How a Boston boy band pioneered the hard-edged sound of new jack swing
In short: Before they were global icons, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe were children stars in New Edition. In 1989, they pivoted from pop to create a gritty fusion of soul, R&B, and hip hop that redefined the early 1990s musical landscape.
Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD) emerged from the Boston-based quintet New Edition. After gaining notice from producer Maurice Starr at a talent show in 1981, the group achieved early success with hits like "Candy Girl" and "Cool It Now." However, as the lineup matured throughout the 1980s, the members sought new musical directions. During a hiatus in 1989, producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis suggested they form a new group, leading them to sign with MCA Records.
Their 1990 debut album, Poison, served as a cornerstone for the "new jack swing" movement. By collaborating with Public Enemy producers Eric Sadler, Hank Shocklee, and Keith Shocklee, BBD fused traditional soul and R&B with hip hop, funk, and pop. This specific sonic shift allowed them to capture a fan base looking for a harder edge. The album was a massive success, selling over four million copies and reaching number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
The group's commercial peak was defined by singles like "Poison" and "Do Me!," both of which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100. While subsequent albums like Hootie Mack (1993) and BBD (2001) did not reach the same heights—though Hootie Mack achieved Gold status—the trio maintained a consistent presence in the industry. They have continued to perform together for over 30 years, balancing their own career with frequent reunions of New Edition.
Beyond their own discography, BBD has remained culturally relevant through high-profile collaborations and community work. Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson joined them for a Top 10 hit titled "The Best Things in Life Are Free", which they penned together during 1992. More recently, they have performed for significant causes, such as a 2013 benefit concert for Boston Marathon bombing victims, and released new material like the 2017 album Three Stripes.
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