You can’t talk 90s R&B without talking about R&B groups. With that being said, I want to talk about Dru Hill and Next — and their debuts, Dru Hill (Self-Titled) and Rated Next, respectively.
Dru Hill released their album first in ’96. Their sound was somewhat similar to Jodeci. However, they would quickly separate themselves from the North Carolina group with their own hits such as “Tell Me,” “In My Bed,” “Never Make A Promise,” and “5 Steps.”
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Dru Hill peaked at number 23 on Billboard 200 chart. It was certified platinum by the RIAA.
Next dropped Rated Next the following year. As many can recall, the 90s was a freaky decade regarding R&B. And RL, T-Low, and Tweety contributed to the cause with their first single, “Butta Love,” a compliment to the ladies with creamified benefits.
“Too Close,” their second single, was just as sensual. The trio would borrow a tune from Kurtis Blow to detail being turned on by exotic dancing.
“Too Close” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and help Rated Next reached the number 37 spot on the Billboard 200. It was certified Double-Platinum.
You have two albums that may or may not get the recognition as other albums, but definitely made contributions to the beloved subgenre, 90s R&B.
Dru Hill’s ‘Dru Hill (Self-Titled)’ or Next’s ‘Rated Next’?
[Polls Are Closed!]
Next – ‘Rated Next’ – 71%
Dru Hill – ‘Dru Hill (Self-Titled)’ – 29%
