OLDIES SUNDAY: Foxy Brown – Sorry (1988)

The Month of March is recognized as “Women’s History Month“, and we recognize a few great Women who made significant contributions to Music. Today’s selection on “Oldies Sunday” comes from Foxy Brown (not the Rapper from Brooklyn) with the track, “Sorry“.

Produced and released by Harold “Papa Biggs” Mclarty on the “Taxi Riddim“, and released in 1988, Foxy Brown delivers a Jamaican cover of US Recording Artist Tracy Chapman’s single “Baby Can I Hold You“, but renamed “Sorry” for Foxy. The song speaks about a time when couples fall out and arguments happen, but when it comes to apologizing and making things right, it’s not always easy to do. Sometimes the right and important words just need to be said. Foxy sings throughout this, with her own melodies but borrowing the cadence from the original, over original Jamaican production. “Sorry” became a hit for Foxy Brown, but got even bigger when it was re-released in 1989 featuring production by Steely & Clevie. The new version also entered Billboard’s Black Singles chart. The song was also featured on her debut album, “Foxy“, which was released the same year. “Sorry” also allowed Foxy opportunities to voice Dubplates for years to come, and perform at various events.

Since the release of “Sorry”, Foxy released a few more singles in the early 1990s, and while some were hits, they didn’t match the level of “Sorry”, and her career stalled in that decade. Hard times fell on her along with a decline in her Mental Health, and she has been seen in various parts in Kingston over the years. She recently got some help from fellow Dancehall Artist Mr. Vegas, but we hope her living conditions improve as she still struggles with her Mental Health. “Sorry” remains her biggest hit.