BLACKstreet
Teddy "Street" Riley, heralded composer/producer/singer and leader of platinum soul super group Blackstreet, power crooner and group co-founder Chauncey "Black" Hannibal, and talented new members Eric Williams and Mark Middleton, take R&B to ANOTHER LEVEL for 96 and far beyond. Like its title suggests, and introduced by the funkdafied, feel good lead single "No Diggity" (produced by Riley and William Stewart, and featuring a phat rap intro by Dr. Dre), the impressive new Interscope album elevates contemporary urban music, expanding it's soulful parameters in the process. Another Level is a reflection of where Blackstreet has been, where we're at and where we're going," explained Teddy, acclaimed architect of the historic 80's R&B/hip-hop revolution still globally revered as "New Jack Swing."
Building on the certified platinum foundation forged by Blackstreet's debut 1994 self-titled, million seller CD, which spawned the top charted hits "Boot) Call," "Before I Let Go," "Joy," and "Tonight's The Night," the multi-hit potential of ANOTHER LEVEL is undeniable. In fact, jeep ready and radio friendly "No Diggity" (street speak for "no doubt"), is just the funky beginning of the red hot quartets cold chillin', new album.
Primarily recorded at Teddy's state of the art Future Recording studio in Virginia Beach, Virginia (where he and his family also reside), other outstanding tracks include: "Good Lovin'," a scintillating slowjam seductively delivered by Chauncey, who equally excels on the R&B Beautiful "Let's Stay In Love," "Never Gonna Let You Go," a tour-de-force romantic anthem, sparked by Marks explosive, scale defying tenor; The Fix," a totally addictive, head knoddin' Blackstreet butte track; "I Can't Get You Out Of My Mind," unforgettably powered by Eric's lush leads and Blackstreet's multi-layered harmony; and "Can't Buy Me Love," a serious soul remake of the Beatles '60s classic. "We worked hard to give the album depth, substance and maximum Blackstreet flavor," assures Riley, whose inspired musicianship, production and overall creative genius is indelibly imprinted throughout the sizzling CD.
Still residing on Blackstreet, where the extremely gifted new "residents"Eric and Mark, have comfortably settled in Teddy and Chauncey report the group's future never looked brighter. However, settling the record straight, Riley says about Blackstreet's personnel changes: "The departure of Levi (Little) and David (Hollister) was unexpected and a little unsettling at first, but we still wish them well. You see Chauncey and I have always made BLACKstreet's long term vision a priority. So when Mark and Eric stepped in we immediately realized the change was a blessing in disguise." 'Our sound is stronger, tighter and more diverse now," Chauncey chimes in. ;'And since Eric and Mark both sing incredible leads and harmony me and Teddy have more vocal support than ever. It's a win win situation any way you slice it."
Winning has been his forte before and after Teddy Riley burst on the performing scene in 1988, singing with and producing platinum hits for GUY.
"Basically, you can tell we're having fun," says Adam. "Thats really what this is all about."
A respected writer/producer in his own right, when Chicago born Chauncey Hannibal (whose R&B credentials also include singing back-up for Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, Al B. Sure and 2Pac), teamed up with Teddy in 1993 to make Blackstreet a reality, ironically, the line-up could have included New Jersey reared Eric Williams. A close friend and pre-Blackstreet singing partner of Chauncey's, the gospel honed Williams recalls, "We both wanted to be down with Teddy, and when Chauncey did it, I was really happy for him. But, I admit, now that I'm down with him too, I'm much happier.
The melodic passion ingrained in Mark Middleton's timeless tenor and fearless falsetto clearly adds to the emotional sonic wealth of ANOTHER LEVEL. Brooklyn born, South Carolina raised, and now based in Virginia, the college educated Middleton says he's also realizing a dream come true. "I've waited a long time for this opportunity, and God knows I couldn't be working with more talented, down-to-earth brothers than Teddy, Chauncey and Eric. For us, it's on for all and all for Blackstreet."
Its no accident that Blackstreet's second CD was titled ANOTHER LEVEL. Teddy illuminates: "from stronger leads, to hyper harmony, to more live instruments, to ending the album on a spiritual high note ("God Is Real"), "he concludes, "this is the off-the-hook album we wanted the first one to be."
"No Diggity," for now and way into the next Millennium, the permanent platinum address of solid soul R&B is #I Blackstreet
Here are some dope links to other pages on this web-site:
The info about The Magnificent Funky Mamma; Queen Pen
This is the ultimate biography of Teddy Riley (The Life Of Riley L.O.R.)
The 411 On BLACKstreet (I mean of all the members).
A site with all the lyrics I could find on the web (please send me more...).
The Best pictures of BLACKstreet, Teddy Riley and.......Queen Pen.
The Total compleet Teddy Riley Production List.
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BLACKstreet@CrazySexyCool.com
Teddy.Riley@USA.net
CoolTTVH@Freemail.com
BLACKstreet911@Hotmail.com
vheukelm@knmg.nl
QueenPen@yahoo.com