ARTISTBell Biv DeVoe

Bell Biv DeVoe is a trio comprising Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe, all original members of New Edition. After New Edition’s tour in support of 1988’s Heart Break, the three began a new project with a more street-oriented approach to contemporary R&B. They brought together several producers for their debut album, Poison, including Dr. Freeze, Hank and Keith Shocklee, and Eric Sadler. The title track reached number one on the Billboard R&B/hip-hop chart and number three on the Hot 100. The album sold more than four million copies in the United States and led to the 1991 remix album WBBD: Bootcity!.

In 1992, Bell Biv DeVoe and Ralph Tresvant appeared on Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson’s “The Best Things in Life Are Free,” recorded for the Mo’ Money soundtrack. The trio’s second album, Hootie Mack, followed in 1993 and achieved gold status in the United States. After a lengthy break during which all three members took part in a New Edition reunion, Bell Biv DeVoe returned in 2001 with BBD. The group released Three Stripes in 2017.