In anticipation of the new TLC biopic (set to premiere on VH1 in October), we decided to take a walk down memory lane and look back on some of the R&B girl groups that we grew up with.
1. SWV
These New York natives started their careers strong with early 90′s New Jack Swing hits such as “Weak”, “I’m So Into You”, and “Right Here/Human Nature”. The Grammy winning trio has worked with the likes of Teddy Riley and Missy Elliott while also releasing three albums throughout the 90′s. The group disbanded in 1998 but came back together in 2005. Their comeback album, I Miss Us, was released in 2012.
2. Xscape
Before Kandi became apart of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, she part of the 90′s Atlanta-based girl group along with sisters Tamika and LaTocha Scott and Tiny Harris. The group were known for their hit “Just Kickin’ It”, “Understanding”, and “Who Do I Run To”. The group had great success in the 90′s but in 1999 Kandi left the group and went on become a successful songwriter and business woman, having written songs for TLC, Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey. Tiny Cottle is happily married to rapper T.I and stars on T.I and Tiny: The Family Hustle. LaTocha is a cast member of R&B Divas Atlanta where Tamika makes some guest appearances. Tamika has worked with Tyler Perry on the stage version of Meet the Browns.
3. Jade
If you were a girl in the 90′s, you probably turned your brother’s into a crop top when you this group came out with their 1992 hit “Don’t Walk Away”. The group’s career was brief yet successful. So far, Di Reed is currently is a back up singer for Rod Stewart. Joi Marshall went after a gospel career in 2007. Tonya Kelly is now an interior designer and has her own company.
4. En Vogue
While groups like TLC, Xscape and SWV were influenced by the streets and the 90′s mentality of Girl Power, En Vogue kept that mentality but mixed it up with the style and musical approach influenced by the Supremes and the Motown era. The Oakland song birds released their first single “Hold On” and it became a crossover hit automatically. En Vogue went on to have many more hits which include “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gunna Get It,” “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” and “Free Your Mind”, which was a response to the L.A Riots. The group has had multiple member changes throughout the years but you can catch Dawn Robinson on R&B Divas Los Angeles.
5. 702
Discovered by the comedian Sinbad, these Las Vegas natives, released their debut, No Doubt, in 1996 and it shot to number one thank to the single “Steelo”, which later became the theme song to the Nickelodeon show Cousin Skeeter. While many remember them for their hits like “Get It Together” and “Where My Girls At?”, they also toured with Brandy, New Edition and Keith Sweat. Even though the group fizzled out over the years, in 2010 Kameelah Williams confirmed she is a solo artist via twitter and has a child with Musiq Soulchild.
6. Blaque
Discovered by TLC’s Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Blaque took notice by critics and music fans alike with their single “808″ and their most well known hit “Bring It All To Me”. The group found mass exposure when they starred in the 2000 blockbuster movie Bring It On, along with Kristen Dunst and Gabrielle Union, along with a song featured on the soundtrack “As If”. Sadly in 2012, Natina Reed passed away after being hit by a car. Shamari Devoe announced a tribute album to Natina is in the works via Facebook.
7. 3LW
In the early 2000′s, you couldn’t get away from hearing “No More (Baby I’ma Do It Right)”. The teen group originated from New Jersey had some moderate success with the teen crowd, perform and collaborating with the likes of Nick Cannon and Lil’ Romeo and touring with Nelly and Jessica Simpson. After the release of A Girl Can Mack, Naturi Naughton left the group due to conflicts with the group and management, but has had a budding acting career, starring as Lil Kim in the Notorious B.I.G biopic, Notorious. Adrienne Bailon and Kiely Williams went on to join the Disney Channel cast of The Cheetah Girls. Bailon is currently one of the host on the show The Real and Williams has also made her acting debut in The House Bunny and Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming.
8. Destiny’s Child
Beyonce has become one of the top female artist, winning multiple Grammys and VMAs , but before she was the mega star she is now, she had humble beginning with the group Destiny’s Child. The Houston natives were managed by Beyonce’s father, Matthew, and styled by her mother, Tina. The group received massive attention with the release of “No, No, No Part 2″ featuring Wyclef Jean, “Bills Bills Bills” and “Bug A Boo”. Fans noticed a “sudden change” when people saw Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin in the “Say My Name” video. LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson left the group shortly after the group started to rise, mainly due to conflicts with their management. Farrah Franklin was fired after being in the group for only 6 month, due to missing major appearances and showing lack of interest. Through it all Destiny’s Child continued to show strength; releasing Survivor and Destiny Fulfilled and giving us a string of hit singles. Kelly Rowland went to have some success as a solo singer and an actress. Michelle Williams showed us she has what it takes to be a stage play star and has had a pretty successful gospel career.
