For Life is the second studio album by American R&B group Soul for Real. It was released on September 24, 1996, through Uptown Records and distributed by Universal Records. The album was released quickly after their debut Candy Rain. During that time, Uptown Records founder Andre Harrell left the label to become the president at Motown Records. MCA Music Entertainment Group CEO Doug Morris promoted Heavy D as the new president of Uptown several months before the release of For Life. As a result, Uptown was moved from its parent company MCA Records to the newly launched Doug Morris label Universal Records.
The first single released was the Chucky Thompson-produced "Never Felt This Way", followed by the Sean "Puffy" Combs and Stevie J-produced second single "Love You So". Despite receiving good reviews, the album was met with the sophomore jinx. This album would be the first of a long line of R&B albums that were underpromoted while being released under Universal Records. For Life would be Soul for Real's last album recorded for a major label, as they would go independent for their next album.
Track listing Samples
"Stay" contains a sample of "Mind Power", as performed by James Brown "You Just Don't Know" contains a sample of "Take Some Leave Some", as performed by James Brown "Love You So" contains a sample of "Blues & Pants", as performed by James Brown
Chart history
Weekly charts Chart (1996)Peak positionU.S. Billboard 200119US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)29
Personnel Keyboards and drum programming: Tony Dofat, Chucky Thompson, Stevie J., Chris Kringle, Tim Kelley, Bob Robinson, Rhano Burrell, Rheji Burrell, Dave Cintron Guitar: Rob Bacon, Jon Shriver Background vocals: Soul for Real, Erik Milteer, Monifah Recording engineer: Carl Nappa, Jon Shriver, Lane Craven, Tony Dofat, Andy Grassi, Ian Dalsemer, Bill Esses, Rhano Burrell, Rheji Burrell Mixing: Jon Shriver, Chucky Thompson, Tony Dofat, Paul Logus, Rhano Burrell, Rheji Burrell, Jamey Staub, Prince Charles Alexander, Carl Nappa Mastering: Chris Gehringer Photography: Daniela Federici Art direction: Nicole L. Dollison Design: Eric Altenburger, Elizabeth Barrett
References