Earlier than Tiny Desk concert events and TikTok “reside” periods, there was one stage that really mattered to each child with a Kenan-and-Kel-era heartbeat: the All That stage. That swirling orange backdrop on Nickelodeon was greater than a sketch comedy set—it was a ceremony of passage for ‘90s and early 2000s Black music royalty. And let me say this: for those who didn’t lose your thoughts when Aaliyah floated throughout that stage with “One in a Million,” did you even develop up Black?
All That was our TRL. However as a substitute of Carson Daly and screaming teenagers in Occasions Sq., we had Lori Beth Denberg giving very important info and Kenan ordering Good Burgers between units. And the musical company? Nothing wanting iconic.
TLC didn’t simply carry out—they outlined the present. “Creep” hit totally different on a youngsters’ present, however the women made it make sense with silk pajamas and slick strikes. And sure, that catchy theme track? Thank T-Boz, Chilli and Left Eye. They didn’t simply sing it—they gave the present its total sonic id.
Then there was Brandy, giving shoulder-length field braid magic whereas performing “Child,” and Monica melting us all with “Angel of Mine”—a ballad that aged like advantageous wine. Future’s Little one, nonetheless rocking matchy-matchy ‘suits and harmonizing by means of “No, No, No.” Mya together with her butterfly clips and “Movin’ On” two-step. And Lauryn Hill? When she hit that stage with “Doo Wop (That Factor),” she wasn’t simply performing—she was preaching.
USHER’s “You Make Me Wanna” gave us falsetto and future intercourse image in coaching. Immature reminded us why each preteen lady had a crush on a member with a patch over his eye. Blaque had the Carry It All to Me bop on lock. 112 gave us “Solely You.” Deborah Cox belted “No one’s Purported to Be Right here” like she was on the Soul Prepare Awards. Ice Dice, Nas and Outkast balanced all of it out with bars that reached manner past Nickelodeon’s core demo.
These weren’t simply performances. They had been cultural timestamped miracles. And for those who missed them? Child, thank God for YouTube and nostalgia.