Nu Shooz

Nu Shooz was a dance music group consisting of husband & wife duo, John Smith and Valerie Day from Portland, Oregon which formed in 1979. The original band consisted of four members, but by 1980, it expanded to 12 members including 4 horns and 3 backup singers known as the I-Lets.

In 1981, Nu Shooz was down to 9 members and a year later, they released the album, "Can't Turn it Off" on Nebula Circle Records, which didn't appear to make much impact on the charts. By 1983, Valerie became the lead singer of Nu Shooz.

In April of 1985, they recorded the 5-song EP, "Tha's Right" and acting on a dare from local music writer, Gary Bryan of Portland, Oregon radio station, KKRZ, he put their song, "I Can't Wait" on the radio and it received strong and immediate attention.

By the end of the year, "I Can't Wait" became a regional hit, but when the song was remixed by Dutch DJ Pieder Slaghuis, the song's success took off, Atlantic Records signed Nu Shooz to the label in January 1986 and released the single a month later.

"I Can't Wait" peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #2 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 24 weeks, and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for 2 weeks.

The song also topped the charts in Canada for a week in July of 1986 and was also successful in the U.K., Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, Austria, and France.

In May of that same year, Nu Shooz released their first album on a major record label, "Poolside" which peaked at #27 on the Billboard 200 and #18 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The follow-up single, "Point of No Return" peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100, #36 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks, and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week in September of 1986.

The song was also moderately successful in Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, and the U.K., where it peaked at #48 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album, "Don't Let Me Be the One" peaked at #39 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

"Poolside" was certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 units and Nu Shooz was nominated for a Grammy in 1987 for "Best New Artist."

In 1988, Nu Shooz released their second album, "Told U So" which peaked at #93 on the Billboard 200 and #49 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "Should I Say Yes?" peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #17 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album, "Are You Lookin' For Somebody Nu" peaked at #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

In 1992, Nu Shooz released the single, "Time Will Tell" which was supposed to be from their third album on Atlantic Records, "Eat & Run," but the album ended up being shelved.

Nu Shooz was dropped from Atlantic Records and John disbanded the group stating that it wasn't fun anymore. After that, it seemed as if Nu Shooz faded into obscurity. During the late 90s, Valerie was a part of the Woody Hite Big Band. In 2005, she recorded duets with pianist Tom Grant.

In 2006, Nu Shooz recorded a chamber-jazz version of "I Can't Wait" and released the single, "I Can't Wait-Unplugged." A year later, John and Valerie reformed the group as the Nu Shooz Orchestra.

In 2010, they released a new album, "Pandora's Box" along with a music video entitled "Spy Vs. Spy."

In 2012, Nu Shooz released their latest album, "Kung Pao Kitchen" which is available on CD Baby, Amazon.com, and iTunes.

In addition to music, John Smith dabbles in art and literature. Since the '90s, he has written music for various commercials and scored many independent films. He is also a frequent musical contributor to a dance company called BodyVox.

John is also working on a graphic novel series, "Evolution: The Mutant Chronicles" with his son Malcolm.

Valerie Day is working on a multimedia project with jazz pianist, Darrell Grant called "Brain Chemistry For Lovers." These days, Nu Shooz continues to perform.

To see Nu Shooz's official website, go to:
http://www.nushoozmusic.com/

To see John Smith's website, go to:
http://www.malcocreative.com/

To see Valerie Day's website, go to:
http://www.valeriedaysings.com/

To see the music video for "I Can't Wait," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZrGEriC_fo

To see the music video for "Point of No Return," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wqxHThRgsA

To see a fan-made video for "Don't Let Me Be The One," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muL2s_98_f8

To see the music video for "Should I Say Yes?," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bCCR3jiG7E

To see a fan-made video for "Are You Looking For Somebody Nu?," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFx9U8Qtceg

To see a fan-made video for "Time Will Tell," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gwZoj07RDU


[updated on 03/23/13]

Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam

Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam were one of the most successful and talented music acts of the 80's & 90's.

They scored million-selling hits with their pop tunes, dance tracks, and wonderful ballads. They are also one of the most well known freestyle music groups.

Lisa Lisa (born Lisa Velez on January 15, 1967 in Hell's Kitchen, New York) was discovered by percussionist Mike Hughes, who was with the band, Full Force. She was hired as a roadie for Full Force.

Then Lisa was signed to Full Force's production and management company, nicknamed her "Lisa Lisa" and members Mike & his friend, guitarist Alex "Spanador" Moseley were added to the group.

In 1985, the group released their debut album, "Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force" which peaked at #52 on the Billboard 200 chart and #16 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

Their first single, "I Wonder If I Take You Home" became a hit, peaking at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August of 1985, #6 on Billboard's Black Singles chart in July of 1985, staying on the chart for 22 weeks, and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart & Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart for a week in June of 1985. The single was certified Gold by the RIAA.

The second single from the album, "Can You Feel The Beat" peaked at #69 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of 1985, #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in January of 1986, #9 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #40 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in December of 1985, staying on the chart for 26 weeks.

The last single from the album, "All Cried Out" became their first pop hit, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October of 1986, #12 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, and #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in September of 1986, staying on the chart for 23 weeks.

In 1987, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam released their second album, "Spanish Fly" which peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200 and Billboard's R&B Albums chart simultaneously. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA in the United States and Gold in Canada.

The first single from the album, "Head to Toe" topped the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, and Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart for a week in June of 1987, becoming their first #1 hit song.

The second single, "Lost in Emotion" became the group's second #1 pop hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart for a week in October of 1987. The song also peaked at #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #27 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart.

The third single from the album, "Someone to Love Me For Me" peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of 1987 and #7 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in May of 1988, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The last single from the album, "Everything Will B-Fine" peaked at #22 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in May of 1988, #31 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #7 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in May of 1988, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

During that same year, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam released a single, "Go For Yours" which was featured on the "Caddyshack II" movie soundtrack and peaked at #19 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in July of 1988, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.  

In 1989, the group released their third album, "Straight to the Sky" which peaked at #77 on the Billboard 200 and #18 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "Little Jackie Wants to Be a Star" peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of 1989, #7 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, and #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in June of 1989, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The second single, "Just Git it Together" peaked at #7 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in August of 1989 and #16 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in September of 1989, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The last single, "Kiss Your Tears Away" peaked at #26 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in November of 1989, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 1991, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam released their last album together, "Straight Out of Hell's Kitchen" which peaked at #133 on the Billboard 200 and #29 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "Let the Beat Hit 'Em" peaked at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August of 1991 and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart for 3 weeks in July of 1991 & Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart for a week in September of 1990, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album, "Where Were You When I Needed You" peaked at #65 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in November of 1991, staying on the chart for only 6 weeks.

During that same year, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam went their separate ways. Alex Moseley and Mike Hughes went on to do other various projects.

After the group broke up, Lisa Lisa released her debut solo album, "LL 77" on Pendulum Records. The album didn't appear to make the Billboard 200 chart.

The first single from the album, "Skip to My Lu" peaked at #105 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #38 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The follow-up single, "When I Fell in Love" peaked at #28 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in June of 1994 and #96 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in May of 1994, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The Spanish-language version, "Cuando Me Enamore" peaked at #16 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart in July of 1994.

In 2001, Lisa Lisa appeared on the Nickelodeon teen show, "Taina" playing the role of Gloria Morales, Taina's mother. The show ended in 2002.
In 2008, Lisa Lisa released her second album, "Life 'N Love" on the Mass Appeal Entertainment record label.

Alex Moseley plays guitar in a house band at NYC's "Cafe Wha?!" As for Mike Hughes, his whereabouts are unknown.

To see the music video for "Can You Feel The Beat," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEWdlp29s2k

To see the music video for "I Wonder If I Take You Home," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5m8lj5DCtI

To see the music video for "All Cried Out," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-fSv9jClCw

To see the music video for "Head To Toe," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Iq8JmmfxY

To see the music video for "Lost in Emotion," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxkbTG6PeCI

To see the music video for "Someone to Love Me For Me," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBfmTu1J9j8

To see a live video of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam performing "Everything Will B-Fine," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bzx3ofGN3w

To see the music video for "Just Git It Together," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X6APuPTMqk

To see the music video for "Kiss Your Tears Away," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f93IOIGBIX0

To see the music video for "Little Jackie Wants To Be A Star," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-g8jkNTxuQ

To see the music video for "Let The Beat Hit Em," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7Zz4n7WFkk

To see the music video for "Where Were You When I Needed You," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_65BIe2JL4U

To see the music video for "Skip To My Lu," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYQ0poq11as

To see a fan-made video for "When I Fell in Love," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRepnCPQPmY

To see a fan-made video for "Go For Yours," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD8htRhheXk

[updated on 09\08\12]

Guy

Guy is an R&B group from Harlem, New York that was successful in the New Jack Swing music scene of the late '80s/early '90s.

The original line-up consisted of singer/songwriters Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Timmy Gatling. Teddy and Timmy were childhood friends and collaborated together in a band called Kids At Work.

As a teenager, Teddy formed his first band, Wreckx-N-Effect with his brothers, Markell Riley and Brandon Mitchell. After that, he founded Guy in 1987 with Aaron and Timmy. Under the guidance of their manager, Gene Griffin, Guy signed to Andre Harrell's Uptown Records label.

In June of 1988, Guy released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #27 on the Billboard 200 and topped Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

Timmy left the group after the album recording was completed and was replaced by Aaron's younger brother, Damion for their tour with New Edition.

The first single from the album, "Groove Me" peaked at #33 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #4 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The second single, "Round and 'Round (Merry Go 'Round of Love)" peaked at #24 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The third single, "Teddy's Jam" peaked at #25 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #5 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The fourth single, "I Like" peaked at #70 on the Billboard Hot 100, #36 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #9 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #2 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The last single from the album, "Spend the Night" peaked at #35 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #15 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

During 1988, Teddy found himself in strong demand as a producer and songwriter. He produced Bobby Brown's "Don't Be Cruel" album which helped new jack swing music crossover into the pop mainstream. Guy would later fire their manager, Gene Griffin, claiming that he allocated funds from them.

In 1989, Teddy Riley and Guy were featured on the Spike Lee film soundtrack, "Do The Right Thing" with the track "My Fantasy" which peaked at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100, #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and topped Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart for a week in September of 1989, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

Teddy continued to produce and remix for other musicians and established himself as the driving force behind the New Jack Swing music scene. Sadly in 1990, Teddy's brother, Brandon was killed in a shooting.

During that same year, Guy released their sophomore album, "The Future" which peaked at #16 on the Billboard 200 and topped Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

After the group fired their manager, it angered Aaron so much, he didn't sing on half of the album and Teddy sang lead vocals for roughly half of the album.

Things got out of hand while on tour with New Edition. Even though New Edition were headliners, Guy happened to upstage them a few times which caused a deadly rivalry that caused one of New Edition's production managers, Ronald Boyd to shoot & murder Anthony Bee, who was a member of Guy's security detail.

One of the songs from their album "Long Gone" was dedicated to Anthony and Teddy's brother, Brandon.

The first single from the album, "I Wanna Get With U" peaked at #50 on the Billboard Hot 100, #27 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #12 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #4 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The second single, "Let's Chill" peaked at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100, #10 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #3 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The third single, "Do Me Right" peaked at #47 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #18 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #2 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The fourth single, "D-O-G Me Out" peaked at #15 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #8 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The last single, "Let's Stay Together" peaked at #39 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #16 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

Another single, "Her" peaked at #58 on the U.K. Singles chart, but didn't make the charts in the United States.

By the time they released the last single from their second album, Guy had split up and pursued individual endeavors. Aaron and Damion each released solo albums while Teddy started another successful music group, Blackstreet.

In 1995, Guy was featured on the "New York Undercover" soundtrack with the song, "Tell Me What You Like" which managed to peak at #66 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.

In 1999, Guy reunited to release their first album in nine years, "Guy III" which peaked at #13 on the Billboard 200 and #5 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "Dancin'" surprisingly became their highest chart appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #19 on the chart. The song also peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Why You Wanna Keep Me From My Baby" peaked at #50 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. The album was poorly promoted and the group soon broke up. 

Since 2005, Guy has reformed periodically every now & then. Despite rumors of working on a new album, the trio has yet to release another one.

To see the music video for "Groove Me," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAu2bsV9CiQ

To see the music video for "Round and 'Round (Merry Go 'Round of Love)," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA2DOESjTz0

To see a fan-made video for "Teddy's Jam," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmJM9vth8Ws

To see a fan-made video for "I Like," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfLSNltFUtk

To see the music video for "My Fantasy," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR4b4V-lH1I

To see the music video for "I Wanna Get With U," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnH0HGhQgyU

To see the music video for "Let's Chill," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wj8Yxa309E

To see the music video for "Do Me Right," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdFceqWv2OI

To see the music video for "D-O-G Me Out," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOG-K7ASCvA

To see the music video for "Let's Stay Together," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpGj1rEGjyw

To see a fan-made video for "Tell Me What You Like," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwlJeOA5gZA

To see the music video for "Dancin'," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MibT9cPslUU

To see a fan-made video for "Why You Wanna Keep Me From My Baby," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCs31CGWv7k

To see the music video for "Her," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpoUIzb8y80


[updated on 03/10/13]