35 years on from its original release ‘Liberian Girl’ – the 9th and final single to drop from Michael Jackson’s seminal ‘Bad’ album – has been given a sultry reworking for the 21st century thanks to multi-platinum producers, songwriters, and artists B. Howard and David May.
Released on May’s GETREEL33 imprint, this Afro House edit of the pair’s recent take on the single is drenched in thundering, throbbing, tropical-style house heat that gives Jackson’s iconic song a modern, dance-floor-friendly twist. On topline duties, B. Howard infuses warm tones of soul and R’n’B into his naturally-leaning pop instincts, while David May delivers energy and drive from deep, reverberating basslines, undulating percussion and glistening synths and FX, used to underpin and update instantly recognizable samples from the original track.
Both artists come to the project on the back of glittering careers in music. A classically trained musician, mix engineer, producer and songwriter David May’s caliber is equally as storied, creating hits not just for himself but some of the planet’s biggest acts including Snoop Dogg, Pitbull, Zedd, Bruno Mars, Akon, and Keri Hilson. Son of award-winning US R’n’B and soul legend Miki Howard, B. Howard is American music royalty, producing, writing and performing on multiple multi-platinum and US Top 20 Billboard charting singles. B. has enjoyed much success collaborating with the likes of Ginuwine, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Dru Hill, and Vanessa Hudgens to name a few. By combining forces, the duo delivers a truly beautiful new version of a true Michael Jackson classic, one that should stand the test of time in its own right for years to come.
