Taana Gardner’s “Heartbeat” was a quirky dance record that was broken on the dancefloor of the Paradise Garage. DJ Larry Levan introduced the song to a crowd that initially rejected the song because of its slower tempo and Gardner’s exasperated delivery. Levan continued to play “Heartbeat,” and it became a staple of his playlist and a new dance classic. Kenton Nix wrote “Heartbeat,” and he previously worked with Gardner on another popular dance track, “Work That Body.” “Heartbeat” became a Top Ten hit on the R&B and Dance charts, pulling Gardner’s voice out from the underground and into the ears of radio listeners. Gardner, who is a native of Newark, New Jersey, left the music industry in the ’90s and last appeared on Mistura’s 2002 single “Sweet Magic.” “Heartbeat” has been sampled through the years by De La Soul, The Treacherous Three, DMX, Yasiin Bey, Alicia Keys, and many others. The singer is scheduled to appear at DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live! on November 8, 2024, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. 

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“Keep On Walkin'” is the third single from CeCe Peniston’s notable debut album, Finally. Steve “Silk” Hurley, Kym Sims, and Marc Williams co-wrote “Keep On Walkin.'” Hurley produced the song’s New Jack Swing meets house and pop sound with the nifty and unforgettable horn line. Peniston became a dance music queen immediately after the success of the album’s title track, which was the first single. “Keep On Walkin'” was slower and more accessible to R&B fans who might not have had any interest in dance music. Peniston achieved her third number-one single with “Keep On Walkin’,” and the album made her one of the most successful dance music artists ever. Her soulful vocals stamped the listener’s ears with her graceful range and emphatic ad-libs, making it impossible for her to be mistaken for another singer. She could pack a lot of feelings into precise phrases that were still upbeat despite her disappointment with a lover. Peniston’s 1992 album put a rare face on dance music and established her as a leading voice of the genre. Peniston recently appeared on the house remix of Shazaam Connor of H-Town’s “Strokey Doke.” 

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