Burning The Ground Exclusive
Smooth R&B Meets Street-Corner Drama
Released in 1986, The Rain by Oran ‘Juice’ Jones became one of the most memorable and unconventional R&B hits of the decade. Blending smooth soul with a spoken-word monologue that unfolds like a dramatic confrontation, the track stood apart from nearly everything else on radio at the time. Its cinematic storytelling and unforgettable mid-song breakdown helped make it an instant classic of 80s R&B.
An Unlikely Hit for Def Jam
Jones, born in Houston, Texas, was among the first R&B artists signed to Def Jam Recordings, the pioneering label founded by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. During the mid-80s, Def Jam was primarily known for groundbreaking hip-hop acts such as LL Cool J and Beastie Boys, making Jones’ polished R&B sound somewhat of an outlier on the roster.
Still, the label took a chance—and it paid off. “The Rain” showcased that Def Jam could reach beyond hip-hop and deliver a crossover R&B smash.
The Monologue That Made History
Musically, the song begins as a slick mid-80s soul groove built on drum machines, shimmering synths, and Jones’ smooth vocals. But halfway through, the track takes an unexpected turn when Jones launches into a spoken tirade after catching his girlfriend with another man.
The monologue—equal parts heartbreak, anger, and biting humor—plays out like a late-night street argument set against a rainy city backdrop. Lines like “I saw you—and him—walking in the rain…” instantly became part of pop culture lore, giving the song a theatrical edge rarely heard in mainstream R&B.
Chart Success and MTV Rotation
Despite its unusual structure, the single was a massive hit. “The Rain” topped the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
The dramatic music video—featuring Jones confronting his unfaithful lover in the rain—became a staple on MTV, further cementing the song’s place in 80s pop culture.
From the Album Juice
“The Rain” was the standout single from Jones’ debut LP Juice. While the album produced a few additional singles, none matched the cultural impact or staying power of his breakout hit.
A Timeless 80s Moment
Nearly four decades later, “The Rain” remains one of the most distinctive singles of the 1980s. Its blend of smooth R&B, storytelling, and spoken-word drama turned what could have been a typical slow jam into something unforgettable.
Whether remembered for its catchy groove or its legendary spoken confrontation, “The Rain” still stands as one of the most unique hit records of its era.
SIDE A:
The Rain (Remix) 5:12
Juice’s Groove (Bonus Beats) 2:46
SIDE B:
The Rain 5:09
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | #9 | 1986 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop | #1 | 1986 |
| US Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play | #7 | 1986 |
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | #85 | 1986 |
| UK Singles Chart | #4 | 1986 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label:Def Jam Recordings – CAS 2496, Columbia – CAS 2496
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Hip Hop, Funk / Soul
Style: Rhythm & Blues
CREDITS:
- Producer – Russell Simmons, Vincent F. Bell*
NOTES:
Demonstration Not For Sale.
Taken from the Def Jam/Columbia LP Oran “Juice” Jones
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
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Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
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Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
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SOFTWARE:
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Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
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RESTORATION NOTES:
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FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
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oh that mid section! It wasn’t pleasent back then and hasn’t aged any better 40 years later. It’s a GREAT shame as otherwise it’s a brilliant haunting song.
Oh. My. Goodness. Who isn’t hearing “..and him…” in their inner monologue now?
Classic, it was an outlier song (is it a song or an audio drama?) that had no business being a single or a hit ‘on paper’ (& definitely to corporate shirts), but in a way that is EXACTLY what made the ’80’s such an interesting time for music and creativity.
Love it, especially the way he gets his revenge…
“You’s with THE JUICE!”
What was she thinking about?
Great post!!!!
Wow…this is like 2 times in a month that I’ve said this: The original is far better than the remix. In this case, the “remix” was really just the removal of some of the instrumentation…almost the exact length and organization of the regular LP mix…which a)I think is hardly ethical to call a “remix” 🙂 and b)just doesn’t sound good at all. However, on the positive feedback here, this song was such a classic. It owned the airwaves and everybody quoted it. This song was used SO WELL in the Ultimix 1986 Flashback Medley starting at 4:17 and every time… Read more »
I think this was my request
Thank you, Paul
smooth as silk….
Thank you, Paul! Such a classic, and yet I’ve never seen the video or paid attention to the hilarious spoken passage! I hope that’s included in the remixes.
I was thinking that I don’t recall ever have seen the video… I wonder if it would ruin the video I made up in my head every time I heard the song??! 🤔🤯
Woah what a nice surprise! We loved this tune when it dropped on MTV. Catchy music and hilarious video. Thanks for the time warp Paul!
“Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!”