Flashback: The Top 10 Black Male Groups from the 90s That Shaped R&B

The Undeniable Top 10 Best Black Male Groups of the 90s

The 1990s were a golden era for male R&B groups. From smooth harmonies to New Jack Swing and hip hop-infused sounds, these groups defined a generation. Here’s a look back at the most iconic Black male groups that dominated the charts and our playlists.

10. Silk

Discovered by Keith Sweat, Silk gave us the timeless bedroom anthem “Freak Me.” Their debut album Lose Control went double platinum with hits like “Happy Days” and “Girl U For Me.” Their smooth vocals made them staples of 90s R&B.

9. Mint Condition

Known for their musicianship and live instrumentation, Mint Condition blessed us with “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes).” Led by Stokley Williams, they stood out as one of the few self-contained bands in an era dominated by vocal groups.

8. 112

Part of Bad Boy Records’ powerhouse roster, 112 delivered hits like “Only You,” “Peaches & Cream,” and “Anywhere.” Their blend of smooth R&B and hip hop vibes made them a defining sound of late 90s urban music.

7. Dru Hill

With Sisqó’s signature flair, Dru Hill delivered emotional ballads and uptempo jams like “In My Bed,” “Never Make a Promise,” and “How Deep Is Your Love.” Hailing from Baltimore, they carved out a loyal fan base with their raw vocal power.

6. Guy

Pioneers of New Jack Swing, Guy—featuring Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Damian Hall—changed the sound of R&B forever. Classics like “Piece of My Love,” “Let’s Chill,” and “I Like” still pack dance floors today.

5. Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD)

Spinning off from New Edition, BBD brought us “Poison,” blending hip hop with R&B in a way that felt fresh and edgy. Hits like “Do Me” and “When Will I See You Smile Again?” showcased their versatility.

4. Tony! Toni! Toné!

This Oakland trio delivered soulful hits like “Anniversary,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” and “Feels Good.” With Raphael Saadiq at the helm, they blended classic soul with modern R&B effortlessly.

3. Boyz II Men

The kings of harmony, Boyz II Men set records with chart-toppers like “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” and “On Bended Knee.” Their smooth vocals and emotional ballads made them one of the best-selling R&B groups of all time.

2. Jodeci

The “bad boys of R&B,” Jodeci brought a streetwise edge to love songs. Hits like “Forever My Lady,” “Come & Talk to Me,” and “Cry for You” defined 90s R&B swagger. K-Ci, JoJo, DeVante, and Dalvin became style icons as much as musical legends.

1. New Edition

Though they started in the 80s, New Edition reinvented themselves in the 90s with the addition of Johnny Gill. Beyond group success, members launched powerhouse solo careers—Bobby Brown, Bell Biv DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill all thrived. With hits like “Can You Stand the Rain,” “If It Isn’t Love,” and “Hit Me Off,” their influence is unmatched.

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