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{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name = Hot Coko
| name = Hot Coko
| type = studio
| type = studio
| artist = [[Coko]]
| artist = [[Coko]]
| cover = Cokohotcokoalbumcover.jpg
| cover = Cokohotcokoalbumcover.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| released = {{start date|1999|08|10}}
| released = {{start date|1999|08|10}}
| recorded = 1998–1999
| recorded =
| studio = {{hlist|"B" Section (Elk Grove, California)|[[Capitol Studios|Capitol]] (Hollywood, California)|[[Electric Lady Studios|Electric Lady]], [[Manhattan Center]], [[The Hit Factory]], A Room with a View, [[Right Track Recording]], [[Sony Music Studios|Sony Music]] (New York City)|Studio 17 (White Plains, New York)|[[Pacifique Recording Studios|Pacifique]] (North Hollywood, California)|Brandon's Way Recording (Los Angeles)|Vanguard (Oak Park, Michigan)|Enterprise (Burbank, California)|[[Record Plant]] (Hollywood, California)}}
| venue =
| genre = *[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]
| studio = {{Collapsible list|title=Various|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:12px;background:transparent;text-align:left|{{plainlist|
"B" Section<br><small>(Elk Grove, California)</small><br>Capitol Studios<br><small>(Hollywood, California)</small><br>Electric Lady Studios<br>Manhattan Center Studios<br>The Hit Factory<br>A Room With A View Studios<br>Right Track Recording<br>Sony Music Studios<br><small>(New York City)</small><br>Studio 17<br><small>(White Plains, New York)</small><br>Pacifique Studios<br><small>(North Hollywood, California)</small><br>Brandon's Way Recording<br><small>(Los Angeles)</small><br>Vanguard Studios<br><small>(Oak Park, Michigan)</small><br>Enterprise Studios<br><small>(Burbank, California)</small><br>The Record Plant<br><small>(Hollywood, California)</small>
}}}}
| genre =
*[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]
*[[hip hop soul]]
*[[hip hop soul]]
| length = 51:32
*[[urban ontemporary|urban]]
| length = 51:32
| label = *[[RCA Records|RCA]]
*[[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]]
| label =
| producer = *Anthony Morgan
*[[RCA Records|RCA]]
*[[Bink!]]
*[[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony]]
*[[Brian Alexander Morgan]]
| producer =
*Anthony Morgan <small>([[executive producer#music|exec.]])</small>
*[[Damon Thomas (record producer)|Damon Thomas]]
*John Daniels
*Rodney Jerkins
*[[Laney Stewart]]
*Coko <small>(also exec.)</small>
*[[Marc Anthony]]
*Damon Thomas
*[[Michael J. Powell]]
*Bink!
*[[Missy Elliott]]
*Brian Alexander Morgan
*[[Rodney Jerkins]]
*Michael J. Powell
| prev_title =
*Missy Elliott
| prev_year =
*Laney Stewart
| next_title = [[Grateful (Coko album)|Grateful]]
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_year = 2006
| misc = {{Singles
| next_title = Grateful
| next_year = 2006
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Hot Coko
| name = Hot Coko
| type = studio
| type = studio
| single1 = Sunshine
| single1 = Sunshine
| single1date = July 12, 1999<ref>{{cite magazine |date=July 9, 1999 |title=ADDvance Notice |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-07-09.pdf |magazine=[[Radio & Records]] |page=57 |access-date=September 27, 2023}}</ref>
| single1date = 1999
| single2 = Triflin'
| single2 = Triflin'
| single2date = November 1, 1999<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Gavin Top40/Rhythm: Impact Dates|magazine=[[Gavin Report]]|issue=2278|page=9|date=November 1, 1999}}</ref>
| single2date = 1999
}}
}}
}}
}}
''' ''Hot Coko'' ''' is the debut solo studio album by American [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] singer and songwriter [[Coko]] of [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] female trio [[Sisters With Voices|SWV]], released on August 10, 1999 in North America by [[RCA Records|RCA]]. ''Hot Coko'' serves as the singer's debut effort following the release of SWV's fourth album ''[[A Special Christmas]]'' (1997), which led towards the group's first disbandment in 1998. Guest appearances on the album are made by rapper [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]] and [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] singer [[Tyrese Gibson|Tyrese]]. The album features [[music production|production]] from the likes of [[Damon Thomas (record producer)|Damon Thomas]], [[Rodney Jerkins]], [[Missy Elliott]], [[Timbaland]] and [[Brian Alexander Morgan]], whom Coko worked with while a member of [[SWV (band)|SWV]] earlier in the decade.
''' ''Hot Coko'' ''' is the debut solo studio album by American [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] singer [[Coko]]. It was released by [[RCA Records]] on August 10, 1999.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kAgEAAAAMBAJ&dq=hot+coko+august+1999&pg=PA24 | title=Billboard | date=July 17, 1999 }}</ref>''Hot Coko'' served as the singer's debut effort following the release of her band [[Sisters With Voices|SWV]]'s third album ''[[Release Some Tension]]'' (1997), which led towards the group's first disbandment in 1998. Guest appearances on the album are made by rapper [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]] and singer [[Tyrese Gibson|Tyrese]]. ''Hot Coko'' features [[music production|production]] from the likes of [[Damon Thomas (record producer)|Damon Thomas]], [[Rodney Jerkins]], [[Marc Anthony]], [[Missy Elliott]], [[Timbaland]] and [[Brian Alexander Morgan]], whom Coko worked with while a member of [[SWV (band)|SWV]] earlier in the decade.


The album debuted at number 68 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart and received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, and spawned two singles that found minimal ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' chart success, with its lead single "Sunshine", reaching the lower ranks of the [[Billboard Hot 100|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart, where it reached the top seventy, becoming her sole appearance on that chart to date. Shortly after the album's underperformance on the ''Billboard'' charts, Coko departed [[RCA Records|RCA]] in late 1999.
The album debuted at number 68 on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and entered the top 20 of the US [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]]. It received generally mixed to positive reviews from music critics upon its release. ''Hot Coko'' spawned two singles that found minimal ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' chart success, with its lead single "Sunshine", reaching the lower ranks of the [[Billboard Hot 100|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart, where it reached the top seventy, becoming her sole appearance on that chart to date. Shortly after the album's underperformance on the ''Billboard'' charts, Coko departed [[RCA Records|RCA]] in late 1999.


== Background and recording ==
== Background and recording ==
[[Coko]] first rose to prominence in the 1990s as a member of the trio [[SWV]]. Following the group's disbandment in 1998, she pursued a solo music career.<ref name="Source1">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/coko-mn0000089042/biography|title=Coko: Artist Biography by Heather Phares|last=Phares|first=Heather|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503043429/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/coko-mn0000089042/biography|archive-date=May 3, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In a 1999 [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] interview, Coko said that she had been unable to record solo music due to her SWV obligations.<ref name="Journal2">{{cite journal|last=Hay|first=Carla|date=July 17, 1999|title=SWV's Coko Aims To Make Solo Splash|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kAgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA24&dq=%22Hot+Coko%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiqiPmuoIXhAhVCx1kKHUMrBvEQ6AEIMjAC#v=|volume=111|issue=29|pages=24, 28|accessdate=March 15, 2019|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Her debut studio album was recorded in various studios in California and New York.<ref name="Source2">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-coko-mw0000668343|title=Hot Coko: AllMusic Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210214257/https://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-coko-mw0000668343|archive-date=December 10, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Coko took more creative control of her music by co-writing songs and picking producers.<ref name="Journal2" /> She co-wrote music with [[Rodney Jerkins]] who also produced songs for the album.<ref name="Journal2" /><ref name="Source3">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1427206/coko-breaks-down-swv-break-up/|title=Coko Breaks Down SWV Break-Up|publisher=[[MTV News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630111858/http://www.mtv.com/news/1427206/coko-breaks-down-swv-break-up/|archive-date=June 30, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
[[Coko]] first rose to prominence in the 1990s as a member of the trio [[SWV]]. Following the group's disbandment in 1998, she pursued a solo music career.<ref name="Source1">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/coko-mn0000089042/biography|title=Coko: Artist Biography by Heather Phares|last=Phares|first=Heather|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503043429/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/coko-mn0000089042/biography|archive-date=May 3, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In a 1999 [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] interview, Coko said that she had been unable to record solo music due to her SWV obligations.<ref name="Journal2">{{cite magazine|last=Hay|first=Carla|date=July 17, 1999|title=SWV's Coko Aims To Make Solo Splash|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kAgEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Hot+Coko%22&pg=PA24|volume=111|issue=29|pages=24, 28|access-date=March 15, 2019|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Her debut studio album was recorded in various studios in California and New York.<ref name="Source2">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-coko-mw0000668343|title=Hot Coko: AllMusic Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210214257/https://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-coko-mw0000668343|archive-date=December 10, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Coko took more creative control of her music by co-writing songs and picking producers.<ref name="Journal2" /> She co-wrote music with [[Rodney Jerkins]] who also produced songs for the album.<ref name="Journal2" /><ref name="Source3">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1427206/coko-breaks-down-swv-break-up/|title=Coko Breaks Down SWV Break-Up|publisher=[[MTV News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630111858/http://www.mtv.com/news/1427206/coko-breaks-down-swv-break-up/|archive-date=June 30, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


Although she described [[hip hop music]] as "cool", Coko identified herself as a [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] artist.<ref name="Journal2" /> She referred to the album as representing her "gospel roots" and likened her sound to [[Alvin and the Chipmunks]] with a "Coko twist".<ref name="Source10">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1427204/coko-sounds-off-on-solo-debut/|title=Coko Sounds off On Solo Debut|last=Mao|first=Andrea Duncan|date=August 24, 1999|publisher=[[MTV News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630113052/http://www.mtv.com/news/1427204/coko-sounds-off-on-solo-debut/|archive-date=June 30, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[RCA Records|RCA]] executive Brett Wright believed that Coko would remain "true to her R&B roots" and cited the "[[Urban contemporary|urban]] [[Crossover music|crossover market]]" as her primary demographic.<ref name="Journal2" />
Although she described [[hip hop music]] as "cool", Coko identified herself as a [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] artist.<ref name="Journal2" /> She referred to the album as representing her "gospel roots" and likened her sound to [[Alvin and the Chipmunks]] with a "Coko twist".<ref name="Source10">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1427204/coko-sounds-off-on-solo-debut/|title=Coko Sounds off On Solo Debut|last=Mao|first=Andrea Duncan|date=August 24, 1999|publisher=[[MTV News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630113052/http://www.mtv.com/news/1427204/coko-sounds-off-on-solo-debut/|archive-date=June 30, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[RCA Records|RCA]] executive Brett Wright believed that Coko would remain "true to her R&B roots" and cited the "[[Urban contemporary|urban]] [[Crossover music|crossover market]]" as her primary demographic.<ref name="Journal2" />


== Composition and lyrics ==
== Composition and lyrics ==
[[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']]'s Steven J. Horowitz wrote that "Sunshine" was an "ebullient ode to a loved one".<ref name="Source4">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/pop-shop/girl-group-week/6487786/top-10-girl-group-solo-songs|title=Girl Group Solo Songs: The 10 Best (Non-Beyonce) Singles of the Modern Era|last=Horowitz|first=Steven J.|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023160134/http://www.billboard.com/articles/pop-shop/girl-group-week/6487786/top-10-girl-group-solo-songs|archive-date=October 23, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Coko dedicated the song to her then three-year-old son [[Lil Tracy]].<ref name="Source5">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/03/07/lil-tracy-cover-story|title=Lil Tracy’s Third Life|last=Marcus|first=Ezra|date=March 7, 2019|work=[[The Fader]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308072452/https://www.thefader.com/2019/03/07/lil-tracy-cover-story|archive-date=March 8, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Produced by Jerkins, the instrumentation consists of "interlocking jerky drum loops and squelching basslines" and a "stuttering production". [[Noisey]]'s David Lehmann wrote it was similar to Jenkins' other late 1990s songs.<ref name="Source6">{{cite web|url=https://noisey.vice.com/en_us/article/6azzdz/the-noisey-guide-to-rodney-darkchild-jerkins|title=The Noisey Guide to Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins|last=Lehmann|first=David|date=December 12, 2014|publisher=[[Noisey]]|accessdate=March 15, 2019}}</ref> Recording the song with "multi-layered vocals",<ref name="Source6" /> Coko sings the lyrics: "Sunshine, sunshine / You brighten up my days / I love you always".<ref name="Journal1">{{cite journal|last=Flick|first=Larry|date=October 1999|title=Hot Coko|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MSgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA178&dq=%22Hot+Coko%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj00qOsnYXhAhVGs1kKHWocA5EQ6AEIKjAA#v=onepage&q|volume=7|issue=8|pages=177-178|accessdate=March 15, 2019|work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]}}</ref> [[Vibe (magazine)|''Vibe'']]'s Larry Flick likened the lyrics to a [[nursery rhyme]], and described "Bigger Than We" and "Try-Na Come Home" as [[soul ballad]]s.<ref name="Journal1" /> Flick compared Coko's vocals for "Bigger Than We" to [[Gladys Knight]], specifically due to the song's "layer rhythm-harmony arrangement".<ref name="Journal1" />
[[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']]'s Steven J. Horowitz wrote that "Sunshine" was an "ebullient ode to a loved one".<ref name="Source4">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/pop-shop/girl-group-week/6487786/top-10-girl-group-solo-songs|title=Girl Group Solo Songs: The 10 Best (Non-Beyonce) Singles of the Modern Era|last=Horowitz|first=Steven J.|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=March 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023160134/http://www.billboard.com/articles/pop-shop/girl-group-week/6487786/top-10-girl-group-solo-songs|archive-date=October 23, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Coko dedicated the song to her then three-year-old son [[Lil Tracy]].<ref name="Source5">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/03/07/lil-tracy-cover-story|title=Lil Tracy's Third Life|last=Marcus|first=Ezra|date=March 7, 2019|work=[[The Fader]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308072452/https://www.thefader.com/2019/03/07/lil-tracy-cover-story|archive-date=March 8, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Produced by Jerkins, the instrumentation consists of "interlocking jerky drum loops and squelching basslines" and a "stuttering production". [[Noisey]]'s David Lehmann wrote it was similar to Jenkins' other late 1990s songs.<ref name="Source6">{{cite web|url=https://noisey.vice.com/en_us/article/6azzdz/the-noisey-guide-to-rodney-darkchild-jerkins|title=The Noisey Guide to Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins|last=Lehmann|first=David|date=December 12, 2014|publisher=[[Noisey]]|access-date=March 15, 2019}}</ref> Recording the song with "multi-layered vocals",<ref name="Source6" /> Coko sings the lyrics: "Sunshine, sunshine / You brighten up my days / I love you always".<ref name="Journal1">{{cite journal|last=Flick|first=Larry|date=October 1999|title=Hot Coko|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MSgEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Hot+Coko%22&pg=PA178|volume=7|issue=8|pages=177–178|access-date=March 15, 2019|journal=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]}}</ref> [[Vibe (magazine)|''Vibe'']]'s Larry Flick likened the lyrics to a [[nursery rhyme]], and described "Bigger Than We" and "Try-Na Come Home" as [[soul ballad]]s.<ref name="Journal1" /> Flick compared Coko's vocals for "Bigger Than We" to [[Gladys Knight]], specifically due to the song's "layer rhythm-harmony arrangement".<ref name="Journal1" />


"Triflin'", featuring a rap verse from [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]], is an R&B song with hip hop influences and lyrics about a woman teasing her boyfriend.<ref name="Journal3">{{cite journal|last=Taylor|first=Chuck|date=November 20, 1999|title=Singles: Triflin'|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fwgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA25&dq=%22Coko%22+%22Eve%22+%22Triflin%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjXn_fwpYXhAhXMwVkKHQhMBIEQ6AEIMjAC#v=onepage&q=%22Coko%22%20%22Eve%22%20%22Triflin%22&f=false|volume=111|issue=47|pages=25|accessdate=March 15, 2019|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> The [[Hook (music)|hook]] includes: "Ghetto / Sorry / Oh no / Tired game / And that's such a shame / ... pitiful."<ref name="Journal1" /> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''<nowiki/>'s Matt Diehl cited "Triflin'" and "I Ain't Feelin You" as examples of [[hip hop soul]].<ref name="Source11">{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/1999/08/13/music-review-hot-coko/|title=Music Review: 'Hot Coko'|last=Diehl|first=Matt|date=August 13, 1999|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120171237/http://www.ew.com/article/1999/08/13/music-review-hot-coko|archive-date=November 20, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Flick wrote that "I Ain't Feelin You" was a "[[funk]] anthem" and referred to "Everytime" as "smooth [and] warmly romantic".<ref name="Journal1" /> Coko recorded "[[If This World Were Mine]]", originally a 1967 single by [[Marvin Gaye]] and [[Tammi Terrell]], as a duet with [[Tyrese Gibson|Tyrese]].<ref name="Journal4">{{cite journal|last=Verna|first=Paul|date=August 28, 1999|title=Hot Coko|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nggEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA26&dq=%22So+Hard+to+Say+Goodbye%22+%22Coko%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjH8p331YXhAhVM11kKHbZbCuAQ6AEILTAB#v=onepage&q=%22So%20Hard%20to%20Say%20Goodbye%22%20%22Coko%22&f=false|volume=111|issue=35|pages=26|accessdate=March 15, 2019|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Flick described the cover as a [[slow jam]].<ref name="Journal1" /> The standard edition of the album ends with "So Hard to Say Goodbye" which features [[Backing vocalist|backing vocals]] from [[Babyface (musician)|Babyface]] and [[Kevon Edmonds]].<ref name="Journal4" />
"Triflin'", featuring a rap verse from [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]], is an R&B song with hip hop influences and lyrics about a woman teasing her boyfriend.<ref name="Journal3">{{cite magazine|last=Taylor|first=Chuck|date=November 20, 1999|title=Singles: Triflin'|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fwgEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Coko%22+%22Eve%22+%22Triflin%22&pg=PA25|volume=111|issue=47|pages=25|access-date=March 15, 2019|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> The [[Hook (music)|hook]] includes: "Ghetto / Sorry / Oh no / Tired game / And that's such a shame / ... pitiful."<ref name="Journal1" /> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''<nowiki/>'s Matt Diehl cited "Triflin'" and "I Ain't Feelin You" as examples of [[hip hop soul]].<ref name="Source11">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1999/08/13/music-review-hot-coko/|title=Music Review: 'Hot Coko'|last=Diehl|first=Matt|date=August 13, 1999|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120171237/http://www.ew.com/article/1999/08/13/music-review-hot-coko|archive-date=November 20, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Flick wrote that "I Ain't Feelin You" was a "[[funk]] anthem" and referred to "Everytime" as "smooth [and] warmly romantic".<ref name="Journal1" /> Coko recorded "[[If This World Were Mine]]", originally a 1967 single by [[Marvin Gaye]] and [[Tammi Terrell]], as a duet with [[Tyrese Gibson|Tyrese]].<ref name="Journal4">{{cite magazine|last=Verna|first=Paul|date=August 28, 1999|title=Hot Coko|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nggEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22So+Hard+to+Say+Goodbye%22+%22Coko%22&pg=PA26|volume=111|issue=35|pages=26|access-date=March 15, 2019|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Flick described the cover as a [[slow jam]].<ref name="Journal1" /> The standard edition of the album ends with "So Hard to Say Goodbye" which features [[Backing vocalist|backing vocals]] from [[Babyface (musician)|Babyface]] and [[Kevon Edmonds]].<ref name="Journal4" />


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Music ratings
Despite poor initial sales, ''Hot Coko'' was released to positive reception. [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] wrote that "[Coko] isn't the most charismatic singer, but she is blessed with a strong voice that sounds very inviting when placed in the right settings." and awarded the album three out of five stars.<ref>[https://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-coko-mw0000668343]</ref>
{{Album reviews
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>[https://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-coko-mw0000668343]</ref>
|rev1score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="allmusic">{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-coko-mw0000668343|title = Hot Coko - Coko &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits &#124; AllMusic|website = [[AllMusic]]}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''
|rev2 = ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''
|rev2Score = (favorable)<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=nggEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA26&lpg=PA26&dq=coko+hot+coko+reviews&source=bl&ots=9XKLLWdb2S&sig=ACfU3U33WS9A51thIHN77cvgU7Gpe3ijvQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjOk9jE1rbkAhWIjFkKHRJwCfs4ChDoATAHegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=coko%20hot%20coko%20reviews&f=false]</ref>
|rev2score = (favorable)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nggEAAAAMBAJ&q=coko+hot+coko+reviews&pg=PA26|title=Billboard|date=August 28, 1999}}</ref>
|rev3 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
|rev3 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
|rev3score = C+<ref name="ew">{{cite magazine|title=Music Review: 'Hot Coko'|first=Matt|last=Diehl|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|url=http://www.ew.com/article/1999/08/13/music-review-hot-coko|date=August 13, 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120171237/http://www.ew.com/article/1999/08/13/music-review-hot-coko |access-date=September 28, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2015 }}</ref>
|rev3Score = C+<ref>[https://ew.com/article/1999/08/13/music-review-hot-coko/]</ref>
|rev4 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
|rev4 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
|rev4score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="books.google.com">{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_MSgEAAAAMBAJ/page/n183/mode/2up|title=Vibe|date=October 1999|publisher=Vibe Media }}</ref>
|rev4Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=MSgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA178&lpg=PA178&dq=vibe+hot+coko&source=bl&ots=FYOo5EPqoJ&sig=ACfU3U1xnd3tonGWRSPdLc_C5txiP6YhIg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwia5oCR17bkAhWDtlkKHewdC1wQ6AEwAXoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q=vibe%20hot%20coko&f=false]</ref>
|rev5 = ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]''
|rev5 = ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]''
|rev5score = (favorable)<ref name="books.google.com">{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_MSgEAAAAMBAJ/page/n183/mode/2up|title=Vibe|date=October 1999|publisher=Vibe Media }}</ref>
|rev5Score = (favorable)<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=MSgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA178&lpg=PA178&dq=vibe+hot+coko&source=bl&ots=FYOo5EPqoJ&sig=ACfU3U1xnd3tonGWRSPdLc_C5txiP6YhIg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwia5oCR17bkAhWDtlkKHewdC1wQ6AEwAXoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q=vibe%20hot%20coko&f=false]</ref>
}}
}}
''Hot Coko'' was released to a generally positive reception. [[AllMusic]] editor [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] wrote that "[Coko] isn't the most charismatic singer, but she is blessed with a strong voice that sounds very inviting when placed in the right settings."<ref name="allmusic"/> Matt Diehl from
''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' found that ''Hot Coko'' "plays like a game of 'Name That Diva': Too often, she obliges [[Mary J. Blige]] fans with copycat vocals of their idol while faithfully replicating [[Faith Evans]]’ smooth sound. But when Coko’s flamethrower pipes cook the chocolaty-good hip-hop soul rhythms that drive ”Triflin”’ and ”I Ain’t Feeling You,” she’s not just a sister with a voice but with an attitude."<ref name="ew"/>


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
{{track listing
{{tracklist
| headline = ''Hot Coko'' track listing
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = Intro
| title1 = Intro
| writer1 = {{flatlist|
| writer1 = {{flatlist|
Line 83: Line 80:
| extra1 =
| extra1 =
| length1 = 0:40
| length1 = 0:40

| title2 = Don't Take Your Love Away
| title2 = Don't Take Your Love Away
| writer2 = {{flatlist|
| writer2 = {{flatlist|
*[[LaShawn Daniels]]
*[[LaShawn Daniels]]
*Cheryl Gamble
*Cheryl Gamble
*[[Fred Jerkins III]]
*[[Rodney Jerkins]]
*[[Rodney Jerkins]]
}}
}}
| extra2 = [[Rodney Jerkins]]
| extra2 = Jerkins
| length2 = 4:10
| length2 = 4:10

| title3 = Sunshine
| title3 = Sunshine
| writer3 = {{flatlist|
| writer3 = {{flatlist|
Line 96: Line 96:
*Gamble
*Gamble
*Jerkins
*Jerkins
*Jerkins III
*[[Marc Anthony]]
}}
}}
| extra3 = Rodney Jerkins
| extra3 = Jerkins
| length3 = 4:07
| length3 = 4:07

| title4 = You and Me
| title4 = You and Me
| writer4 = {{flatlist|
| writer4 = {{flatlist|
Line 104: Line 107:
*Gamble
*Gamble
*Jerkins
*Jerkins
*Jerkins III
*Anthony
}}
}}
| extra4 = Rodney Jerkins
| extra4 = Jerkins
| length4 = 4:26
| length4 = 4:26

| title5 = Bigger Than We
| title5 = Bigger Than We
| writer5 = [[Brian Alexander Morgan]]
| writer5 = [[Brian Alexander Morgan]]
| extra5 = Brian Alexander Morgan
| extra5 = Morgan
| length5 = 4:37
| length5 = 4:37

| title6 = Try-Na Come Home
| title6 = Try-Na Come Home
| writer6 = {{flatlist|
| writer6 = {{flatlist|
Line 117: Line 124:
*Gamble
*Gamble
}}
}}
| extra6 = John Daniels
| extra6 = J. Daniels
| length6 = 4:28
| length6 = 4:28

| title7 = Triflin'
| title7 = Triflin'
| note7 = featuring [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]]
| note7 = featuring [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]]
Line 124: Line 132:
*[[Bink!|Roosevelt Harrell III]]
*[[Bink!|Roosevelt Harrell III]]
*[[Eve (rapper)|Eve Jeffers]]
*[[Eve (rapper)|Eve Jeffers]]
*[[Brian Alexander Morgan]]
*Morgan
}}
}}
| extra7 = [[Bink!]], Brian Alexander Morgan
| extra7 = {{hlist|[[Bink!]]|Morgan}}
| length7 = 4:47
| length7 = 4:47

| title8 = I Ain't Feelin You
| title8 = I Ain't Feelin You
| writer8 = {{flatlist|
| writer8 = {{flatlist|
Line 133: Line 142:
*Gamble
*Gamble
*Jerkins
*Jerkins
*[[Isaac Phillips]]
*Jerkins III
}}
}}
| extra8 = Rodney Jerkins
| extra8 = Jerkins
| length8 = 4:27
| length8 = 4:27

| title9 = Everytime
| title9 = Everytime
| writer9 = {{flatlist|
| writer9 = {{flatlist|
Line 141: Line 153:
*Morgan
*Morgan
}}
}}
| extra9 = Brian Alexander Morgan
| extra9 = Morgan
| length9 = 5:07
| length9 = 5:07

| title10 = All My Lovin'
| title10 = All My Lovin'
| writer10 = {{flatlist|
| writer10 = {{flatlist|
Line 148: Line 161:
*Gamble
*Gamble
*Jerkins
*Jerkins
*Jerkins III
}}
}}
| extra10 = Rodney Jerkins
| extra10 = Jerkins
| length10 = 5:02
| length10 = 5:02

| title11 = If This World Were Mine
| title11 = If This World Were Mine
| note11 = featuring [[Tyrese Gibson|Tyrese]]
| note11 = featuring [[Tyrese Gibson|Tyrese]]
| writer11 = Marvin Gaye
| writer11 = [[Marvin Gaye]]
| extra11 = Michael J. Powell
| extra11 = Michael J. Powell
| length11 = 5:21
| length11 = 5:21

| title12 = So Hard to Say Goodbye
| title12 = So Hard to Say Goodbye
| writer12 = {{flatlist|
| writer12 = {{flatlist|
Line 161: Line 177:
*Damon Thomas
*Damon Thomas
}}
}}
| extra12 = Damon Thomas
| extra12 = Thomas
| length12 = 4:21
| length12 = 4:21
}}
}}
{{track listing
{{track listing
| collapsed = yes
| headline = European bonus track
| headline = Japanese & EU Edition
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title13 = He Be Back
| title13 = He Be Back
| note13 =
| writer13 = {{hlist|[[Missy Elliott]]|[[Timothy Mosley]]}}
| writer13 = [[Missy Elliott|Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott]], [[Timothy Mosley]]
| extra13 = Elliott
| extra13 = Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott
| length13 = 4:52
| length13 = 4:52
}}
| title14 = This Ain't Love (Japanese Edition Only Bonus Track)
{{track listing
| note14 =
| writer14 =
| headline = Japanese bonus track
| extra14 = Laney Stewart
| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title14 = This Ain't Love
| writer14 = Laney Stewart
| extra14 = Stewart
| length14 = 4:19
| length14 = 4:19
}}
}}


==Charts==
==Charts==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performanc for ''Hot Coko''
! scope="col"| Chart (1999)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|68|artist=Coko|rowheader=true|accessdate=September 28, 2020}}
!rowspan="2"| Year
!rowspan="2"| Album
!colspan="2"| Chart positions
|-
|-
{{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|14|artist=Coko|rowheader=true|accessdate=September 28, 2020}}
! [[Billboard 200|US ''Billboard'' 200]]<ref name="Billboard1">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/coko/chart-history/billboard-200/song/174128|title=Billboard 200: Hot Coko|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=March 15, 2019}}</ref>
! [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top R&B Albums]]<ref name="Billboard1">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/coko/chart-history/billboard-200/song/174128|title=Billboard 200: Hot Coko|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=March 15, 2019}}</ref>
|-
|1999
| ''Hot Coko''
| style="text-align:center;"|68
| style="text-align:center;"|14
|}
|}


Line 201: Line 215:
==External links==
==External links==
* {{Discogs release|type=album|330458|name=Hot Coko}}
* {{Discogs release|type=album|330458|name=Hot Coko}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hot Coko}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hot Coko}}
[[Category:1999 albums]]
[[Category:1999 debut albums]]
[[Category:Coko albums]]
[[Category:Coko albums]]
[[Category:Rhythm and blues albums by American artists]]
[[Category:RCA Records albums]]
[[Category:Bertelsmann Music Group albums]]

Latest revision as of 20:31, 27 June 2024

Hot Coko
Studio album by
Coko
ReleasedAugust 10, 1999 (1999-08-10)
Studio
Genre
Length51:32
Label
Producer
Coko chronology
Hot Coko
(1999) 		Grateful
(2006)
Singles from Hot Coko
  1. "Sunshine"
    Released: July 12, 1999[1]
  2. "Triflin'"
    Released: November 1, 1999[2]

Hot Coko is the debut solo studio album by American R&B singer Coko. It was released by RCA Records on August 10, 1999.[3]Hot Coko served as the singer's debut effort following the release of her band SWV's third album Release Some Tension (1997), which led towards the group's first disbandment in 1998. Guest appearances on the album are made by rapper Eve and singer Tyrese. Hot Coko features production from the likes of Damon Thomas, Rodney Jerkins, Marc Anthony, Missy Elliott, Timbaland and Brian Alexander Morgan, whom Coko worked with while a member of SWV earlier in the decade.

The album debuted at number 68 on the US Billboard 200 and entered the top 20 of the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. It received generally mixed to positive reviews from music critics upon its release. Hot Coko spawned two singles that found minimal Billboard chart success, with its lead single "Sunshine", reaching the lower ranks of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it reached the top seventy, becoming her sole appearance on that chart to date. Shortly after the album's underperformance on the Billboard charts, Coko departed RCA in late 1999.

Background and recording

[edit]

Coko first rose to prominence in the 1990s as a member of the trio SWV. Following the group's disbandment in 1998, she pursued a solo music career.[4] In a 1999 Billboard interview, Coko said that she had been unable to record solo music due to her SWV obligations.[5] Her debut studio album was recorded in various studios in California and New York.[6] Coko took more creative control of her music by co-writing songs and picking producers.[5] She co-wrote music with Rodney Jerkins who also produced songs for the album.[5][7]

Although she described hip hop music as "cool", Coko identified herself as a R&B artist.[5] She referred to the album as representing her "gospel roots" and likened her sound to Alvin and the Chipmunks with a "Coko twist".[8] RCA executive Brett Wright believed that Coko would remain "true to her R&B roots" and cited the "urban crossover market" as her primary demographic.[5]

Composition and lyrics

[edit]

Billboard's Steven J. Horowitz wrote that "Sunshine" was an "ebullient ode to a loved one".[9] Coko dedicated the song to her then three-year-old son Lil Tracy.[10] Produced by Jerkins, the instrumentation consists of "interlocking jerky drum loops and squelching basslines" and a "stuttering production". Noisey's David Lehmann wrote it was similar to Jenkins' other late 1990s songs.[11] Recording the song with "multi-layered vocals",[11] Coko sings the lyrics: "Sunshine, sunshine / You brighten up my days / I love you always".[12] Vibe's Larry Flick likened the lyrics to a nursery rhyme, and described "Bigger Than We" and "Try-Na Come Home" as soul ballads.[12] Flick compared Coko's vocals for "Bigger Than We" to Gladys Knight, specifically due to the song's "layer rhythm-harmony arrangement".[12]

"Triflin'", featuring a rap verse from Eve, is an R&B song with hip hop influences and lyrics about a woman teasing her boyfriend.[13] The hook includes: "Ghetto / Sorry / Oh no / Tired game / And that's such a shame / ... pitiful."[12] Entertainment Weekly's Matt Diehl cited "Triflin'" and "I Ain't Feelin You" as examples of hip hop soul.[14] Flick wrote that "I Ain't Feelin You" was a "funk anthem" and referred to "Everytime" as "smooth [and] warmly romantic".[12] Coko recorded "If This World Were Mine", originally a 1967 single by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, as a duet with Tyrese.[15] Flick described the cover as a slow jam.[12] The standard edition of the album ends with "So Hard to Say Goodbye" which features backing vocals from Babyface and Kevon Edmonds.[15]

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[16]
Billboard(favorable)[17]
Entertainment WeeklyC+[18]
Rolling Stone[19]
Vibe(favorable)[19]

Hot Coko was released to a generally positive reception. AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that "[Coko] isn't the most charismatic singer, but she is blessed with a strong voice that sounds very inviting when placed in the right settings."[16] Matt Diehl from Entertainment Weekly found that Hot Coko "plays like a game of 'Name That Diva': Too often, she obliges Mary J. Blige fans with copycat vocals of their idol while faithfully replicating Faith Evans’ smooth sound. But when Coko’s flamethrower pipes cook the chocolaty-good hip-hop soul rhythms that drive ”Triflin”’ and ”I Ain’t Feeling You,” she’s not just a sister with a voice but with an attitude."[18]

Track listing

[edit]
Hot Coko track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro"
 0:40
2."Don't Take Your Love Away"
Jerkins4:10
3."Sunshine"
Jerkins4:07
4."You and Me"
  • Daniels
  • Gamble
  • Jerkins
  • Jerkins III
  • Anthony
Jerkins4:26
5."Bigger Than We"Brian Alexander MorganMorgan4:37
6."Try-Na Come Home"
  • John Daniels
  • LaShawn Daniels
  • Gamble
J. Daniels4:28
7."Triflin'" (featuring Eve)
4:47
8."I Ain't Feelin You"
Jerkins4:27
9."Everytime"
  • Gamble
  • Morgan
Morgan5:07
10."All My Lovin'"
  • Daniels
  • Gamble
  • Jerkins
  • Jerkins III
Jerkins5:02
11."If This World Were Mine" (featuring Tyrese)Marvin GayeMichael J. Powell5:21
12."So Hard to Say Goodbye"
  • Eric Jackson
  • Damon Thomas
Thomas4:21
European bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
13."He Be Back"
Elliott4:52
Japanese bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."This Ain't Love"Laney StewartStewart4:19

Charts

[edit]
Chart performanc for Hot Coko
Chart (1999) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[20] 68
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[21] 14

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "ADDvance Notice" (PDF). Radio & Records. July 9, 1999. p. 57. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  2. ^ "Gavin Top40/Rhythm: Impact Dates". Gavin Report. No. 2278. November 1, 1999. p. 9.
  3. ^ "Billboard". July 17, 1999.
  4. ^ Phares, Heather. "Coko: Artist Biography by Heather Phares". AllMusic. Archived from the original on May 3, 2015.
  5. ^ a b c d e Hay, Carla (July 17, 1999). "SWV's Coko Aims To Make Solo Splash". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 29. pp. 24, 28. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
  6. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Hot Coko: AllMusic Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine". AllMusic. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018.
  7. ^ "Coko Breaks Down SWV Break-Up". MTV News. Archived from the original on June 30, 2018.
  8. ^ Mao, Andrea Duncan (August 24, 1999). "Coko Sounds off On Solo Debut". MTV News. Archived from the original on June 30, 2018.
  9. ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (March 4, 2015). "Girl Group Solo Songs: The 10 Best (Non-Beyonce) Singles of the Modern Era". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 23, 2017.
  10. ^ Marcus, Ezra (March 7, 2019). "Lil Tracy's Third Life". The Fader. Archived from the original on March 8, 2019.
  11. ^ a b Lehmann, David (December 12, 2014). "The Noisey Guide to Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins". Noisey. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
  12. ^ a b c d e f Flick, Larry (October 1999). "Hot Coko". Vibe. 7 (8): 177–178. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
  13. ^ Taylor, Chuck (November 20, 1999). "Singles: Triflin'". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 47. p. 25. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
  14. ^ Diehl, Matt (August 13, 1999). "Music Review: 'Hot Coko'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 20, 2015.
  15. ^ a b Verna, Paul (August 28, 1999). "Hot Coko". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 35. p. 26. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
  16. ^ a b "Hot Coko - Coko | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic.
  17. ^ "Billboard". August 28, 1999.
  18. ^ a b Diehl, Matt (August 13, 1999). "Music Review: 'Hot Coko'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 20, 2015. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  19. ^ a b "Vibe". Vibe Media. October 1999.
  20. ^ "Coko Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  21. ^ "Coko Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
[edit]
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