I fell head over heels in love with them in 1996 and I was only 13 years old. I still remember the first time I heard “Only You” by Bad Boy Records’s own 112. It was at a street festival in Washington DC and they were there performing. My crew and I took the train downtown to see Slim, Q, Mike and Daron.
Around this time, Bad Boy Records had all the hottest artists; Biggie, Total, Craig Mack and Faith. They were always on the radio and they did heavy promotion. But I fell with in love with 112 because they had party music that gave you something like a ballad. These four attractive young men made me feel like being in love at the tender age of 13.
The older I got, the deeper I fell into a love affair with Grammy Award winning group 112. With hits like “Come See Me” and “Cupid”, I was something else starting high school. I made it my business to attend every concert or appearance they had. I was truly feeling myself when I told my first boyfriend “Cupid doesn’t lie, but you won’t know unless you give it a try”. Yes, I was 14 and 112 had me bold enough to think I was in love. The 1996 release of the self titled album “112” hit the streets and helped Bad Boy Records tak
e off. We all remember Biggie rapping on the remix of “Only You” and Puffy saying “I thought I told you that we won’t stop”. Bad Boy had the airwaves on lock in the summer of 96, thanks to 112.
Over the course of my years in high school, the hits kept coming. We knew 112 could sing and do a two step but in 1998 112 released “Room 112”. Can I say Slim, Q, Mike and Daron stole hearts with this album? It was a more mature sound and very sexy They got a little freaky with “Anywhere” featuring Lil Zane. I don’t want to show favoritism but this was my favorite 112 album. Three more albums were released Part III (2001), Hot & Wet (2003) and Pleasure & Pain (2005). We got a taste of some club bangers from 112 with songs like “Peaches & Cream” and “Na Na Na Na” featuring SuperCat, which made us all thirsty for more.
2007 brought on a new venture for 112 when they formed their own label One Twelve Music Group. This new label would allow the group
members to step out and get a little individual shine. Although not released under One Twelve Music Group, Slim made some noise with “So Fly” and while Mike, Q and Daron all released solo albums. So now that I’m finished strolling down memory lane, where the heck is 112 today?
A little birdy told me that our favorite group from the late 90’s will be making their way, as a group, to a stage near you! That’s right, my loves Slim, Mike, Q and Daron are preparing for a reunion tour! *Insert Scream Now*! Ladies, get your crew from high school and go find your old 112 albums! I’m sure they will be willing to sign whatever you didn’t get signed back in the day!
These fine young men of 112 sure have grown up. By now I’m sure you’ve heard the song “Show You How” on the radio. Bet you didn’t know that 112’s Q Parker is signing that song. You love it right? Well ladies get ready for the return of 112!
by LeKeitta Keitta Epps
LeKeitta “Keitta” Epps
R&B Enthusiast/Continuity Director at Radio One Baltimore
If it’s a hot summer and the sun is about to set, you can guarantee one thing; LeKeitta “Keitta” Epps is riding somewhere with the windows down and the music up. Most often, you can catch her in a deep transaction with the perfect melody. “To understand the importance of music, you have to understand give and take. Give music a chance and let it take you wherever you need to be”.
From intern to board operator and even a talk show host, Keitta understands the importance of seizing the moment. “I always tell people, just be willing. If I weren’t willing, I would not have the opportunities I’ve been blessed with today”.
Follow me on twitter @itsyagirlkeitta
