Posts using a 1991 hit song generate millions of views
A viral trend on TikTok is breathing new life into the 1991 song by Twin Cities-based R&B band Mint Condition and is bringing renewed attention to its lead singer, Stokley.
Tik-Tokers are sharing thousands of “heartbreakers.” They use snippets of the classic tune “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)” as the soundtrack for old-school and current photo montages of their grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles.
Stokley is both surprised and touched by the appreciation for his song, which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on Billboard’s R&B chart.
“It’s music of the soul, so that doesn’t go anywhere. There’s no time stamp,” said Stokley. “It just resonates … as long as you’ve got a beating heart and living affection, yeah.”
A search of the TikTok hashtag #breakingmyheartchallenge shows thousands of posts with millions of views; one video tribute to a grandmother, “Helen the Heartbreaker,” attracted 1.3 million views.
A silver-haired gentleman received thousands of comments on his “Breakin’ My Heart” post, with many complimenting how he looked back in the 1990s and how he looks now. Comments included: “You was [sic] trouble I just know 😭😂” and “I love this trend….This man slowly marinated thru [sic] the years ❤️❤️.”
Celebrities, including singer Janet Jackson and Phylicia Rashad (of Claire Huxtable fame), are also featured in their own heartbreaker posts.
Stokley thinks it’s fitting that his ’90s song is used as a musical backdrop for younger generations, who are paying homage to their elders’ earlier “heartbreaker” status.
“I just get a kick out of younger folks not believing” that their mothers or fathers were once heartbreaker material, Stokley said. “Kids think they’re the first to do anything. They can’t believe there was a whole life that was lived before.”
The new “Breakin’ My Heart” trend reminded Stokley that the audience always demanded that song whenever Mint Condition played. “I’m proud to be part of that legacy with the fellas,” he said.
The renewed visibility created by the TikTok trend may be “the biggest thing” spotlighting Stokley, but he continues to draw audiences for his music and performances.
Earlier this year, Stokley got rave reviews for his lead role in the national tour of “Super Freak: The Rick James Story,” the musical based on James’ life and music.
Stokley released his second solo album several years ago; his 2019 single, “She,” went to No. 1 in 2020 on Billboard’s adult R&B chart. He is a Grammy-nominated vocalist, songwriter, and producer and has played on records by Janet Jackson and Usher.
Stokley credited his Minnesota roots with making him and Mint Condition “everything we are.”
“I take this place with me everywhere I go on my back, and I represent it,” Stokley said. “All my sensibilities, everything.”