These R&B Groups Had Talent, But the Industry Let Them Down

Learn

Apr 3

R&B groups used to rule the airwaves. From the ‘90s through the early 2000s, there was nothing like hearing perfectly blended harmonies, synchronized dance moves, and vocal runs that made you scrunch your face up in pure admiration. But while some groups soared to legendary status, others, despite undeniable talent, faded away—often due to reasons that had nothing to do with their abilities. The truth is, the industry can be brutal, and sometimes even the best groups don’t get the success they deserve. Let’s dive into why so many talented R&B groups were let down by the music industry.

The Rise and Fall of R&B Groups

The ‘90s & Early 2000s: The Peak of R&B Groups

There was a time when R&B groups were everything. Acts like Boyz II Men, TLC, Destiny’s Child, and Jagged Edge dominated the charts, and we couldn’t get enough of their smooth vocals and tight harmonies. There was a formula that worked: a lead singer (or two), incredible background vocals, and songs that hit you right in the feels. But while some groups got the right backing and promotion, others weren’t so lucky.

I remember growing up listening to groups like 702 and Cherish, singing along to their hits and thinking they’d be around forever. But one day, you just stop hearing new music from them. It wasn’t because they stopped making good music—it was because the industry didn’t give them the support they needed to keep going.

What Went Wrong?

1. Label Politics & Mismanagement

Many talented groups got caught up in the messiness of the music business. Labels merged, artists got shuffled around, and sometimes entire projects were scrapped before they even saw the light of day.

Take Blaque, for example. They had all the ingredients for success—hits like "808," a connection to TLC's Left Eye, and undeniable star power. But after their label, Elektra, went through changes, their sophomore album was shelved, and they lost momentum. How many careers were cut short simply because of corporate decisions?

2. Internal Conflicts & Breakups

When you have multiple voices, personalities, and ambitions in one group, clashes are bound to happen. Some groups struggled with disagreements over money, creative direction, or management choices. 702 had internal issues that eventually led to their split, despite having hits like "Where My Girls At?" and "Get It Together."

3. Changing Music Trends

By the mid-2000s, the industry started favoring solo artists over groups. With the rise of hip-hop and pop-driven R&B, labels weren’t as interested in investing in groups anymore. Destiny’s Child was one of the last successful groups before the focus shifted entirely to solo careers. If you weren’t already established, it became nearly impossible to break through.

4. Lack of Proper Promotion

Some groups simply weren’t given the marketing push they needed. Cherish, for example, had a massive hit with "Do It to It," but after that, they weren’t given the same level of promotion. It’s frustrating to think about how different things could have been if these groups had been properly supported.

R&B Groups That Deserved Better

1. Blaque

Blaque had everything going for them—hit songs, major co-signs, and a unique blend of pop and R&B. But after their label fell apart, so did their chance at longevity. It’s wild to think that they could have been on the level of Destiny’s Child if the industry had played in their favor.

2. Cherish

Remember "Do It to It"? That song was everywhere! Cherish had the talent, but they were pushed aside after just one big hit. Their harmonies and chemistry should have made them a staple in the industry, but the label didn’t seem interested in keeping them on top.

3. Changing Faces

This duo gave us classics like "G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T.," yet they never got the same mainstream attention as other groups. With the right backing, they could have had a run similar to SWV or Xscape.

4. 702

They gave us timeless hits and had a signature sound, but internal conflicts and poor management led to their downfall. If their team had handled things differently, 702 could have had the longevity of groups like En Vogue.

5. Total

Signed to Bad Boy, Total had major hits, but once the label started shifting focus to other artists, their careers stalled. They should have had a much longer reign in the game.

Can R&B Groups Make a Comeback?

Nostalgia is Working in Their Favor

With platforms like Verzuz and social media bringing attention back to classic R&B, we’re seeing a resurgence in interest. Groups like Xscape and SWV are getting their flowers, and younger audiences are discovering their music for the first time.

The Power of Independence

Today, artists don’t have to rely on major labels to succeed. With streaming, social media, and direct fan engagement, R&B groups have more control over their music than ever before. Could we see a new wave of groups rising independently?

Fans Can Make a Difference

If we want R&B groups to thrive again, we have to support them. That means streaming their music, buying tickets to their shows, and making noise about the groups we love. The industry follows the money—if they see that there’s a demand, they’ll invest in bringing back the magic of R&B groups.

Conclusion

The industry let too many talented R&B groups fall through the cracks, but their impact is undeniable. They gave us some of the best music of our generation, even if they didn’t get the recognition they deserved.

But it’s not too late to celebrate their legacy. Whether it’s streaming their old albums, supporting their reunions, or even pushing for a new wave of R&B groups, we have the power to keep their influence alive.

Books & Articles

Nelson George – The Death of Rhythm & Blues (1988)
Fred Bronson – The Billboard Book of Number One Hits (2003)
Craig Seymour – Luther: The Life and Longing of Luther Vandross (2004)

Music Industry & Cultural Sources

Billboard (www.billboard.com) – Charts, industry news, and trends in R&B.
Rolling Stone (www.rollingstone.com) – Artist interviews and historical perspectives.
VIBE Magazine (www.vibe.com) – Deep dives into R&B and hip-hop culture.
Complex (www.complex.com) – Coverage on how R&B groups were affected by industry changes.

Interviews & Documentaries

BET’s The New Edition Story (2017) – A detailed look at how industry struggles affected a major R&B group.
Unsung (TV One) – Features in-depth episodes on 702, Blaque, Total, and other underrated R&B acts.
Hip-Hop Evolution (Netflix) – Although focused on hip-hop, this series discusses R&B’s role in shaping the culture.

Guest User