[caption id="attachment_28953" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="The Original 7ven. Promo Photo"]The Original 7ven. Promo Photo[/caption] A month after Jesse Johnson announced he was leaving The Original 7ven, the band Formerly Known As The Time, the other band members have finally spoken about him leaving. The statement was posted on the band's website; For the statement and exclusive video footage, click the continue reading button.

[caption id="attachment_29588" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Morris Day, DrFunk, & Jerome Benton. Photo: Drfunkenberry.com"]Morris Day, DrFunk, & Jerome Benton. Photo: Drfunkenberry.com[/caption] When I ran into the Time in August, there was no mention of a name change. All they told me is that everything is coming together and its time, for them, to return. In mid-September, it is announced they are now called The Original 7ven (The band Formerly Known As The Time) and have a new album, "Condensate" which is out now.  The Original 7ven consists of all the original members of The Time, Morris Day, Jimmy Jam. Terry Lewis, Jesse Johnson, Monte Moir, Jellybean Johnson, and Jerome Benton. A member of The Time calls me about the name change.  "Ahh.  We got you on that, didn't we?  We were able to keep it a secret until we wanted it out there."

[caption id="attachment_21378" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Jerome Benton & Morris Day. Drfunkenberry.com Exclusive. Photo: C.B."]Jerome Benton & Morris Day. Drfunkenberry.com Exclusive. Photo: C.B.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_21379" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Jerome Benton & Morris Day. Drfunkenberry.com Exclusive. Photo: C.B."]Jerome Benton & Morris Day. Drfunkenberry.com Exclusive. Photo: C.B.[/caption]
The funkmasters from the Minneapolis Sound came out to Vegas to let everyone know "What Time Is It?" by performing 2 hot funky sets over the weekend at The Hilton.
The OG Time, Morris Day, Jerome Benton, Terry Lewis, Jimmy Jam, Monte Moire, Jellybean Johnson and Jesse Johnson electrified the crowd that knows them from the fame of "Purple Rain" and "Jay & Silent Bob", but if you LOVE real music that is going to keep you vibin' for more than 1 summer, The Time has been funky for the past 3 decades.  No need to use your fingers; that's 30 years of musicianship right there. "Jungle Love" "777-9311" "Gigolos Get Lonely 2" "Stick" "The Bird", and "Cool" were played plus more of the Time's classic signatures written with Jamie StarrPrince. (You old school funkers got that reference right? You know how I do.) Now, you know one of my funkenspies (the person who provided us the photos to use) was up in there and we asked about the new CD n if/when it will come out and we got this from Terry Lewis: "I can assure you the CD is done and will be out this year."  Morris also mentioned it during the show.  When we talked with Jimmy Jam at a Grammy event a few months ago, they were waiting for distribution.  We have been hearing bees buzzing in the industry trying to lock The Time up into an extended tour with another hot act or 2, but my funkenspy could not confirm that for you.  Well, Jimmy has my card, so if you want to speak on that, you know how.  :) For MORE pics of the Original Time..>>>>>>