Music Feed: Boy Bands/Male Groups

If you recall I did a music feed on girl groups. Now it's only right I do one for the men. Of course here they are known as boy bands. Though it should be noted that many of the groups were men not boys. That can't be overlooked though. "Boy bands" was a term to describe Beatles esque groups like Backstreet Boyz and N'Sync. Why? Because during their peak these groups caused mass hysteria throughout the world. It doesn't stop there though. Many of these boy bands like many girl groups weren't able to stand the test of time. Huge egos and the founders of many of the bands are responsible for the inital demise of boy bands. It may be easier these days to top the charts but the last few years have been hard for boy bands. There has been no band that has really taken off or has yet to reclaim the status of some of our well known bands. Check out the list of boy bands mentioned here. These are the bands that first came to mind when I came up with this. A few actually came to mind as I was writing this intro and ready to post it.

Pretty Ricky
I don't think a R&B/Rap group has been this explicit and controversial since the Ohio Players. Back in the day the Ohio Players shocked audiences with their sexually charged album covers. Pretty Ricky ruled the airwaves with sexually explicit songs that drove ladies crazy. Lead singer Pleasure P recently left the group to pursue a solo career. Now Pretty Ricky sans Pleasure has continued with two members and plans to dominate all over again.

The Temptations
They are one of the most popular groups in the world. Their tenure at Motown and beyond sparked a legion of imitators and their influence is still relevant today.

112
For a time 112 was one of R&B's premier group. But then again that depends on who you asked. During that time 112 was battling for the top R&B group spot with another group; Jagged Edge. Maybe that friendly or not so friendly competition pushed 112 to become riskier with their music during their later years. Unfortunately the overt sexuality left a bad taste in many fans mouths.
Their records weren't selling as well and before you know it 112 had split. Since then lead singer Slim has released a solo album and the other members continue to write and perform for other artists.

Jagged Edge
Many friends I know love Jagged Edge and still swear by them today. Unlike 112 Jagged Edge still records but not as frequently as they have in the past. Their love songs have become timeless staples among R&B fans. JE(as they are referred to by mentor Jermaine Dupri) are more than likely planning a new album.

New Kids On The Block
When you think of NKOTB(an acronym they later become known as) you don't necessarily think of R&B but this famous boy band was modeled after another famous R&B group; New Edition(read about them after this). Many of their songs dominated the Pop charts but much of their image, songs, and sound were R&B influenced. Recently NKOTB reunited and released a new album full of their greatest hits and then some.

New Edition
Unlike other boy bands who have fallen out over the years, New Edition still manages to come together(every once in awhile) and tour or release a new album. New Edition is possibly the only group known in existence where every member has had a successful solo career. And when you think about it New Edition was a pretty huge group. It didn't just consist of three members.
There was Ricky, Bobby....can you name the rest!

Boyz II Men
Following in the footsteps of The Temptations, they became Motown's premier boy band during the early 90s and beyond. Their songs and albums would inspire a whole new generation of boy bands. The group was known for their throwback sound i.e. doo wop. Later on though they expanded dominating the Pop charts. After a few years the group became a trio and still frequently records.

Backstreet Boys
Along with N'Sync Backstreet Boys were on a totally different level. It was similar to that of The Beatles. This group broke huge records and had legions of fans. The group was made famous primarily through MTV's "TRL". After many years of success like most groups, the group disbanded. They would later reunite to little fanfare but the love wasn't completely lost. It only
indicated how quickly things change overtime particularly in the music industry. Many of the group members have moved on to acting or solo music careers.

N'Sync
Like 112 and Jagged Edge who dominated R&B, N'Sync and Backstreet Boyz dominated Pop music. These groups of course were influenced and managed by black artists. It explains why they are even included on this list. Unlike other boy bands N'Sync had a huge star in lead singer Justin Timberlake. Once Timberlake went solo it was evident that the future of N'Sync was written in stone. Other members of the group have pursued acting and solo music careers.

Blackstreet
Personal squabbles and the iron fist of Teddy Riley may of been the reason for this group's downfall. Blackstreet was just as popular as 112 and Jagged Edge. They mixed a perfect combination of funk and soulful grooves which dominated 90s radio. Many of their songs still sound new and could easily fit in today's musical climate.

Guy
Teddy Riley was not just in one group but two. This group came before Blackstreet and was equally popular if not more. Many of the songs in their catalog are considered classic. They ruled the 80s and influenced many of the ater groups that came after them. Like many groups Guy couldn't sustain success due to huge egos and a difference in musical directions.

B2K
Omarion led this quartet and right at the bands peak is when things turned sour. Omarion's readying solo career put a damper on the groups direction. Over the years shocking relevations have been revealed regarding several bandmember's sexuality and state of mind. The fallout between the group got really nasty. The stories, whether believable or not were juicy indeed. Nowadays Omarion continues to record and recently signed to Timbaland's Mosley Music Group. The other former bandmates have continued with solo and acting careers.