Bell Biv DeVoe, also known as BBD, is an American music group from Boston, Massachusetts, formed from members of New Edition, consisting of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe. The band is best known for their debut album, the multi-platinum selling ''

Poison Poison is a chemical substance that has a detrimental effect to life. The term is used in a wide range of scientific fields and industries, where it is often specifically defined. It may also be applied colloquially or figuratively, with a broa ...

'', a key work in the

new jack swing New jack swing, new jack, or swingbeat is a fusion genre of the rhythms and production techniques of hip hop and dance-pop, and the urban contemporary sound of R&B. Spearheaded by producers Teddy Riley and Bernard Belle, new jack swing was mos ...

movement of the 1990s that combined elements of traditional soul and R&B with hip hop. Two singles from the album, "

" and " Do Me!", both reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990. The band released three more albums, though none had the success of their debut. Their most recent album '' Three Stripes'' came out in 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

The trio of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe has their origins as founders of the Boston-based quintet New Edition, which had gained notice of famed producer Maurice Starr at 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 producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the three decided to form a new group, and were signed by MCA Records.Heyliger, Mike. "Popdose Flashback ’90: Bell Biv DeVoe, Poison" (Popdose.com. March 11, 2010. Web. March 25, 2010.) With help from Public Enemy producers

Eric Sadler The Bomb Squad were an American hip hop production team known for its work with hip hop group Public Enemy. The Bomb Squad is noted for its dense, distinct, innovative production style, often utilizing dozens of samples on just one track. The ...

, Hank and

Keith Shocklee Keith Matthew Boxley (born January 2, 1962), better known as Keith Shocklee or Wizard K-Jee, is an American record producer and DJ. He was an original member of Public Enemy and the Bomb Squad. He has contributed his talent to several albums incl ...

and several others, Bell Biv Devoe released its debut album ''Poison'' in 1990, an album credited as pioneering the "

" sound of the early 1990s, combining hip-hop, funk, soul, and pop music. This fusion of styles helped to expose them to a fan base which preferred a harder edged sound. ''Poison'' reached number 1 on ''Billboard''s R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and its title track, along with its second single, " Do Me!", both reached number 3 on ''Billboard''s Hot 100 chart. Shortly thereafter, Richard Wolf and Epic Mazur were responsible for the remix of "Do Me!" (which hit number six on the dance charts). ''Poison'' also spawned the singles " B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?", "

When Will I See You Smile Again? "When Will I See You Smile Again?" is a song performed by American contemporary R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe, issued as the fourth single from the group's debut studio album ''Poison''. The song peaked at #63 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in 1991, whi ...

" and "

She's Dope! "She's Dope!" is a song performed by American contemporary R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe Bell Biv DeVoe, also known as BBD, is an American music group from Boston, Massachusetts, formed from members of New Edition, consisting of Ricky Bell, Mich ...

" ''Poison'' sold over four million copies, and was followed up by a remix album titled ''WBBD-Bootcity''. Bell Biv DeVoe released '' Hootie Mack'' in 1993 on MCA Records, and the more hardcore rap/R&B influenced ''

BBD BBD may stand for: Music *Bell Biv DeVoe or BBD, a music group ** ''BBD'' (album), an album by Bell Biv DeVoe **" B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?", a song by Bell Biv Devoe from ''Poison'' *** B.B.D. (The Poison Tour) *Be-Bop Deluxe, a rock band *Big ...

'' in 2001 on Biv 10 Records. Neither album was as successful as ''Poison'', though ''Hootie Mack'' did 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. 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" for Boston Strong, a benefit concert to raise money for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. In 2016, BBD released their first track in 15 years, "Run," along with an accompanying music video. It was the first single off the album '' Three Stripes'', which was released January 27, 2017.

Awards and nominations

In 1991, the group received the award for Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Album of the Year, Group, Band or Duo for ''Poison'' at the Soul Train Music Awards. The group also received an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group in 1992.

Discography

Studio albums

Remix album

Compilation album

Singles

Notes * a As it was not issued as a retail single in the United States, "Word to the Mutha!" was not eligible to enter the ''Billboard'' Hot 100; however, it peaked at number 37 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart. * b Re-issued and remixed in 1995, and therefore classed as a separate Top 10 hit * cChart peak listed represent the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.

Music videos

References

External links

BBD-Music.com (Old official website)BellBivDevoe.com (Future official website)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bell Biv Devoe African-American musical groups American contemporary R&B musical groups American hip hop groups New jack swing music groups * MCA Records artists Universal Records artists Musical groups from Boston Musical groups established in 1989 Musical trios