Jon B.

Jon B. (born Jonathan David Buck on November 11, 1974 in Rhode Island) is an R&B singer/songwriter. He was raised in Pasadena, California and comes from a musical family: his father David, a professor of music, his mother Linda, a concert pianist, his sister Deborah, a violinist and his brother Kevin, a cellist. Even his grandparents owned a record store.

Jon B. began singing when he was four years old and by the time he was nine, he learned to play the piano and keyboard. At the age of sixteen, Jon started playing the bass and drums.

In 1992, Jon B. was shopping his demos around which caught the eye of Tracey Edmonds (the then-president and CEO of Yab-Yum Records and the wife of R&B singer/songwriter Babyface). He was contracted as a songwriter & wrote songs for artists such as Toni Braxton, After 7, Michael Jackson and Color Me Badd. On May 23, 1995, Jon B. released his debut album “Bonafide” on Yab Yum/Sony 550/Epic Records which peaked at #79 on the Billboard 200, #24 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and topped Billboard’s Heatseekers albums chart. The first single from the album “Someone to Love” featuring Babyface became a hit, peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, #5 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #12 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart, #37 on Billboard’s Adult Top 40 chart and #7 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 29 weeks.

The song gained a lot of exposure especially when it was featured on the movie soundtrack to “Bad Boys.” It was even nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.”

The second single from the album “Pretty Girl” peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, #29 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart, #9 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #21 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

A promotional single “Isn’t It Scary” managed to peak at #66 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. Jon B’s debut album was certifiied platinum after spending almost an entire year on the Billboard 200. On September 16, 1997, Jon B. released his sophomore album “Cool Relax” which peaked at #33 on the Billboard 200 and #5 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The album was praised as one of the best R&B albums of 1997 and was certified double platinum. The first single from the album “Don’t Say” peaked at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100, #29 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #34 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The music video for the single featured actress Sanaa Lathan as the love interest. The second single from the album “Are U Still Down” featuring late rapper Tupac Shakur, which peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100, #18 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #9 on Billboard’s Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 48 weeks. The third single “They Don’t Know” became Jon B.’s biggest hit to date, peaking at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, #11 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 42 weeks. The song also peaked at #32 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The single sold over a million copies and Jon B. even performed the song in an episode of the WB sitcom “Sister Sister” where he starred as himself.  The song was later interpolated in Kirko Bangz’s single “Keep It Trill” and Chris Brown’s single “Don’t Think They Know” featuring late R&B singer Aaliyah. The fourth single “I Do (Whatcha Say Boo)” peaked at #117 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #18 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. The title song was released as a single, but didn’t make the charts at all.

At the 1998 Billboard Music Awards, Jon B. received five nominations and a Soul Train Music Award nomination for Best Male Single for “They Don’t Know/Are U Still Down.”

While he was on tour promoting “Cool Relax,” Jon B. formed a group with tw0 0f his back-up singers Dominiquinn and Silky Deluxe called Jack Herrera. A full album “Retro Futuristo” was put together, but it was never officially released, however two tracks from the project were released: “Free To Believe” was featured on the “Light It Up” movie soundtrack and “High Off You” was featured on the “Red Star Sounds, Vol. 1: Soul Searching” album.

On March 20, 2001, Jon B. released his third album “Pleasures U Like” which peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The only single released from the album was “Don’t Talk” which peaked at #58 on the Billboard Hot 100, #20 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #21 on Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The song also managed to peak at #29 on the U.K. Singles chart. A promotional single “Now I’m With You” was released, but it failed to make the Billboard charts at all. Despite the album’s well received reception and being certified Gold, lack of promotion led Jon B to leave Epic Records after the album’s release. Three years later on October 5, 2004, Jon B. released his fourth album “Stronger Everyday” on Sanctuary Records (whcih became his first album released on an independent record label).

The album managed to peak at #140 on the Billboard 200 and #17 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The album’s original title was “Everyday Struggles” and was originally recorded under DreamWorks Records, but the label folded in early 2004 before Jon B. got a chance to release any material. The singles “Lately” and “Everytime” didn’t appear to make the Billboard charts at all. Music videos were shot for “Lately” and the remix version of “Everytime” featuring rapper Beenie Man.

The album was critically well-received, but didn’t receive a lot of promotion. Jon B. later left Sanctuary Records in late 2005. The album was able to sell 200K units due to video play, touring, support on iTunes and good word of mouth. In 2006, Jon B. signed a record deal with Arsenal Records. On November 14, 2006, Jon B released a holiday album entitled “Holiday Wishes: From Me To You.” The album contained covers of Christmas classics and original compositions. During that same year, Mexican pop band RBD released a cover version of Jon B.’s song “Tu Amor” as the first single from their English-language album “Rebels.” On October 28, 2008, Jon B. released his sixth album “Helpless Romantic” which peaked at #109 on the Billboard 200 chart, #10 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums chart and #11 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The album was a concept album that revolved around his recent marriage to his new wife. It was recorded at Jon B’s personal recording studio/record label Vibezelect Studios in Pasadena, California. It would be his last album released on Arsenal Records.

The first single “Ooh So Sexy” featuring rapper Paul Wall peaked at #98 on Billboard’s Hop Songs chart, staying on the chart for only a week. The album received no promotion and no music videos were shot or promoted as well.

Jon B. collaborated with Paul Wall on the song “Tonight” off Paul’s 2007 album “Get Money Stay True.” In 2009, he was featured on rapper Invincible’s song “A Soldier Never Dies” which was dedicated to fallen Marine Anthony Vargas.

On February 14, 2012, Jon B released his sixth album “Comfortable Swagg” on his independent record label Vibezelect Inc.

The first single released from the album was “Only One.” On February 16, 2012, Jon B. released the video for the song on YouTube. On the album, his brother Kevin plays bass on the the tracks “Comfortable Swagg,” “Amnesia” and “Fill Your Cup” (in which he also played the cello on the song). In January of 2013, Jon B. released a compliation album “B-Sides Collection” which features tracks that didn’t make the final cut on his albums.

To see Jon B’s official website, go to:
http://www.jonbworld.com/

To see the music video for “Someone to Love,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3geit04i9DY

To see the music video for “Pretty Girl,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed07nmnpfSE

To see a fan-made video for “Isn’t It Scary,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–gz2CGXEcE

To see the music video for “Don’t Say,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeiLZuPI9-s

To see the music video for “Are U Still Down,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qurhsou1_nk

To see the music video for “They Don’t Know,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5pD4nBabMk

To see the music video for “I Do (Whatcha Say Boo),” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClmnYnUQUZo

To see the music video for “Don’t Talk,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDM-XA0-8g4

To see a fan-made video for “Now That I’m With You,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVlsxVIjIfA

To see the music video for “Lately,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeeIvBmaP7E

To see the music video for “Everytime,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtGz5j4jRCI

To see a fan-made video for “Ooh So Sexy,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Kln0BIMHk

To see the music video for “Only One,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC0NloMifaQ

Baby Brother

Baby Brother was an R&B/funk/disco band from the ’80s that consisted of Arthur Williams, David Paige, Gary Strothers, James McNeal, Karl Cousin, Ricky Ward and Ronald Hardy. In 1981, the band released their only self-titled album on Cotillion Records. It’s unknown how or if the album charted at all. The only single released from the album was “You Make My Warm Spot Hot” which didn’t appear to make any charts.

After that, it seemed as if Baby Brother faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from them since the ’80s.

To see a fan-made video for “You Make My Warm Spot Hot,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwxzYeaNewU

Q.T. Hush

Q.T. Rush were an R&B/funk band from Detroit, Michigan that consisted of London Carmichael (who sang and played keyboards), Nikki Slikk (who played guitar and sang), Wyman Brown (who played keyboards & synthesizers), Allen McGrier (who played bass and drums) and Cocoa La Boy (who played percussion).

The band were protégés of late R&B singer Teena Marie and was also her touring band as well. They were signed to Epic Records. In 1985, Q.T. Rush released their only self-titled album. It’s unknown how or if the album made the charts. Only two singles were released from the album “Turn It Up” and “It Ain’t You Babe.” Like the album, the singles didn’t appear to make the charts at all.

After that, some Some of the members played instruments or provided vocals on Teena Marie’s albums and other various artists’ albums.

These days, nothing much has been heard from Q.T. Rush and it seems that they have faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for “Turn It Up,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlhXg7DHQ1g

To see a fan-made video for “It Ain’t You Babe,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8Kd3K8J8fI

Dru & The Physical Attraction

Dru & The Physical Attraction were a dance music act from the ’80s. Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to Cotillion Records.

In 1985, they released the single “Light The Night (With Love).” It’s unknown how or if the single made the charts at all.

After that, it seems as if Dru & The Physical Attraction faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from them since.

[There are no videos available for this entry]

Da King & I

Da King & I were a male hip-hop/rap duo that consisted of MC Izzy Ice (born Isadore Francois) and DJ Majesty (born Roderick Wiggins). In 1988, they released the single “Soulman” on Scottfree Records under the name “Izzy Ice and DJ Majesty.”  In 1992, the duo signed to Rowdy Records. In November of that same year, the duo released their debut single “Flip da Scrip.” The single didn’t appear to make the Billboard charts at all. On July 13, 1993, Da King & I released their only album “Contemporary Jeep Music.” It’s unknown how or if the album made the charts at all.

Even though the album received positive reviews, the album was a commercial failure due to the success & popularity of gangsta rap music. The follow-up singles “Tears” and “Krak da Weasel” were released, but didn’t make the charts at all.

In the mid-’90s, Roderick Wiggins wrote & produced music for artists such as Missy Elliott, Elusion, SWV, Rufus Blac and Before Dark. It’s unknown what he or MC Izzy Ice are up to today.

To see the music video for “Flip Da Script,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPVOvPqxuRQ

To see the music video for “Tears,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYnLz6Xkgzk

To see the music video for “Krak da Weasel,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLHdAU_Wk1U

To see a fan-made video for “Soulman,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NsBBiFJwmc

Jakata

Jakata was a pop/rock/R&B group from the ’80s. Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to Motown’s Morocco Records label. In 1984, the group released their only album “Light the Night.” It’s unknown how or if the album made the charts at all. The only singles released from the album were “Hell is On the Run” and “Golden Girl.” Like the album, it’s unknown how or if the singles made the charts at all.

After that, it seemed as if Jakata faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from them since the ’80s.

To see the music video for “Hell is On the Run,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnxd3dihNvc

To see a fan-made video for “Golden Girl,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdSMIQxIuuY

Nightcat

Nightcat (born Jacqueline Tavarez in the Dominican Republic) was a female pop/dance singer from the early ’90s.

Jacqueline moved to Brooklyn, New York when she was only two years old. At the age of sixteen, she left home to finish high school. By the time she was 21 years old, Jacqueline landed a record deal.

Nightcat was created by Marvel Comics’ creator Stan Lee who wanted to develop a female superhero who crossed over into the real world and she was also a singer. In 1991, Marvel Comics released a one-shot comic book of “Nightcat” and hired Jacqueline to embody the character in real life. During that same year, Nightcat released an album on LMR Records. It’s unknown how or if the album made the charts. The only single released from the album was “#1 House Rule” which failed to make any music charts at all.

After the Nightcat album and comic flopped, Jacqueline was fired and she claimed the reason for it was that she appeared in a music video by Joey Buttafuoco (also known as Amy Fisher, the Long Island Lolita’s ex-lover).

According to the Isle of Deserted Pop Stars, Jacqueline appeared nude in the film “Tromeo & Juliet.” These days, she now goes under the name “Jacqueline Love” and poses on Naked.com.

To see a fan-made video for “#1 House Rule,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-hfE009MKM

Trina & Tamara

Trina & Tamara (born Trina & Tamara Powell in Gary, Indiana) were a R&B duo from the ’90s. They are the sisters of R&B singer Jesse Powell.

The girls were featured on Something For the People’s hit single “My Love is the Shh!” in 1997. They were also featured on the 1998 movie “Ride” soundtrack with the song “No One.” In 1999, Trina & Tamara released their only self-titled album which peaked at #99 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. Their only charting single from the album was “What’d You Come Here For?” which peaked at #56 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #14 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The follow-up single “Joanne” failed to make the Billboard charts at all. Trina & Tamara wrote the song “Sunday Morning” for R&B group Eternal’s 1999 self-titled album and provided vocals on the track “You Got the Damn Thing” for R&B singer Olivia’s 2001 debut album.

These days, it’s unknown what the Powell sisters are up to these days and it seems as if they’ve faded into obscurity like their brother Jesse.

To see a fan-made video for “What’d You Come Here For?,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pao-dZvDrQQ

To see a fan-made video for “Joanne,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6569pTFQW54

Jesse Powell

Jesse Powell (born on September 12, 1971 in Gary, Indiana) is an R&B singer from the ’90s/’00s. His two sisters Trina & Tamara were also singers as well.

Jesse grew up in a musical family and performed local talent shows. In 1993, he moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue his musical dreams. He got his big break after meeting Silas Records’ founder Louil Silas Jr. at an artist showcase and was offered a record deal. In 1996, Jesse released his self-titled debut album which peaked at #35 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #32 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart. The first single from the album “All I Need” peaked at #113 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #32 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The follow-up single “Gloria” peaked at #119 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #51 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. In 1998, Jesse released his sophomore album ” ‘Bout It” which peaked at #63 on the Billboard 200, #15 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and topped Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart. The first single “I Wasn’t With It” peaked at #85 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #25 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks. The follow-up single “You” became Jesse’s biggest hit to date, peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, #27 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 32 weeks.  The last single released from the album ” ‘Bout It, Bout It” didn’t appear to make the Billboard charts at all. In 2001, Jesse released his third album “JP” which peaked at #71 on the Billboard 200 and #18 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The first single from the album “If I” peaked at #58 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. The follow-up single “Something in the Past” peaked at #67 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. In 2003, Jesse released his last self-titled album to date which peaked at a low #85 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The single “By the Way” flopped, peaking at #99 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart for only a week.

After that, it seemed as if Jesse faded into obscurity. It’s unknown what he is up to or if he plans on releasing a new album anytime soon.

To see the music video for “All I Need,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wcv-wrLTbZU

To see the music video for “Gloria,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYllqxhfLyA

To see the music video for “I Wasn’t With It,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8KHi9NyqjY

To see a fan-made video for “You,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hRnpw7XsC4

To see the music video for ” ‘Bout It, ‘Bout It,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq-RHo4_7wg

To see the music video for “If I,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4juoPhg2Q8s

To see the music video for “Something in the Past,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvrJ8oOd8jA

To see a fan-made video for “By the Way,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9kzAUYj1cI

Ladeez 1st

Ladeez 1st was an R&B music act from the ’90s. Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to RCA Records.

In 1993, Ladeez 1st released the single “There From the Start” which peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot R&B Singles chart. The song appeared to be a response song to R&B group Shai’s hit song “If I Ever Fall in Love Again.”

After that, it seems as if Ladeez 1st faded into obscurity. They never released an album and nothing much has been heard from them since.

To see a fan-made video for “There From the Start,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jL-wkOWtms