Jody Watley Instagram – Reposting @the_rnb_talk_show – Friends with Eric B. & Rakim (1989). “Friends” featuring Eric B. & Rakim (US #9, #3 R&B, #7 Dance, UK #21) was the first R&B, Pop, Rap, Dance collaboration to cross over Top 10 on multiple charts. “Friends” is notable for being 1 of first first multi-format hit single to include the formula of a pop star featuring a guest rapper with the custom full 16-bar verses and bridge concept, and distinguishable from the rap “Intro” by Melle Mel on Chaka Khan’s notable cover of Prince’s song “I Feel for You”. The successful “Friends” formula would become a mainstay formula in commercial pop music and was added as a category at the Grammys under Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002. #jodywatley #friends #ericbandrakim #musicvideo #largerthanlife #rnbmusic #newjackswing #dancepop #hiphop #80srnb #80sclassic #80smusic #thernbtalkshow