Tyka Nelson

Tyka Nelson (born in 1960 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) is a female R&B singer and the younger sister of the one and only Prince.

She grew up listening to Mahalia Jackson records, wrote her first song when she was 10 years old and plays numerous instruments such as piano, guitar, bass and clarinet.

Prince offered Tyka the use of his Paisley Park Studios & money to fund an album, but she wanted to get a record deal on her own. After attending attending college & having two children, she signed a record deal with Chrysalis/Cooltempo Records.

In 1988, Tyka released her debut album, "Royal Blue." It is unknown how or if the album ever charted.

She released her first single, "Marc Anthony's Theme" which peaked at #33 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. The song also peaked at #99 on the U.K. Singles chart and became a hit in Holland that summer.

Her second single, "L.O.V.E." peaked at #52 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

In 1989, Tyka released her sophomore album, "Yellow Moon, Red Sky" which was moderately successful in the Netherlands, Europe, and Spain.

After the failure of her second album, her life took a downward spiral. In the early 2000s, Tyka did an interview with "The National Enquirer" claiming that she had a crack addiction, sold her body for sex to support her habit & her children and claimed that Prince didn't do anything to help her out.

In 2006, Tyka resurfaced with a new look and a commitment to God, claiming that God, her children and Prince helped her kick her drug habit and get her life back in order. In 2008, she released her third album, "A Brand New Me" which is now available on CD Baby. She even published a book entitled "Mama Never Taught Me How To Sing."

These days, Tyka appears to still be active in the music business. In 2011, she released her latest album to date "Hustler."

To see a fan-made video for "Marc Anthony's Tune," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4RCDFnzw0U

To see a fan-made video for "L.O.V.E.," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWfIaVCl8t4


[Updated on 04\21\2016]

Gucci Crew II

Gucci Crew II was a hip-hop\Miami-bass group that consisted of members MC V and TFS 9 (aka 240 Shorty) along with their DJ, Disco Rick (who later became the producer for the group). The group was popular between 1986 to 1994.
In 1986, they released their debut single, "Gucci Bass" which was inspired by LL Cool J's song, "Rock the Bells" that became a regional hit in mid-1987.
During that same year, Gucci Crew II released their debut album, "So Def, So Fresh, So Stupid." The single from the album, "Sally (That Girl)" became their signature hit song, becoming successful outside of Florida.
In 1988, the group released their sophomore album, "What Time is it? Gucci Time" that was immediately embraced by the emerging audio-bass market.

Tensions began in the group when the album featured a parody of Doug E. Fresh's "La Di Da Di" that was against Disco Rick's wishes. After that, he left Gucci Crew II and the group found themselves without a DJ or a producer.

In 1989, Gucci Crew II released their third album, "Everybody Wants Some" as a duo with help from Hot Productions' producer, Larry Davis (who had produced hit songs for L'Trimm). The album peaked at #42 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The only single to chart was "Five Dollar High" which peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart.

Despite promotional campaigning and appearing on B.E.T.'s "Rap City" video show, the album proved to be unsuccessful and failed to attract new fans. Tensions between Gucci Crew II and Hot Productions had came to a boil.

A year later in 1990, Gucci Crew II hired a new DJ\producer named Hollywood and released their fourth and final album, "G4." The first single, "Pushin" got airplay on Yo! MTV Raps, but failed to attract any attention.

The second single, "Booty Shake" became a club anthem in the Southeastern United States in 1990 to 1991. The group managed to attract a whole new fanbase for a brief period.

By the end of 1991, the Miami Bass music scene underwent a makeover. In 1994, Gucci Crew II tried to release new singles, but to no success and Hot Productions Records closed the group out of their contract.

The group released a greatest hits album later that year and later seemingly faded into obscurity.

In December of 2007, MC V was shot and killed 6 times in the back in Americus, Georgia. He was buried in Ocala, Florida and Disco Rick was the only member of the group to attend his funeral.

To see a fan-made video for "Sally (That Girl)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGOBNnAT7uI

To see a fan-made video for "Gucci Bass," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_igePso-WU4

To see the music video for "Booty Shake," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wByH8SPt0fs


[updated on 05/21/13]

Buffy

Buffy (born Buffy Salongo) was a freestyle singer of the mid-90's. She was discovered singing at a friend's wedding by Dadgel Atabay (who was a frequent collaborator of freestyle king Stevie B.)

After starting his own record label, Velocity Records, Dadgel asked her to record the song "Give Me a Reason" that he wrote.

In 1996, Buffy released her debut album, "First Love" on Velocity Records. The album didn't appear to make the Billboard charts at all.

The first single, "Give Me a Reason" became Buffy's sole hit to date, peaking at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March of 1996 and #37 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart.

Buffy released two more singles "No One" and "2 Find U" before she left her record label for personal reasons.

After that, it seems as if Buffy has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from her since.

To see a fan-made video for "Give Me a Reason," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJeX8J3neb4

To see a fan-made video for "No One," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZMTUoSWH1c

To see a fan-made video for "2 Find U," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NLbD8N0Liw

To see a fan-made video for "First Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13vzmQoy95Y



[updated on 09\07\12]

MC Trouble

MC Trouble (born LaTasha Sheron Rogers on July 30, 1970 in Los Angeles, California) was a female rap artist in the early 90s whose rising career came to an adrupt end at a young age.

After signing to Motown Records, MC Trouble released her debut album, "Gotta Get a Grip" in 1990 which peaked at #94 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The album sold 82,000 units after the 1991 launch of the Nielsen Soundscan.

Her first single, "I Wanna Make You Mine" peaked at #15 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart. The song featured Motown labelmates, The Good Girls.

Her second single, "Gotta Get a Grip" showed a more hardcore mix of rap and commercial R&B, but didn't appear to make the charts.

On June 4, 1991, while she was production for her follow-up album, MC Trouble passed away in her sleep at the young age of 20 while at a friend's Los Angeles residence after suffering from an epileptic seizure brought on by complications from a brain tumor which resulted in heart failure.

In 1992, the single, "Big Ole Jazz" was released posthumously and appeared on the "House Party 2" soundtrack, resulting in a a second and final hit on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles charts.

MC Trouble's death made quite an impact in the hip-hop scene and she earned shoutouts from A Tribe Called Quest's member Q-Tip and rapper Nefertiti (with the song "Trouble in Paradise" that was dedicated to the late female rapper).

MC Trouble will be missed and never forgotten.

To see the music video for "I Wanna Make You Mine," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4h6gON5AC0

To see the music video for "Gotta Get A Grip," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHOZz-oms7I



[updated on 05/21/13]

Yvette Michele

Yvette Michele (born Michele Yvette Bryant in 1977 in Brooklyn, New York) is an R&B singer from the 90s.

She was inspired by her mother's jazz records, sang in church, studied dancing and sang at open-mic nights in New York.

After making her own demo tape, Yvette gave it to her good friend, Funkmaster Flex and before she knew it, she recorded a single for his mixtape compilation.

In August of 1997, Yvette released her debut album, "My Dream" which peaked at #20 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart and #46 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

Yvette's first single, "Everyday & Everynight" peaked at #60 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #23 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #23 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The second single, "I'm Not Feeling You" peaked at #44 on the Billboard Hot 100, #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #33 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #12 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in February of 1997, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The third single, "DJ Keep Playin' (Get Your Music On)" peaked at #84 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #36 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in October of 1997, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The last single from the album, "Crazy" failed to chart at all. Yvette was featured on rapper O.C.'s single, "Far From Yours."

After that, Yvette had seemed to haved faded into obscurity, but according to her Facebook and Twitter pages, it appears she is still active in the music business and is a mother.

To follow Yvette on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/YvetteMichele

To see Yvette's Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yvette-Michele/354513825132

To see the music video for "I'm Not Feeling You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opgllgc_lOw

To see the music video for "Everyday and Everynight," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Sr80UcGJU


[updated on 05\21\13]

Imajin

Imajin was an R&B boy band from the 90s that originally consisted of members Jamal Hampton, Talib Kareem, John Fitch and Olamide Faison (the younger brother of "Scrubs" star Donald Faison).

The group was put together by record producer Bert Price. Jamal would later be replaced by singer Tony Roster.


In 1998, Imajin released their debut single, "Shorty (You Keep Playin' With My Mind)" featuring rapper Keith Murray, which peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #20 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The song also peaked at #22 on the U.K. Singles chart.

A year later in 1999, the group released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #44 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart.

The group's second single, "No Doubt" peaked at #72 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

The last single from the album, "Flava" failed to chart. Imajin were featured on rapper Baby DC's single, "Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll."

After that, it seemed that the group faded into obscurity.

From 2003 to about 2009, Olamide starred as Miles Robinson on the popular children's television show "Sesame Street." These days, he appears to still be playing music, playing the acoustic guitar. He was also the ex-boyfrined of Natalie Nunn (from the "Bad Girls Club").

Jamal Hampton appears to still be active in the music business, now going under the name "J-Starr." Talib Kareem (now going under the name "Taaz Kareem") became a music producer.

Tony Roster is still active in the music business as a drummer, performing with various artists such as Joe Jonas, En Vogue and Jay-Z.

To see the music video for "Shorty (You Keep Playin' With My Mind)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c4mWbMH9Fc

To see the music video for "No Doubt," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RmkEGmi4Io

To see the music video for "Flava," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCPJFSdAOcw


[updated on 04\07\2016]

Jeremy Jordan

Jeremy Jordan (born Donald Henson on September 19, 1973 in Hammond, Indiana) was a pop singer from the early '90s who was also known as a "teen heartthrob" in teen magazines such as "Tiger Beat" and "Bop."In 1993, Jeremy released his debut album "Try My Love" which peaked at #176 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart.
His first single "The Right Kind of Love" became his biggest hit to date, peaking at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart, and #22 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart.

The music video for "The Right Kind of Love" was featured during the end credits on an episode of "Beverly Hills 90210" and was featured on the show's soundtrack.
Jeremy's follow-up single "Wannagirl" peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100, #24 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #11 on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart.

The other songs from Jeremy's album "My Love is Good Enough" and "Try My Love" didn't chart, but were featured in the movie "Airborne."

In late 1993, Jeremy released a remix album overseas. Jeremy was planning on working on a sophomore album, but those plans never materialized.

After that, Jeremy switched to acting starring in movies such as "Never Been Kissed" and Stephen King's "Storm of the Century."

In 2009, Jeremy released a new song "Forgotten People." The song is available for download on iTunes. These days, he continues to be active as an actor.

To see the music video for "The Right Kind of Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV05oji5doc

To see the music video for "Wannagirl," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB3DDv46-Vw

To see the music video for Jeremy's new single, "Forgotten People," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNb_PceVaHE

Playa

Playa was an R&B group from the late 90s whose members consisted of Static Major (born Stephen Garrett on November 11, 1974 in Louisville, Kentucky), Smokey (born Jawaan Peacock), and Digital Black (born Benjamin Bush).

The group hailed from Louisville, Kentucky and was formed in high school. Smokey and Digital Black met through a friend who thought that the two of them would sound good together while Smokey met Static in a church gospel group.

The group's original name was As a Touch of Class and they signed to DeVante's Swing Mob record label on Elektra Records in 1993.

The group's name changed to Playa after DeVante heard them sing. Playa participated in producing R&B group Jodeci's album, "The Show, The After-Party, and the Hotel" in 1995. Around this time, the group built up a catalogue of songs that would later be a part of their debut album.
In 1998, Playa released their debut album, "Cheers 2 U" which peaked at #86 on the Billboard 200 and #19 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The group's first single, "Don't Stop the Music" peaked at #73 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #26 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Cheers 2 U" became the group's biggest hit to date, peaking at #38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

In 2000, Playa was featured on "The Hurricane" movie soundtrack on the track, "Love Sets You Free" which also featured Kelly Price, Dru Hill, Montell Jordan, Case, Kandice Love, and Lovher.

The song peaked at #24 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

In 2002, Playa had plans to release a follow-up album entitled "Never Too Late." The title song was released as a single and failed to chart in the U.S. (even though it topped the charts in Spain) and the album was shelved.

The group was featured on soundtracks such as "Dr. Doolittle," "Blue Streaks," "How to Be a Player," and "Romeo Must Die." By 2003, the group had parted ways, but two members of the group kept themselves busy.

Smokey (now Smoke E. Digglera) is now a solo artist. In 2009, he released his debut album, "The Truth in the Booth" which is available on iTunes.

In 2011, he released his latest single, "The Winner" which is also available on iTunes as well. He continues to perform and record music.

In 2005, Digital Black released his solo album, "Memoirs of an R&B Thug" and in 2007, he released his second album, "The Autobiography of Benjamin Bush." Both albums are available on CD Baby.

As for Static Major, he became a successful music producer, producing music for artists such as Ginuwine, Aaliyah and Pretty Ricky.

Sadly in February of 2008, Static Major passed away at the age of 33 due to a cerebral aneurysm. After his death, the single he was featured on starring rapper Lil Wayne, "Lollipop" hit #1 on the Billboard charts, becoming his big posthumous hit.

To see Smoke Digglera's official website, go to:
http://smokedigglera.bandcamp.com/

To see Smoke Digglera's official MySpace page, go to:
http://myspace.com/smokedigglera

To follow Smoke Digglera's on Twitter, go to:
http://twitter.com/smokedigglera

To see Smoke Digglera's YouTube page, go to:
http://youtube.com/smokedigglera

To see Smoke Digglera's iLike page, go to:
http://ilike.com/artist/Smoke+E.+Digglera

To see Smoke Digglera's Reverbnation page, go to:
http://reverbnation.com/smokedigglera

To see the music video for "Cheers 2 U," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yvSkYpVZ_I

To see the music video for "Don't Stop the Music," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JGy8QmsmCE


[updated on 04\10\2016]

Pure Sugar

Pure Sugar was a pop\dance group from the 90's consisting of members Jennifer Starr, Peter Lorimer and Richard "Humpty" Vission.

Their first recording was in 1995 under the name Richard "Humpty" Vission Presents Sugar with their single, "Feeling." By 1998, the group changed their name to Pure Sugar.
In June of 1998, the group released their self-titled debut album on Geffen Records. It's unknown how or if the album charted.

Pure Sugar's first single, "Delicious" became their biggest and only well-known hit song to date, peaking at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100, #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #16 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The group's second single, "Hands to Heaven" peaked at #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #32 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The final single from the album, "These Are The Times" peaked at #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #31 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The group was also featured on the TV soundtrack for "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" with their cover version of the Waitresses' "I Know What Boys Like."

After that, it seemed that the group faded into obscurity. Richard Vission and Peter Lorimer continued to DJ. Jennifer Starr has a solo career and now goes under the name "Jenstarr."

To see what Jennifer has been up to in an interview with the Milk Carton Pop Stars blog, go to:
http://musicrareobscure.blogspot.com/2010/01/pure-sugar-singer-found.html

To see the music video for "Delicious," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rOe6Cttji0

To see a fan-made video for "These Are The Times," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rOe6Cttji0


[updated on 05/21/13]

Katalina

Seeing the blog post on Milk Carton Pop Stars made me want to do one of this artist myself. I thank the good people there for posting that entry.

Katalina (born Kara Wethington from Chicago) was a pop dance singer from the 90s who signed to Thump Records.

Not a lot of information is given on this singer, but from what I've heard on Milk Carton Pop Stars, she worked part-time at a recording studio and a producer asked her to do a scratch vocal.

In 1996, Katalina released her debut album, "Sonic Groove." It's unknown how or if the album made the charts.

Her first single, "DJ Girl" peaked at #86 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #44 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

Katalina released two more follow-up singles, "Sonic Groove" and "You'll Be My Future," but they didn't go anywhere on the charts due to lack of promotion.

In 1999, Katalina appeared on the film soundtrack to "Simply Irresistible" with her remake of "Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered."

After that, it seemed as if she faded into obscurity, but according to Milk Carton Pop Stars, she works as a fashion publicist and sings with the band, The Bouncing Souls.

To see the music video for "DJ Girl," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuSiyFq6BjE

To see a fan-made video for "Sonic Groove," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffMKcUn6doM

To see a fan-made video for "You'll Be My Future," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxRQCcNdh9A



[updated on 05/21/13]