Where Are They Now: Bell Biv DeVoe

Bell Biv DeVoe is branched off from New Edition, consisting of the three previous members Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie Devoe. When New Edition decided to go their separate ways in the 80s, producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis suggested that all three collaborate to create their own group. The group was first supposed to be Bell Bivins Devoe, but eventually – after many edits – they decided on Bell Biv DeVoe.

With help from producers such as Eric Sadler, Hank Shocklee, and Keith Shocklee, Bell Biv DeVoe released their first album as an established group, Poison, in 1990 with MCA Records. The title-track became a sensation then and still is a hit today, the song combined hip hop, funk, and soul with a touch of pop in it, creating diversity and connection between all genres of music. The group became an overnight sensation, having an expansion of fans from people who enjoyed the heavier, harder sound to people who loved the R&B sound. “Poison” made its way to #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Chart. With their second single out, “Do Me!”, they saw #3 on the Billboards Hot 100 Chart. Eventually they decided to remix “Do Me!”, which then saw #1 on the Dance charts. Not only were those two songs that were well known on that album, but Bell Biv DeVoe also come out with “B.B.D (I Thought It Was Me)” and “When Will I See You Again?”. All in all, the album as a whole was a huge success, selling over three million copies. After Poison came out, a remix album was followed titled WBBBD-Bootycity produced by Richard Wolf and Epic Mazur (the same producers who helped create their first album), causing Poison to reach Platinum success.

After Bell Biv DeVoe received all the fame from their first album, they released their second album, Hootie Mack, in 1993 with MCA records. With this record though, they decided to go down a more R&B road. The album was not much of a success but that did not stop them from trying again to have another successful album. In 2001, they released their most recent and final album, Biv 10 Records, which was also not a success. All members of the group continue to pursue their music careers and still to this day perform together as a group.

By Nyla Wissa