Total

Total was a female R&B group from the 90’s that consist of members Kima Raynor, Keisha Spivey, and Pam Long. They were signed to Sean “Puffy” Combs’ Bad Boy Entertainment record label.

They first gained attention providing backing vocals for the late Notorious B.I.G.’s songs, “One More Chance” and “Juicy.”

In 1995, Total released their first single, “Can’t You See” featuring the Notorious B.I.G., which became a hit, peaking at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June of 1995, #10 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #3 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in June of 1995, staying on the chart for 30 weeks.

The song was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “New Jersey Drive.”

In January of 1996, Total released their self-titled debut album, which peaked at #23 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The second single from the album, “No One Else” featuring rapper Da Brat, peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February of 1996, #25 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, topped Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #4 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in February of 1996, staying on the chart for 25 weeks.

The third single, “Do You Know” peaked at #62 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Airplay chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

The fourth single from the album, “Kissin’ You” peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of 1996, #7 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #6 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in June of 1996, staying on the chart for 29 weeks.   

The last single from the album, “When Boy Meets Girl\Do You Think About Us” peaked at #50 on the Billboard Hot 100, #20 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in November of 1996, staying on the chart for 17 weeks and #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi Singles Sales chart.

During that same year, Total was featured on LL Cool J’s song, “Loungin'” which became a hit on the charts.

In 1997, Total released the single, “What About Us” which peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November of 1997, topped Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #16 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #4 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in November of 1997, staying on the chart for 36 weeks.

The song was featured on the “Soul Food” movie soundtrack. During that same year, Total was featured on rapper Mase’s song, “What You Want” from his “Harlem World” album.

In October of 1998, Total released their sophomore album, “Kima, Keisha, and Pam” which peaked at #39 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The second single from the album, “Trippin'” featuring Missy Elliott, peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November of 1998 and #3 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks.

The last single from the album, “Sitting Home” peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of 1999, #37 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #10 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart in May of 1999, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

After the release of their second album, Total sang the chorus to rap duo Gang Starr’s single, “Discipline” in 1999 and a year later, they were featured on Tony Touch’s single, “(I Wonder Why) He’s the Greatest DJ.” They also contributed songs to the movie soundtracks for “3 Strikes” and “Bait.”

After that, not much was heard from Total and it appeared as if they faded into obscurity. 

Keisha Spivey lives in California and is married to actor Omar Epps with two children as well as Omar’s daughter from a previous relationship. 

Pam Long continues to be active in the music business and is working on a solo album entitled, “Undeniable” which scheduled for release sometime in 2012.

It’s unknown what Kima Raynor is up to these days.

To see Pam’s official website, go to:
http://www.pamelalongonline.com/

To follow Pam on Twitter, go to:
http://twitter.com/pamelalong1

To see the music video for “Can’t You See,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4lW5BQ_JDQ

To see the music video for “No One Else,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRKf9ecdSic

To see a fan-made video for “Do You Know,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtshlP8ApP8

To see the music video for “Kissin’ You,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4powX4uETms

To see a fan-made video for “When Boy Meets Girl,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F2x2hPmWzA

To see the music video for “What About Us,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-2FbKnu2ec

To see the music video for “Trippin’,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHQLSpaED7M

To see the music video for “Sitting Home,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2UOq0r0oFI

702

702 was a female R&B group from the 90’s that consisted sisters LeMisha “Misha” (born on June 10, 1978) & Irish (born on June 2, 1980) Grinstead and their friend, Kameelah Williams.

Irish’s twin sister, Ornish was also a founding member and subsititute vocalist for the group. The group was named after the area code of their hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada.

LeMisha, Irish, and Kameelah attended the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts. Irish, Orish, and LeMisha sang occasionally in the lobby of Caesars Palace where they were discovered by actor\comedian, Sinbad.

Sinbad visited their home in order to convince the girls’ parents to send the three of them to Atlanta for a convention and music competition.

Even though the girls missed the deadline for entry, Sinbad used his name to get them in. The group (under their original name “Sweeta than Suga”) came in 2nd place in the competition. As the convention was ending, the girls met Michael Bivins of New Edition & Bell Biv Devoe, who agreed to work with them.

The group were briefly joined by their cousin, Amelia Childs. After making their music debut on R&B group, Subway’s song, “This Lil’ Game We Play,” Amelia left the group and was replaced by Kameelah.

After recording a few demos as a quartet, Ornish left the group as well (even though her vocals appear on 702’s debut album). Michael Bivins continued to work with different producers and songwriters to get the right feel for the group’s album. The group’s name was changed to “702” which Michael suggested.

In October of 1996, 702 released their debut album, “No Doubt” which peaked at #82 on the Billboard 200, #24 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, and topped Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart. In November of 2000, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA, with sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States.

The first single from the album, “Steelo” peaked at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of 1996, #16 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #12 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in November of 1996, staying on the chart for 28 weeks.

The song featured rapper Missy Elliott and was certified Gold by the RIAA by February of 1997, with sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States.

The song’s lyrics were altered and used as the theme song to the Nickelodeon television series, “Cousin Skeeter.”

The second single, “Get it Together” peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March of 1997, #7 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #3 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in March of 1997, staying on the chart for 27 weeks.

The title song peaked at #58 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Airplay chart, staying on the chart for only 7 weeks.

The last single from the album, “All I Want” peaked at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September of 1997, #22 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #31 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #33 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. The song was featured on the “Good Burger” movie soundtrack.

The success of 702’s debut album earned them a Soul Train “Lady of Soul” Award in 1997. They also opened up for New Edition, Blackstreet, and Keith Sweat during New Edition’s 1996-1997 reunion tour.

The group made an appearance on Missy Elliot’s album, “Supa Dupa Fly” on the track, “Beep Me 911.” They even sang with Busta Rhymes’ new artist, Rampage.

They contributed the song “My Friend” to the “Men in Black” movie soundtrack. In 1998, 702 made cameo appearances on the television shows “Moesha” and “Sister, Sister.”

In June of 1999, 702 released their self-titled sophomore album which peaked at #34 on the Billboard 200 chart and #7 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart

During that same month, LeMisha gave birth to a son named Tony Lyndon and was replaced by Orish during her maternity leave.

The first single from the album, “Where My Girls At?” became their biggest hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June of 1999, #10 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart, #6 on Billboard’s Top 40 Tracks chart, topped Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #3 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 29 weeks.

The song managed to chart in the United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands. It was certified Gold by the RIAA and earned them a Soul Train “Lady of Soul” Award nomination.

The follow-up single from the album, “You Don’t Know” peaked at #50 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The last single from the album, “Gotta Leave” peaked at #58 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks. It also peaked at #35 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart.

702 was a part of Brandy’s “Never Say Never” tour. They also appeared in the 1999 ABC television movie, “Double Platinum”featuring Brandy and Diana Ross. They even signed a deal with Wilhelmina Models and was the opening act for Brian McKnight’s tour, promoting his album, “Back at One.”

After the release of their second album, 702 took a brief hiatus. Kameelah decided to leave the group and start a solo career. She was briefly the new protege of Faith Evans and signed a deal to be managed by Faith & her husband, Todd Russaw under their Pedigree MGI Management.

Kameelah sang backup vocals and wrote three songs on Faith’s album, “Faithfully.” She also sang backup on the track, “Take Away” from Missy Elliot’s album, “Miss E…So Addictive.”

In 2001, it was reported that Kameelah joined R&B group, Total which was later denied. Later that year, it was reported that 702 would be featured on Aaliyah’s self-titled third album for the track “Candy Girls” that would also feature Missy Elliott and Timbaland, but according to various sources, it was found to be untrue.

LeMisha and Irish decided to return to the spotlight and enlisted singer Cree Lamore to replace Kameelah. As the new version of 702, they recorded the lead single, “Pootie Tangin'” for the Chris Rock film, “Pootie Tang” which failed to make any impact on the charts, but it earned them a 2002 Soul Train “Lady of Soul” Award nomination.

After Kameelah returned to 702 and replaced Cree, 702 returned to the studio to record their third studio album.

In March of 2003, 702 released their last album to date, “Star” which peaked at #45 on the Billboard 200 chart and #22 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The title song, featuring hip-hop duo Clipse, peaked at #98 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.

The follow-up single, “I Still Love You” peaked at #49 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The album earned the group two Soul Train “Lady of Soul” Award nominations.

During that same year, 702 shared lead vocals on the track, “Gamble It” on singer Sirena’s album, “Emotions.” Irish appeared in the Brewster Project in 2004.

In 2006, 702 appeared on the independent album, “E Sharp Presents.” In 2007, LeMisha released a song entitled “What I Got” which appeared on the independent album, “E Sharp Presents Vol II.”

Sadly on April 20, 2008, Orish Grinstead passed away from kidney failure. She was 27 years old.

In 2010, Kameelah Williams confirmed on her official Twitter that she is now a permanently solo artist and currently working on her solo album which is yet to be released. She also has a child with singer, Musiq Soulchild.

In 2011, Kameelah was featured on the children’s album “We are Different” under the name “Meelah” which is available on iTunes.

To follow Kameelah on Twitter, go to:
http://twitter.com/itsMeelah

To see the music video for “Steelo,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ojOERy-mf8

To see the music video for “Get it Together,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdpQfyJFu9A

To see the music video for “All I Want,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq-762UrJcY

To see the music video for “No Doubt,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSYwhBgOtb0

To see the music video for “Where My Girls At,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lO5eGEnyRA

To see the music video for “You Don’t Know,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjLaH1xcI28

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

To see the music video for “Pootie Tangin’,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKCGfFHzFTk

To see the music video for “Star,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJJ_9nvGG-w

To see a fan-made video for “I Still Love You,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0ic99Lygtk

Blaque

Blaque was a female R&B group from the late 90s\early 2000s that consisted of members Natina Reed (born on October 28, 1979 in New York City, New York), Shamari Fears (born on February 22, 1980 in Detroit, Michigan), and Brandi Williams (born on October 5, 1982 in Detroit, Michigan). The group’s name stood for “Believing, Life, Achieving, Quest, Unity, Everything.”

Shamari and Natina both moved to Atlanta, Georgia and met during high school. Reed formed Blaque while Shamari formed another music group called Intrigue.

Intrigue won a record contract with Elektra Records and Shamari met Brandi at a talent show while a member of Intrigue. Shamari left Intrigue to join up with Natina in Blaque and shortly after, Brandi joined Blaque as well.

Natina met Ronald Lopes while singing jingles to earn extra money and he introduced her to his sister, the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes of R&B group TLC. Lisa signed the girls to her production company, Left Eye Productions.

In 1997, Blaque made a cameo appearance in Lil Kim’s music video for her remixed version of her song, “Not Tonight.”

In 1999, Blaque released their self-titled debut album on Columbia Records, which peaked at #53 on the Billboard 200 chart and #23 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, “808” became a hit, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #4 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 27 weeks, #33 on Billboard’s Top 40 Tracks chart, and #4 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart.

The song benefited heavily from airplay of its remix which samples LL Cool J’s song “Going Back to Cali.” The song was certified Gold by the RIAA and the music video has a cameo of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.

The second single from the album, “Bring It All To Me” featuring former *NSYNC member, J.C. Chasez, peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January of 2000, #15 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 27 weeks, #6 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart & Top 40 Tracks chart, and topped Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart.

The song also charted moderately in New Zealand, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

The last single from the album, “I Do” missed the Billboard Hot 100, but managed to peak at #73 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. It also peaked at #39 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream and Rhythmic Top 40 charts.

The song was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for “Best Editing” and was also the opening act for TLC’s “FanMail” tour.

In August of that same year, Blaque made their film debut in the cheerleading flick, “Bring it On” as cheerleaders for the East Compton Clovers. They appeared on the soundtrack with the song, “As If” which was released as a single, but didn’t make the charts.

Blaque’s sophomore album, “Blaque Out” was scheduled for release in 2001, but it was shelved after the group was dropped from their record label. It was later released in Japan a year later.

In May of 2007, an alternate version of the shelved album was released on iTunes, but later taken down. The album was released back on iTunes in December of 2011.

The lead single from the album,  “Can’t Get it Back” which peaked at #91 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for only a week. A music video for the song was unreleased and their soon-to-be second album was later leaked on the web.

After Left Eye’s tragic death in a car accident in Honduras in April of 2002, Blaque signed with Elektra Records.

After the birth of Natina’s son, Tren Brown, the group began working on their third album. In 2003, Blaque released a buzz single entitled “No Ganksta” which was an answer song to 50 Cent’s song, “Wanksta.”

The intended first single from their third album, “Torch” was supposed to be “Ugly” which was produced by Missy Elliot, but it wasn’t picked up by radio because it was decided that another song, “I’m Good” would be released as the lead single instead.

“I’m Good” peaked at #95 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks. It also managed to peak at #27 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart. The song was featured on the soundtrack for the movie, “Honey” where the group appeared as themselves in the film.

Due to the failure of “I’m Good,” the release date for Blaque’s third album was pushed back. News later revealed that their next single would be “Hopeless,” but it was never released.

“Torch” was scheduled to be released exclusively on iTunes in 2008 by Music World Entertainment, but was canceled again and the album was never released.

After that, Blaque took a temporary hiatus. Natina went into ministry in 2004 and was replaced by singer\rapper, Erica Pullins who performed with Blaque overseas. The group recorded some new songs and re-recorded old ones with Erica, but the album was never released and they later broke up.

During that same year, Blaque later reunited with original members Shamari, Brandi, and Natina. They began working on their fourth album, “Private Show” in 2005 and recorded the album until 2009.

In 2008, Blaque released four songs on YouTube: “Cut You Off,” “All Nighter,” “Blue Jeans,” and “High Definition” before disbanding once again.

Shamari was signed to Darkchild Records in 2005 and was working on an album scheduled for release in 2006, but it’s unknown how or if it was ever released at all. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia and is married to Ronnie DeVoe of New Edition & Bell Biv DeVoe.

Brandi founded a production company called Tune Town Prodcutions. She had an uncredited vocal appearance on Nelly’s song “Grillz.” She is currently working on her debut solo album scheduled for release in 2012 and in 2011, she released her first single, “Love It.”

In the summer of 2012, Blaque reunited for the Left Eye music festival. In the fall of 2012, Blaque officially reunited and were in the process of working on a new album and reality show.

Sadly on October 26, 2012, Natina Reed was killed in a hit and run accident outside of Atlanta. She was only 32 years old.

For more information about Natina, go to:
http://musicrareobscure.blogspot.com/2012/10/in-memory-of-natina-reed.html

To follow Shamari on Twitter, go to:
http://twitter.com/ShamariDevoe

To follow Brandi on Twitter, go to:
https://fr.twitter.com/TheBrandiD

To see the music video for “808,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT-x-j7KZsY

To see the music video for “Bring it All to Me,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdNmCmbLIo0

To see the music video for “I Do,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QyaUP_35Jc

To see the music video for “As If,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udQow1x5zak

To see a fan-made video for “Can’t Get it Back,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XK910Pilfo

To see a fan-made video for “Ugly,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPjkXQp0Wow

To see the music video for “I’m Good,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quIsoT1GZro

[updated on 10\27\12]

Double

Double [pronounced Doo-Blay] was a pop music duo from Zürich, Switzerland that consisted of drummer\keyboardist Felix Haug and singer\guitarist Kurt Maloo.

Kurt and Felix were former members of a music trio called Ping Pong, which formed in 1981. The band built a following in Switzerland, but due to legal circumstances, their music was never officially released.

The trio was down to a duo & renamed themselves Double in 1983. During that same year, they released an EP entitled, “Nanningo” which featured post-punk music. It’s unknown how or if the EP made much success. 

In 1985, Double released their debut album, “Blue” on Polydor Records where it peaked at #69 on the UK Albums chart. When the album was released in the United States on A&M Records in 1986, the album peaked at #51 on the Billboard 200 chart. 

The first single from the album, “The Captain of Her Heart” became a hit, peaking at #8 on the UK Singles chart. In the United States, the song peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September of 1986 and #4 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart in August of 1986, making it their only chart appearance in America.

The song was also moderately successful in Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Dominican Republic, South Africa, Norway and Switzerland.

The follow-up single from the album, “Your Prayer Takes Me Off” peaked at #91 on the UK Singles chart, staying on the chart for only a week. 

In 1987, Double released their last studio album, “Dou3le” which failed to make the charts internationally at all.

The only single from thealbum to chart was “Devil’s Ball” which peaked at #71 on the UK Singles chart, staying on the chart for just 4 weeks.

After the flop of their follow-up album, Double disbanded and went their separate ways.  On May 1, 2004, Felix Haug passed away of a heart attack. These days, Kurt Maloo continues to be active in the music business. He resides in Hamburg, Germany with his wife, fashion model Anja Muller and their two children.

To see Kurt Maloo’s official website, go to:
http://www.kurtmaloo.com/

To see a video for “The Captain of Her Heart,” go to:

To see a video for “Your Prayer Takes Me Off,” go to:

To see a video for “Devil’s Ball,” go to:

[updated on 10/01/2020]

The Newtrons

The Newtrons were a male R&B trio from the early ’90s that consisted of the Newt brothers: twins Bobby and Ronnie, and their younger brother, Johnnie (born on July 9, 1979 in San Francisco, California).

The boys first started out as street performers who would perform at PIER 39 in San Francisco. They later met Michael Jackson and released their debut single, “The Day I Tasted Love” on the Jacksons Records label in 1987.

In 1989, their late father, Ron Newt Sr. (who escaped from a state prison where he was serving time for a weapons conviction) negotiated a record deal for them with MCA Records.

In 1990, The Newtrons released their self-titled debut album which failed to make any impact on the album charts at all.

The lead single, “My Heart Beats For You” peaked at #46 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Similar Attraction” flopped on the charts. In 1991, Ron had a falling out with the executives at MCA Records and was arrested after a physical altercation at the MCA offices in Los Angeles, California. 

Subsequently, he made a deal with Michael Jackson’s father, Joe for the trio to record on his record label which apparently didn’t pan out. In May of that same year, Ronnie was shot to death during a convenience store robbery in San Bernadino, California as part of a street gang initiation ritual; he was only 16 years old at the time of his death.

In 1996, The Newtrons released their last studio album to date, “A Long Time Coming” on the Runaway Slave Records label which didn’t appear to many a lot of impact on the charts nor did the single, “For Every Rain.”

Johnnie later changed his stage name to J. Valentine and released his debut album, “The Testimony” in 2011. He has also written and produced songs for artists such as Keyshia Cole, Justin Timberlake, Tyrese, *NSYNC, Omarion, Mario, Tank, LeToya Luckett, TGT and E-40.

Bobby has also written songs for artists such as Kevon Edmonds, Coko (from SWV), Omarion, Tank, Keyshia Cole, TGT and Chris Brown. He also had a record deal with Death Row Records when he was 27 years old.  These days (according to research), he is a gospel music artist, has a clothing line called Heart of God, is married and the father of five children.

To follow Bobby on Instagram, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/bobbynewt74/

To follow J. Valentine on Instagram, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/jvalentine/

To see a video for “My Heart Beats For You,” go to:

To see a video for “Similar Attraction,” go to:

To see a video for “The Day I Tasted Love,” go to:

To see a video for “For Every Rain” (from their album, “A Long Time Coming”), go to:

[updated on 12/08/2021]

Domino

Domino was a female hip-hop\R&B duo that consisted of E’leesa Weldon from Bakersfield, California and Sarah Darce from New York.

Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to Profile Records & E’lessa released two singles on Bassment Records in 1987 and 1988.

In 1989, they released the single, “Cuties Get Connected” which managed to peak at #83 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the cart for only 3 weeks.

After that, it seems as if Domino has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from the duo since.

To see a fan-made video for “Cuties Get Connected,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLvVXbbBW2c

Casper

Casper (born Terry Marshall) was a male DJ\rapper from the 80’s. Not much information is given about him, but he was signed to AVI Records.

In 1980, Casper released the single, “Groovy Ghost Show Part I” which peaked at #86 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks. It’s known as the first rap song to come out of Chicago, Illinois.

Eleven years later, Casper’s last single, “Adrenalin\War of Words” was released on Capitol Records in 1991, but didn’t chart. After that, it seems as if he faded into obscurity; it’s unknown what he’s currently up to these days.

To see a fan-made video for “Groovy Ghost Show,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7eyagclL18

Phyllis Hyman

Phyllis Hyman (born Phyllis Linda Hyman on July 6, 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was a female R&B singer who started her music career in the 70’s, but scored moderate hits on the R&B charts in the 80’s and having her one and only #1 R&B hit in the early 90’s before she sadly left this earth in 1995.

Phyllis grew up in the St. Clair Village of the South Hills section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was the eldest of 7 children and a third cousin of “The Cosby Show” actor, Earle Hyman. After leaving Pittsburgh, Phyllis started her music training at a music school.

On graduation day, she performed on a national tour with music group, New Direction in 1971. After the group broke up, Phyllis joined two more groups: All the People and the Hondo Beat. In 1974, Phyllis appeare in the movie “Lenny.” She also did a two-year stint leading a band called Phyllis Hyman and the P\H Factor.

In 1975, Phyllis was discovered by pop musician\music industry veteran, Sid Maurer and former Epic Records promoter, Fred Frank & she signed to their record label, Roadshow Records\Desert Moon. She moved to New York City to work on her reputation. While there, she provided background vocals on Jon Lucien’s “Premonition” album in 1976 along with working in clubs.

In 1975, musician Norman Connors was laying tracks for his “You Are My Starship” album and couldn’t get singer Jean Carne for it. After hearing about Phyllis (who was working at a club on the Upper West Side of Manhattan) after her performance at a Jon Lucien concert at Carnegie Hall, Norman offered her a spot on his 4th studio album.

After “You Are My Starship” received airplay on jazz music radio, it went gold which catapulted Phyllis’ music career along with Norman Connors and singer Michael Henderson’s as well.

In 1977, Norman and Phyllis’ version of the Stylistics’ song, “Betcha Golly By Wow!” peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #29 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

In 1977, Phyllis released her self-titled debut album on Buddah Records, which peaked at #107 on the Billboard 200 chart and #49 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. During that same time, she sang with Pharoah Sanders and the Fatback Band while working on the album.

The first single from the album, “Loving You, Losing You” peaked at #103 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #32 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The follow-up single, “No One Can Love You More” peaked at #58 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

In 1978, Phyllis released her second album, “Sing a Song” which didn’t make the charts at all. Shortly after the album was released, Buddha Records was sold off to Arista Records, who transferred Phyllis to their label.

In 1979, Phyllis released her third album, “Somewhere in My Lifetime” which peaked at #70 on the Billboard 200 chart and #15 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #12 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

During that same year, Phyllis released her fourth album, “You Know How to Love Me” which peaked at #50 on the Billboard 200 chart and #10 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The title song managed to peak at #12 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks and #6 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart. In the U.K., the song peaked at #47 on the U.K. Singles chart in March of 1980, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

The song was re-released in 1986 and peaked at #89 on the U.K. Singles chart in September of 1986, staying on the chart for a week.

The follow-up single, “Under Your Spell” peaked at #37 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. During the late 70’s, Phyllis married her manager, Larry Alexander, but due to personal and professional issues, they later divorced. Around that same time, she began using cocaine which developed into a lifelong dependency.

In 1981, Phyllis released her fifth album, “Can We Fall in Love Again” which peaked at #57 on the Billboard 200 chart and #11 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The title song, a duet with Michael Henderson, became Phyllis’ first Top 10 hit, peaking at #9 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. The song was recorded while Phyllis was performing in the Broadway musical, “Sophisticated Ladies” where she performed for almost two years. She won a Theatre World Award for “Best Newcomer” and received a Tony Award nomination for “Best Supporting Actress in a Musical.”

The follow-up single from the album, “Tonight You and Me” peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks and #30 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart.

The last single to chart from the album, “You Sure Look Good to Me” peaked at #76 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart. In the U.K., the song peaked at #56 on the U.K. Singles chart in September of 1981, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

Problems between Phyllis and Arista Records caused a pause in Phyllis’ recording career. She used that time to appear on movie soundtracks, TV commercials, and guest vocals, working with artists such as Chuck Mangione, the Whispers and the Four Tops. She even provided vocals for three tracks on jazz pianist, McCoy Tyner’s 1982 album, “Looking Out.”

Phyllis toured often and even did a college lecture tour. In 1983, she recorded the song, “Never Say Never Again” as the title song for the James Bond movie of the same name, but due to legal conflicts, an alternate title song was sung by singer Lani Hall.

During that same year, Phyllis released her sixth album, “Goddess of Love” which peaked at #112 on the Billboard 200 chart, #42 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart, and #20 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single, “Riding the Tiger” peaked at #30 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. The follow-up single, “Why Did You Turn Me On” peaked at #74 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks. By 1985, Phyllis was no longer signed to Arista Records.

In 1986, Phyllis released her seventh album, “Living All Alone” on Philadelphia International Records, which peaked at #78 on the Billboard 200 chart and #11 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, “Old Friend” peaked at #14 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The title song peaked at #12 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The third single, “Screaming at the Moon” peaked at #83 on the U.K. Singles chart in April of 1987, staying on the chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

The last single released from the album, “Ain’t You Had Enough Love” peaked at #29 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. 

During that same year, Phyllis recorded the song, “Black and Blue” with Barry Manilow on his 1987 album, “Swing Street.” Shortly after that, she appeared in the films, “School Daze” and “The Kill Reflex” along with providing vocals for other artists’ albums such as Lonnie Liston Smith and Grover Washington Jr. and doing international tours.

In 1991, Phyllis released her eighth album, “Prime of My Life” which peaked at #117 on the Billboard 200 chart and #10 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

Phyllis scored her one and only #1 R&B hit with the single, “Don’t Wanna Change the World” which topped Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for a week in September of 1991, staying on the charts for 19 weeks. The song and the album were certified Gold by the RIAA in 1992.

The second single from the album, “Living in Confusion” peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The third single, “When You Get Right Down To It” peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. The last single released from the album, “I Found Love” peaked at #70 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. A year later, Phyllis appeared on a Norman Connors album, singing the title song, “Remember Who You Are.”

Sadly on the afternoon of June 30, 1995, Phyllis committed suicide by overdosing on pentobarbital and secobarbital in her New York City apartment. She was found unconscious hours before she was scheduled to perform at the Apollo Theater and passed away three hours later at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital. Phyllis was 45 years old at the time of her death and the week after her memorial service would’ve been her 46th birthday.

In November of 1995, her ninth album, “I Refuse to Be Lonely” was released posthumously. The album managed to peak at #67 on the Billboard 200 chart and #12 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #59 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

The follow-up single, “I’m Truly Yours” peaked at #94 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

In 1998, Phyllis’ last album, “Forever With You” which peaked at #66 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The album was released three years after Phyllis’ death and contains 12 unreleased songs that were recorded between 1985 and 1995 during her time on Philadelphia International Records.

The first single released from the album, “Funny How Love Goes” featuring singer Damon Williams, peaked at #75 on Billboard’s R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Tell Me What You’re Gonna Do” peaked at #78 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.

Phyllis Hyman was a wonderful, talented female singer, who sadly left this earth, but her music will never be forgotten.

To see a fan-made video for “Loving You, Losing You,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCt90M6XZTg

To see a fan-made video for “You Know How to Love Me,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoOp0UjNXBI

To see the music video for “Living All Alone,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HXiO951tBc

To see the music video for “Don’t Wanna Change the World,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh1cbUux2xM

To see the music video for “Living in Confusion,” go to:

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

To see a fan-made video for “Can’t We Fall in Love Again,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h3NKEWqGE8

To see a fan-made video for “I Refuse to Be Lonely,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1kg1ByGNEg

To see a fan-made video for “Funny How Love Goes,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3rLph7CGls

Hollywood Girls

Hollywood Girls were a hip-hop\R&B act from the 80’s. Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to AMP Records.

In 1985, they released the single, “Gerl Talk” which failed to make the charts at all. After that, it seems as if the Hollywood Girls have faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from them since.

To see a fan-made video for “Gerl Talk,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGHonE9tICg

Joy Thomas

Joy Thomas was an R&B singer from the 80’s. Not much information is given about this singer, but Joy Thomas was signed to the HalfMoon Productions record label.

In 1983, Joy released the single, “Jump Around.” It’s unknown how or if the single ever made the charts at all. After that it seems as if Joy Thomas has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from Joy since.

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