Blackstreet

Blackstreet was a popular and influential R&B vocal group that made a significant impact on the music scene in the 90s. The group was founded by the legendary musician, Teddy Riley, who was a pioneer of the new jack swing style of music. With a series of platinum-selling hits and a string of successful albums, Blackstreet became one of the most beloved and respected R&B groups of its time. In this post, we delve into the story of Blackstreet, exploring its history, music, and significance in detail.

About Blackstreet

Blackstreet was founded in 1991 by Teddy Riley, who was already a successful producer and new jack swing pioneer. The group's original lineup included the singers Chauncey “Black” Hannibal, Levi Little, Joe Stonestreet, and of course, Riley himself. Stonestreet left shortly after the group's formation and was replaced by Dave Hollister before the recording of the group's self-titled debut album, which was released in 1994.

The album was a commercial success, thanks in part to the hit single, “Before I Let You Go,” which reached the top 5 on the R&B charts. The album quickly went platinum despite limited exposure in mainstream markets. Two more singles from the album, “Booti Call” and “Joy,” also achieved moderate success.

Following the release of their debut album, Blackstreet saw some personnel changes as Hollister left for a solo career, and Little also departed. The group rebounded, however, by adding Mark Middleton and Eric Williams to the lineup and releasing their second album, Another Level, in 1996.

Another Level was the pinnacle of Blackstreet's commercial success and featured what was arguably the group's most iconic single, “No Diggity,” which featured guest vocals from Dr. Dre. The song spent four weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 charts and helped push the album's sales past the four million mark. The follow-up single, “Don’t Leave Me,” was also a significant hit, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.

In the years that followed, Blackstreet saw more personnel changes, with Middleton leaving the group and being replaced by Terrell Phillips. Their third album, Finally, was released in 1999, and though it contained a number of guest cameos and the hit single “Take Me There,” featuring Mýa and Mase, it spent only one week in the top ten. The group's commercial momentum had slowed significantly, and Finally struggled to go gold. Tensions within the group and with their record label, Interscope, ran high, and a rift between Hannibal and Riley ultimately lead to the group's dissolution before the year was out.

Reports emerged in early 2000 that Hannibal had sued Riley for two million dollars, but these were later denied, and the matter was dropped. Riley himself recorded a reunion album with Guy in 2000 before turning his attention to his first solo record. Eventually, he had a change of heart and patched things up with Hannibal, and Middleton and Williams returned to restore the Another Level lineup, leading to a Blackstreet reunion. The resulting album, Level II, was released in early 2003.

Blackstreet's legacy as one of the most significant and respected R&B groups of the 90s has been secure since their commercial heyday. The group was responsible for some of the most popular and enduring hits of the decade, and its influence on the broader R&B genre is still being felt today. Blackstreet's music continues to resonate with fans around the world, and its place in the pantheon of great R&B groups is well-earned.

In sum, Blackstreet was a highly successful R&B group that made a significant contribution to 90s pop music. With a series of platinum-selling albums and a string of hit singles, the group was one of the most beloved and influential of its era. Though its commercial success has slowed in recent years, Blackstreet's legacy as a groundbreaking R&B outfit remains secure, and its music continues to inspire and thrill fans around the world.