Burning The Ground Exclusive
When Heavy D. & The Boyz dropped their exuberant take on “Now That We Found Love” in 1991, they didn’t just revive a classic—they transformed it into one of the most infectious party anthems of the early ‘90s.
Originally written by legendary songwriting duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, the song was first recorded by The O’Jays in 1973 before being given a reggae-infused hit version by Third World in 1978. But it was Heavy D.’s buoyant, hip-house reinterpretation—powered by the unmistakable production of Teddy Riley—that brought the track roaring back into the spotlight for a new generation.
Lifted from the album Peaceful Journey, the single perfectly captured the moment when hip-hop, R&B, and dance music were colliding on mainstream radio. Built around a propulsive beat, bright synth stabs, and a chant-along chorus, the track radiates pure joy. Heavy D.’s charismatic delivery—equal parts smooth and commanding—rides the groove effortlessly, while the call-and-response hook makes it impossible not to move.
The single became a major crossover success, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating dance floors worldwide. Its appeal was universal: hip-hop heads embraced its energy, clubgoers loved its beat, and pop audiences couldn’t resist its feel-good message.
What also sets this version apart is its visual identity. The music video, featuring energetic choreography and vibrant color, became a staple on MTV, further cementing Heavy D.’s image as one of hip-hop’s most accessible and charismatic frontmen. At a time when the genre was still carving out its mainstream identity, Heavy D. bridged the gap with style and positivity.
For collectors and DJs, the 12″ single is where things really get interesting. Extended mixes leaned further into the track’s club appeal, stretching out the groove and emphasizing its dancefloor roots. These versions highlight the genius of Teddy Riley’s production, allowing the rhythm to breathe while keeping the energy locked at a peak level—perfect for mixing into a late-night set.
More than three decades later, “Now That We Found Love” remains a timeless celebration. It’s a track that transcends eras—rooted in classic soul, reimagined through New Jack Swing, and immortalized as a dancefloor staple. And in the hands of Heavy D. & The Boyz, it became something truly special: a reminder that sometimes the best way to honor a song’s legacy is to completely reinvent it.
Whether you remember it from its chart run, club play, or those unforgettable spins on MTV, one thing is certain—once that beat drops, the love is easy to find.
SIDE A:
Now That We Found Love (Club Version) 5:47
SIDE B:
Now That We Found Love (7″ Radio) 4:18
Now That We Found Love (Instrumental) 5:23
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Billboard Hot 100 | #11 | 1991 |
| US Billboard 12-Inch Singles Sales | #1 | 1991 |
| US Billboard R&B Singles | #5 | 1991 |
| Australia (ARIA) | #6 | 1991 |
| Canada (Dance Urban) | #1 | 1991 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | #2 | 1991 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA12-54088, Uptown Records – MCA12 54088
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic, Hip Hop, Pop
Style: Hip-House
CREDITS:
- Backing Vocals – Aaron Hall
- Design – Reiner Design Consultants, Inc.
- Executive-Producer – Andre Harrell, DJ Eddie F, Heavy D
- Lyrics By [Rap Lyrics] – Heavy D
- Mastered By – Herbie Jr*
- Photography By – Nick Baratta
- Producer, Instrumentation By – Teddy Riley
- Written-By – Kenneth Gamble – Leon Huff*
NOTES:
Original version appears on the forthcoming Heavy D. & The Boyz album Peaceful Journey
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!
Password: burningtheground
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