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

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
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
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!

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