Archive for February, 2012


Samaria

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

In 1987, Samaria released the single, “Take Back the Love.” It’s unknown how or if the album ever charted. After that, it seemed as if Samaria had faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for “Take Back the Love,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp3RBSstot0

 

Scotty D

Scotty D was a hip-hop musician from the 90’s. Not much information is given about him, but he was signed to Next Plateau Records.

In 1994, he released his self-titled debut album which didn’t appear to chart at all on the Billboard charts. He only released one single, “Got Ya Heads Boppin” which also failed to make any impact on the charts. After that, it seemed as if Scotty D has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from him since.

To see a fan-made video for “Got Ya Heads Boppin,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-2pZ6kHpjo

Adina Howard

Adina Howard (born on November 14, 1974 in Grand Rapids, Michigan) is a female R&B singer that started her career in the 90’s. She is known for her provocative lyrics and sexual image. In February of 1995, Adina released her debut album, “Do You Wanna Ride?” which peaked at #39 on the Billboard 200 and #7 on Billboard’s Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart. Her first single, “Freak Like Me” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in February of 1995, staying on the chart for 28 weeks, #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles chart, #20 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart, and topped Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart. The song was certified Platinum by the RIAA. The follow-up single, “My Up and Down” peaked at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100, #40 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #32 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks and #42 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. The third single released from the album, “It’s All About You” missed the Hot 100, but managed to peak at #58 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in December of 1995, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. A promotional vinyl single, “You Can Be My Ni**a ” was also released, but didn’t chart.

In 1996, Adina was featured on Warren G’s track, “What’s Love Got to Do With It” which was featured on the “Supercop” movie soundtrack. The song was a moderate hit on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #32. In 1997, she was featured on the “Bulletproof” movie soundtrack with the song, “Chocolate (Cuties & Condoms)” featuring Cydal.

In 1997, Adina released the single, “(Freak) And U Know It” which peaked at #70 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #32 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in July of 1997, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
fantasy islandThe song was supposed to be on Adina’s sophomore album, “Welcome to Fantasy Island,” but it was shelved. A few years later, the album was leaked onto the internet and promotional copies of the album are available on eBay.

During that same year, Adina collaborated with Jamie Foxx on a song called “T-Shirt & Panties” which was supposed to be on the soundtrack to Jamie’s movie, “Booty Call,” but the song ended up on the soundtrack to the 1998 movie, “Woo.”

During that time, Adina starred in the independent film, “High Freakquency.” In 2002, she filmed her role in another independent film called “Casanova’s Demise” which has yet to be released.

In April of 2004, Adina released her third album, “The Second Coming” which failed to make the Billboard 200, but managed to peak at #61 on Billboard’s Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart. Due to lack of promotion, the album sold poorly, selling only 40,000 copies on store shelves.

The first single from the album, “Nasty Grind” peaked at a low #95 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles chart, but failed to make the Billboard Hot 100 at all.

The second single, “(Outside) The Club” was supposed to be released along with a remix album called “The Second Coming: UnCut,” but the release was canceled after Adina left her record label, Rufftown Records.

During 2004, Adina was featured on the single, “Freaks” featuring Play ‘N Skillz & Krayzie Bone, which was a moderate hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking #69.

In late 2005, Adina released her song, “Phone Sex” as a teaser single. The main single, “Hips” was released in early 2006, but it was later canceled and was never released to radio or digital outlets, but it was remixed by many DJ’s.

The official single from Adina’s upcoming album, “L.O.V.A.” was released to digital outlets in late 2006 with a contest run on her MySpace page for fans to create a music video for her song, but the contest was later canceled and the song was never released to radio.

Before Adina’s third album was released, another single, “Picture This” was chosen and there was another MySpace contest for it, but a winner was never announced and the single wasn’t released to radio. In June of 2007, Adina released her fourth album, “Private Show” on Arsenal Records. The album had been delayed due to her record label and it was leaked on the internet on June 5, 2007, but officially released to retail stores and iTunes on June 26, 2007. The album has sold 11,000 copies.

In December 2007, Adina’s second single, “Hips” was re-released under the name “My Hips” on iTunes.

In April 2008, she announced on her MySpace page that the song “Tease” was going to be the third single released from the album and a free download of the song was available for a week. After “Private Show” was released, Adina left Arsenal Records.

In 2008, Adina appeared in the short film, “Poke the Sleeping Bear” which earned the Grand Jury Award at the 2008 Solstice Film Festival. In September 2009, she was featured on the UK compliation album, “Independent Soul Divas” with the track “What Do I Do.”

As of 2011, Adina is currently working on her Culinary Arts degree along with an upcoming cookbook and restaurant in Austin, Texas. She is also working on an untitled 5th album which has yet to be released.

To see the music video for “Freak Like Me,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsEgF1aKCSM

To see the music video for “My Up and Down,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGux7Gxmngg

To see the music video for “It’s All About You,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QbinBWMiiE

To see the music video for “(Freak) and U Know It,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml85XmzFl9U

To see a fan-made video for “T-Shirt & Panties” (featuring Jamie Foxx), go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91qVj9f5H9Q

To see the music video for “What’s Love Got to Do With It” (with Warren G.), go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYTBVOcWNlk

[updated on 08-05-12]

Nine

Nine (born Derrick Keyes on September 19, 1969 in the Bronx, New York) is a rapper who started his career during the 90’s. He is known for his harsh, gravely flow and distinctive voice.

He got his first break in 1993 making a guest appearance on the Funkmaster Flex and the Ghetto Celebs’ song, “Six Million Ways to Die.” Nine originally recorded under the name “9MM” (or Nine Double M)” but changed it because he didn’t want to be named after the 9mm gun. His stage name refers to his birthdate, his shoe size, and his lucky number.

In 1994, Nine released his first single, “Whutcha Want” which peaked at #50 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart, #8 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #32 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in February of 1995, staying on the chart for 18 weeks. The song was featured in Jeep advertisements, but Jeep never obtained permission from Nine and he pursued legal action against them.

In 1995, Nine released his debut album, “Nine Livez” on Profile Records which peaked at #90 on the Billboard 200 and #18 on Billboard’s Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart.

His second single, “Any Emcee” missed the Hot 100, but managed to peak at #35 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart, #21 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #82 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in May of 1995, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

The last single released from the album, “Ova Confident” failed to make any of the Billboard charts.

In 1996, Nine released his sophomore album, “Cloud 9” which peaked at #45 on Billboard’s Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart.

The lead single from the album, “Lyin’ King” which peaked at #21 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart, #11 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #90 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in August of 1996, staying on the chart for 2 weeks.

The second and last single released from the album, “Make or Take” failed to make any impact on the Billboard charts. Because of Profile Records’ financial problems, “Cloud 9” received no promotion except for the music videos for “Lyin’ King” and “Make or Take.” The lack of promotion is the main reason for the album selling so poorly.

In 1997, Nine appeared on the FOX police drama television series, “New York Undercover.” After that, not much was heard from Nine and it had appeared that he faded into obscurity. In 2000, Nine released the single, “It’s Ugly.”

In 2009, Nine released his third album in 13 years, “Quinine” on Smoke On Records. It was released on CD and digitally.

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

To see the music video for “Any Emcee,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrxZGwB5wB0

To see the music video for “Lyin’ King,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uql3rb4oOHY

To see the music video for “Make or Take,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYVcaQ1Bzu8

 

[updated on 08-17-12]

Five

Five were an English boyband from the late 90’s\early 00’s that achieved moderate success in the United States.

The members consisted of Scott Robinson (born on November 22, 1979 in Essex, England), Ritchie Neville (born on August 23, 1979 in Solihull, England), Jason “J’ Brown (born on June 13, 1976 in Hampshire, England), Abs Breen (born on June 29, 1979 in Enfield, London, England), and Sean Conlon (born on May 20, 1981 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England).

The band was formed in 1997 after an advertisement in the UK performing arts newspaper, “The Stage” asked for young male singers\dancers to audition for a boyband-style group with “attitude & edge.” Bob and Chris Hebert (who created the Spice Girls) thought that the time was right for a boyband.

There were over 3,000 participants which were finally narrowed down to 14. Scott, Richie, J,  Abs, and Sean arranged themselves into a group while waiting for their audition and they were subsequently signed to BMG\RCA Records for a 6-album deal.

In November of 1997, Five released their debut single, “Slam Dunk (Da Funk)” which managed to peak at #10 on the UK Singles chart. The song sold around 500,000 copies worldwide. In the United States, the song managed to peak at #86 on the Billboard Hot 100, was featured in the Disney Channel movie, “Smart House” and was chosen as the new theme song for the NBA at the time.

Their second single, “When the Lights Go Out” became a hit, peaking at #4 on the UK Singles chart. In the United States, the song became Five’s only highest chart appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #10 and spending 6 months on the chart.

“When the Lights Go Out” was certified Gold and the band went on an 8-day tour to promote their upcoming debut album. They appeared in a concert special on Disney Channel with B*Witched in Times Square in New York City and appeared on MTV’s TRL.

In 1998, Five released their self-titled debut album which topped the UK Albums charts. In the US, the album peaked at #27 on the Billboard 200 and topped Billboard’s Heatseekers albums chart.

Five’s third single, “Got the Feelin” peaked at #3 on the UK Singles chart which became their highest charting single in the UK until their next single. The song was moderately successful in Australia, Europe, Oceania, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Their fourth single, “Everybody Get Up” which peaked at #2 on the UK Singles chart. The song topped the charts in New Zealand and was moderately successful internationally. The single was certified Silver in the UK, selling over 200,000 copies.

Five’s fifth single, “It’s the Things You Do” was released only in the United States, but managed to peak at #53 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

The last single from the album, “Until the Time is Through” peaked at #2 on the UK Singles chart. They went on tour with *NSYNC before pulling out due to exhaustion and going back to England to work on their sophomore album. 

The first single from their upcoming sophomore album, “If Ya Gettin’ Down” peaked at #2 on the UK Singles chart and became their second #1 hit in New Zealand. The song was certified Silver in the UK and Platinum in Australia.

Their second single, “Keep on Movin” topped the UK Singles chart and became the 16th biggest-selling boyband single of the 90’s in the UK, selling 421,000 copies. It was certified Gold in the UK and was successful in Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, and Belgium.

In November 1999, Five released their sophomore album, “Invincible” which peaked at #4 on the UK Albums chart. In the United States, the album charted at a disappointing #108 on the Billboard 200.

The third single from the album, “How Do Ya Feel” was a part of a nationwide promotion for Pepsi Music, which is a company set up to raise money for the third world. Because the single was part of the promotion, it was uneligible to chart on the UK Singles chart.

The fourth single, “Don’t Wanna Let You Go” peaked at #9 on the UK Singles chart, lasting on the charts for 12 weeks.

In March 2000, Five opened at the BRIT Awards with Queen and performed an updated version of Queen’s song, “We Will Rock You.” The song topped the charts in the UK and Five won their first BRIT Award for “Best Pop Act.”

Five went on a world tour, performing concerts in the UK, Europe, Russia, and Australasia. On their South American concert, only four of the members performed because Ritchie got the chicken pox and had to be flown back to England.

After their tour was done, Five continued to perform in concerts in the UK and a reissue of “Invincible” included remixed versions, live tracks, and a bonus track called “Don’t Fight it Baby.” It was due to be released in the United States, but the song was pulled from release after Five was dropped from their stateside record label, Arista Records. Due to problems with their Asian record company, Five canceled their Asian tour.

Five continued to win awards in the UK and Europe and in December of 2000, they launched their second big tour in their home country. In January of 2001, Five performed at “Rock in Rio” in Rio de Janeiro and Caracas, performing to an audience of half a million people.

In May of 2001, after months of writing & recording, and “developing their personal sound,” Five’s third album, “Kingside” was completed. Just when they were about to begin filming the music video for the first single from the album, “Let’s Dance,” Sean got sick with glandular fever and in the music video, a life-sized cardboard image of Sean was featured.

“Let’s Dance” topped the UK Singles chart and was the last music video the band had recorded together. The song was certified Gold in Australia and became their last #1 hit in the UK.

There were rumors that Sean left the band and Richie said in an interview several years later that the band’s management kept Sean’s departure from Five a secret so they were not aware that Sean had left when they were filming the “Let’s Dance” music video.

Scott temporarily left the band to be with his pregnant fiancee, Kerry Oaker, who was having complications in her pregnancy. Their son, Brennan Rhys was born 5 weeks premature on July 11, 2001. J, Abs, and Richie continued on with heavy promotion of their third album and the “Let’s Dance” single.

While performing in a concert in Belgium in July 2001, Ritchie tore the tendons in his left foot which put a halt on all promotion and prompted the band to have a few meetings to re-think about their future and options.

In August 2001, Five’s third album, “Kingside” was released, peaking at #3 on the UK Albums chart. In September 2001, after a month of meetings with their management, Five announced that they would officially disband. A day after the band broke up, Scott married his fiancee, Kerry and his former bandmates attended the wedding.

In November 2001, a double “A”-side single, “Rock the Party\Closer to Me” was released and their greatest hits album soon followed.

Abs, Richie, and Sean moved on to solo music careers while Scott worked as a radio DJ in 2002. Scott also appeared in the UK regional theater musical “Boogie Nights 2” from 2004 to 2005. In September 2006, Scott’s second son was born.

J Brown had disappeared from the public view for nearly 4 years, but he now works as   as a writer & producer. In 2007, he placed 3rd in the British reality show, “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”

In September of 2006, Abs, Ritchie, Scott, and J reformed Five (without Sean) with a new management team. They secured a new tour, but due to lack of interest from record labels, Five announced on their official website that they would disband once again.

Today, Abs Breen (now Abz Love) is still continuing his solo career and working on a finalising a range of environmentally-friendly toilet products, called “Abz-a-Lootly” which will be available in ASDA stores nationwide in March of 2012.

In 2007, Richie Neville appeared on the UK reality show, “Cirque de Celebrité” and dated singer\actress Billie Piper. In 2008, Ritchie married Australian model Emily Scott, but split up 4 months later due to allegations of violence.

Scott Robinson lives in Pitsea, Essex, England with his wife and 2 sons. In 2008, Scott appeared on the BBC reality show, “Celebrity Scissorhands.”

Sean Conlon has been pursuing a solo career as an R&B\soul\jazz singer\pianist in London and was signed a recording contract with Sony, but was later dropped from the label.

To see the music video for “Slam Dunk (Da Funk),” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZUZx-8–0c

To see the music video for “When the Lights Go Out,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpdcKmaHk_s&ob

To see the music video for “Got the Feelin,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opQQ2mbXuwI&ob

To see the music video for “Everybody Get Up,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZUn-KtTNmA&ob

To see the music video for “It’s the Things You Do,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9MTF_oGzFQ

To see the music video for “Until the Time is Through,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIVWxgEWGVQ&ob

To see the the music video for “If Ya Gettin’ Down,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyub2Nlbg6U

To see the music video for “Keep on Movin,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbWJVult-9M

To see the music video for “How Do Ya Feel,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxBcJZF3aDU

To see the music video for “Don’t Wanna Let You Go,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pyJ5cU6WoM&ob

To see the music video for Five and Queen’s version of “We Will Rock You,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIV2SkMwesU&ob

To see the music video for “Let’s Dance,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcr52GgWjk0&ob

To see the music video for “Closer to Me,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wL-Z71kAvA&ob

To see the music video for “Rock the Party,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a6ILOg3kQU&ob

Mike Davis

Mike Davis (born in Brooklyn, New York) was an R&B singer from the early 90’s. Not much information is given about him, but he was signed to Jive Records. In 1992, he released his debut album, “When Only a Friend Will Do.”

The title song was released as the first single. It managed to peak at #46 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in April of 1992, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The follow-up single was a cover version of McFadden & Whitehead’s “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” peaked at #38 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in August of 1992, staying on the chart for 10 weeks,  becoming Mike’s highest chart appearance on the R&B charts to date.

The last single, “Slow Motion” peaked at #86 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in January of 1993, staying on the chart for only 5 weeks. After that, it seems as if Mike Davis has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from him since.

To see the music video for “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8E9ZngK_8s

To see a fan-made video for “When Only a Friend Will Do,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeUg9JjCy3A

[updated on 08-05-12]

Chena

Chena (born in Panama, raised in Brooklyn, New York) was a female dance\pop singer from the 80’s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to Columbia Records.

In 1987, Chena released her first single, “E.S.P” which managed to peak at #28 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart by January of 1988.

In 1989, Chena released her self-titled debut album. It’s unknown how or if the album ever charted.

Chena released two more singles, “Bring Back My Heart” and “Mama Said” which didn’t make much impact on the charts. After that, it seemed as if Chena had faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from her since.

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