Big Sean-Detroit 2 (Discussion Thread)

Joined
May 1, 2012
Messages
34,158
Reputation
3,184
Daps
66,004
Reppin
Lagos (Da Jungle)
:ohhh:Never knew this was only a Detroit song. I was young so I guess I didn't care but still. That's surprising.

Yeah I didn't know it was just local as a youngin. Thought it was a national hit. Here's the story.

Dale

How a partner’s double-murder rap killed a crooner’s stab at the charts.


Who: Delbert Michael Greer, better known as the singer Dale.


What: A smooth voice falls between D’Angelo, and Walter Scott and Wallace “Scotty” Scotty of the Whispers, and his penchant for the debonair (suits and Detroit-classic Dobb’s hats) worked to panty-tossing perfection. But one might call Dale either a “made man” or the unluckiest soul singer on the planet, just on the strength of his “Soulful Moaning.” That single cracked Detroit and Midwestern soul radio at a time when there was absolutely no cracking Detroit or Midwestern radio unless you had lots of coin. The side sold 20,000 copies, a huge number for an indie label, and the air was filled with promise. Until a double murder charge reared.

Where: Detroit

When: 1995-96

What Happened: Before Dale, there was the duo Sean & Dale, who did the “Soulful Moaning” single. But Sean got popped and convicted on a double-murder rap just as “Moaning” was set to blow nationwide. Dale soldiered on solo, only to be pursued by his ex-partner’s kin, who were keen on getting the “Soulful” royalties. Because things were, for many reasons, getting ugly all around, Dale — who never saw a royalty himself — had his label kill the record. The single died on the vine. Dale got a fresh start. Or did he?
 
Top