History

Bell, Bivins, and DeVoe formed the group at the suggestion of producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Upon accepting the idea, MCA records wrote down the name Bell Bivins DeVoe, but Bivins suggested they remove the ins from his name and just call the group Bell Biv DeVoe. With help from Public Enemy producers Eric Sadler, Hank and Keith Shocklee, and several others, Bell Biv Devoe released its debut album Poison in 1990, on MCA Records. The album was credited as pioneering the "new jack swing" sound of the early 1990s, combining hip-hop, funk, soul, and pop music. This fusion of styles helped to expose them to a fan base who prefer a harder edge sound. Poison reached number 1 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and its title track, along with its second single, "Do Me!", both reached number 3 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Shortly thereafter, Richard Wolf and Epic Mazur were responsible for the remix of "Do Me!" (which hit Number One on the dance charts). Poison also spawned the singles "B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?", "When Will I See You Smile Again?" and "She's Dope!" Poison sold over four million copies, and was followed up by a remix album titled WBBD-Bootcity. Richard Wolf and Epic Mazur helped create BBD's premiere album, blending rhythm, blues, pop, and rock, and Poison achieve triple Platinum success.

Bell Biv DeVoe went on to release Hootie Mack in 1993, on MCA Records, and the more hardcore rap/R&B influenced BBD in 2001, on Biv 10 Records. Neither album was as successful as Poison, however "Hootie Mack" did reach Gold success. Despite the fact that their last album was released in 2001, the members of Bell Biv Devoe continue to perform together as a group. They also participated in several New Edition reunions, and continue to perform with them on tour as part of the group. On May 30, 2013, Bell Biv DeVoe performed their hit song "Poison" for Boston Strong, a benefit concert to raise money for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.

Awards and nominations

In 1991, the group received the award for Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Album of the Year, Group, Band or Duo for Poison at the Soul Train Music Awards for

Discography

Studio albums

Year	Album details	Peak chart positions					Certifications
		US	US R&B	AUS	NZ	UK
1990	Poison Release date: March 20, 1990 Label: MCA Records	5	1	83	13	35	US: 4× Platinum
1993	Hootie Mack Release date: June 1993 Label: MCA Records	19	6	3	33	—	US: Gold
2001	BBD Release date: December 18, 2001 Label: Biv10/Universal Records	—	62	—	—	—
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Remix album

Year	Album details	Peak chart positions		Certifications
		US	US R&B
1991	WBBD-Bootcity!: The Remix Album Release date: August 27, 1991 Label: MCA Records	18	18	US: Gold

Singles

Year	Single	Peak chart positions							Certifications	Album
		US	US R&B	US Dance	AUS	NZ	NED	UK
1990	"Poison"	3	1	7	64	3	25	19	US: Platinum	Poison
	"Do Me!"	3	4	6	60	8	—	56
	"B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?"	26	1	16	100	—	—	86
1991	"When Will I See You Smile Again?"	63	3	—	—	—	—	—
	"She's Dope!"	—	9	—	—	—	—	—
	"Word to the Mutha!"	—	—	—	—	11	—	—	—	WBBD-Bootcity
1992	"The Best Things in Life Are Free"	10	1	3	2	6	20	2		Mo' Money (soundtrack)
1993	"Gangsta"	21	22	—	17	11	—	—
	"Above the Rim"	—	81	—	—	15	—	—		Hootie Mack
	"Something in Your Eyes"	38	6	—	73	—	—	60
2001	"The Hot Shit"	—	—	—	—	—	—	—		BBD
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Notes

• a^ As it was not issued as a retail single in the United States, "Word to the Mutha!" was not eligible to enter the Billboard Hot 100; however, it peaked at number 37 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]