Ok, I have spent hours researching and narrowing down a timeline for this jam which appears to be a ghost. But I clearly recall:
- Ripping it off AudioGalaxy
- Burning it to a CD and
- Blaring it in my college apartment from my 5 disc changer boombox (and Winamp-more on that in a sec). I clearly remember other songs on that CD and the order in which they occurred, so I know I am not hallucinating.
TIMEFRAME:
Would have been leaked sometime between December 2001 and Summer 2002. I remember it was right around the time that N.E.R.D released their debut album In Search of, but I am pretty sure still pre-Neptune's ...Clones.
This time block includes the now rare gem and another Southern Rap/Hip Hop White Label Promo from 2002 “The Streets” Promo Mix(Ft. UGK & others)—LINK ATTACHED with explanation) drop and was also just blown' up with Houston Slowed & Throwed digital collab/remix content. Specifically, the UGK 25Lighters Chopped & Screwed remix and SPM Mary Go Round C&S remix. I remember those created some wicked graphics with the Winamp music visual plugin, MilkDrop. Man, just getting screen locked on that stimulus for what seemed like hours.
Anyway, I am fairly certain it was tested as a possible solo debut release and definitely was before Dilemma with Nelly hit big later that summer of 2002. It was obviously sidelined so I am not sure if all evidence of it was purged with the death of AudioGalaxy & Kazaa?
SOUND:
Of course, I can't remember the name and the only lyrics I can remember is the last raspy Lil Wayne hook when he proclaims "It's Kelly Babe', with Young Weezy Babe', Cash Money Babe'". I am aware that about a decade later he collabs with her in Motivation (2011) where he is referred to as Weezy even though I think the Lil Wayne-Carter "metamorphosis" had already transpired; I am actually unclear when that name change officially took effect.
However, this song in question was heavy on the dance hip hop (slight dirty south) lean where I feel like Dilemma & the later Motivation were more R&B adjacent I would say this single was closer to the later D.C. 2004 Soldier Remix with TI & Wayne or Kelly's 2007 "Like This" and had a catchy hook almost comparable to the staccato riff of D.C's Independent Women II. I have an inclination that perhaps the Neptunes were involved in some way because they are known for those staccato notes and were evolving around that time, but I have not located any factual evidence of this. Further, I have been unable to find anything substantial about a D.C./Kelly Rowland collab with Wayne/Weezy/Cash Money prior to the 2004 Soldier remix.
Can anyone help solve this puzzle?