Burning The Ground Exclusive
Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On but the Rent is a song by American singer-songwriter Gwen Guthrie, released in 1986 as the lead single from her fourth studio album, Good to Go Lover. Written and produced by Guthrie herself, the song became the biggest hit of her career, delivering a bold message of financial independence and self-worth wrapped in an irresistibly funky groove.
Blending smooth R&B, dancefloor-ready beats, and assertive lyrics, Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On but the Rent set clear expectations for financial responsibility in relationships. With its unforgettable hook—“You got to have a J-O-B if you wanna be with me”—the track quickly became an anthem of empowerment, particularly resonating with women in the workforce during the mid-’80s.
Chart Performance
Chart-wise, the song had a moderate impact on the U.S. pop chart, peaking at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it dominated the R&B and dance scenes, spending one week at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and two weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Internationally, the track reached #1 in New Zealand and Zimbabwe and performed well across Europe, peaking at #5 on the UK Singles Chart. A 1993 remix of the song also saw success, reaching #8 on the UK Dance Singles Chart.
Gwen Guthrie’s Legacy
Known for her powerhouse vocals and songwriting talents (she penned hits for Sister Sledge, Ben E. King, and Roberta Flack), left us too soon in 1999, but her music lives on. Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent remains a staple of ‘80s dance and R&B culture—a track that demands respect and keeps dancefloors moving to this day.
SIDE A:
Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (12″ Club Mix) 7:16
Edited By – Tony Prendatt
Producer [Additional Production], Remix [Remix By], Edited By [Edits By] – Mark S. Berry*, Tony Prendatt
Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (Dub Mix) 7:43
Edited By – Tony Prendatt
Producer [Additional Production], Remix [Remix By], Edited By [Edits By] – Mark S. Berry*, Tony Prendatt
SIDE B:
Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (Larry Levan 12″ Club Mix) 5:59
Engineer – Matthew “Krash” Kasha*
Mixed By, Edited By – Larry Levan
Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent (Larry Levan Dub Mix) 7:04
Engineer – Matthew “Krash” Kasha*
Mixed By, Edited By – Larry Levan
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #42 |
| 1986 | Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent | U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs | #1 |
| 1986 | Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales | #3 |
| 1986 | Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent | U.S. Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs | #1 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Polydor – 885 106-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul, Funk, Garage House
CREDITS:
- Executive-Producer – Jerome Gasper
- Mastered By – José Rodriguez
- Photography By – Bill Wylie
- Producer [Associate] – David “Pick” Conley*
- Producer, Written-By – Gwen Guthrie
NOTES:
From the Polydor LP “Good To Go”
“Promotional Copy Not for Sale” is printed on the labels above catalog number.
Additional information:
The title “Passion Eyes” which is given on the back cover, is actually not present.
Some promo copies were pressed on translucent vinyl which appears gray or brown when held in front of a strong light.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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You don’t hear this track too often these days, which keeps it special. Thanks Paul. 🙂
Thanks for this!
Thank you Paul. I played always the Club Mix from Side A. This version has a much better low end.Now we need Peanut Butter and Padlock….
You’re welcome, Toxicaudio 🙂
Great track and the music video was a regular on MTV too, particularly at the weekends.
Thanks Paul
You’re welcome, Mark 🙂
Absolutely love this song ! Thank you Paul
You’re welcome, hechicero 🙂
Thank you SO MUCH for this seminal and legendary 12″.
As far as I know, not all of these mixes have been released digitally, and you’re probably the only person on the planet who can make a rip that sounds like the original mastertape.
Keep up your amazing work!
“Wow, thank you so much for your kind words! It really means a lot to know that these rips are appreciated. I always strive to preserve the original sound as faithfully as possible, and I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Stay tuned for more, and thanks for your support!”
Paul!! I can’t overemphasize how important you are in rescuing great records. I do hope folks know how much care and time you spend getting these records to sound like they do. You do important work in the archiving of sonic works. So many times, reissues/remasters are lacking, but with you it’s like something that came right from the studio masters. I even like how you EQ your work. Take for example the other day with your Nick John post. I have the Razormaid! CD, and I think your rip sounds better than Joseph’s!! You are masterful and yet so… Read more »
Thanks so much for this awesome tip Paul!! I’m on vacation with very limited cell coverage so can’t write as much as I want!
This one was for you, Fred. I hope you are having a great vacation 🙂
Excellent selection Paul, such a funkay groove,
and a bit proto new jack swing too imo.
Many thanks for the share!
peace,
dj
You’re welcome, dj 🙂
Thank you, Paul!!! I’ve always loved this song: Perfect beat, perfect groove, absolutely perfect DIVA VOCALS, and perfect lyrics! I also remember this being sampled by Utah Saints for “What Can You Do For Me”, another excellent Dance track!
You’re welcome, Martika. I also remember that sample. I love the empowering lyrics a perfect track for women’s history month.
YESSSSSSS!!!!!! ♀ ⚢ ⚤
Such a great track, thanks Paul! The Levan dub mix was new to me. Would love to hear the US promo 12″ of Peanut Butter as well, seems to be the only extended version of another of her great tracks.
You’re welcome, Martin. I will have to look for a copy of “Peanut Butter”.
This record takes me back, Paul. I used to hear it all the time when I lived in New Jersey. The ladies loved this one and it became an anthem too. Thank you, Paul!!
Jeff
You’re very welcome, Jeff. I do remember this one tearing up the dance floor.
Thank you for making this single by this great singer available and showing us.
You’re welcome, Denilson 🙂
Wow Paul, believe it or not this song has actually been on my radar recently. Such a funky groove, message of empowerment and a unique title to boot! I love the write-up; I knew this was a No. 1 R&B hit, but I didn’t realize what a talent she was, having written hits for other major artists. Gone too soon. I’m excited for these mixes, all new to me! Thank you Paul!!
You’re welcome, Retro Hound. She also sang backing vocals on Madonna’s single “Burning Up”.
Love it.
Thanks, Joe 🙂