How we miss R&B music from the ’90s! I grow nostalgic over the great music that took place in this era. Just remembering the fun-loving compositions from ’90s girl groups warms my heart! If only we could channel back to the days when music was superb, everything would be alright…
Check out these girl groups who had us wishing we could rewind time:
En Vogue
The R&B quartet from Oakland, California burst onto the music scene in 1989, and made sultry compilations together that remain classic hits to this day. Their first single “Hold On,” solidified their mark as a female group until the latter part of the ’90s when member Dawn Robinson departed in 1997. Not only did En Vogue embrace the notion of womanhood, they also taught us: “Free Your Mind.” Other hooks such as “Lies,” “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” and “Don’t Let Go” became notable R&B tracks…making them one of the top female groups of all time.
Zhane
Zhane truly lived up to our expectations. Despite their brief presence in the music industry, they are memorable for their deep lyrics that made us feel good in the process. After 1993 with the hit single, “Hey Mr. DJ,” their ensembles “Groove Thang” and collaboration with Busta Rhymes, “It’s a Party” implemented their sound more than ever until the group disbanded in the late ’90s.
Xscape
Music producer Jermaine Dupri did something right when he introduced Xscape onto the R&B circuit. His ear for superb talent prepared the Atlanta-based quartet for stardom with hits such as “Just Kickin It” and “Understanding” in 1993. They later ignited their debut with another hit album titled Traces of My Lipstick and renditions on the Love Jones and Soul Food soundtrack in the late 1990s. The group went on and pursued solo projects of their own, but we cannot deny their existence as chart-topping divas.
Jade
Jade sought popular recognition during the mid ’90s with hits such as “I Wanna Love You” and “Don’t Walk Away.” Honestly, we never taught music sounded so good coming from these ladies. Tonya Kelly, Joi Marshall, and Di Reed changed the R&B scene forever by appearing on soundtracks for various films including The Inkwell. The trio propelled to platinum status until 1997. Even though they haven’t recorded an album since 1994, Joi Marshall sings gospel among her many talents.
SWV
It all began when three friends set out to become stars in R&B music. When they found their niche, SWV (Sisters With Voices) blew us out of the water with their vivacious samples of “Right Here/Human Nature” (which hit number one on the charts) and “You’re The One.” Other notable singles including “Weak” became their anthem for all women couldn’t help but fall for those gorgeous hotties. The band disbanded and reunited in 2005 for a comeback album and promotional tour with After 7, New Edition, and Blackstreet.
Total
Total was destined for greatness under the watchful eye of music producer, Sean “Diddy” Combs. The mastermind behind Bad Boy Records signed them on the spot after they collaborated with Notorious Big on his debut single, “Juicy.” After that, R&B crooners rose to fame with subsequent hits “No One Else” featuring Lil Kim, Da Brat, and Foxy Brown. “Kissing You” and “What About Us” reigned supreme throughout the 1990s until the music sound changed.
Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child’s self-titled debut launched their careers into overdrive! The R&B trio – Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland Michelle Williams displayed formidable artistry with their songwriting abilities. In 1997, the group retouched “Amazing Grace” to make it sound even better than the original. They also created chart-topping anthems such as “Say My Name,” “Independent Women Part 1” and “Bootylicious,” which all became ingrained in pop culture. The group disbanded in 2006 to pursue solo projects, but their finesse is a testament to their popularity among women.
702
702’s debut single, “Steelo” resonated with the R&B crowd…along with singles, “All I Want” and “Get It Together.” But “Where My Girls At?” place them on the proverbial map, showing fans that they were worthy of recognition and fame. Their last modest hit was “I Still Love You” with the Neptunes, but their ambitions now lie on other projects.
Changing Faces
The New York-based duo performed for small venues before making their mark on the pop charts. It wasn’t long before Cassandra Lucas and Charisse Rose poured their hearts out on “Stroke You Up” and “Foolin’ Around,” which were written by R. Kelly in 1994. They returned in 1997 for the R&B hit, “G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T,” which became their biggest hit on their second album. Changing Faces dwindled afterawhile, but they continue performing as a group.
Brownstone
Brownstone’s hit song, “If You Love Me,” was nominated for a Grammy in 1995. Then, they remade the soul classics “Grapevyne” and “Pass the Lovin” in 1995. The group reprised their modest success in 1997 with the album “Still Climbing,” but it failed to produce the same success as the first album. It is rumored that the group is coming out with another album. We hope so!
TLC
When TLC came out in the early ’90s, they lifted the world off our shoulders with music for the ages. Their hip trademark pants and low midrifts became synonymous with the sound at the time. After the success of their debut hits, “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” and “What About Your Friends,” the band sold 11 million copies of CrazyHotCool, making them one of the top-selling R&B groups of all time. The group took a five-year hiatus to produce the hit singles, “Unpretty” and “No Scrubs” before the death of band mate Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez in 2002. The remaining members T-Boz and Chili have done solo work, but it’s unknown whether the group will record again.
