Fascination

Fascination (born Elsie Rodriguez in the Bronx, New York) was a freestyle musician from the '80s and '90s.

She was discovered by music producer Todd Terry in New York City. She has also studied drama, dance and music.
In 1987, Fascination released her first single "Why You Wanna Go" on Vinylmania Records which peaked at #35 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
Her next single "Don't You Think It's Time" became another dance hit. After her two successful singles, Fascination was signed to Cutting Records.

In 1990, Fascination released the single "Remember" peaked at #27 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi Singles Sales chart & gave the singer a major endorsement deal with Coca-Cola.
Fascination released a few more singles such as "I Want You Back," "Still Miss You," and "Wasn't Love."

She was currently working on a new album, but nothing has been heard about it in quite a long time.  Despite this, Fascination appears to still perform live (like at the Freestyle Blast concert in 2009).

To see a fan-made video for "Why You Wanna," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rj6Y5ruUps

To see a fan-made video for "Remember," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPBg8_z9Zig

To see a fan-made video for "Don't You Think It's Time," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2J5ksfxq8s


[updated on 09\08\12]

Denine

Denine (born Denine Latanzo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a female freestyle\dance singer from the 90s.

In 1990, she met music producer\songwriter Adam Marano. After that, she provided the vocals on freestyle music group, TPE's song "Then Came You."

Due to the success of the single, Denine was signed to Viper\Metropolitan Records, but was later released from her contract.

In 1991, she released her first single "Baby I Love You" on Tripodi Records. It's unknown how or if the single ever made the charts.

In 1993, Denine released her second single "Tearshed '93" on Viper 7 Records which also didn't appear to make the charts.

Denine's third single "I Remember You" peaked at #116 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

During that same year, Denine released her debut album "To Be Continued..." which didn't appear to make the Billboard album charts.

Denine's fourth single, a cover version of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam's hit song, "All Cried Out" peaked at #72 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for 11 weeks and #33 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart.

She continued to release singles throughout the rest of the '90s, but later took a break from the music business to focus on raising her two sons.

These days, it appears as if Denine is still active in the music business, continuing to perform along with raising her sons.

To see Denine's Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/Deninemusic

To see Denine's YouTube page, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/user/deninemusic

To see a fan-made video for "Baby I Love You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDP-QPPKB0E

To see a fan-made video for "Tearshed '93," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuyoUtN2q3o

To see a fan-made video for "I Remember You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1a372MrUM0

To see a fan-made video for "All Cried Out," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjDZ8ah4ZfU


[updated on 09\08\12]

H-Town

H-Town is an R&B group from Houston, Texas that consisted of twin brothers Keven "Dino" and Solomon "Shazam" Conner and their good friend, Darryl "GI" Jackson. The group's name comes from the nickname of their hometown.

Dino and Solomon started their careers singing in talent shows before a local producer sent a demo tape to 2 Live Crew rapper\record label executive Luther "Luke" Campbell and the group was signed to Campbell's record label, Luke Records.
In 1993, H-Town released their debut album, "Fever For Da Flavor." The album peaked at #16 on the Billboard 200 chart, #1 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart, and #9 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart.

The group's well-known hit single, "Knockin' Da Boots" peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #34 on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart, and topped Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart for 4 weeks in June of 1993, staying on the chart for 27 weeks.

The second single, "Lick U Up" peaked at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100, #34 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #21 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The third single, "Keepin' My Composure" peaked at #46 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The last single from the album, "Baby I Wanna" peaked at #87 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

H-Town won a Soul Train Music Award for "Best New Artist" and during 1993, the group was part of the Coca-Cola tour along with R&B groups Silk, SWV, and Shai. They were featured on the "Above the Rim" movie soundtrack with the track "Part Time Lover" which managed to peak at #9 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.
In 1994, H-Town released their sophomore album, "Beggin' After Dark" which peaked at #98 on the Billboard 200 chart and #21 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "Back Seat (Wit No Sheets)" peaked at #58 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Emotions" peaked at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #11 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 23 weeks.

The group recorded a cover version of the Persuaders' song, "A Thin Line Between Love & Hate" for the 1996 movie of the same name. The song peaked at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks.
In 1997, H-Town released their third album, "Ladies Edition" which peaked at #53 on the Billboard 200 chart and #12 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The only single to chart from the album was "They Like It Slow" which peaked at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks. During that same year, the group had cut ties with Luther Campbell.

In July of 2000, Solomon Conner released a solo album entitled, "Bringing The Heat." In January of 2003, Dino and his girlfriend, Teshya Weisent were tragically killed in a car accident in Houston. The group was finishing up their newest album during the time of Dino's death.

In October 2004, H-Town released their fourth album, "Imitations of Life." Some of the songs from Solomon's solo album were featured on the album.

Today, Shazam & G.I. continue to perform & tour as H-Town. In 2011, they released the single, "I Appreciate You."

To see H-Town's official website, go to:
http://www.htown4ever.com

To follow H-Town on Twitter, go to:
http://www.twitter/htown4life

To see H-Town's official MySpace page, go to:
http://www.myspace.com/htownlegends

To see H-Town's YouTube page, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/htown4life

To see H-Town's official Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/htown4ever

To see the music video for "Knockin' Da Boots," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7XPRmMIrhY

To see the music video for "Lick U Up," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_bDlpLXlBc

To see the music video for "Keepin' My Composure," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf5AVDiO81A

To see the music video for "Baby I Wanna," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOZVBjQkrUs

To see a fan-made video for "Part Time Lover," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mLYN-F2Oek

To see the music video for "Back Seat (Wit No Sheets)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM4uXiYEmyA

To see the music video for "Emotions," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXYSvyuRes8

To see the music video for "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjRXTy-stnI

To see the music video for "They Like it Slow," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riJA8m-aEaA



[updated on 05\22\13]

Genuine Parts

Genuine Parts was a freestyle\dance duo from the late 80s that consisted of members Ivette and Diley.
In 1987, the duo released their first single, "Did It Feel Like Love" which peaked at #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #32 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart.

The duo released a few more singles such as "Show Me What To Do," "I Don't Care For You," and "Start Our Love Again," but it's unknown how well those singles did.

After that, it seemed that the group faded into obscurity. In 2007, it was announced that Genuine Parts has officially retired due to Diley and Ivette's personal commitments.

To see Genuine Parts' MySpace fan page, go to:
http://www.myspace.com/genuineparts

To see a fan-made video for "Did It Feel Like Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev5WCSxpHNk

To see a fan-made video for "I Don't Care For You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_V2_EDSK40

To see a fan-made video for "Start Our Love Again," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b8OACV5h04


[updated on 05\30\13]

Simple Pleasure

Simple Pleasure were an R&B trio from New Jersey that consisted of ex-military men Vann Holland, Gerald Drummond and Rodney Gibson.

The trio were previously stationed at the McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey & wrote songs for Queen Latifah and even starred in her music video for the song, "Fly Girl."

In 1992, the trio released their only self-titled album on Reprise Records. It's unknown how or if their album ever charted.

The first single from the album, "Where Do We Go" peaked at #25 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Never Before" peaked at #52 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. After that, it seemed the group has faded into obscurity. 

These days, Vann Holland is the owner and founder of an apparel and accessories company called Revolution Riche.  It is unknown what Gerald Drummond and Rodney Gibson are up to today.

To see the music video for "Where Do We Go," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDTpfu0uPqc

To see the music video for "Never Before," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AdCYVGAUOI


[updated on 04\17\2016]

After 7

After 7 is an R&B group which consists of brothers Melvin and Kevon Edmonds (yes, they are related to singer\music producer, Babyface Edmonds) and Keith Mitchell. The group hails from Indianapolis, Indiana.

In 1989, After 7 released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album "Heat of the Moment" peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100, #22 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. In the U.K., the song peaked at #87 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single "Don't Cha Think" peaked at #25 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The third single from the album "Ready or Not" peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 & Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart and became the group's first number-one R&B hit, topping Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart for 2 weeks, staying on the chart for 22 weeks.

The fourth single and their biggest hit to date, "Can't Stop" peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, #23 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and became After 7's second number-one R&B hit, topping Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart for a week in August of 1990,  staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The song also peaked at #54 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album "My Only Woman" peaked at #36 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

After 7's debut album was certified Platinum and in 1991, the group sang the song "Nights Like This" on the "Five Heartbeats" soundtrack.

The song peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #7 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

In 1992, After 7 released their sophomore album "Takin' My Time" which peaked at #76 on the Billboard 200 and #8 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "Kickin' It" peaked at #45 on the Billboard Hot 100, #21 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #40 on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart, and #6 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The second single from the album, "Baby I'm For Real (Natural High)" peaked at #55 on the Billboard Hot 100, #26 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #5 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 24 weeks.

The third single, "Can He Love U Like This" peaked at #103 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #22 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The last single from the album "Truly Something Special" peaked at #49 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

After 7 was featured on the "Sugar Hill" movie soundtrack with the track "Gonna Love You Right" which peaked at #15 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

They were also featured on the "Beverly Hills 90210: The College Years" soundtrack with the track "Not Enough Hours in the Night" which peaked at #56 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

In 1995, After 7 released their third album, "Reflections" which peaked at #40 on the Billboard 200 chart and #7 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "Til You Do Me Right" peaked at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100, #12 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #5 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 31 weeks. 

The follow-up single, "Damn Thing Called Love" peaked at #109 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #33 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The last single, "How Do You Tell the One" peaked at #60 on Billboard's R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. After that, the group split up and left Virgin Records due to creative differences.
In 1997, After 7 released their greatest hits album which peaked at #97 on the Billboard 200 and #24 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The group released a cover version of Hall and Oates' "Sara Smile" which peaked at #31 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks before they stopped making music together.
After the group went their separate ways, Kevon Edmonds released a solo album, "24\7" in 1999. The title song peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Gold.

His second album, "Who Knew" was released in 2009 on the Make Entertainment/Image Distribution record label.

Keith Mitchell was the manager for female rapper Sarai and is currently working on a gospel album, but no release date has been set or any details pertaining to the project have been heard.

Kevon and Melvin reunite occasionally. In 2006, Kevon performed at the New Jack Swing Reunion Tour with Keith Mitchell and his nephew, Jason Edmonds.

In 2007, Keith left the group and was replaced by Keith Floyd. Throughout 2007 to 2008, Kevon, Jason and Keith Floyd toured the United States as After 7.

In 2009, Keith Mitchell returned to the group. The current line-up consists of Kevon, Keith, and Jason Edmonds. It's unknown why Melvin is no longer performing with them.

To see the music video for "Can't Stop," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_ImNi_oDtI

To see the music video for "Ready Or Not," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_vXvJGCQRE

To see the music video for "Heat of the Moment," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2T8wU-5HbM

To see the music video for "Baby I'm For Real (Natural High)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NllETw3wnGw

To see a fan-made video for "Nights Like This," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2GsiDzo5s8

To see the music video for "Kickin It," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFMbN57n-SY

To see the music video for "Til You Do Me Right," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLZt_PnocAY


[updated on 05\30\13]