Next: The Pioneers of 2000s R&B Harmony
Next is an American R&B vocal trio from Minneapolis, Minnesota, best known for their smooth harmonies and chart-topping hits in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The group achieved major commercial success with their multi-platinum sophomore album, which spawned one of the defining slow jams of the era.
Early career
The group originally formed in 1992 under the name "Sounds of Blackness" before changing their name to "Next" in 1996. Comprised of members RL (Ronald Lowry), Tweety (Terry Brown), and T-Low (Robert Lavelle Huggar), they were discovered by producer Kayo and signed to Arista Records. Their self-titled debut album, "Rated Next," was released in 1997 and introduced their polished, new jack swing-influenced sound.
Breakthrough
Next's breakthrough arrived in 1999 with their second album, "Welcome II Nextasy," released on Arista. The album was propelled to massive success by its lead single, which became a cultural phenomenon. "Welcome II Nextasy" was certified triple platinum by the RIAA, solidifying the trio as major players in the contemporary R&B landscape.
Key tracks
Too Close — This Grammy-nominated single spent eight weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1998 and became a signature slow jam.
Wifey — A top 10 hit from "Welcome II Nextasy," this track further demonstrated the group's knack for catchy, relationship-focused R&B.
Butta Love — Another successful single from their breakthrough album, it showcased their smooth vocal blend and romantic lyricism.
I Still Love You — This track highlighted the group's ability to deliver heartfelt ballads and maintained their presence on urban radio.
The group continued their success with the 2002 album "The Next Episode," which included the hit "Like This" and achieved gold certification. Following a hiatus, Next returned with independent albums like "Ladies Choice" in 2014, demonstrating their enduring appeal. They have collaborated with artists such as Ja Rule, Lil' Kim, and Snoop Dogg, bridging R&B with hip-hop.
Fans of Next's harmonic style also enjoy the work of Jodeci for their pioneering blend of R&B and soul. The smooth vocals of Boyz II Men share a similar commitment to intricate harmonies. For a contemporary take on classic R&B groups, listeners can explore 112 and their catalog of 1990s and 2000s hits.
The music of Next remains a staple on classic R&B and throwback radio stations featured on this website. Their hits are frequently programmed on urban adult contemporary FM stations and dedicated online R&B radio streams, ensuring their sound continues to reach both nostalgic and new listeners.
You can hear the classic harmonies and hits from Next on various radio stations available through onairium.com. Tune in to discover their essential tracks and experience a defining sound of turn-of-the-century R&B music.
