H-Town (band)
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- This article is about the R&B hip hop group. For other uses, see H-Town (disambiguation)
History
It took H-Town six years before their first big break came. Dino and Shazam grew up into a family of musicians and singers. They and G.I. went through a series of pageants, talent shows, and plays before they looked with a local producer. He sent their tape to Luther Campbell, who wasn't overly impressed.The producer intentionally made Campbell miss a flight and dragged him back to the studio where he heard H-Town sing live. Campbell signed the group, joined up with producer Bishop "Stick" Burrell, and they went into the studio to start work on their debut album, Fever for Da Flavor.
Albums
Fever for Da Flavor
Fever for Da Flavor was released on March 30, 1993. The group took America by storm with its biggest hit to date, "Knockin' the Boots". "Boots" was a #1 hit on the R&B charts, and hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album spawned a less successful second single "Lick U Up". The band won a 1993 Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist R&B,Soul or Rap.In 1993, H-Town was part of the Coca-Cola tour, which also included Shai, SWV, and Silk. In 1994, the group was one of the performers in the song "You Will Know" from the Jason's Lyric soundtrack. The song was credited to Black Men United.
Beggin' After Dark
H-Town went back into the studio to record their sophomore album Beggin' After Dark. It was released on November 8, 1994. The album is considered one of the most -- if not the most -- underrated R&B album of the 1990's. The material from this album makes it some of the best of the decade.The most popular single from this album was the underplayed and also underrated "Emotions". The song only made it to #11 on the R&B charts and #51 on the pop charts. Other hits included "Sex Bowl", "Full Time", "Much Feelin' (And It Tastes Great)", and "Buss One" feauturing reggae singer Papa Reu.
It is believed the "sophomore slump" may have been caused because, at the time, R. Kelly was the most popular R&B artist. Beggin' After Dark has been largely forgotten, lost in all the more successful R&B albums of the mid-90's.
Ladies Edition, Woman's World
By the time H-Town went back into the studio to record Ladies Edition, they had undergone a massive change. They recorded a cover version of The Persuaders' "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate" for the 1996 film of the same name. The song became H-Town's first Top 40 pop hit in three years (#37).They then cut their ties with Luke Campbell, found God, and became more conscious toward women in their third album "Ladies Edition, Woman's World". It was released on October 28, 1997.
H-Town spends much of this album making up for "past transgressions against women" in such songs as "Don't Sleep on the Female", "Julie Rain" (a sobering account of spousal abuse), and "Jezebel". In fact, they dedicate the album to Nicole Brown Simpson and to "all the women of the world". They also list 20 national women helplines on the back cover [link].
Shazam Goes Solo
In July, 2000, Shazam released a solo album called Bringing the Heat. This was a statement album. "Bringing the Heat" was set out to show the world he was just as good as his brother Dino.Tragedy Strikes
On January 28, 2003, 28-year-old Dino Conner and his girlfriend Teshya Rae Weisent had just left a recording studio when their vehicle was struck by a SUV that ran a red light. Both Dino and Weisent were killed.Three people were in the SUV and all fled the scene. One man, Juan Diaz, was later apprehended.
At the time, H-Town was working what would become their fourth album.
Imitations of Life
H-Town finally released their reunion album, Imitations of Life, on October 12, 2004. The album nor any of the singles have yet to make the chartsAlbums
- 1993: Fever for Da Flavor
- 1994: Beggin' After Dark
- 1997: Ladies Edition, Woman's World
- 2004: Imitations of Life
Singles
| Year | Title | Album | US | UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | You & Me (H-Town song) Featuring Luke | In The Nude by Luke | 94 | - |
| 1993 | "Knockin' Da Boots" | Fever for da Flavor | 1 | - |
| 1993 | "Lick U Up" | Fever for da Flavor | 21 | - |
| 1993 | "Keepin' My Composure" | Fever for da Flavor | 46 | - |
| 1994 | "Baby I Wanna" | Fever for da Flavor | 87 | - |
| 1994 | "Part Time Lover" | Above the Rim Soundtrack | 9 | - |
| 1994 | "Back Seat (With No Sheets)" | Beggin' After Dark | 58 | - |
| 1995 | "Emotions" | Beggin' After Dark | 11 | - |
| 1996 | "A Thin Line Between Love & Hate" | A Thin Line Between Love and Hate Soundtrack | 6 | - |
| 1997 | "They Like It Slow" | Ladies Edition | 12 | - |
Awards & nominations
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 1993 | Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist Winner |
| 1993 | Soul Train Music Award nomination for Best R&B/Soul Single - Group, Band or Duo for "Knockin' Da Boots" |
| 1993 | Soul Train Music Award nomination for Best R&B/Soul Album - Group, Band or Duo for "Fever for da Flavor" |
See also
External links
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