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The
Next Movement
What
is it that attributes to an artists longevity? Music, vocal
ability, writing skills and memorable songs. RL (AKA Robert
Huggar), a multi talented solo artist as well as member
of the R&B group Next, has all of the qualities that
has also stamped Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson and R. Kelly
as house hold names for years to come.
Hailing
out of Minnesota, RL has put in years of hard work to gain
the success he has thus far achieved. He would perform anywhere
he could and loved the feeling he would get from singing
live and creating his own music. After a number of attempts
to make it big in a group, RL joined his brothers T Low
and Tweety, forming the multi platinum trio Next.
Once
their foundation was stabilized Next began working towards
creating a unique style and sound all their own, that many
would try to imitate but none could really duplicate. They
hit almost every talent show they could and welcomed all
opportunities to do what they loved to do. This would eventually
lead to a chance meeting with KG (formerly of Naughty by
Nature and founder of Divine Mill Entertainment) who was
impressed by their original style and captivating vocals.
Shortly after, KG brought the three young men, barely out
of High School, to Clive Davis, CEO of Arista Records. Clive
too, recognized the groups amazing talent and saw the the
past, present and future of R&B and popular music in
them. They were immediately signed to Arista and began the
process of creating their first album.
Rated
Next, released in 1997 spun the #1 Hit “Too Close”.
“Too Close” gave Next a taste of cross over
success. Every radio station and music video show played
the song in heavy rotation allowing masses to get a taste
of the new phenomenon. The recording process itself was
different than any they have had before. According to RL,
they were recording on rapper time. RL and the boys were
used to being up early and recording during early or mid
day sessions. During the production of Rated Next, they
recorded mostly at night. It was an adjustment that no one
really complained too much about given they were about to
drop their debut album.
Three
years and a number of platinum plaques later, Next released
their sophomore album, Welcome II Nextasy, in 2000. Constantly
striving to grow as artists, Welcome II Nextast found the
young men maturing and expanding vocally, musicaly and lyrically.
RL writes almost all of the groups songs. His songwriting
would shine through on various diverse tracks throughout
the album such as the hit “Wifey”, “Beauty
Queen” and “My Everything”. It is no wonder
with such a keen sense for what makes a great song, that
other artists would call on RL to pen hits for them. Among
the artists RL has written for to date are, Jaheim, Luther
Vandross, Deborah Cox and the list goes on.
Sometime
passed after Welcome II Nextasy when RL would make a move
that many people questioned. With the history of countless
groups parting ways, RL went in the studio and recorded
a solo album, but insisted Next had not broken up. In 2002
RL released his solo album RLements. Despite being one of
the finest albums to be released in 2002, his record label,
J Records, offered less than adequate and deserved support.
The lack of publicity did not help record sales. Not many
people even knew RL had a solo album out and to this day
may still not know about it. But put aside the politics
of the music industry and what you are left with is a masterpiece.
RLements features production by some of the industries most
gifted producers such as Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam and Terry
Lewis and Tim and Bob. Continuing to pump out feel good
club joints as well as some of the best love jams of our
time, RL wrote all of the songs on the album including “Got
Me a Model”, “Good Man”, “Luv Led
Me 2 U” and “What I’m Looking 4”.
RL
even got to flex his acting skills with the video for “Good
Man” and gave a superb performance. Although RL is
open to any film projects that may come along he knows that
his talent and focus lay in music. But the crazy politics
of the industry and almost non exisitant support for his
solo project left a bad taste in RL’s mouth. He even
considered leaving music all together, but it was the music
that brought him back to his senses. A true artist can never
depart completely from their art. It always creeps back
and sparks a fire in you once again.
Remaining
true to his word, RL rejoined his brothers to record the
third Next album, The Next Episode, released in 2003 on
J Records. With this album, the guys found themselves experimenting
with new and exciting producers, styles and sounds. Production
credits for this album include Dinky Bingham, Barry Salter,
Scott Storch and long time collaborator and friend, KG.
Fans, or as RL liked to call, friends, were eagerly anticipating
the groups return. But once again, lack of support and publicity
put a damper on things. According to RL, The Next Episode
was not even released in Europe. His frustrations with the
music business are strong but he is not alone. With radio
stations playing carbon copies of last weeks hit record,
listeners want music they can understand and appreciate.
RL strives to be the kind of artist that can offer listeners
just that. Luckily it seems the powers that be have recognized
the potential and demand for a Next album. There are talks
about the album being re-released in the near future and
RL continues to write and record. He tries to complete approximately
ten songs a week. How does he do it?
The
unique style of both Next and RL, the solo star, is what
has kept all three men in the industry for so long. It is
that which we have come to love and keeps us running to
the record store to cop the next thing that RL, T Low and
Tweet drop. As long as there is real music, and a desire
for creativity and true artistry Next and RL will continue
to do their thing and with out a doubt, never disappoint
us.
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