Male R&B Groups
From the smooth harmonies of Motown to the soulful ballads of the 90s, male R&B groups have provided us with plenty of memories. Spanning from the 1980s to the 2000s, these talented groups mesmerized audiences with their unforgettable dance moves and undeniable charisma. The era witnessed the rise of legendary groups such as Boyz II Men, New Edition, and Jodeci, who captivated listeners with their soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics. These groups not only dominated the charts, but they also paved the way for future generations of R&B artists
Top 15 Male R&B Groups
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men formed in 1987 and they gained popularity in the early 1990s by becoming one of the most successful R&B groups of all time. Their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony, was released in 1991 and featured their breakout hit single, “Motownphilly.” Boyz II Men achieved enormous success with their emotional ballads, such as “End of the Road,” “On Bended Knee,” and “I’ll Make Love to You,” which topped the charts and solidified their spot as one of the most influential groups in the genre. Their harmonious vocals, heartfelt performances, and timeless love songs have garnered them numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards.
New Edition
New Edition emerged as pioneers of the boy band genre in the 1980s. With their catchy pop-infused R&B sound, synchronized dance moves, and youthful energy, New Edition became a sensation. They released their self-titled debut album in 1984, which featured hits like “Cool It Now” and “Mr. Telephone Man.” The group went on to achieve massive success with their subsequent albums and singles such as “Candy Girl” and “If It Isn’t Love.”
Bell Biv DeVoe
Bell Biv DeVoe, also known as BBD, is an American R&B group formed in 1990. Comprised of three members from the group New Edition, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe, BBD ventured into a new musical direction, infusing R&B with hip-hop and new jack swing. Their debut album, “Poison,” released in 1990, was a commercial success and featured the hit singles “Poison” and “Do Me!” The group’s unique fusion of catchy hooks, rap verses, and infectious dance beats helped popularize the new jack swing sound. Bell Biv DeVoe’s influence on the R&B and hip-hop landscape earned them a dedicated fan base and established them as trailblazers in the genre.
Jodeci
Jodeci debuted in 1991, consisting of two pairs of brothers as the group brought a raw and soulful sound to the R&B scene. Their debut album, Forever My Lady, released in 1991, showcased their smooth vocal style and spawned hit singles like “Stay” and “Forever My Lady.” Jodeci’s subsequent albums, including Diary of a Mad Band and The Show, The After Party, and the Hotel, continued to showcase their artistic growth and earned them critical acclaim.
112
This male R&B group comprised of members Marvin “Slim” Scandrick, Daron Jones, Michael Keith, and Q Parker. 112 quickly rose to prominence in the late 1990s with their smooth harmonies and soulful ballads. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1996, featured their signature hit “Cupid” and established 112 as one of the leading groups in the genre. They continued their success with albums like Room 112 and Part III, which spawned chart-topping singles such as “Peaches & Cream” and “It’s Over Now.”
Dru Hill
Dru Hill, comprising of members Sisqó, Nokio, Jazz, and Tao, debuted in 1996. There self-titled debut album, released in 1996, showcased their game changing style and included their breakout hit single, “Tell Me.” They followed up with successful albums like Enter the Dru and Dru World Order, delivering memorable songs like “In My Bed” and “How Deep Is Your Love.” Dru Hill’s ability to seamlessly blend R&B with elements of hip-hop and gospel has earned them a devoted fan base and established them as one of the standout groups in the genre.
Blackstreet
Founded by Teddy Riley, Blackstreet consists of members Chauncey “Black” Hannibal, Levi Little, Eric Williams, and Mark Middleton. Blackstreet came to prominence in 1996 with their sophomore album, Another Level, which featured their massive hit single, “No Diggity.” While initially debuting in 1994 with the hit “Before I Let You Go,” Blackstreet continued to produce successful albums like Finally and Level II. Their fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and new jack swing elements have solidified them as one of the most influential groups in the genre.
Tony! Toni! Tone!
Tony! Toni! Toné! first appeared as a male R&B group during the late 1980s. The group includes brothers D’wayne Wiggins and Timothy Christian Riley, alongside their cousin, Amar Khalil. They skyrocketed to fame with their sophomore album, The Revival, released in 1990, which featured the classic hit “Feels Good.” Known for their blend of soulful R&B, funk, and new jack swing, Tony! Toni! Toné! continued to dominate the charts during the 1990s with popular songs like “Anniversary” and “It Never Rains (In Southern California).”
Guy
Guy formed in 1988 by record producer Teddy Riley, along with Aaron Hall and Timmy Gatling. Known for pioneering the New Jack Swing genre, Guy infused R&B with hip-hop, creating a unique sound that captivated audiences. Their self-titled debut album, Guy, released in 1988, featured the hits “Groove Me” and “Teddy’s Jam.” Following, Guy went on to release successful albums like The Future and Guy III, solidifying their status as R&B legends.
Cameo
Cameo was a funk and R&B group that formed in 1974. Led by charismatic frontman Larry Blackmon, Cameo became known for their energetic performances, catchy funk grooves, and iconic red codpiece outfits. Their breakthrough came in 1986 with the album Word Up!, which featured the hit title track that became a funk anthem. Cameo’s fusion of funk, soul, and contemporary R&B secured them a dedicated fan base. With a string of hits like “Candy,” “Single Life,” and “She’s Strange,” Cameo’s music continues to be celebrated for its infectious rhythms, soulful vocals, and irresistible danceability.
Next
This male R&B group consisted of members RL, T-Low, and Tweety, as they gained popularity with their fresh and R&B sound. Their debut album, Rated Next, released in 1997, showcased their smooth vocals and included hits like “Butta Love” and “Too Close.” “Too Close” became the group’s biggest success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Next continued to release albums in the 2000s, such as Welcome II Nextasy and The Next Episode, showcasing their growth and versatility as artists.
Jagged Edge
Debuting during the late 1990s with the identical twin brothers Brandon and Brian Casey, along with Kyle Norman and Richard Wingo, Jagged Edge quickly became known for their contemporary R&B sound. Their debut album, A Jagged Era, released in 1997, featured hits like “Gotta Be” and “He Can’t Love U.” They continued to deliver chart-topping albums such as J.E. Heartbreak and Hard, which produced popular singles like “Let’s Get Married” and “Walked Outta Heaven.”
H-Town
With members Dino Conner, Solomon Conner, and Darryl Jackson forming this male R&B group in the city of Houston, they achieved much success in the mid-1990s with a unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soulful ballads. Their debut album, Fever for Da Flavor, released in 1993, included their signature hit, “Knockin’ da Boots.” The sensual single propelled them to stardom and helped define their romantic and seductive style. They continued with successful albums like Beggin’ After Dark and Ladies Edition, Woman’s World, producing popular tracks like “Emotions” and “They Like It Slow.”
Silk
Silk was created through members Gary “Big G” Glenn, Gary “Lil G” Jenkins, Timothy “Timzo” Cameron, and Jonathan “John John” Rasboro. Throughout the 1990s, they showcased a blend of harmonies, slick choreography, and sensually charged lyrics. Their debut album, Lose Control, released in 1992, featured their breakout hit single, “Freak Me,” which topped the charts and became an R&B classic. Silk’s subsequent albums, including Silk and Tonight, solidified their reputation for delivering smooth ballads and infectious mid-tempo tracks.
Mint Condition
Known for their smooth vocals, tight harmonies, and exceptional musicianship, Mint Condition has carved a niche for themselves in the R&B and soul genres. Their debut album, Meant to Be Mint, featured the chart-topping single “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes).” Mint Condition continued to create timeless music with hits like “What Kind of Man Would I Be” and “U Send Me Swingin’.” With their fusion of R&B, funk, and jazz influences, Mint Condition has established a reputation for their dynamic live performances and soulful ballads that touch the hearts of their fans.