Young & Restless

Young & Restless were a hip-hop music duo from the late ’80s/early ’90s that consisted of Leonerist Lamar Johnson and Charles V. Trahan. 

They first began working with Sam Ferguson in early 1989 when they were 17 years old. Charles often performed at amateur nights in clubs in the Miami area, and worked for Sam at the Magic City Car Care Center where he sang & rapped while washing cars. Leonarist also sang, rapped and danced at clubs in the Miami area as well.

In 1989, the duo released their debut single, a cover version of The Coasters’ 1959 song, “Poison Ivy” which peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart and #76 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

In 1990, Young & Restless released their debut studio album, “Something To Get You Hyped” on the Pandisc record label which peaked at #104 on the Billboard 200 and #28 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The follow-up single, “B-Girls” peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles cart and #58 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. The song also crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100. The last single released from the album, “Gimme Them Guts” didn’t appear to make the charts at all. 

In late 1989, Sam Ferguson was sentenced to three years in federal prison after being arrested on charges of drug possession and a firearm violation. During his incarceration, Young & Restless were managed by his wife, Daisy; however, an incident in Atlanta, Georgia prompted them to fire her.

In the summer of 1990, Leonerist and Charles sued to get themselves out of their contract with P-Man Productions. The lawsuit was ultimately settled by having Pandisc buy the duo’s contract for $50,000. In 1992, they released their last studio album to date, “That Was Then, This Is Now.”

The album failed to make any impact on the charts along with the singles: “Yoke the Damn Thing (Locomotion)” and “Bitch Role.” After that, nothing much was heard from the duo and it seemed as if they faded into obscurity.

These days (according to research), Leonerist resides in Miami, Florida where he works as the vice-president/CEO of MLK Music Group, an independent record company and a songwriter for Poe Boy Entertainment.

Charles (also known as Mr. Charlie) resides in Hollywood, Florida where he works as a producer and songwriter for Fat Pocket Productions.

To see a video for “Poison Ivy,” go to:

To see a video for “B-Girls,” go to:

To see a video for “Yoke the Damn Thing (Locomotion),” go to:

To see a video for “Bitch Role,” go to:

[Updated on 12/06/2021]

G-Wiz

G-Wiz was a hip-hop\rap group from Los Angeles, California that consisted of members Jamahl “Jamiz” Harris, Craig “Rascal” Cummins, Ron “Farve” Martin and Kevin “Trick’e” Williams. 

In 1993, they released their only studio album, “Naughty Bits” on Scotti Bros. Records which didn’t appear to make the album charts.

The lead single from the album, “Teddy Bear” peaked at #73 on the Billboard Hot 100, #29 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #71 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The follow-up singles from the album: “Come And Play With Me” and “Y-U-Doggin’ Me” failed to make any impact on the charts at all.

In 1994, G-Wiz released the single, “Dirty Luv” on Interscope Records which went nowhere on the charts. After that, it seems as if the group faded into obscurity. It’s currently unknown what the members of the group are up to these days.

To see the video for “Teddy Bear,” go to:

To see the video for “Come And Play With Me,” go to:

To see the video for “Y-U-Doggin’ Me,” go to:

To see a video for “Dirty Luv,” go to:

[updated on 12/05/2021]

M.C. Brains

M.C. Brains (born James DeShannon Davis from Cleveland, Ohio) is a male hip-hop rapper from the early ’90s. His name stands for “bringing raps and instrumentals non stop.”

During his childhood, he lost his brother and stepfather; by the time he was 13 years old, he became involved in gangs and drug dealing. 

One day, a friend of M.C. Brains who worked at a local Denny’s restaurant called his mother to let her know that New Edition member Michael Bivins and his entourage were there. Late at night, M.C. Brains’ mother woke him up and they met Michael at the restaurant. 

A month later, M.C. Brains traveled to Los Angeles, California and was later signed to a record deal with Motown Records.

In December of 1991, he released his debut single, “Oochie Coochie” which topped Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart. It also peaked at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, #16 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart (staying on the door for 16 weeks) and #26 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

In March of 1992, MC Brains released his debut studio album, “Lovers Lane” which peaked at #47 on the Billboard 200 and #31 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

The follow-up single, “Brainstorming” (featuring vocals from Boyz II Men) peaked at #69 on the Billboard Hot 100, #19 on Billboard’s Rap Singles chart and #29 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The last single released from the album, “Everybody’s Talking About M.C. Brains” (featuring vocals from singer Val Young) peaked at #23 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart.

M.C. Brains has performed at The Apollo, Dick Clark’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” event, presented at the Soul Train Music Awards, appeared in various magazines and hosted shows such as “Yo! MTV Raps.”

In 1996, he released his sophomore album, “Brainwashed” on the Ichiban Records label which failed to make any impact on the charts at all.

Afterwards, M.C. Brains focused on himself and his family, but when his success in the music business started slowing down, he nearly ended back up on the streets which almost cost him his life.

In later years, he released a few albums and mixtapes underground. In 2017, he independently released an album called “Cinderfe77a.”

These days (according to research), M.C. Brains is still active with his career. He has dabbled in producing, engineering, acting and working in artist development & management. He is also working on his own variety show called “The Brainz Davis Show” and a new mixtape as well.

To see M.C. Brains’ official website, go to:

https://www.mcbrainz.com/

To see a video for “Oochie Coochie,” go to:

To see a video for “Brainstorming,” go to:

To see a video for “Everybody’s Talking About M.C. Brains,” go to:

[updated on 12/05/2021]

Nick Scotti

Nick Scotti (born Domenico Nicola Aniello Scotti on May 31, 1966 in Ozone Park, Queens, New York) is a pop-dance music singer, actor and model from the ’90s.

After leaving high school, Nick decided to travel the world to become a model. He moved to Japan when he was 17 years old and to France when he was 19 years old. During this process, he became a popular male model.
In 1993, he released his debut and only self-titled studio album on Reprise Records which didn’t make any album charts.
His cover version of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes’ 1975 song, “Wake Up Everybody” managed to peak at #9 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 11 weeks) and #19 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The follow-up single, “Get Over” (which was co-written by Madonna) peaked at #33 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks. The last single released from the album, “Alone With You” didn’t chart.

Afterwards, Nick went to pursue an acting career; he starred as Antonio “Tony” Viscardi on the soap opera, “The Young and the Restless” from 1996 to 1999. He also guest-starred on television shows such as “Sex and the City” and “Tracey Takes On”.

In June of 1996, he appeared on the cover of “Newsweek” magazine. He also appeared in the 1997 film, “Kiss Me Guido” and various other films as well.

In 2004, Nick hosted his own cooking, fashion, and lifestyle television show on the Style Network called “New York Nick”. These days, it’s unknown what’s he’s currently up to these days and has apparently faded into obscurity.

To see a video for “Wake Up Everybody,” go to:

To see a video for “Get Over,” go to:

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

Little Shawn

Little Shawn (born Tyrone Shawn Wilkins in New York City, New York) is a hip-hop rapper and songwriter from the ’90s.

In 1987, he released his debut single, “Heartbreak Hotel/My Girl’s Mother” on Select Records which didn’t appear to make the charts.

In March of 1992, Little Shawn released his debut studio album, “The Voice in the Mirror” on Capitol Records which didn’t chart at all.

The lead single, “Hickeys on Your Chest” peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart, making it his highest-charting single on the chart to date. The song was given a high profile mention on The Notorious B.I.G.’s song, “Party & Bullshit.”

The follow-up single, “I Made Love (4 Da Very 1st Time)” was moderately successful, peaking at #28 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart. In 1994, Tupac Shakur was on his way to record a verse for Little Shawn when he was robbed and shot five times.

In 1995, Little Shawn released the single, “Dom Perignon” (featuring The Notorious B.I.G.) which peaked at #23 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart, #28 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #87 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks. 

It also managed to peak at #5 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and was featured on the soundtrack to the FOX network television series, “New York Undercover.”

From 1998 to 2003, Little Shawn served time in federal prison for drug trafficking. After his release, he changed his stage name to Shawn Pen. These days (according to research), he works as a personal trainer, songwriter, producer, life coach and author; in 2019, he released a book called “The Black Church.”

To see a video for “Hickies On Your Chest,” go to:

To see a video for “I Made Love (4 Da Very 1st Time), go to:

To see a video for “Dom Perignon” (featuring The Notorious B.I.G.), go to:

To see a video for “Heartbreak Hotel,” go to:

[updated on 12/05/2021]

Frosty

Frosty was a female hip-hop rapper from the 80’s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed on Tommy Boy Records.

In 1987, she released her only single, “I Need LLove Now” (which was a female version of LL Cool J’s hit song, “I Need Love”).

It’s unknown how or if the single ever charted at all. After that, it seemed as if Frosty faded into obscurity; nothing much has been heard from her since the ’80s.

To see a video for “I Need LLove Now,” go to

LA Dream Team

The L.A. Dream Team were a hip hop group from Los Angeles, California. They were known for being one of the early hip hop music acts on the West Coast and one of the pioneers of the West Coast hip hop music scene.

The group was formed in 1985 by Chris “Snake Puppy” Wilson and Rudy Pardee. It later expanded with members Lisa “Miss Rockberry” Love, The Real Richie Rich and Big Burt. 

Together, Chris and Rudy formed their own record label, Dream Team Records where they released the group’s first two singles: “Rockberry Jam With Funky Fresh” and “Calling On The Dream Team” in 1985.

In 1986, the L.A. Dream Team signed a record deal with MCA Records and released their debut studio album, “Kings of the West Coast” which peaked at #138 on the Billboard 200.

Their first charting single, “The Dream Team is in the House!” peaked at #24 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Disco Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Nursery Rhymes” peaked at #50 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. In 1986, Lisa Love died in a car accident and was replaced with two new female artists: Robin “The Robin” Williams and Tanisha “Tish” Jones.

In 1987, the group released their sophomore album, “Bad To The Bone” which peaked at #162 on the Billboard 200; however, the singles released from the album: “Rudy and Snake” and “She Only Rocks And Rolls” failed to make any impact on the charts at all. 

During that same year, they were featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Police Academy 4: Citizens On Patrol” with the track, “Citizens on Patrol” featuring Michael Winslow. The song was released as a single, but didn’t make the charts. 

During that time, Rudy formed a music group called Family Dream which featured Big Burt, The Robin and Tish Jones; they were also featured on the soundtrack to “Police Academy 4” with the track, “Rescue Me.”

In 1989, the L.A. Dream Team released their last studio album to date, “Back to Black” which failed to chart at all along with the singles: “You’re Slippin'” and “Doin’ the Nasty.”

By the early ’90s, the group’s popularity became diminished due to the rise of West Coast gangsta rap music. They briefly resurfaced under the name DTP (short for Dream Team Posse) and released new singles such as “Rockberry Revisited” and an updated version of “Rockberry Jam.”

After that, Chris Wilson went on to a career in music and video production. Rudy Pardee worked in computers and for Universal as a business services analyst, and later as a project manager. In 1998, he died in a scuba-diving accident.

These days (according to research), Tish Jones works as a lead and background singer for hire. The Real Richie Rich works as a producer and has his own record label, RichWorld Records. It’s unknown what Big Burt or The Robin are currently up to.

To see Tish Jones’ website, go to:

https://tishjonesliveentertainment.com/

To see a video for “The Dream Team is in The House!”, go to:

To see a video for “Nursery Rhymes,” go to:

To see a video for “Rockberry Jam With Funky Fresh”, go to:

To see a video for “Calling On The Dream Team,” go to:

To see a video for “Rudy And Snake,” go to:

To see a video for “She Only Rocks And Rolls,” go to:

To see a video for “Citizens on Patrol” (from the “Police Academy 4” soundtrack), go to:

To see a video for “You’re Slippin’,” go to:

To see a video for “Doin’ the Nasty,” go to:

[updated on 12/05/2021]

Sofia Shinas

 Sofia Shinas (born on January 17, 1968 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada) is a Canadian pop music singer and actress whose career began during the 1990s.
In 1992, she released her self-titled debut studio album on Warner Bros. Records; it’s unknown how or if the album ever charted.
The lead single, “The Message” became a moderate hit, peaking at #75 on the Billboard Hot 100, #39 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #38 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart and #20 on Billboard’s Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
The follow-up single, “One Last Kiss” was a minor hit on the music charts in Canada, but failed to make any impact in the United States.
The last single from the album, “State of Mind” didn’t make the Billboard Hot 100, but managed to peak at #16 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

Afterwards, Sofia left the music business for an acting career. In 1994, she made her film debut in the film, “The Crow” starring the late Brandon Lee. She went on to appear in the films “Terminal Velocity,” “Hourglass” and “Dilemma.” She also guest-starred on television shows such as “The Hunger” and “The Outer Limits.”

In 2008, she graduated from the USC School of Cinema-Television in Los Angeles, California where she directed a film called “Spring Eternal” as a thesis project. In 2015, she released the film, “My Stepdaughter”.

These days (according to research), Sofia often travels between her home in Hollywood, California and her hometown in Canada. She is also an avid supporter of welfare and conservation organizations that are dedicated to helping endangered species.

To see a video for “The Message,” go to:

To see a video for “One Last Kiss,” go to:

To see a video for “State of Mind”, go to:

Miss Lady Q

Miss Lady Q was a female rapper from the late 80’s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to the Dream Team Records label.

In 1988, she released her only single, “Mr. Postman” (which samples the Marvelettes’ 1961 song, “Please Mr. Postman”) which didn’t appear to make the charts at all.

After that, it seems as if Miss Lady Q has faded into obscurity and nothing much has been heard from her since.

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

Picture Perfect

Picture Perfect was an R&B duo from Boston, Massachusetts that consisted of members LaTamra “Tami” Smith, Gennyfer “Paris” Hall and Dwana Billings.

In 1987, they released their only album, “Boy Crazy” on Atlantic Records. It’s unknown how or if the album ever charted at all.

The lead single, “Prove It Boy” peaked at #66 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks, making it their only charting single to date.

The follow-up single, “Can’t Hold Back the Tears” failed to chart. Afterwards, it seemed as if Picture Perfect faded into obscurity.

These days (according to research), LaTamra Smith continues to perform as a singer and an actress. She is also the CEO and Founder of the Picture U Perfect 2 Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia and LA Tam Productions. It’s unknown what Gennyfer Hall and Dwana Billings are currently up to.

To follow LaTamra on Facebook, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/latamra

To see a video for “Prove It Boy,” go to:

To see a video for “Can’t Hold Back the Tears,” go to:

[updated on 12/05/2021]