The band is best known for their debut album, the multi-platinum selling Poison, a key work in the new jack swing movement of the 1990s that combined elements of traditional soul and R&B with hip hop. Two singles from the album, "Poison" 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 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,[1] both as an act on their own and on several New Edition reunion tours.
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.[2] With help from Public Enemy producers Eric Sadler, Hank and Keith Shocklee and several others, Bell Biv Devoe released its debut album Poison in 1990, an album credited as pioneering the "new jack swing" sound of the early 1990s, combining hip-hop, funk, soul, and pop music.[3] This fusion of styles helped to expose them to a fan base which preferred a harder edged sound.[2]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).[4]Poison also spawned the singles "B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?", "When Will I See You Smile Again?" and "She's Dope!"[5]Poison sold over four million copies, and was followed up by a remix album titled WBBD-Bootcity.[6][7]
Bell Biv DeVoe released Hootie Mack in 1993 on MCA Records, and the more hardcore rap/R&B influenced BBD 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.[8] 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.[9]
In 2016, BBD released their first track in 15 years, "Run," along with an accompanying music video.[10] It was the first single off the album Three Stripes, which was released January 27, 2017.
On October 5 2023, BBD released a new single entitled, "Act Like You Know" featuring Rev Run.
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.[11]
The group also received an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group in 1992.
"—" 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 the Billboard Hot 100;[28] however, it peaked at number 37 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart.[29]
b^ Re-issued and remixed in 1995, and therefore classed as a separate Top 10 hit[27][30][31]
c^ Chart peak listed represent the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.
^Henderson, Alex. "WBBD-Bootcity! The Remix Album > Overview." AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. n.d. Web. April 12, 2010.
^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.
Top 100 peaks to December 2010: Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (pdf ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 28.
