On Edge - On Edge (1994)

Keeping with the new 'jill' swing theme, here is another of the lesser known girl groups that embodied the sound. On Edge consisted of Tha Rhythum, ShaBop and Jasz, whose real names were Charlotte Crooms, Amica Johnson and Schveka Brown. They apparently came from Michigan and were lucky enough to be signed to Motown. Their sound ventured more to the soul and slow jam side of the new jack swing sound, thanks to production mostly from Kayo, who had worked with other R&B stars like Pebbles, The Boys, After 7, Johnny Gill, Damian Dame and TLC. They released the ballad "Edge Of My Bed", but it didn't hit anywhere other than the lower ends of the R&B charts. As a result, like Times 3, they seemed to get lost in the sea of R&B girl groups, which, especially during On Edge's time, were popping up every week. A promo was released for their more upbeat remake of Stevie Wonder's "Maybe Your Baby", but nothing came of it. It's likely they were dropped soon after. They disappeared until Tha Rhythum (Charlotte Crooms), who was the rapper of the group, appeared again in 1998 on the indie hip hop label Benz, which was headed by rap legend MC Shy D. Shy D also produced and appeared on her album, Against The Odds, but despite several singles being released, her solo work failed to make an impression. Since then it's anyone's guess what all three ladies have been up to, though very recently Schveka Brown appeared on Sam Sneed's song "Uncle Sam", so clearly they all haven't given up on the music scene. (She is also on Facebook as Schveka Cooper Stroman should you be interested in seeking her out and asking her what's up. ;)

Download On Edge

1		Edge Of My Bed
2		My Mind Is Naked
3		Don't Go Ho
4		Would You Lie To Me
5		Vibe
6		Black Berry Juice (Interlude)
7		Life On The Edge
8		Maybe Your Baby
9		Anythang U Want
10		69 Ways
11		Black Berry Juice (Outrolude)

Times 3 - Times 3 (1991)

So here we have a request from Micky G (which also helps fulfill the requests for more new jack swing here). I had the Times 3 album on cassette and remembered quite enjoying it, so when he asked I found the CD on Amazon and ordered away. It is deeply entrenched in the new jack swing sound, though to my ear it is a bit poppier in parts. The group itself is yet another of those for which no information exists on the internet (yet). All I can tell you is that it consisted of LaShana Denoy (who is said to be a former choreographer for MC Hammer), Keesha Hollier (who is indicated as a former "NWA rapper", though I find that hard to believe) and Stephanie Bell. They were on the Solar label, and were produced by relative unknowns. Their song "Typical Relationship" appeared on the soundtrack to the movie Deep Cover and became their best known track, though it didn't exactly set the charts on fire. They also released their cover of the Emotions disco hit "Best Of My Love" as a single, though it too wasn't a hit. Vocally they had all of the right elements, and the album was a good mix of ballads and upbeat numbers, including quite a bit of rap and even a hip-house track. The sampledelic song "Time To Get Loose" even includes a sample from my fave song ever, Sweet Sensation's "Take It While It's Hot"! But the ladies came out at a time when there were many female "new jill swing" groups, and they just didn't possess an angle to make them stand out. Also, it likely didn't help that their label Solar was nearing the end of it's success, and promotion was minimal. So once again I ask, what became of these ladies? If anyone out there knows, please share. Until then, enjoy a curio from the glory days of new jack swing.

Video for Typical Relationship

Download Times 3

1		3 Bad Sistas
2		Best Of My Love
3		Typical Relationship
4		Shine
5		Don't Give Up
6		Love Will Find Its Way
7		Time To Get Loose
8		Dance, Do You Wanna
9		Good Lovin'
10		Make Up Your Mind
11		Until You
12		Hip House (Everybody's Movin')
13		Gentle Love
14		Stay
15		Only You