the Mya one where they’re pretending to be the Rugrats) and it’s crammed with memorable cameos. Shout out to Lil Penny!

Which song should have been a single?

James: “I Can’t Get You (Out Of My Mind)”

That was another one of those strong records from “No Diggity” to “Never Gonna Let You Go.” You can see the blueprint that Eric Williams would go on to use with Jaheim.  The call and response … “with the lollipop at the light by the bus stop” is what I’d rather hear at R&B night.

Edd: “Let’s Stay In Love”

Oh but playa “I Can’t Get You (Out Of My Mind)” WAS a single! It didn’t chart and I don’t remember it getting airplay in my neck of the Va woods but I for sure remember seeing the video on The Box. Yes, we even got to see “the girl with the lollipop at the light by the bus stop!” This project already boasted a ton of singles but if they had to squeeze in one more, “Let’s Stay In Love” could have made a decent presence on those Quiet Storm playlists.

What’s the most underrated song on the project?

James: “Let’s Stay In Love”

This could have easily been a Kirk Franklin single and it was right at home with the edgy street anthems.  They slowed it all the way down and went gospel without losing the energy.

Edd: “Never Gonna Let You Go”

“Never Gonna Let you Go” is another of those singles seemingly no one remembers, or at least talks about, but it’s very, very good. The vocal performance is effortless and delivered so passionately – it’s a shame it didn’t land harder. It’s a record tailor-made for Blackstreet’s skillset.

What’s the best vocal performance?

James: “Don’t Leave Me”

A lot of R&B groups had the lead singer and the rest of the group was interchangeable, and Dave Hollister is a tough act to follow.  Here you have Eric Williams setting it off with the soulful baritone. Chauncey and Mark’s voices blended perfectly.  Without watching the video, it sounds like added range to what you already knew from Chauncey with the debut.  And then you have Teddy with the talkbox.  This was also the introduction to legendary producer Bink with the classic DeBarge flip.

Edd: “Don’t Leave Me”

I was all ready to say “Never Gonna Let You Go” but then you had to convince me with your answer. I really can’t dispute it because it shows just how much range the group has. Every member is allowed to shine and each use their gifts expertly. Aight, you twisted my arm, I’m going with “Don’t Leave Me” too.

“No Diggity” took over the world in 1996. 30 years later, how well has it aged? 

James: The slang hasn’t aged as well but otherwise the song is just as strong.  The production and mix stands up to today’s music, which says a lot to be 30 years ahead of all the technological advances.  

Edd: Playa this didn’t age for me well in 1996, let alone 2026! But the hate in my heart can’t ignore it’s legacy. Yeah the slang is as dated as Lil Penny’s Magic jersey but the production – and that infectious hook – has endured for decades. It’s still one of the most recognizable songs of the era and still sets off the party. I might be sitting when the DJ spins it though.

Will a Blackstreet reunion ever happen? 

James: Neva eva eva faneva neva.  The lesser known members from the first two albums have been touring together under the brand; their conflict with Teddy seems as personal as it is with Guy.  And Dave Hollister is doing his own thing. Switching up key members every album made Blackstreet more of a vehicle for Teddy as a producer than a true group.  

Edd: Don’t bet on it, playa. We’ve heard rumbling about reunions for this group (and Guy) for eons, only to be met with disappointment. While the current 90s nostalgia run would be the perfect time for a reunion and tour – even a Tiny Desk or Verzuz would get the R&B streets talking – it just feels like the moment has passed. I’m down for it but I’m realistic enough to understand that it’s a long shot.

Is Another Level Blackstreet’s best album?

James: Absolutely.  They were able to defy the sophomore slump, survive losing a powerhouse vocalist in Dave Hollister, and perfect the formula from the debut.  The next two albums, not so much.

Edd: Easily. Their debut was great and everything after this project was diminishing returns but Another Level lived up to its name – classic singles, memorable vocal performances and hidden gems that will keep you from skipping to the next track. It’s the premier Blackstreet experience.  

Whose street are you on, James’ or Edd’s? Let us know below and share your Another Level memories?