Pick Your Language
Jon B. was heavily involved in the album's creation, writing and producing the majority of the 13 tracks himself. Featured Artist Producer(s) Simple Melody Bootsy Collins Love Is Candi Mystery 4 Two Someone to Love Time After Time Pretty Girl Isn't It Scary Burning 4 You Gone Before Light Love Don't Do Cultural Legacy Celebrating 30 Years of Jon B's Debut Album Bonafide
: Described by AllMusic as a mix of "seductive dance tunes and ballads" with shadowy moods reminiscent of late-night jazz clubs.
Before Jon B. recorded Bonafide , he was a behind-the-scenes savant writing hits for established artists. He caught the attention of Tracey Edmonds, the president of Yab Yum Records, who recognized his unique ability to blend traditional soul melodies with contemporary, laid-back hip-hop rhythms.
Jon B. served as the primary writer and producer for the majority of the album, with additional high-profile collaborations: Guest Artist Producer(s) "Bonafide" "Simple Melody" Bootsy Collins "Someone to Love" "Pretty Girl" "Gone Before Light" "Love Don't Do" Notable Highlights "Someone to Love" jon b bonafide 1995 zip exclusive
As of 2025, no complete, verified, publicly available copy of the zip exists in circulation. But the legend persists. Every few months, a new thread pops up: “Finally found it—link inside.” And every few months, it’s a Rickroll or a virus. But the faithful keep looking. Because somewhere, on an old hard drive in a dusty garage, or a forgotten server backup from a defunct radio station, the real Bonafide zip waits to be extracted.
Discover the elusive Jon B. Bonafide 1995 Zip Exclusive, a highly sought-after collector's item and piece of hip-hop history. Learn about its origins, rarity, and significance in the world of fashion and collecting.
Around 1995, Jon B. was dating Tupac’s ex, and Bonafide featured the hit "Someone to Love" with Babyface. A "Zip Exclusive" could have been a (BMG/Columbia House sometimes used weird codes). Check if your copy has "CRC" (Columbia Record Club) or "ZIP" as a matrix number on the inner ring of the CD. Before Jon B
Jon B. is known for his breathy, warm tenor. On these raw dubs, his voice sits slightly lower in the mix. It feels like you’re in the studio with him at 2 AM, listening to him vibe over a loop of Billy Joel or Isley Brothers. It’s intimate. It’s unguarded.
| Format | Catalog # | Notes | |--------|-----------|-------| | CD (US) | EK 67004 | Standard jewel case | | Cassette | ET 67004 | Hype sticker on some copies | | Vinyl | E 67004 | Very rare; promo only | | Promo CD | AEK 67004 | "For promotional use only" |
If you are exploring 90s R&B archives, you might also be looking for high-quality audio files of other classic R&B albums from 1995. polished strings | Stripped-down
If you know where a clean FLAC rip of this is hiding, do the culture a favor and point us in the right direction. The crates are waiting.
Bonafide didn't just give us great songs; it changed the landscape of how we perceived R&B at the time.
| Track | Retail Album Version | Zip Exclusive Version | |-------|----------------------|------------------------| | "Someone to Love" | Babyface co-production, polished strings | Stripped-down, live drums, alternate bridge | | "Shine" | Short fade-out | Extended 5:20 version with a cappella outro | | "Bonafide" (title track) | No intro | 45-second beatbox/soundscape intro | | "Let Me Know" | Standard mix | "Rough Mix 4/20/95" – heavier low-end, different vocal take |