Bell Biv DeVoe

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Bell Biv DeVoe
New Edition on Sister Circle Live.jpg
Members with Bobby Brown as New Edition during a 2018 interview. From left to right: Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, and Michael Bivins.
Background information
Also known asBBD
Origin Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Genres
Years active1989–present
Labels
Spinoff of New Edition
Members Ricky Bell
Michael Bivins
Ronnie DeVoe
Website www.bellbivdevoe.com

Bell Biv DeVoe, also known as BBD, is an American music group from Boston, Massachusetts, formed from members of New Edition, consisting of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe.

Contents

The band is best known for their debut album, the multi-platinum selling Poison , a key work in the new jack swing movement of the 1990s that combined elements of traditional soul and R&B with hip hop. Two singles from the album, "Poison" and "Do Me!", both reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990. The band released three more albums, though none had the success of their debut. Their most recent album Three Stripes came out on January 27, 2017.

Despite only producing four albums of original material in a 31-year span, the group has continuously toured and performed live, both as an act on their own and on several New Edition reunion tours.

History

The trio of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe has their origins as founders of the Boston-based quintet New Edition, which had gained notice of famed producer Maurice Starr at a talent show in 1981, and as children had several hits with songs like "Candy Girl" and "Cool It Now".

Throughout the 1980s, the line-up changed and the group matured and sought to branch out in new musical directions. During a hiatus in 1989, and at the suggestion of producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the three decided to form a new group, and were signed by MCA Records. [1] With help from Public Enemy producers Eric Sadler, Hank and Keith Shocklee and several others, Bell Biv Devoe released its debut album Poison in 1990, an album credited as pioneering the "new jack swing" sound of the early 1990s, combining hip-hop, funk, soul, and pop music. [2] This fusion of styles helped to expose them to a fan base which preferred a harder edged sound. [1] Poison reached number 1 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and its title track, along with its second single, "Do Me!", both reached number 3 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Shortly thereafter, Richard Wolf and Epic Mazur were responsible for the remix of "Do Me!" (which hit number six on the dance charts). [3] Poison also spawned the singles "B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?", "When Will I See You Smile Again?" and "She's Dope!" [4] Poison sold over four million copies, and was followed up by a remix album titled WBBD-Bootcity. [5] [6]

Bell Biv DeVoe released Hootie Mack in 1993 on MCA Records, and the more hardcore rap/R&B influenced BBD in 2001 on Biv 10 Records. Neither album was as successful as Poison, though Hootie Mack did reach Gold success. Despite the fact that the group has only released four albums, the members of Bell Biv Devoe continue to perform together as a group. [7] They also participated in several New Edition reunions, and continue to perform with them on tour as part of the group. On May 30, 2013, Bell Biv DeVoe performed their hit song "Poison" for Boston Strong, a benefit concert to raise money for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. [8]

In 2016, BBD released their first track in 15 years, "Run," along with an accompanying music video. [9] It was the first single off the album Three Stripes , which was released January 27, 2017.

In 2023, they performed the national anthem with The Boston Pops Orchestra at the 2023 Winter Classic.

On October 5, BBD released a new single entitled, "Act Like You Know" featuring Rev Run.

Awards and nominations

In 1991, the group received the award for Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Album of the Year, Group, Band or Duo for Poison at the Soul Train Music Awards. [10]

The group also received an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group in 1992.

Discography

Studio albums

YearAlbum detailsPeak chart positions Certifications
(sales thereshold)
US
[11] 		US R&B
[12] 		AUS
[13] 		NZ
[14] 		UK
[15]
1990 Poison 51831335
1993 Hootie Mack
  • Release date: June 1, 1993
  • Label: MCA Records
196333—
2001 BBD —62———
2017 Three Stripes 1810———
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Remix album

YearAlbum detailsPeak chart
positions		Certifications
(sales threshold)
US
[11] 		US R&B
[12] 		AUS
[17]
1991 WBBD-Bootcity!: The Remix Album
  • Release date: August 27, 1991
  • Label: MCA Records
1818126

Compilation album

YearAlbum
2000

Singles

YearSinglePeak chart positions Certifications
(sales threshold)		Album
US
[18] 		US R&B
[19] 		US Dance
[20] 		AUS
[13] [21] [17] 		NED
[22] 		NZ
[14] 		UK
[15]
1990"Poison"3176425319Poison
"Do Me!"34660—856
"B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?"26116100—3786
1991"When Will I See You Smile Again?"633—————
"She's Dope!"—9—151———
"Word to the Mutha!" (featuring Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill)— [a] ——151—11— WBBD-Bootcity!: The Remix Album
1992"The Best Things in Life Are Free" (Luther Vandross featuring Janet Jackson, BBD and Ralph Tresvant)10—322062 [23] Mo' Money (soundtrack)
1993"Gangsta"2122—17—11—Non-album single
"Above the Rim"—81———15—Hootie Mack
"Something in Your Eyes"386—73——60
1995"The Best Things in Life Are Free" [b] (Luther Vandross featuring Janet Jackson, BBD and Ralph Tresvant)——————7 [26] Mo' Money (soundtrack)
2001"The Hot Shit"———————BBD
2016"Run"—7 [c] —————Three Stripes
2017"Finally" (featuring SWV)—18 [c] —————
2023"Act Like You Know" (featuring Rev Run)———————Non-album single
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Notes

  • a ^ As it was not issued as a retail single in the United States, "Word to the Mutha!" was not eligible to enter the Billboard Hot 100; [27] however, it peaked at number 37 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart. [28]
  • b ^ Re-issued and remixed in 1995, and therefore classed as a separate Top 10 hit [26] [29] [30]
  • c ^ Chart peak listed represent the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.

Music videos

YearVideoDirector
1990"Poison" Lionel C. Martin
1991"Do Me!"
"B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?"N/A
"When Will I See You Smile Again?" Lionel C. Martin
"She's Dope!"
"Word To The Mutha!"N/A
1993"Gangsta"N/A
"Above the Rim"N/A
"Something in Your Eyes" Lionel C. Martin
2001"Da Hot Sh** (Aight)"N/A
2016"Run" Lionel C. Martin
2017"I'm Betta"Kay Gee

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<i>Poison</i> (Bell Biv DeVoe album) 1990 studio album by Bell Biv DeVoe

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">She's Dope!</span> 1991 single by Bell Biv DeVoe

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"Word to the Mutha!" is a song co-written and performed by American contemporary R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe and co-written and produced by Wolf & Epic. It originally appeared on their debut studio album Poison under the title "Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph and Johnny !", but the title was shortened and a remixed version of the song was issued as the only official single from the group's remix album WBBD-Bootcity!: The Remix Album. The song features vocals from Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill. It was the first recorded song to feature all six members of New Edition. Brown, Tresvant and Gill are credited separately on the single, rather than collectively as New Edition.

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"Gangsta" is a song performed by American contemporary R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe, issued as a stand-alone single in 1993 via MCA Records. The song peaked at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was also featured on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air during the group's guest appearance in the Season 2 episode "The Butler Did It".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Above the Rim (song)</span> 1993 single by Bell Biv DeVoe

"Above the Rim" is a song co-written and performed by American contemporary R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe, issued as the official lead single from the group's second studio album Hootie Mack. The song contains a sample of "South Bronx" by Boogie Down Productions and "Blind Alley" by The Emotions. and it peaked at #81 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Something in Your Eyes (Bell Biv DeVoe song)</span> 1993 single by Bell Biv DeVoe

"Something in Your Eyes" is a song co-produced and performed by American contemporary R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe, issued as the second single from the group's second studio album, Hootie Mack. It was the only song from the album to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 38 in 1993.

<i>Three Stripes</i> (album) 2017 studio album by Bell Biv DeVoe

Three Stripes is the fourth studio album by American R&B trio Bell Biv DeVoe. It was released on January 27, 2017 through Entertainment One. Recording sessions took place at 916 Music Studios, at Divine Mill Studios in New Jersey, at Hot Beats Studios and Studio Crib Zeno in Atlanta, at The Lab in New York City, at Nu Shoez Studios, at Forge Recording in Oreland, at Studio At The Palms in Las Vegas. Production was handled by several record producers, including Carvin & Ivan, Cyrus Deshield, DJ Battlecat, Doug E. Fresh, Erick Sermon, KayGee, Lil' Ronnie, LRoc, Rance, and BBD member Michael Bivins, with associate co-producer Gee Spin. It features guest appearances from Boyz II Men, Doug E. Fresh and SWV. The album peaked at number 18 on the Billboard 200, number 10 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and topped the Independent Albums in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ricky Bell (singer)</span> American singer

Ricardo Bell is an American singer best known as one of the founding members of R&B/pop group New Edition, and the lead singer of Bell Biv DeVoe. As a solo artist, Bell released the album Ricardo Campana in 2000.

References

  1. 1 2 Heyliger, Mike. "Popdose Flashback ’90: Bell Biv DeVoe, Poison" (Popdose.com. March 11, 2010. Web. March 25, 2010.)
  2. ↑ J. D. Considine. "After a great 1990, Bell Biv DeVoe to ring in new year: [FINAL Edition]". December 28, 1990, Baltimore Sun. Web. 1 Apr. 2010.
  3. ↑ Widran, Jonathan (April 14, 1991). "Producer Crosstalk". Music Connection.
  4. ↑ "Bell Biv DeVoe: Chart History". Billboard. n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010.
  5. ↑ Huey, Steve. "Bell Biv DeVoe: Biography." AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. n.d. Web. March 25, 2010.
  6. ↑ Henderson, Alex. "WBBD-Bootcity! The Remix Album > Overview." AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. n.d. Web. April 12, 2010.
  7. ↑ Gerald M. Gay. "'80s group still has its devotees: Bell Biv DeVoe here for 'Slow Jams Live' gig." McClatchy – Tribune Business News 19 February 2009 ProQuest Newsstand, ProQuest. Web. April 10, 2010.
  8. ↑ "Aerosmith, James Taylor, Boston, NKOTB and Others Perform at Boston Strong Benefit Concert". Classichitsandoldies.com. May 28, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
  9. ↑ "Bell Biv Devoe Make A Run With Their First New Song In 15 Years (Video)". September 12, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
  10. ↑ Special. "Hammer gets rapped at Soul Train awards :[FIN Edition]. " Toronto Star 14 Mar. 1991, ProQuest Newsstand, ProQuest. Web. 10 Apr. 2010.
  11. 1 2 "Bell Biv DeVoe Chart History > Billboard 200". Billboard . Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  12. 1 2 "Bell Biv DeVoe Chart History > Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  13. 1 2 Australian (ARIA) chart peaks:
  14. 1 2 New Zealand chart peaks:
  15. 1 2 UK chart peaks:
  16. 1 2 3 4 "RIAA > Gold & Platinum > Search results for 'Bell Biv DeVoe' (from riaa.com)". Imgur.com (original source published by Recording Industry Association of America). Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  17. 1 2 "Bubbling Down Under Week Commencing February 10, 1992". Bubbling Down Under. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Bell Biv DeVoe Chart History > Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  19. ↑ "Bell Biv DeVoe Chart History > Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  20. ↑ US Dance Club Songs chart peaks:
  21. ↑ "Bubbling Down Under Week Commencing August 19, 1991" . Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  22. ↑ Dutch chart peaks:
  23. ↑ "LUTHER VANDROSS AND JANET JACKSON | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". OfficialCharts.com .
  24. 1 2 Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (pdf ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. pp. 28, 293.
  25. ↑ "Janet Jackson & Luther Vandross - The Best Things in Life Are Free". bpi.co.uk. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  26. 1 2 "LUTHER VANDROSS/JANET JACKSON | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". OfficialCharts.com .
  27. ↑ Ellis, Michael (September 7, 1991). "Hot 100 Singles Spotlight" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 103, no. 36. BPI Communications. p. 69. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved April 28, 2015.
  28. ↑ "Billboard > Artists / Bell Biv DeVoe > Chart History > Radio Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 3, 2015. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  29. ↑ "Luther Vandross | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". OfficialCharts.com .
  30. ↑ "Janet Jackson | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". OfficialCharts.com .
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