16 Best Male R&B Groups of the 90s You Will Love
Step into the soulful rhythm of the ’90s, where male R&B groups dominated the music scene. In this exploration, we’ll dive into the top R&B groups that defined the era, crafting enduring melodies that resonate even today. Join us on a journey through the iconic sounds of the ‘90s.
The Best Male R&B Groups of the 90s
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men stands as one of the quintessential male R&B groups of the 90s.
This Philadelphia quartet, comprising Nathan Morris, Wayna Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Michael McCary, showcased an uncommon ability to share the microphone and limelight.
Amidst the breakup trend of prominent groups, Boyz II Men stood (mostly) united, becoming one of the best male groups of all time. Their records for longevity on the Billboard charts and 64 million-plus albums sold attest to their iconic status.
A standout track like “I’ll Make Love To You” from the ‘II’ album encapsulates the individual and group talents that made Boyz II Men special.
Jodeci
The Bad Boys of R&B, Jodeci emerged when two duos of gospel-singing brothers joined forces under the guidance of Sean Combs.
This quartet’s heavy hip-hop influence and unrefined music style set them apart from traditional R&B groups. With their debut album, “Forever My Lady,” in 1991, Jodeci enjoyed a five-year run of platinum albums.
Tracks like “Cry For You” from the ‘Diary Of A Mad Band’ album showcase the raw and soulful essence that defined Jodeci.
Blackstreet
In the evolving landscape where hip-hop and R&B became synonymous, Blackstreet, formed by Teddy Riley, blurred the line between these two distinct musical styles.
The group’s hit song, “No Diggity,” achieved crossover success on R&B and hip-hop and even pop charts.
Despite the acclaim for “No Diggity,” tracks like “Don’t Leave Me” from the “Another Level” album, stand as authentic R&B gems from Blackstreet.
Tony! Toni! Tone!
Tony! Toni! Tone! mastered the art of blending past and present musical styles.
This trio seamlessly fused traditional gospel and soul, evolving their own version of New Jack Swing.
Their ability to transcend genres contributed to the foundation of the upcoming Neo-Soul era. Tracks like “Let’s Get Down” from the “House of Music” album exemplify their knack for creating music that transcends time.
K-Ci & JoJo
Sibling duo K-Ci & JoJo, known for their roles in Jodeci, showcased two of the best voices in R&B music.
After the success of Jodeci, the brothers ventured into solo projects, releasing two successful albums by the end of the 1990s.
Despite not reaching the same level of success as their previous group, the heartfelt ballad “All My Life” stands as their memorable number-one hit single.
112
While the R&B group 112 is famous for the 2001 song “Peaches & Cream, their earlier albums showcased their prowess as one of the best male R&B groups of the 1990s.
Working under the Bad Boy Records label, 112 seamlessly integrated into the hip-hop world, collaborating with The Notorious B.I.G. Their soulful tracks, such as “Cupid” from the ‘112’ album, exemplify their impact on ’90s R&B.
Unfortunately for 112, their relationship with Sean Combs and Bad Boy didn’t end amicably.
Dru Hill
Hailing from Baltimore, Dru Hill, led by Sisqo, made a mark towards the end of the 90s with their unique blend of R&B ballads over hip-hop production.
Their music not only dominated the Billboard charts but also found a place in films and TV shows.
Remixes like “In My Bed – So So Def Mix” showcased their versatility, appealing to a broader audience.
Bell Biv Devoe
Arising from the split of one of the best black boy bands from the 90s (New Edition), Bell Biv Devoe (also known as BBD) took a distinct turn with a hip-hop-heavy sound that differed from their previous group’s style.
The trio’s funky and sexual songs, notably “Poison,” became dance floor staples. BBD’s impact with “Poison” solidified their place in the 90s music scene.
Silk
Discovered by Keith Sweat, Silk emerged as a quintet from Atlanta, delivering sexy ballads like “Freak Me” and “Meeting In My Bedroom.”
Their acclaimed debut album, “Lose Control,” reached double platinum status, earning them recognition with a Soul Train Music Award.
The sultry track “Meeting in My Bedroom” remains a classic R&B favorite.
Mint Condition
While the musical landscape shifted with New Jack Swing and hip-hop, Mint Condition stayed true to its soul, funk, and jazz roots.
Their notable hit, “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes),” spent 34 weeks on charts, achieving Gold RIAA status.
Mint Condition’s commitment to soulful vocals left an impact, even as hip-hop dominated the 90s.
Next
Arriving late to the 90s R&B scene, the R&B group Next carved a niche with contemporary R&B filled with adult themes and suggestive lyrics.
Competing with groups like Dru Hill and Jagged Edge, they made a mark with hits like “Wifey” that reflected the evolving sound of R&B in the late 90s.
Shai
Considered a “one-hit wonder,” the R&B group Shai debuted with the album “If I Ever Fall In Love,” featuring the iconic title track.
Despite not producing major hits beyond this song, Shai’s acapella originality in “If I Ever Fall In Love” set a different tone on major radio stations in the 90s.
All-4-One
Defying stereotypes, All-4-One brought together a diverse quartet featuring members of different ethnic backgrounds. Their focus on vocal excellence resulted in ballads true to soul and doo-wop roots.
Hits like “I Swear” transcended the typical R&B narrative, showcasing the group’s commitment to old school R&B music.
Color Me Badd
Color Me Badd stood out as a diverse R&B group blending cultures into their music.
Their hit single “I Wanna Sex You Up” embraced suggestive themes prevalent in 90s R&B.
LSG
LSG, a powerhouse trio featuring R&B icons Keith Sweat, Gerald Levert, and Johnny Gill, made waves in 1997, influencing R&B and hip-hop collaborations.
After Gerald Levert’s 2006 passing, a hiatus ensued, but a reunion in 2013 with Eddie Levert, the legendary O’Jays lead singer and Gerald’s father, keeps the group performing today.
One standout track is “My Body” from their 1997 album “Levert.Sweat.Gill,” initially recorded by Keith Sweat for his solo album and later reimagined with LSG members Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill.
Immature
Immature, a key player among black boy bands in the 90s, featured Marques Houston, Jerome “Romeo” Jones, and Kelton Kessee.
Their debut album, “On Our Worst Behavior,” launched in 1992, drawing immediate comparisons to The Jackson 5, much like New Edition.
With four successful albums and TV appearances, the group later rebranded as IMX to project a more mature image to their evolving fanbase.
These R&B Male Groups of the 90s Were Amazing
Here’s a recap of our list of the top 1990s R&B groups:
- Boyz II Men
- Jodeci
- Blackstreet
- Tony! Toni! Tone!
- K-Ci & JoJo
- Dru Hill
- Bell Biv Devoe
- Silk
- Mint Condition
- Next
- Shai
- All-4-One
- Color Me Badd
- Immature
These 90s male R&B groups, with their unique styles and chart-topping hits, have left an enduring legacy in the music landscape. Go listen to one of their albums whenever you want to brighten your day!
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