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Bell Biv DeVoe

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Bell Biv DeVoe
Members with Bobby Brown as “RBRM” during a 2018 interview. From left to right: Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, and Michael Bivins.
Members withBobby Brownas “RBRM” during a 2018 interview. From left to right: Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, and Michael Bivins.
Background information
Also known asBBD
OriginBoston, Massachusetts,U.S.
Genres
Years active1989–present
Labels
Spinoff ofNew Edition
MembersRicky Bell
Michael Bivins
Ronnie DeVoe
Websitewww.bellbivdevoe

Bell Biv DeVoe,also known asBBD,is an American music group from Boston, Massachusetts, formed from members ofNew Edition,consisting ofRicky Bell,Michael BivinsandRonnie DeVoe.

The band is best known for their debut album, the multi-platinum sellingPoison,a key work in thenew jack swingmovement of the 1990s that combined elements of traditionalsoulandR&Bwithhip hop.Two singles from the album, "Poison"and"Do Me!",both reached number 3 on theBillboard Hot 100in 1990. The band released three more albums, though none had the success of their debut. Their most recent albumThree Stripescame out on January 27, 2017.

Despite only producing four albums of original material in a 31-year span, the group has continuously toured and performed live, both as an act on their own and on several New Edition reunion tours.

History

[edit]

The trio ofRicky Bell,Michael Bivins,andRonnie DeVoehas their origins as founders of theBoston-based quintetNew Edition,which had gained notice of famed producerMaurice Starrat a talent show in 1981, and as children had several hits with songs like "Candy Girl"and"Cool It Now".

Throughout the 1980s, the line-up changed and the group matured and sought to branch out in new musical directions. During a hiatus in 1989, and at the suggestion of producersJimmy Jam & Terry Lewis,the three decided to form a new group, and were signed byMCA Records.[1]With help fromPublic EnemyproducersEric Sadler,HankandKeith Shockleeand several others, Bell Biv Devoe released its debut albumPoisonin 1990, an album credited as pioneering the "new jack swing"sound of the early 1990s, combining hip-hop, funk, soul, and pop music.[2]This fusion of styles helped to expose them to a fan base which preferred a harder edged sound.[1]Poisonreached number 1 onBillboard's R&B/Hip-Hop chart, andits title track,along with its second single, "Do Me!",both reached number 3 onBillboard's Hot 100 chart. Shortly thereafter,Richard WolfandEpic Mazurwere responsible for the remix of "Do Me!" (which hit number six on the dance charts).[3]Poisonalso spawned the singles "B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?","When Will I See You Smile Again?"and"She's Dope!"[4]Poisonsold over four million copies, and was followed up by a remix album titledWBBD-Bootcity.[5][6]

Bell Biv DeVoe releasedHootie Mackin 1993 on MCA Records, and the more hardcore rap/R&B influencedBBDin 2001 onBiv 10 Records.Neither album was as successful asPoison,thoughHootie Mackdid reach Gold success. Despite the fact that the group has only released four albums, the members of Bell Biv Devoe continue to perform together as a group.[7]They also participated in several New Edition reunions, and continue to perform with them on tour as part of the group. On May 30, 2013, Bell Biv DeVoe performed their hit song "Poison" forBoston Strong,a benefit concert to raise money for victims of theBoston Marathon bombing.[8]

In 2016, BBD released their first track in 15 years, "Run," along with an accompanying music video.[9]It was the first single off the albumThree Stripes,which was released January 27, 2017.

In 2023, they performed the national anthem with TheBoston Pops Orchestraat the2023 Winter Classic.

On October 5, BBD released a new single entitled, "Act Like You Know" featuringRev Run.

Awards and nominations

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In 1991, the group received the award for Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Album of the Year, Group, Band or Duo forPoisonat theSoul Train Music Awards.[10]

The group also received anAmerican Music Awardfor Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group in 1992.

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales thereshold)
US
[11]
US R&B
[12]
AUS
[13]
NZ
[14]
UK
[15]
1990 Poison 5 1 83 13 35
1993 Hootie Mack
  • Release date: June 1, 1993
  • Label: MCA Records
19 6 3 33
2001 BBD 62
2017 Three Stripes 18 10
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Remix album

[edit]
Year Album details Peak chart
positions
Certifications
(sales threshold)
US
[11]
US R&B
[12]
AUS
[17]
1991 WBBD-Bootcity!: The Remix Album
  • Release date: August 27, 1991
  • Label: MCA Records
18 18 126

Compilation album

[edit]
Year Album
2000

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales threshold)
Album
US
[18]
US R&B
[19]
US Dance
[20]
AUS
[13][21][17]
NED
[22]
NZ
[14]
UK
[15]
1990 "Poison" 3 1 7 64 25 3 19 Poison
"Do Me!" 3 4 6 60 8 56
"B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?" 26 1 16 100 37 86
1991 "When Will I See You Smile Again?" 63 3
"She's Dope!" 9 151
"Word to the Mutha!"(featuringBobby Brown,Ralph TresvantandJohnny Gill) [a] 151 11 76 WBBD-Bootcity!: The Remix Album
1992 "The Best Things in Life Are Free"(Luther VandrossfeaturingJanet Jackson,BBD andRalph Tresvant) 10 3 2 20 6 2[23] Mo' Money (soundtrack)
1993 "Gangsta" 21 22 17 11 Non-album single
"Above the Rim" 81 15 Hootie Mack
"Something in Your Eyes" 38 6 73 60
1995 "The Best Things in Life Are Free"[b](Luther VandrossfeaturingJanet Jackson,BBD andRalph Tresvant) 7[26] Mo' Money (soundtrack)
2001 "The Hot Shit" BBD
2016 "Run" 7[c] Three Stripes
2017 "Finally"(featuringSWV) 18[c]
2023 "Act Like You Know"(featuringRev Run) Non-album single
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Notes

  • a^As it was not issued as a retail single in the United States, "Word to the Mutha!" was not eligible to enter theBillboardHot 100;[27]however, it peaked at number 37 on theHot 100 Airplaychart.[28]
  • b^Re-issued and remixed in 1995, and therefore classed as a separate Top 10 hit[26][29][30]
  • c^Chart peak listed represent the BillboardAdult R&B Songschart.

Music videos

[edit]
Year Video Director
1990 "Poison" Lionel C. Martin
1991 "Do Me!"
"B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?" N/A
"When Will I See You Smile Again?" Lionel C. Martin
"She's Dope!"
"Word To The Mutha!" N/A
1993 "Gangsta" N/A
"Above the Rim" N/A
"Something in Your Eyes" Lionel C. Martin
2001 "Da Hot Sh** (Aight)" N/A
2016 "Run" Lionel C. Martin
2017 "I'm Betta" Kay Gee

References

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  1. ^abHeyliger, Mike. "Popdose Flashback ’90: Bell Biv DeVoe, Poison" (Popdose. March 11, 2010. Web. March 25, 2010.)
  2. ^J. D. Considine. "After a great 1990, Bell Biv DeVoe to ring in new year: [FINAL Edition]". December 28, 1990,Baltimore Sun.Web. 1 Apr. 2010.
  3. ^Widran, Jonathan (April 14, 1991). "Producer Crosstalk".Music Connection.
  4. ^"Bell Biv DeVoe: Chart History".Billboard.n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010.
  5. ^Huey, Steve. "Bell Biv DeVoe: Biography." AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. n.d. Web. March 25, 2010.
  6. ^Henderson, Alex. "WBBD-Bootcity! The Remix Album > Overview." AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. n.d. Web. April 12, 2010.
  7. ^Gerald M. Gay."'80s group still has its devotees: Bell Biv DeVoe here for 'Slow Jams Live' gig. "McClatchy – Tribune Business News 19 February 2009 ProQuest Newsstand, ProQuest. Web. April 10, 2010.
  8. ^"Aerosmith, James Taylor, Boston, NKOTB and Others Perform at Boston Strong Benefit Concert".Classichitsandoldies. May 28, 2013.RetrievedJune 1,2013.
  9. ^"Bell Biv Devoe Make A Run With Their First New Song In 15 Years (Video)".September 12, 2016.RetrievedSeptember 12,2016.
  10. ^Special. "Hammer gets rapped at Soul Train awards:[FIN Edition]." Toronto Star 14 Mar. 1991, ProQuest Newsstand, ProQuest. Web. 10 Apr. 2010.
  11. ^ab"Bell Biv DeVoe Chart History > Billboard 200".Billboard.RetrievedJune 16,2019.
  12. ^ab"Bell Biv DeVoe Chart History > Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums".Billboard.RetrievedJune 16,2019.
  13. ^abAustralian (ARIA) chart peaks:
  14. ^abNew Zealand chart peaks:
  15. ^abUK chart peaks:
  16. ^abcd"RIAA > Gold & Platinum > Search results for 'Bell Biv DeVoe' (from riaa )".Imgur (original source published byRecording Industry Association of America).RetrievedMarch 23,2017.
  17. ^ab"Bubbling Down Under Week Commencing February 10, 1992".Bubbling Down Under.RetrievedFebruary 11,2023.
  18. ^"Bell Biv DeVoe Chart History > Hot 100".Billboard.RetrievedJune 16,2019.
  19. ^"Bell Biv DeVoe Chart History > Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs".Billboard.RetrievedJune 16,2019.
  20. ^US Dance Club Songs chart peaks:
  21. ^"Bubbling Down Under Week Commencing August 19, 1991".RetrievedAugust 19,2022.
  22. ^Dutch chart peaks:
  23. ^"LUTHER VANDROSS AND JANET JACKSON | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company".OfficialCharts.
  24. ^abRyan, Gavin (2011).Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010(pdf ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. pp. 28, 293.
  25. ^"Janet Jackson & Luther Vandross - The Best Things in Life Are Free".bpi.co.uk.RetrievedAugust 20,2022.
  26. ^ab"LUTHER VANDROSS/JANET JACKSON | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company".OfficialCharts.
  27. ^Ellis, Michael (September 7, 1991)."Hot 100 Singles Spotlight"(PDF).Billboard.Vol. 103, no. 36. BPI Communications. p. 69.ISSN0006-2510.RetrievedApril 28,2015.
  28. ^"Billboard > Artists / Bell Biv DeVoe > Chart History > Radio Songs".Billboard. Archived fromthe originalon October 3, 2015.RetrievedMarch 23,2017.
  29. ^"Luther Vandross | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company".OfficialCharts.
  30. ^"Janet Jackson | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company".OfficialCharts.
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