Next, along with Dru Hill and Jagged Edge, were part of a late-’90s contemporary R&B class influenced by Jodeci and R. Kelly. The trio achieved success with four singles in the Billboard Hot 100, including the chart-topping ‘Too Close’ and ‘Wifey.’ After two albums with Arista, they moved to Clive Davis’ J Records. Despite a rift in 2003, the original members reunited 15 years later.
Robert ‘RL’ Huggar and Marlon ‘Shilo’ Benjamin formed Next in 1992 with Terry ‘T-Low’ Brown and Raphel ‘Tweety’ Brown. The group’s demo caught the attention of Clive Davis, leading to a deal with Arista. Their debut album ‘Rated Next’ featured hits like ‘Butta Love’ and ‘Too Close.’ Their follow-up album ‘Welcome II Nextasy’ also saw success with singles like ‘Wifey.’ RL pursued a solo career, and the group faced creative challenges but eventually reunited for new releases.