It’s really the worst of what life is about when we–as individuals and a collective–don’t celebrate people while they’re here. This year alone, we lost legendary artists like Biz Markie, Shock G. of Digital Underground, DMX and too many more. They all left indelible marks on our lives and celebrating them should’ve been all we thought about. Earlier this week, we lost yet another talented artist. Andrea Martin, straight out of Brooklyn, was a songwriting legend, penning award-winning hits for groups like Toni Braxton, Monica, SWV, En Vogue, Fantasia, Angie Stone, Melanie Fiona, and Leona Lewis. Like, major hits that defined the late 90s and early aughts, including Braxton’s “I Love Me Some Him,” Monica’s “Before You Walk Out My Life,” SWV’s “You’re the One,” En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go (Love),” and Stone’s “Wish I Didn’t Miss You.”
Below she collabs with Fiona on a song she wrote for the Canadian songstress, “It Kills Me.”
Martin’s pen game was so strong, she even wrote signature songs for 90s artists Adina Howard, Laurnea, Blu Cantrell, and Silk, and girl groups Room Service, Changing Faces, and The Braxtons.
In this video, she explains how the writing game works.
She was also an artist in her own right, with her debut album for Arista, The Best of Me, released in 1998. The lead single from that project, “Let Me Return the Favor,” peaking on the Billboard charts at #82.
Her talent was massive and she will be missed. And today, we must celebrate all that she’s done for the world of music. Below is the video for “Let Me Return the Favor.” Raise a glass to Andrea Monica Martin, a Brooklyn queen. Rest well.
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