Koffee Brown

Male/female duo Koffee Brown's vibe is reminiscent of the catchy '80s music of Slave spin-off Aurra ("In the Mood to Groove"). Their debut album, Mars/Venus, is full of cool hip-hop dance tracks and very funny skit-based interludes. As the title implies, the basis of most of the songs is the difference of the sexes. Their mid-tempo breakout single, "After Party," zoomed up the charts in early spring 2001. A worthy follow-up would be the similar "Weekend Thing," which sports a percolating riff like the one found on Herb Alpert's "Rotation." A propulsive bass boosts "Quickie" that's good for both dancing and bedroom bopping. The "B" word is the subject of "I Got Love (Scars)." Other standouts are the "who's foolin' who" themed "Fingerpointing" and "Blackout." In spite of the conflict heard on earlier tracks, one of Mars/Venus' final tracks is the gentle, hopeful, and conciliatory "Do U See." [Mars/Venus was also released in a "clean" edition, containing no profanities or vulgarities.] ~ Ed Hogan, All Music Guide