Sly Fox

Sly Fox was a biracial pop/dance duo that consisted of Gary "Mudbone" Cooper (born on August 20, 1957 in Kansas City, Kansas) and Michael Camacho (born on November 28, 1958 in Los Angeles, California).

Gary was a former vocalist with Parliament-Funkadelic. The duo was formed by British music producer, Ted Currier and they presented as wholesome, clean-living teen idols.

In 1985, Sly Fox released their only album, "Let's Go All the Way" on Capitol Records, which peaked at #31 on the Billboard 200 and #34 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The title song became the duo's biggest hit to date, peaking at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #57 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #3 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The follow-up single, "Como Tu Te Llama?" peaked at #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, but failed to make the Billboard Hot 100.

The last single, "Stay True" peaked at a low #94 on the Billboard Hot 100. After that, the duo split up and went on to separate music careers.

These days, Gary Cooper is still involved in the music business and in 2006, he released his solo album, "Fresh Mud" which was a collaboration with Dave Stewart.

As for Michael Camacho, he has concentrated on jazz music and released his solo album, "Just For You" in 2006 which is available on CD Baby.

To see the music video for "Let's Go All the Way," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpHR3lDoyog

To see a fan-made video for "Como Tu Te Llama?," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw4ZK7l69xA

To see a fan-made video for "Stay True," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ8CHo6JM5s


[updated on 03/09/13]

Regina

Regina (born Regina Richards on April 22, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York) was a female dance/pop singer from the '80s. She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 1975 with a degree in theatre.

Regina started her musical career as part of the punk and new-wave music scenes in New York. In 1981, she released an album under the name Regina Richards and Red Hot on A&M Records followed by a solo single, "Deep Dreaming."

Initially, Regina wished to pursue success in the mainstream style as a songwriter with the idea that her work as a performer would remain in an alternative music vein.

She co-wrote the song, "Baby Love" with Stephen Bray (who was a frequent collaborator with Madonna). Regina wanted someone else to sing the song, but her record label, Atlantic Records told her to sing the song herself.

In 1986, "Baby Love" became Regina's first single and became a hit, peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #30 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks, and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for 2 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #58 on the U.K. Singles chart.

During that same year, Regina released her debut album, "Curiosity" which peaked at #102 on the Billboard 200.

The follow-up single, "Beat of Love" peaked at #40 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #22 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The last single, "Head On" made some impact on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, but it's unknown how it charted. In 1987, Regina took part in an anti-drug public service announcement with McGruff the Crime Dog.

In 1988, Regina released the single, "Extraordinary Love" which peaked at #11 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #28 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart. Her second album "Best Kept Secret" was planned, but never released.

In 1990, she released the single, "Track You Down" on Centurion Records, but it made no impact on the charts and after that, it seemed as if she faded into obscurity.

These days, Regina (who goes by the name Regina Lee) is married to a pediatric neurosurgeon & resides in Austin, Texas with her four kids.

To see the music video for "Baby Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i7f-Fv4X24

To see a video of Regina performing "Beat of Love" live, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQAU43jh8kc

To see a fan-made video for "Head On," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=967t5CDaovs

To see a fan-made video for "Extraordinary Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZoZLxPQqT0

To see a fan-made video for "Track You Down," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swg7N_SEqOI


[updated on 03/09/13]

Oaktown's 3.5.7.

Oaktown 3.5.7 were a female hip-hop/rap group from the late 80s/early 90s. They were formed by MC Hammer in 1989 and the members of the group consisted of Phyllis "Lil' P" Charles, Tabatha "Terrible T" King, and Djuana "Sweet L.D." Johnican.

The name "Oaktown" is a nickname for Oaktown, California and .357 Magnum was chosen to represent their powerful dance moves.

The girls began their career in the music & entertainment industry as background dancers for MC Hammer. While performing with him on stage, Lil' P, Terrible T, and Sweet L.D. gave an excellent show. They were featured in his music videos for "Pump it Up," "Let's Get it Started," and "Turn This Mutha Out."

The trio's performances as dancers and their creativity as lyricists drew interest from MC Hammer around the time when he was searching for a female singing group to create.

After hearing Lil' P rapping on the microphone rehearsing for a dancing show, he decided to present the idea to the girls about becoming singers and shortly after this suggestion, Oaktown 3.5.7. was formed.

In 1989, Oaktown's 3.5.7. released their debut album, "Wild & Loose" which peaked at #126 on the Billboard 200 and #23 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" peaked at #9 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart. When it was time to film the video for the song, Lil' P left the group to get married and two new members, Sweet P and VC were added to the group, making it a quartet.

After the first single, VC broke her leg and never returned to the group while Sweet P left to replace Sassy C of JJ Fad.

By the time the second single, "3-5-7 Straight at You" was released, the group was down to a duo: Terrible T and Sweet LD. The single started to get heavy video and club play which prompted two more singles from the album to be released.

The first of the two singles, "Juicy Gotcha Crazy" (featuring guest vocals by B Angie B) peaked at #7 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart, #48 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #42 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The last single from the album, "We Like It" peaked at #20 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart, #23 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #41 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #79 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

In 1991, after a brief hiatus, Oaktown's 3.5.7. released their second album, "Fully Loaded" which saw the girls taking more control over their image and music, ushering in a brand new sexy look and sound.

The first single from the album, "Turn it Up" peaked at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100, #19 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart, #46 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #35 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #18 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The second single, "It's Not Your Money" peaked at #53 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The last single from the album, "Honey" peaked at #44 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

According to the Milk Carton Pop Stars blog, there was a tenative release date for a follow up EP entitled "Fila Treatment," but it was never released. Due to internal conflict between the management and record company representing the duo, they were released from their management and record contract in 1992.

After that, it seemed as if Oaktown 3.5.7. faded into obscurity, but according to a comment I received from Sweet L.D. (now under the name Suhayla Sabir) back in 2010, all three members are doing well.

These days, Sweet L.D. resides in Fort Worth, Texas with her husband and two of her three sons. Her oldest son, Dijuan Muldrew is pursuing his passion in music.

She continues to be active in the music business and her single, "Get Up On It" is available on iTunes and Amazon.com. She and Phyllis (or "Lil' P") continue to perform together.

To see Oaktown 3.5.7's official Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/realoaktowns357#!/realoaktowns357

To follow Sweet L.D. on Twitter, go to:
http://www.twitter.com/@SweetLD357

To follow Lil' P on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/Oaktowns357lilp

To see Oaktown 3.5.7.'s YouTube page, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/officialoaktown357

To see the music video for "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfrJ2qL6gCs

To see the music video for "3.5.7. Straight At You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oORkYGjL26s

To see the music video for "Juicy Gotcha Krazy," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a8Zu8I8yT0

To see the music video for "We Like It," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Piqz0jPFJ_Y

To see the music video for "Turn it Up," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TICElUqqpl0

To see the music video for "Honey," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTNn6Irxoag


[updated on 03/09/13]

J.J. Fad

J.J. Fad is a female hip-hop/rap group from Rialto, California.

Their name was originally an acronym of the original group members' given names, but it was later changed to stand for "Just Jammin Fresh and Def." They became one of the original acts signed to rapper Eazy-E's Ruthless Records label.

The group was first formed in 1985 with members Juana "MC J.B." Burns, Dania "Baby-D" Birks, Anna "Lady Anna" Cash, Fatima "O.G. Rocker" Shaheed & Juanita "Crazy J" Lee.

In 1987, JJ Fad released their debut single "Anotha Ho" (which took jabs at female rapper Roxanne Shante). It's unknown how or if the single ever charted at all, but the b-side of the single would feature their future hit song "Supersonic."

Due to financial & management issues, Anna, Fatima & Juanita left the group. The remaining members, MC J.B. and Baby-D were later joined by Michelle "Sassy C" and DJ Train.

In 1988, the trio re-recorded & re-released "Supersonic" as the a-side this time which sold 400,000 copies independently before Eazy-E and the group's music manager Jerry Heller secured them a major-label record deal with Atco Records.

In July of that same year, J.J. Fad released their debut album "Supersonic: The Album" which peaked at #49 on the Billboard 200 and #20 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. It was produced by Dr. Dre, DJ Yella & Arabian Prince.

The album was certified Gold by the RIAA and received a Grammy nomination.

The title song became a hit for the trio, peaking at #30 on the Billboard Hot 100, #22 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 14 weeks), #10 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

Due to the success of the song, it was certified Gold by the RIAA and received a Grammy nomination as well. In 2006, female singer\actress Fergie used an interpolation of the track in her song "Fergalicious."

The follow-up single from the album "Way Out" peaked at #61 on the Billboard Hot 100, #51 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart (which stayed on the chart for 8 weeks) and #10 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The last single released from the album "Is It Love" peaked at #92 on the Billboard Hot 100, but didn't appear to make the R&B charts.

In 1991, J.J. Fad released their sophomore album "Not Just a Fad" which was produced by DJ Yella and overseen by Eazy-E.

The album failed to gain any success on the charts nor did the two singles released from the album: "Be Good Ta Me" and "We In the House."

Shortly after the release of "Not Just a Fad," J.J. Fad disbanded in 1992 and spent the next couple of years raising their respective families. Sadly in 1994, DJ Train passed away from smoke inhalation.

After spending almost two decades out of the music business, J.J. Fad reunited in 2009. These days, the trio performs at old-school and freestyle concerts.

To see J.J. Fad's official website, go to:
http://uncle-louie.com/jjfad/home.html

To see J.J. Fad's official Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/JJFAD123/

To see the music video for "Supersonic," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3nPLoODtGU

To see a fan-made video for "Way Out," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcdmq8YRuTs

To see the music video for "Is It Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhsOBeplnJI

To see the music video for "Be Good Ta Me," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_UYobi2bZ4

To see the music video for "We In the House," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5TeiBjW8wI

To see a fan-made video for "Anotha Ho," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldrcZNTYfmA

To see a fan-made video for the original version of "Supersonic," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2QZEuu2n18


[updated on September 22, 2017]

Nayobe

Nayobe (born Nayobe Catalina Gomez in 1968 in Brookyln, New York) was a female freestyle\dance singer from the 80's & 90's.

At a young age, Nayobe started out singing in talent shows and even won the Apollo Theater's "Amateur Night" concert. At the age of 11, she auditioned for "Annie" where her voice was used behind the stage and she was also an understudy. She was later in an off-Broadway production of "The Wiz."

After winning a Fever Records talent contest, Nayobe got a contract with the record label. She was also a background singer for artists such as the Fat Boys and Kurtis Blow.

Nayobe's first single, "Please Don't Go" which peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in March of 1985. During that same year, Nayobe was featured in the film, "Krush Groove" and on the movie soundtrack.

In 1986, Nayobe released her self-titled debut album which didn't appear to make the Billboard album charts.

Her second single, "Good Things Come to Those Who Wait" peaked at #15 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in January of 1987, #34 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #74 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in December of 1986, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

Another single, "Second Chance for Love" peaked at #30 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in June of 1987 and #33 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

By 1988, Nayobe was signed to Epic Records and released the single, "It's Too Late" for the "Twins" movie soundtrack. The song peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in April of 1989 and #35 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. She also opened up for Menudo's "Sons of Rock USA" tour.

In 1990, Nayobe released her sophomore album, "Promise Me" switching to R&B music. The album managed to peak at #86 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The only single to chart was "I Love the Way You Love Me" which peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart & #22 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in September of 1990, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

After the release of her second album, Nayobe took some time off and later gave birth to her daughter. She later got a record deal with Sony Records and it was originally supposed to be a two-album deal, but due to management changes, those plans fell through.

In 1997, Nayobe released her third studio album and first Latin music album, "Dame Un Poco Mas." One of the singles from the album, "Let's Party Tonight" received some airplay on New York's Mega 97.9 radio station. She provided vocals for Salma Hayek's on-screen musical performance in the film, "54."

In 1999, Nayobe released her fourth self-titled studio and second Latin music album on Platano Records which didn't appear to make the charts at all.

In 2005, she signed to JR5 Productions and worked in the studio with DJ Mike Cruz and Andy Lamboy on a house music single entitled "You're My Angel."

These days, Nayobe continues to perform live at freestyle music concerts, most recently at the 2012 Forever Freestyle concert.

To see a fan-made video for "Please Don't Go," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRPzuPkRsp0

To see a fan-made video for "Good Things Come to Those Who Wait," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIE0TCcVwt4

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

To see a fan-made video for "It's Too Late," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATt0FRPSkaM

To see the music video for "I Love the Way You Love Me," go to:
http://www.jukebo.com/nayobe/music-clip,i-love-the-way-you-love-me,qzp05l.html


[updated on 09\09\12]

Donna Allen

Donna Allen (born in Key West, Florida) is a female R&B/dance singer from the '80s known as "The Black Madonna."

She was raised in Tampa, Florida and was a cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She got her start performing in bands such as Trama and Hi-Octane. She was also a back-up singer for Gloria Estefan for 9 years.

In 1986, Donna released her debut album, "Perfect Timing" on 21 Records. The album peaked at #133 on the Billboard 200 and #33 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "Serious" became Donna's biggest hit to date, peaking at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #5 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #8 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single, "Satisfied" peaked at #33 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #14 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #92 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album, "Sweet Somebody" peaked at #48 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #55 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

In 1988, Donna released her follow-up album, "Heaven on Earth" on Oceana Records, which peaked at #28 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #19 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The second single, a cover version of Maze and Frankie Beverly's song, "Joy and Pain" peaked at #25 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #10 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album, "Can We Talk" peaked at #43 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #80 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In 1995, Donna released the single, "Real" which peaked at #23 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. In the U.K., the song peaked at #34 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The song was used in the Sylvester Stallone film, "The Specialist." In 1999, Donna recorded the song, "He Is the Joy" which was featured on the soundtrack for the 2009 film, "Precious."

In 2010, Donna released the single, "He's Got the Power" through the Saving Souls Thru Music Productions, Inc.

To see the music video for "Serious," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHHW85pVkRc

To see the music video for "Satisfied," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeurLH2CQFU

To see a fan-made video for "Sweet Somebody," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqBYgThKTc8

To see the music video for "Joy and Pain," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjZ13KaEuTE

To see a fan-made video for "Can We Talk," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oimWV_N1NpQ

To see a fan-made video for "Real," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALh53lPNVsE

[updated on 03/09/13]