The Newtrons
This trio attempted to emulate Bobby Brown, New Edition, New Kids on The Block, and the Jackson Five. Signed to Motown records, the Newtrons enjoyed a brief moment of fame with a Soul Train appearance. Their album was a commercial failure – but it was a commendable effort.
Nice & Smooth
Rappers Gregg Nice and Smooth Bee made up the duo of Nice & Smooth, which made a hilariously early appearance on Big Daddy Kane’s “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy” in 1989. The duo’s sophomore LP was released near the end of the New Jack Swing era with “Hip Hop Junkies” sampling the opening of David Cassidy’s “I Think I Love You” beautifully. They followed that up with a hit that crossed over to suburban audiences “Sometimes I Rhyme Slow” based on its sample of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Cars”. Gregg Nice made a memorable guest appearance on Mary J. Blige’s “You Remind Me (remix)”. Two other albums exist by the group – their self-titled 1989 debut, and 1997’s ‘Blazing Hot, Vol. 4’.
N.W.A. (N****s With Attitude)
(l to r) Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, DJ Yella, and M.C. Ren
...bio coming soon!