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Next is an American R&B musical trio, popular during the late 1990s and early 2000s. They are best known for their Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit single " Too Close". They are also known for " Wifey" and " I Still Love You", both of which still receive frequent airplay on Urban Adult Contemporary radio stations in the U.S. and internationally.


History


1992–1999: Early beginnings and breakthrough

The group was formed in 1992 by Robert "R.L." Huggar and brothers Raphael "Tweety" Brown and Terry "T-Low" Brown in Minneapolis, Minnesota after being introduced by the Brown's uncle, a gospel choir director. Originally, they were first known as ''Straight4ward'', and at one point managed by Sounds of Blackness' Ann Nesby. However, after catching the attention of Naughty by Nature's KayGee, he took the group to his
Arista Arista may refer to: Organizations *Arista Networks, a software defined networking company *Arista Records, an American record label, division of Sony Music **Arista Nashville, a record label specializing in country music *Arista (honor society) ...
label Divine Mill, and began work on their debut album. They released their KayGee-produced debut single "Butta Love" in September 1997, which became a big R&B hit for the group peaking at No. 4 (and hitting the top 20 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart). Soon after, their debut album, ''
Rated Next ''Rated Next'' is the debut studio album by American musical group Next. After forming, the trio recorded several songs with record producers Prof. T. and Lance Alexander before catching recording artist and producer Keir "KayGee" Gist of Americ ...
'' was released on September 30, and sold moderately. It was followed in 1998 by the release of their biggest hit to date, " Too Close", which hit No. 1 on both the R&B and the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 charts. Sales of their debut album surged, helping the album peak at No. 13 R&B and No. 37 on the ''Billboard'' 200, eventually being certified double platinum, and earning them American Music Awards, ''Billboard'' Awards and Soul Train Awards nominations. A third single "I Still Love You" garnered the group another Top 5 R&B hit and a Top 20 on the Hot 100 charts.


2000–present: Label changes and hiatus

In 2000, the group released the lead single "Wifey" ahead of their second album for Arista. The song became another No. 1 R&B hit for the group and also featured singer Lil' Mo on background vocals. Their second album, '' Welcome II Nextasy'', was released in June 2000 and was certified gold on the strength of the lead single. A second single "Beauty Queen" received moderate airplay, peaking at No. 48 on R&B and No. 59 on the Hot 100. After the album's cycle, the group took a break, leading RL to record and release his debut solo album ''RL:Ements'' for
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' then-new J Records label in 2002, which achieved moderate success with the singles "Got Me a Model" and "Good Man". The group also joined the J Records label, and released their third studio album '' The Next Episode'' in December of that same year. It featured the lead single "Imagine That" which peaked at No. 66 R&B and No. 91 on the Hot 100. Also, they collaborated with Jaheim on his single "Anything" off his debut album '' Ghetto Love'' which earned the group another Top 10 R&B hit. After leaving the J Records label, they briefly aligned with
50 Cent Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975), known professionally as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, and businessman. Born in the South Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, Jackson began pursuing a musical career in 2000, when he produced ...
's G-Unit and with Matthew Knowles' Music World labels, but did not release any music. The group later broke up due to internal conflicts and member T-Low suffering from a career-ending throat condition, but eventually reunited in 2011. In 2014, the group began and completed work on a new album titled ''Next, Lies, & Videotape'' (originally titled ''Music 101'') but it was ultimately shelved. In 2016, the group was featured on TV One's "Unsung" series which prompted another reunion for the group after a couple years of being distant. In March 2018, the group premiered their new single "Want It" to UAC radio.


Discography


Studio albums


Singles


Awards and nominations

*
Billboard Awards The ''Billboard'' Music Awards are honors given out annually by ''Billboard'', a publication covering the music business and a music popularity chart. The ''Billboard'' Music Awards show has been held annually since 1990, with the exception of t ...
**1998 Top New Artist (winner) **1998 Top Hot 100 Singles - Duos/Group (winner) **1998 Top R&B Artist - Duos/Group (winner singles & album) **1998 Top New R&B Artist (winner) **1998 Top Hot R&B Singles Artist (winner) **1998 Top Hot R&B Singles Artist - Duos/Group (winner) **1998 Top Hot 100 Single (Winner) **1998 Top Hot R&B Single Airplay (Winner) * American Music Awards **1999, Favorite Soul/R&B Band, Duo or Group: (Nominated) **1999, Favorite New Soul/R&B New Artist: (Nominated) * Soul Train Awards **2001, Best R&B/Soul Album by a Band, Duo or Group: Welcome II Nextasy (Nominated) **1999, Best R&B/Soul Single by a Band, Duo or Group: "Too Close" (Winner)


References


External links

*
Billboard.com - Biography - Next ''Billboard'' (stylized as ''billboard'') is an American music and entertainment magazine published weekly by Penske Media Corporation. The magazine provides music charts, news, video, opinion, reviews, events, and style related to the music ...
br>Next in London, UK 29th April 2010Next is big winner at Billboard Awards - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper
{{DEFAULTSORT:Next African-American musical groups American contemporary R&B musical groups Musical groups from Minnesota Arista Records artists J Records artists Interscope Records artists