Throwbacks: Total - 'Can't You See'

Before they even dropped a single of their own, Total was already woven into Brooklyn hip-hop history, lacing the hooks on The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Juicy" and "One More Chance." When it was finally time for their debut on March 11, 1995, Biggie returned the favor.

Recorded in 1994, "Can't You See" originally landed on the *New Jersey Drive, Vol. 1* soundtrack before anchoring the group's eponymous debut album. Written and arranged by Terri Robinson of Terri & Monica, the track is a flawless blueprint of 90s hip-hop soul. Biggie kicks it off with a legendary intro verse, passing the baton directly to the group. Over a heavy groove, Total layers slick vocal harmonies for a full 4 minutes and 54 seconds. Folks love to debate the defining groups of 90s R&B, often rushing straight to TLC or SWV. But Total brought a raw, unfiltered street grit that those crossover acts couldn't organically replicate. They didn't sound like they were trying to borrow a hip-hop aesthetic—they were the aesthetic. Hit play below.