Ex Girlfriend

Ex Girlfriend was an R&B group from Brooklyn, New York during the early ’90s.

The lineup consisted of Monica Boyd, Julia Robertson, Tisha Hunter and Stacy Francis (born on April 16, 1974 in Brooklyn, New York).

In the mid-’80s, Monica, Julia and Tisha were originally part of the girl group, Petite, who scored a minor R&B hit with the song, “So Fine” in 1985.

In 1989, the three of them attracted the attention of Full Force, who signed them to their record label, Forceful Records (which was a subsidiary of Reprise Records) later that year. 

Shortly after adding Stacy to the group, they changed their name to Ex Girlfriend, adopting the surname “X” as part of a group concept of “female militarism.” They performed background vocals on Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam’s song, “Just Git It Together” and Jasmine Guy’s song, “Try Me.”

In 1991, Ex Girlfriend released their debut single, “Why Can’t You Come Home” which peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks. It also peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it their only appearance on the chart to date.

On October 5, 1991, they released their debut studio album, “X Marks the Spot” which peaked at #37 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The follow-up single, “You (You’re the One for Me)” peaked at #35 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. The last single from the album, “With All My Heart” failed to make the charts.

In 1992, the group was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Zebrahead” with the track, “Colorless Love” which was released a single, but didn’t make the charts at all.

On August 30, 1994, Ex Girlfriend released their sophomore album, “It’s a Woman Thang” which didn’t make the Billboard charts.

The lead single, “X In Your Sex” peaked at #16 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot R&B Singles chart.

The follow-up single, “You for Me” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot R&B Singles chart.

By 1995, Ex Girlfriend disbanded and went on to pursue separate careers. In July of 2008, they briefly reunited, but have since disbanded again.

These days (according to research), Julia and Stacy each have solo careers. Tisha is the choir director and psalmist at the St. Luke Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, and is also pursuing a solo career in gospel music. Monica works as a makeup artist. 

To follow Julia on Instagram, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/msjuliarobertson/

To follow Monica on Instagram, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/monicaboydlester/

To follow Stacy on Instagram, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/iamstacyfrancis/

To follow Stacy on Facebook, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/StacyFrancissings

To follow Stacy on Twitter, go to:

https://twitter.com/sfrancis2512

To see a video for “Why Can’t You Come Home”, go to:

To see a video for “You (You’re the One for Me)”, go to:

To see a video for “With All My Heart”, go to:

To see a video for “Colorless Love”, go to:

To see a video for “X In Your Sex”, go to:

To see a video for “You for Me”, go to:

[updated on 01/06/2022]

Special Generation

Special Generation were an R&B group from St. Petersburg, Florida that consisted of Kendrick “K-Dub” Washington, Charles “OG” Salter, Fernando “Chip” Carter, Marquet “Quet” Robinson and Maurice “Mo Money” Dowdell.

They were created by MC Hammer and the guys were backup singers for him on several of his songs before becoming major recording artists.

In 1990, the group released their debut album, “Take it To the Floor” which peaked at #17 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single, “Love Me Just For Me” peaked at #91 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks, becoming their highest chart appearance to date.

The follow-up single, “Spark of Love” peaked at #26 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The last single, a cover version of the Stylistics’ hit song, “You Are Everything” peaked at #90 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks.

In 1992, Special Generation released their sophomore album, “Butterflies” which peaked at #81 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The only single to chart was “Lift Your Head (And Smile)” peaked at #13 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

After that, it seemed as if Special Generation had faded into obscurity.

In 2009, it was announced that the group was working on new music, but nothing much has been heard about it since.

During that same year, Kendrick Washington became the founder & C.E.O. of K-WASH Management & Consulting Services. He started WASH Media Group, LLC in February 2010.

Since 2002, Maquet Robinson has been a music producer at Whateverworks Studio. Charles Salter has a solo music career under the name “Max’C.”

It is unknown what Chip Carter and Maurice Dowdell are up to these days.

To see Charles Salter (or Max’C)’s Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Max-C/173801829327778

To see the music video for “Love Me Just For Me,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj7UaL4RmXc

To see the music video for “Spark of Love,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THke6I4jTVc

To see the music video for “You Are Everything,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwWKKOPGjec

To see the music video for “Lift Your Head (And Smile),” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkrNAAm1u9k

[updated on 05\19\13]

Anquette

Anquette (born Anquette Allen) was a female rapper from Miami, Florida who was backed up by Keia Red and Ray Ray (or the “Throw the P” girls) during the late 80s.

She made her debut with the answer version of 2 Live Crew’s “Throw the D” called “Throw The P” in 1986.
In 1988, Anquette released her debut album, “Respect” which peaked at #41 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

Her album featured a version of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and a rap song dedicated to Janet Reno which got great acclaims.

Anquette’s only hit single to date was “I Will Always Be There For You,” which peaked at #76 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

 

She released two other singles, “Ghetto Style” and “Shake It (Do the 61st)” which appear didn’t chart at all.

By the 90s, Anquette had seemed to fade into obscurity, but came back in 1997 with an answer song to B-Rock and the Biz’s “MyBabyDaddy” called “My Baby Mama.”

After that, nothing much has been heard from Anquette or the “Throw the P” girls. They have seemed to fade into obscurity once again. According to a comment on YouTube, Anquette is now a gospel singer.

To see the music video for “I Will Always Be There For You,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7ojf7z_Zds

To see a fan-made video for “Throw the P,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6GLKUj7CfI

To see a fan-made video for “Janet Reno,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROZllkxVshM

To see a fan-made video for “Ghetto Style,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCW4DENLS8E

To see a fan-made video for “My Baby Mama,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vO7eJcjaMg

[updated on 05\19\13]

TKA

TKA is a freestyle\dance music group from the ’80s and ’90s. The original line-up consisted of Tony Ortiz, Louis “Kayel” Sharpe, and Alejandro “Aby” Cruz. Due to tension between Kayel and Aby, Aby was later replaced by Angel “Love” Vasquez.

The acronym of the group’s name represents the members’ initials, but in early interviews, the group said that the acronym stood for “Total Knowledge in Action” as well.

TKA was first discovered in 1984 singing at a Sweet 16 party at church in East Harlem where record producer Joey Gardner attended. After being impressed with the group, Joey helped them sign a record deal with Tommy Boy Records.
In 1986, they released their debut single, “One Way Love” which peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks. It also peaked at #75 on the Billboard Hot 100, #39 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #56 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
Their second single, “Come Get My Love” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 11 weeks) and #39 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
In October of 1987, TKA released their debut studio album, “Scars of Love” which peaked at #135 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The title song managed to peak at #25 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. It also peaked at #26 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The fourth single from the album, “Tears May Fall” peaked at #6 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. It also peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales and #63 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.
The fifth single from the album, “X-Ray Vision” peaked at #26 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 5 weeks) and #30 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The last single released from the album, “Don’t Be Afraid” peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 6 weeks) and #47 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
In 1989, TKA released the single, “You Are the One” which peaked at #91 on the Billboard Hot 100, #26 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 5 weeks) and #20 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Lean On Me”.
In August of 1990, they released their sophomore album, “Louder Than Love” which didn’t appear to make the Billboard 200 chart.
The second single from the album, “I Won’t Give Up On You” peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks. It also peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #24 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The third single, “Crash (Have Some Fun)” (featuring vocals from singer Michelle Visage) peaked at #80 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of 1990, #7 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 10 weeks) and #10 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The fourth single, “Give Your Love To Me” peaked at #37 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. The title song was released as the last single from the album and peaked at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October of 1991.

Due to Warner Bros. Records pressuring TKA to sing only pop music songs and not knowing what to do with them, the group split up in late 1991, but they continued to perform together until October of 1992.
In 1992, their greatest hits album was released and managed to peak at #131 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart.
The only single to chart from the album was “Maria” which peaked at #44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

Despite the split, the members of TKA managed to keep themselves busy. Kayel recorded under the name “K7” and scored a hit song with “Come Baby Come.” Tony formed his own successful production company in New York. Angel was a member of R&B group, Goodfellas.
In 2001, TKA reunited and released their third studio album, “Forever”. The album failed to make the charts and some time after that, Kayel was replaced by Aby. George Lamond was also a short-lived member of the group.
These days (according to research), the current lineup of TKA consists of Tony, Aby, and Angel. In 2016, they released their fourth studio album, “Love Goes On (The Album)” on The Committee Records label.

Kayel still performs and tours in nightclubs across the United States and worked as a DJ for New York City’s radio station, WKTU. In March of 2009, he released his second studio album, “The King’s Agenda”.

To see a Facebook page for TKA, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/tkafan

To see a video for “One Way Love,” go to:

To see a video for “Come Get My Love,” go to:

To see a video for “Scars of Love,” go to:

To see a video for “Tears May Fall,” go to:

To see a video for “X-Ray Vision,” go to:

To see a video for “Don’t Be Afraid,” go to:

To see a video for “You Are the One,” go to:

To see a video for “I Won’t Give Up on You,” go to:

To see a video for “Crash (Have Some Fun),” go to:

To see a video for “Louder Than Love,” go to:

To see a video for “Maria,” go to:

Kiara

Kiara was an R&B duo from Detroit, Michigan that consisted of lead singer & bassist Gregory Charley and guitarist, drummer, keyboardist and backing vocalist John Winston. The duo’s name means “change” in Swahili.

In 1985, they released their debut single, “Quiet Guy” on the Warlock Records label which peaked at #88 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks. They later signed a record deal with Arista Records.

In 1988, Kiara released their debut studio album, “To Change And/Or Make A Difference” which peaked at #23 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single from the album, “The Best of Me” peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The follow-up single, “This Time” (featuring R&B singer Shanice Wilson) peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks. It also peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #93 on the UK Singles chart.

The third single, “Every Little Time” peaked at #95 on the UK Singles chart and #10 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The last single from the album, a new version of “Quiet Guy” peaked at #79 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

In 1990, Kiara released their sophomore album, “Civilized Rogue” which peaked at #53 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, “You’re Right About That” peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Every Little Thing” peaked at #44 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. The last single from the album, “Mr. Dee Jay” failed to chart at all.

In 1994, they released their third and last album to date, “Condition of the Heart” on the THG Music label which didn’t make the charts at all.

The only single released from the album, “Tell Me” peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot R&B Singles chart. 

After that, it seems as if Kiara faded into obscurity. In the mid/late ’90s and early 2000s, Gregory wrote songs for artists such as Gerard Levert, Jordan Hill, Simone Hines, Tami Davis, Aaron Skyy and Latif. 

These days (according to research), Gregory lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he is recording and producing tracks for other music artists. John lives in the Detroit area where he teaches music to children in the urban community.

To see a video for “The Best of Me,” go to:

To see a video for “This Time” (with Shanice Wilson), go to:

To see a video for “Every Little Time,” go to:

To see a video for “Quiet Guy” (the 1985 version), go to:

To see a video for “Quiet Guy (the 1988 version), go to:

To see a video for “You’re Right About That,” go to:

To see a video for “Every Little Thing,” go to:

To see a video for “Mr. Dee Jay,” go to:

To see a video for “Tell Me,” go to:

[updated on 12/11/2021]

Perfect Gentlemen

Perfect Gentlemen were an R&B group from Boston, Massachusetts. They were formed by Maurice Starr (who discovered New Edition and New Kids on the Block) in 1988.

The original lineup consisted of Corey Blakely, Tyrone Sutton, and Maurice Starr Jr. (Maurice Starr’s son). They toured the United States with New Kids on the Block.

In 1990, Perfect Gentlemen released their debut album, “Rated P.G.” which peaked at #72 on the Billboard 200 chart and #39 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The trio’s first single and biggest hit to date, “Ooh La La (I Can’t Get Over You)” peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The follow-up single, “One More Chance” peaked at #33 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

After Perfect Gentlemen’s debut album was released, Tyrone Sutton left the group and Miles Wheeler & Stephen Starr (Maurice’s brother) joined the group, making it a quartet.

In 1993, Perfect Gentlemen released their self-titled album which didn’t appear to make the charts at all.

The only singles released:  “Don’t Forget to Call” and “I Need You” failed to make any impact on the charts and after that, the group faded into obscurity

These days, the guys have kept themselves busy. Corey joined the U.S. military. Miles goes under the name “Masspike” and has released 5 mixtapes.

Maurice and Stephen have started the band, The Muzik Makerz. Tyrone started his own clothing line called Breakfast Club.

To see the Musik Makerz’s Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/muzikmakerz

To see the Musik Makerz’s MySpace page, go to:
http://www.myspace.com/themuzikmakerz1

To follow the Musik Makerz on Twitter, go to:
http://twitter.com/@themuzikmakerz

To see the music video for “Ooh La La (I Can’t Get Over You),” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYq99V_TfZw

To see the music video for “One More Chance,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txt9jj4trNQ

To see the music video for “Move Me Groove Me,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS8RjUjNvTA

To see the music video for “Don’t Forget to Call,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS2FxEtV0MA

To see the music video for “I Need You (Show Me Love),” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEzTpyjuGRE

[updated on 05\19\13]

BlackGirl

BlackGirl were an R&B music trio from Atlanta, Georgia that consisted of singers Pam Copeland, Nycolia “Tye-V” Turman and Rochelle Stuart. They formed in 1992 and signed a record deal with the Kaper/RCA/BMG record label.
In 1994, the group released their debut studio album, “Treat U Right” which peaked at #46 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #17 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart.
The lead single from the album, “Krazy” peaked at #37 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. The song also peaked at #91 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #40 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart.
The follow-up single, “90’s Girl” became a hit, peaking at #13 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. It also crossed over to the pop charts where it peaked at #71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at #16 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

Internationally, “90’s Girl” peaked at #23 on the UK Singles Chart and was a top-ten hit in Japan. In late 1994, Chrysler requested BlackGirl to sing special lyrics of the song for a television advertisement.
The third single from the album, “Where Did We Go Wrong” peaked at #39 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The song missed the Billboard Hot 100, but managed to peak at #18 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
The last single released from the album, a cover version of Curtis Mayfield’s 1975 song, “Let’s Do It Again” peaked at #13 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #25 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart (staying on the chart for 12 weeks) and #39 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart.
By the end of 1994, BlackGirl toured the United States with singer R. Kelly for a six-week tour, they appeared on “Soul Train” and released a cover version of the Jackson 5’s 1970 song, “Give Love On Christmas Day”.

The group was also nominated for three Billboard Music Awards: “R&B Singles Artist of the Year”, “Top R&B Single of the Year: Airplay” (for “90’s Girl”) and “Top R&B Single of the Year” (for “90’s Girl”).

In January of 1995, BlackGirl participated in “The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars” to help benefit the United Negro College Fund. In March, they joined an AIDS benefit called CounterAID which featured other celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Coolio, Aaliyah and Naughty by Nature.

Also in that same year, the group earned two Soul Train Award nominations for “Single of the Year” and “Album of the Year”.
In late 1995, they appeared on Questionmark Asylum’s single, “Hey, Lookaway” which was moderately successful on Billboard’s R&B chart, peaking at #56 on the chart. They were also featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Panther” on the track, “Freedom”.

At the end of 1995, BlackGirl performed with Chuck Berry at the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame ceremony. By 1996, the group had disbanded and seemingly faded into obscurity.
In 2010, Rochelle released a gospel music album called “I Choose Jesus” under the name Rochelle Morgan. According to research, she appeared to have been performing as a gospel music artist as of 2014, but not a lot has been heard from her since that time.

Nycolia Turman was the owner of a soul food restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia called In The Kut Soul Food & Sweets which now appears to have closed down (according to research). It’s unknown what Pam Copeland is currently up to today.

To see a video for “Krazy”, go to:

To see a video for “90’s Girl”, go to:

To see a video for “Where Did We Go Wrong”, go to:

To see a video for “Let’s Do It Again”, go to:

To see a video for “Give Love on Christmas Day”, go to:

Nuttin' Nyce

Nuttin’ Nyce was a female R&B trio from Sacramento, California that originally consisted of LaTeece “Teece” Wallace, Onnie Ponder and Liz Burnett.

Teece was previously a member of a dance trio called Get Busy Girls; she, Onnie and Liz were former members of a five-piece group called Attitude, but after losing two members, they changed their name to Nuttin’ Nyce.

In 1993, Eboni Foster replaced Liz, who ultimately left in 1994. The trio was discovered by Rodney Ellis (who worked as an A&R man for the Pocketown Records label) at a club in Los Angeles, California and signed them to the label as their first act.

In October of that same year, Nuttin’ Nyce released their debut studio album, “Down 4 Whateva” which peaked at #34 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #10 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart. The album was described by critics as “full of sexual innuendo and laviscious posturing” and “stacked with passionate ballads, boomin’ beats and lascivious posturing.”

The lead single, “In My Nature” peaked at #83 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #52 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Ghost in the Machine.”

The title song, peaked at #92 on the Billboard Hot 100, #62 on the UK Singles chart, #38 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #43 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. It was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “A Low Down Dirty Shame.”

The third single, a cover version of Vanity 6’s 1982 song, “Nasty Girl” peaked at #39 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

The last charting single released from the album, “Froggy Style” peaked at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100, #68 on the U.K. Singles chart, #21 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #25 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. The last single, “Proof Is In The Pudding” was released promotionally.

During that same year, Nuttin’ Nyce was featured on R&B group Hi-Five’s third studio album, “Faithful” on the track, “What Can I Say to You (To Justify My Love)” which was moderately successful on the R&B charts and appeared on the soundtrack to the film, “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” with the track, “Wandering Eyes.”

The group disbanded in 1996 and went their separate ways. Eboni went on to sign a record deal with Nightbird Records and released her debut album, “Just What You Want” in 1998. She had a moderate hit on the R&B charts with the song, “Crazy for You.”

These days (according to research), Eboni resides in Benicia, California where she is the owner, singer, lyricist and vocal arranger at LayLove Entertainment. It is unknown what Teece Wallace and Onnie Ponder are up to these days.

To see a video for “In My Nature,” go to:

To see a video for “Down 4 Whateva,” go to:

To see a video for “Nasty Girl,” go to:

To see a video for “Froggy Style,” go to:

To see a video for “Proof Is In The Pudding,” go to:

To see a video for “Wandering Eyes,” go to:

To see a video for “What Can I Say to You (To Justify My Love)” (with Hi-Five), go to:

[updated on 12/09/2021]

Nikki D.

Nikki D (born Nichelle Strong on September 10, 1968 in Los Angeles, California) is a female hip-hop rapper from the late 80s/early 90s.

 In 1989, she was the first female rapper to sign to Def Jam Recordings. She appeared on R&B singer Alyson Williams’ single, “My Love is So Raw” and toured in Europe with her for a year.

In 1991, Nikki D released her debut album, “Daddy’s Little Girl” which peaked at #54 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The title song became a hit, peaking at #19 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #10 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, topped Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart, and #31 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #75 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The follow-up singles: “Lettin’ Off Steam,” “Hang on Kid,” and “Wasted” didn’t appear to make the Billboard charts.

In 1993, Nikki D was featured on the compliation album, “Roll Wit Tha Flava” with the song, “Freak Out” which peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart.

These days, Nikki is the marketing manager at Phat Fashions, which is the apparel company that houses Phat Farm, Baby Phat and Atman.

To see the music video for “Daddy’s Little Girl,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDScONyyQKo

To see the music video for “Wasted,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X_iYR4vq1c

To see the music video for “Lettin’ Off Steam,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_5KsZjOlXk

To see the music video for “Freak Out,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_7WpBr8ON4

[updated on 05/18/13]

Johnny Kemp

Johnny Kemp (born in 1959 in Nassau, Bahamas) was a male R&B singer from the ’80s.

He started singing in nightclubs in the Bahamas at the age of 13. In 1979, he moved to Harlem, New York and was a member of a band called Kinky Fox. While in New York, Johnny developed his skills as a dancer, songwriter and actor.

In 1986, Johnny released his self-titled debut album on Columbia Records, which peaked at #36 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The only single to chart from the album was “Just Another Lover” which peaked at #26 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #35 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #14 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

In 1988, Johnny released his sophomore album, “Secrets of Flying” which peaked at #68 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

Johnny scored his biggest hit with the single, “Just Got Paid” which peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, topped Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play and Maxi-Singles Sales charts, and topped Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for 2 weeks, staying on the chart for 23 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #68 on the U.K. Singles chart.

“Just Got Paid” started out as an instrumental track for R&B singer Keith Sweat. Keith brought in Johnny to write lyrics for the track which he later passed on. Johnny recorded a demo of the new song intending it to be used by another singer and his scratch vocal ended up on the final release.

In 1989, the song was nominated for “Best R&B Song” at the 31st Grammy Awards, but lost to Anita Baker’s “Giving You the Best That I Got.”

The follow-up single, “Dancin’ With Myself” peaked at #12 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play and Maxi-Singles Sales charts, and #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The last single from the album, “One Thing Led to Another” peaked at #40 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 1989, Johnny was featured on the “Sing” movie soundtrack with the song, “Birthday Suit” which peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #21 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.


After that, it seemed as if Johnny had faded into obscurity, but he later continued to perform live.

Sadly, on April 16, 2015, Johnny was found deceased on a beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica where he was scheduled to be on a Caribbean cruise associated with the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Johnny was 55 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife & two sons.

RIP, Johnny Kemp. You will never be forgotten.

To follow Johnny on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/JohnnyKempMusic

To see the music video for “Just Another Lover,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTaHmR1NScA

To see the music video for “Just Got Paid,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl1mQASHc48

To see a fan-made video for “Dancin’ With Myself,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6h0xZM-DtY

To see a fan-made video for “One Thing Led To Another,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWVvhuEhFUE

To see the music video for “Birthday Suit,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG3t9V3TvfU

[updated on 04\18\15]