Room Service

Room Service was an R&B group from the 90’s that consisted of members Kevin Brown, Bobby Burroughs, June Archer, Gary Wade and Delano Davis.

Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to EastWest Records America. Their only chart appearance is the single, “Stay” which peaked at #117 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #63 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

Another single, “Sho’Nuff (Ain’t Nuthing Wrong)” was released, but didn’t chart. They recorded an album, but it was never released.

After that, it seemed as if Room Service has faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for “Stay,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phX3yZviuAA

[updated on 08-17-12]

To Be Continued

To Be Continued were a California R&B\funk trio from the 90’s that consisted of members M&M Sweet, Spunky D, and Wayne-Wayne. Not much information is given about them, but they released one album on Eastwest America Records.

In 1993, the trio released their only debut album, “Free to Be” which didn’t appear to chart at all on the Billboard 200.

Their only highest chart appearance to date, “One on One” peaked at #70 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #40 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart. The title song was released as a single, but didn’t chart. After that, it seemed as if To Be Continued has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from them since.

To see the music video for “One on One,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZb4rxsolaQ

To see the music video for “Free to Be,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2fTDJExf9M

Re-Flex

Re-Flex were a British synth-pop\dance band from the 80’s. The group was formed by singer\lead guitarist John Baxter and keyboardist Paul Fishman.

The original line-up of the band consisted of bassist\singer Francois Craig, guitarist John Hodges, and drummers Phil Gould and Mark King (of Level 42). After Mark left the band, he was replaced by drummer Roland Vaughn Kerridge and after Francois left, Thomas Dolby introduced them to Nigel Ross-Scott, a former member of the band, Gloria Mundi. 

In 1983, Re-Flex released their debut album, “The Politics of Dancing” which peaked at #53 on the Billboard 200 and charted moderately in New Zealand & West Germany.

The title song became their biggest hit, peaking at #28 on the UK Singles chart and #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #8 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart. The song was moderately successful internationally.

The follow-up single, “Hurt” peaked at #82 on the Billboard Hot 100, but didn’t appear to chart in the UK. The third single, “Couldn’t Stand a Day” which peaked at a disappointing #97 on the UK Singles chart.

The fourth single from the album, “Hit Line” failed to chart at all. Two more singles, “Praying to the Beat” and “Sensitive” didn’t generate much success either.

In 1985, Re-Flex released the single, “How Much Longer” from what would’ve been their sophomore album, “Humanication.” The song featured Sting on backing vocals. Despite the positive response for the song, EMI pulled the record and the label’s US company deemed the song too political. After that, the band left EMI and their sophomore album was never released.

Re-Flex continued to record with each other and worked on a new project called “Jamming the Broadcast.” They recorded the songs, “Life’s Too Dangerous” and “Revolution Now” for the 1987 movie, “Superman IV.” Once they finished recording the songs, Re-Flex stopped working together, but never officially broke up.

In September of 2010, Re-Flex released a 6-CD box set (which was put together by Paul Fishman) called “Re-Fuse” which features their debut album and five other CD’s of their previously unreleased music including “Humanication” and “Jamming the Broadcast.”

To see the music video for “The Politics of Dancing,”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eabefjsJsAQ

To see the music video for “Hurt,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmB5lp6GfMQ

To see a fan-made video for “Couldn’t Stand a Day,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFc2F3pqd5g

To see a fan-made video for “How Much Longer,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w10lStn1gnc

The Jamaica Boys

The Jamaica Boys were an R&B trio that originally consisted of producer\composer\multi-instrumentalist Marcus Miller (born on June 14, 1959 in Brooklyn, New York), singer Mark Stevens, and drummer Lenny White.

Marcus Miller is known for writing and producing music for musicians such as Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, David Sandborn, Bob James, Chaka Khan, and Wayne Shorter.

He has released 14 solo albums and has done musical scores for movies such as “House Party,” “Boomerang,” “Above the Rim,” and Beyoncé Knowles’ 2009 movie, “Obsessed.”

Mark Stevens is the brother of R&B singers Chaka Khan and Taka Boom. In 1985, they released their first single, “Let Me Hold You Closer” in the UK on Cooltempo Records. It’s unknown how or if the single ever charted. In 1987, the trio released their self-titled debut album on Warner Bros. Records. It’s unknown how or if the album ever charted. The lead single from the album, “(It’s That) Lovin’ Feeling” peaked at #67 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Spend Some Time With Me” peaked at #76 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. In 1990, The Jamaica Boys released their sophomore album, “J-Boys” which peaked at #26 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

By that time, Mark Stevens had been replaced with new lead singer Dinky Bingham (born Osborne Gould Bingham Jr in 1963 in Jamaica, Queens, New York). He was formerly a member of the Christian music group, New Witness.

The first single from the album, “Shake it Up” peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Pick up the Phone” peaked at #60 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 7 weeks.

A promo single, “Move It” failed to make any impact. After that, the Jamaica Boys disbanded and went their separate ways.

These days, Marcus continues to be active in the music business and in 1992, he won a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Song” for Luther Vandross’ hit song, “Power of Love\Love Power.”

In 2001, he won Grammy for “Best Contemporary Jazz Album” for his 4th solo jazz instrumental album, “M2.”

In 1997, Marcus played bass and bass clarinet in a band called Legends which also featured Eric Clapton.

He continues to be a film score composer and even composed the music for the CW series, “Everybody Hates Chris.”

Dinky Bingham works as a full-time music producer. He has produced and remixed music for artists such as Kylie Minogue, Zhane, Fat Joe, Alana Davis, Chaka Khan, Lionel Richie, Yvette Michele, Bobby Brown, Ray Charles, Paula Abdul, Adina Howard, and his own daughter, singer\songwriter, Yummy Bingham. He has also served as the music director for Guy.

Mark Stevens has produced & written music for Edwin Starr, Vanessa Williams, Glenn Jones, Ruby Jones, and his sister, Chaka Khan. He appears to be currently active in the music business as well too.

To see the music video for “Shake it Up,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYhQZWk3t-U

To see a fan-made video for “Pick Up the Phone,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcH6twXmlw0

[updated on 08-17-12]

Kariya

Kariya was a female freestyle\dance singer from the 80’s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to Sleeping Bag Records.

In 1988, Kariya released her only single, “Let Me Love You Tonight” which peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and #25 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. The song was also featured in the movie, “Rise of the Footsoldier.” After that, it seemed as if Kariya had faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for “Let Me Love You Tonight,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3a8g1Uy190

Gigolette

Gigolette was a female hip-hop rapper from the 80’s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to Fever Records.

In 1983, she released the single, “Games Females Play” (which was an answer record to Sweet G’s “Games People Play).” Unlike Sweet G’s version, Gigolette’s version didn’t appear to make the charts at all. A year later, Gigolette released her last single to date, “I’m Gonna Rock You” before fading into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for “Games Females Play,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-LieUmRswQ

Sweet G

Sweet G was a male hip-hop rapper from the 80’s. Not much information is given about him, but he released four singles. In 1980, he released his first single, “Boogie Feelin’ Rap” on Constance Queen Records. It’s unknown how or if the single ever charted.

A year later, Sweet G released his second single, “A Heartbeat Rap” on West End Records. Once again, it’s unknown how or if the single ever made the charts.

In 1983, he released his third single, “Games People Play” on Fever Records which peaked at #60 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart. The song was written & produced by Kurtis Blow and mixed by Jellybean Benitez.

In 1984, Sweet G released his last single to date, “Waiting for Your Love” on Fever Records. It’s unknown how or if the single ever made the charts. After that, it seemed as if Sweet G had faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for “Games People Play,” go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZo3FpqK5GQ

To see a fan-made video for “A Heartbeat Rap,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD-ShVsq0wc

To see a fan-made video for “Boogie Feelin’ Rap,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-LjlQ9kJrM

Ten City

Ten City was an R&B\house-dance music trio from Chicago, Illinois that consisted of singer Byron Stingily, guitarist Herb Larson, and keyboardist Byron Burke.

Their name is derived from the word “intensity.” They originally went under the name “Ragtyme” and released two singles on Bright Star Records in 1987. In 1989, Ten City released their debut album, “Foundation” which peaked at #49 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart.

In the United Kingdom, the album peaked at #12 on the UK Albums chart.

Their first single, “Right Back To You” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart in July of 1988 and #12 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. In the UK, the song peaked at #80 on the UK Singles Chart.

The second single from the album, “That’s The Way Love Is” peaked at #8 on the UK Singles Chart, topped Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club play chart for a week in March of 1989, and peaked #12 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. The third single, “Devotion” peaked at #29 on the UK Singles chart and #17 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in November of 1987.

The fourth single from the album, “Where Do We Go” peaked at #28 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart in August of 1989, #24 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and managed to peak at #34 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In the UK, the song peaked at #60 on the UK Singles chart.

The last single from the album, “Suspicious” failed to make the charts in the US or UK at all.

In 1990, Ten City released their second album, “State of Mind” which didn’t appear to chart at all.

The first single from the album, “Whatever Makes You Happy” peaked at #60 on the UK Singles chart, #16 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #53 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The  follow-up single, “Superficial People” peaked at #96 on the UK Singles chart, only staying on the chart for a week and #22 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in April of 1991.

In 1992, Ten City released their third album, “No House Big Enough” which didn’t appear to chart all either.

The single, “Only Time Will Tell\My Piece of Heaven” peaked at #63 on the UK Singles chart, staying on the charts for 2 weeks.

“My Piece of Heaven” peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in September of 1992 & “Only Time Will Tell” peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in December of 1992.

The follow-up single, “Fantasy” peaked at #45 on the UK Singles chart and stayed on the chart for 2 weeks, moderately fairing better than the last previous three singles.

In the US, the song peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in October of 1993. In 1994, Ten City released their last album, “That Was Then, This is Now” which failed to chart at all. The first single, “The Way You Make Me Feel\Say Something” failed to make the charts at all.

The last single, “Goin’ Up in Smoke” peaked at #21 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in June of 1994. After that, Ten City disbanded.

Byron Stingily released two solo albums, “The Purist” in 1998 and “Club Stories” in 2000. He scored 3 number-one dance hits, including a remake of Ten City’s “That’s The Way Love Is.” He is currently a school principal in Chicago.

Byron Burke decided to further his education by attending a continuing studies program at Stanford University.

In 2002, he became a member of the Body of Christ at the Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park, Illinois.

In May 2003, Byron began conducting weekly online bible teachings on AOL and Yahoo! chatrooms with individuals & groups from the US, the UK, Germany, India and Africa. Currently, he leads the BB Media Global Group.

Byron was the Co-Executive Vice President of the music division for Prelude Music & Film Works along with co-writing & producing music for artists on Atlantic Records, East West Records, MAW Records, Nervous Records, Strictly Rhythm Records, Capitol Records, Universal Records and Columbia Records.

He also became the vice-president for Burstinglaw Music Productions in Chicago. It’s unknown what Herb Lawson is up to today.

To see the music video for “Superficial People,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Khrd2ob2zUs

To see the music video for “That’s the Way Love Is,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_edhEpE_YM

To see a fan-made video for “Where Do We Go,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snk3E8pfF1w

To see a fan-made video for “Whatever Makes You Happy,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3omp0EPnk2A

As a bonus, to see a fan-made video for Byron Stingily’s version of “That’s The Way Love Is,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFbh4zpzteE

[updated on 08-17-12]

Keith Sweat’s New Album

Keith Sweat’s new album, “Til the Morning” is now available on CD and digitally on iTunes and Amazon.com. On iTunes, you can buy Keith’s albums ranging from $7.99 today. If you’re a fan of Keith Sweat, check out his latest album!!

Empress

Empress was a female R&B\dance singer from the 80’s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to Prelude Records.

In 1981, Empress released her first single, “Dyin’ to Be Dancin” which peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart. A year in 1982 later, she released her self-titled debut album. During that same year, she released her second single, “Take A Risk” which didn’t appear to make the charts.

After that, it seemed as if Empress had faded into obscurity. Her album is available on iTunes under the name “Dyin’ to Be Dancin.”

To see a fan-made video for “Dyin’ to Be Dancin,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd8XXjL0ZvI

To see a fan-made video for “Take a Risk,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh66szLfWyA