112 (band)
Encyclopedia
112 is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...

 quartet
Quartet
In music, a quartet is a method of instrumentation , used to perform a musical composition, and consisting of four parts.-Western art music:...

 from Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...

. Formerly artists on Diddy
Sean Combs
Sean John Combs , also known by his stage names Diddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. He was originally...

's Bad Boy Records
Bad Boy Records
Bad Boy Records is a record label founded in 1993 by producer/rapper/entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, and is distributed by Atlantic Records.-Beginnings:...

, the group signed to the Def Soul roster in 2002. They had great success in the late 1990s and early 2000s with hits such as "Only You
Only You (112 song)
"Only You" is the debut single from R&B group 112 from their debut album of the same name. Both the original and the remix were released as singles. The remix features Mase and The Notorious B.I.G.....

", "Anywhere
Anywhere (112 song)
"Anywhere" is the second single from R&B group 112 from their 1998 album, Room 112. The song features Lil' Zane.- Charts :...

" and "Peaches & Cream
Peaches & Cream (112 song)
"Peaches & Cream" is the second single from the album, Part III, by 112. The song was nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 44th Grammy Awards in 2002...

". The group most notably won a Grammy in 1997 for Best Rap Performance by A Duo Or Group, for featuring in the song "I'll Be Missing You
I'll Be Missing You
"I'll Be Missing You" is a Grammy Award-winning song and hit single recorded by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans and 112, in memory of fellow Bad Boy Records artist Christopher "Notorious B.I.G" Wallace who was murdered on March 9, 1997...

" with Puff Daddy and Faith Evans
Faith Evans
Faith Renée Evans is an American singer-songwriter, recording artist, record producer, actress and author. Born in Florida and raised in New Jersey, Evans relocated to Los Angeles during 1993 for a career with the music business. After working as a backing vocalist for Al B...

 .

Formation and early years (1995–1997)

112 formed in Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...

 and consists of Marvin "Slim" Scandrick - born on September 25, 1978, one of three siblings, Scandrick plays all of the concert strings, including viola, cello, double bass, and violin; Michael Marcel Keith was born on December 18, 1979 - one of three brothers, plays the keyboard; Quinnes "Q" Parker, born on March 24, 1977, is credited with the mellow vocals; and vocalist Daron Jones - who often doubles as the record producer for 112, was born on December 28, 1977, the youngest of four children. As a student he joined the middle school chorus and the Atlanta Boys Choir. Strong, smart, and athletic, he maintained a B+ average in high school while playing receiver on the varsity football team and shooting guard for the varsity basketball club. He was also seen running cross country and track, and played tennis in high school. The group had its start when the members met while attending high school. Known as "Forte" at the time, the group performed talent shows and performed at churches and schools around Atlanta, eventually gained the attention of Courtney Sills and Kevin Wales, the group's would-be managers. After being brought to the attention of Sean Combs
Sean Combs
Sean John Combs , also known by his stage names Diddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. He was originally...

 via discovery by the production duo Tim & Bob
Tim & Bob
Tim & Bob aka Funktwons, are Grammy Award-winning songwriting musicians and a Hip-hop/R&B pop production duo. Tim & Bob have discovered and or worked on some of the biggest artists in the music industry and has helped develop the Atlanta music scene as it is widely known for today...

, the group was quickly signed in front of a local club in Atlanta called "Buckhead 112 Club", which is credited to the group’s name 112. Soon afterwards they found themselves living in New York, recording their debut album 112
112
Year 112 was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Traianus and Cornelius...

. Released in 1996, the album eventually went double platinum. The album which was primarily produced by Tim & Bob
Tim & Bob
Tim & Bob aka Funktwons, are Grammy Award-winning songwriting musicians and a Hip-hop/R&B pop production duo. Tim & Bob have discovered and or worked on some of the biggest artists in the music industry and has helped develop the Atlanta music scene as it is widely known for today...

 entered into the top 5 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart, and went on to sale over two million copies. It featured the hit singles "Only You
Only You (112 song)
"Only You" is the debut single from R&B group 112 from their debut album of the same name. Both the original and the remix were released as singles. The remix features Mase and The Notorious B.I.G.....

" and "Cupid
Cupid
In Roman mythology, Cupid is the god of desire, affection and erotic love. He is the son of the goddess Venus and the god Mars. His Greek counterpart is Eros...

", both of which peaked at #13 on the Hot 100 and #3 and #2 on the R&B charts respectively. The group also contributed to records by artists including The Notorious B.I.G, Puff Daddy & Mase
Mase
Mason Durell Betha , better known by stage name Mase who was previously known as Murda Ma$e, is an American rapper, songwriter, actor and inspirational speaker...

. The group eventually went on the road as the opening act for the Isley Brothers at Ron Isley's request, the first of four separate tours that saw the group criss-crossing the U.S. with Keith Sweat, New Edition and finally Puff Daddy and the Family, over an 18 month period. In the years that followed, they found themselves touring with other artists such as Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson.

Rise to success (1997–2001)

A series of hot single tracks by 112 populated the charts in 1997, beginning with "Come See Me," which hit the top 40 in January. "Cupid," Produced by Arnold Hennings, released in May, made the top 40 and was certified gold in the same month. By August the track went platinum. Another 1997 single, "I'll Be Missing You," hit the top 40 in June and was certified triple platinum by July. Attaining the number one chart position by August, the song won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1997. "I'll Be Missing You" sat at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for eleven weeks and spent nine weeks at the top of the Hot Singles sales. The track also topped the R&B singles, R&B singles sales, and rap singles charts for eight weeks running. The group booked tours with the Isleys, Keith Sweat, and New Edition, as well as with Puff Daddy and the Family, totaling four separate tours. The group spent 18 successive months on the road fulfilling tour commitments.

Their second album, Room 112
Room 112
Room 112 is the second studio album by R&B quartet 112, released on October 20, 1998. The album features label mates Mase and Faith Evans. Also features Lil' Kim, Lil' Zane and MJG...

was released in 1998, and featured the hits, "Love Me" featuring Mase and "Anywhere" featuring Lil Zane. Both the album and the song "Love Me" were certified gold. Album sales surpassed the platinum level by May 1999, and double platinum sales were recorded in 2002.

A 2001 single, "It's Over Now
It's Over Now (112 song)
"It's Over Now" is the lead single by 112's from their third album, Part III, and their first number-one R&B single, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks for two weeks....

", charted at the top of the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs. The group's third album, Part III was released in 2001, spun the hit Peaches & Cream, and earned the group their first and only Grammy nomination in the Best R&B Group or Duo category. While the group was in production on a new album for 2001, however, executive producer Combs was called to court repeatedly, regarding a shooting incident. Instead of taping at the usual accommodations in Combs's studio, 112 went to Nashville, Tennessee, to record the new disc. It was a move that signaled a pending split with Bad Boy Records. The album, Part III, was released on March 20, 2001, following an intensive barrage of advance radio publicity. Even in the absence of Combs, Part III took off with a running start. It raced up the charts to debut at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. Surpassing gold sales in April, the album went platinum in May. To promote the album further, 112 joined Janet Jackson that summer for her All for You world tour. Among the singles released from the album, an upbeat track called "Peaches and Cream"—which was credited in part to Combs—scored another crossover hit for the band. Released in June, the track soared to number one on the Rhythmic Top 40 and peaked at number four on the Hot 100. The group earned two award nominations for the song that year: an MTV Best Video nomination in September, and a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.

Co-signing with Def Jam (2002-2006)

In 2002 the group members, having matured both personally and professionally, came to the realisation that a split with the Bad Boy label was necessary due to the lack of interest. In search of greater creative control, 112 left Bad Boy Records in February 2002 and signed with Def Jam in July on their Def Soul-imprint, insisting that the breakup was amicable. They reiterated this no-hard-feelings attitude by going to Daddy's House to record a debut album for Def Jam. Disagreements remained over ownership rights to the 112 catalog of songs, and their fourth album Hot & Wet
Hot & Wet
- Personnel :* Chris Athens — Mastering* Leesa Brunson — A&R Assistance* Jonathan "Chronic Face" Burke — Vocal Engineer* Isaac Carree — Vocals* Dru Castro — Engineer* DaTwelve — Executive Producer* Tina Davis — A&R* Vidal Davis — Producer...

, the Def Jam debut disc, was waylaid as a result, while negotiations ensued between Lyor Cohen of Def Jam and Bad Boy owner Combs. With both sides ultimately in agreement, Hot & Wet appeared in November 2003, with its title song breaking into Billboard 's Hot 100 and the Rhythmic Top 40 that year. In 2004 the album charted on the Billboard 200 and peaked at number four on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album however failed to make any noticeable impression on the charts. From the album they released "Na, Na, Na" featuring Dancehall
Dancehall
Dancehall is a genre of Jamaican popular music that originated in the late 1970s. Initially dancehall was a more sparse version of reggae than the roots style, which had dominated much of the 1970s. In the mid-1980s, digital instrumentation became more prevalent, changing the sound considerably,...

 legend Supercat.

Pleasure & Pain, the group's fifth album, was released in 2005, eventually reaching platinum status and featuring the popular single "U Already Know." The album is their first to come with a parental advisory sticker
Parental Advisory
Parental Advisory is a message affixed by the Recording Industry Association of America to audio and recordings in the United States containing excessive use of profane language and/or sexual references. Albums began to be labeled for "explicit lyrics" in 1985, after pressure from the Parents...

, reportedly caused by a rap from Three 6 Mafia
Three 6 Mafia
Three 6 Mafia are an Academy Award-winning, American rap group originating from Memphis, Tennessee. Formed in 1991 as Triple 6 Mafia, by DJ Paul, Juicy J, & Lord Infamous, the group at its most featured six members including; Crunchy Black, Gangsta Boo and Koopsta Knicca...

 though a few songs on the album also contain profanity. Shortly after the release of the album though and amidst rumors of issues regarding money, the members separated to pursue solo careers and were subsequently dropped by Def Jam.

Controversy, hiatus and solo projects (2007–2009)

In 2007, 112 formed their own label One Twelve Music Group and were in talks with a joint venture deal with Irv Gotti's The Inc. Records
The Inc. Records
The Inc. Records , is an American record label, owned by Irv Gotti.In 1999, Murder Inc. released its first album, Venni Vetti Vecci by Ja Rule. The album featured the hit single "Holla Holla". The album was executively produced by Irv Gotti and moved on to go platinum, which rose Ja Rule and...

-imprint to release an album in 2008. The group continued to tour nationally and world wide, whilst they embarked on their own solo projects. Daron Jones was reported to have left the group to pursue a solo career in 2007. However in 2008, he was seen performing with the group again while overseas in Germany and Belgium.

Slim is featured along with Three 6 Mafia on 8Ball & MJG
8Ball & MJG
8Ball & MJG is an American Rap and Crunk duo from Memphis, Tennessee. The two rappers met at in 1980.They first appeared on the rap scene with their 1992 underground album Listen To The Lyrics...

's second single "Cruzin'" off of their album "Ridin High". He has signed his own label deal with Asylum/Atlantic called M3 Productions Inc. and released his solo debut album Love's Crazy
Love's Crazy
-Charts:...

in November 2008. He released his first single called "So Fly
So Fly
"So Fly" is the debut single of 112 band member Slim from his debut album Love's Crazy. It features rapper Yung Joc and produced by Oddz N Endz. The song has reached #49 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The single version is a remix that features an opening verse by Shawty Lo. This is also the...

" featuring Yung Joc
Yung Joc
YaMar Jon Robinson , better known by his stage name Yung Joc, is an American rapper.-Early life:Robinson's father, Vivian Young, ran a hair-care products company and helped him write a jingle for Revlon; Robinson founded his own label to release his music.-New Joc City :After Teaming with producer...

 and Shawty Lo.

In an interview with MiddleChildPromotions, Q. Parker confirmed that his debut album is entitled "Real Talk" and is due for release in September 2008. He was in the studio working with Tim & Bob
Tim & Bob
Tim & Bob aka Funktwons, are Grammy Award-winning songwriting musicians and a Hip-hop/R&B pop production duo. Tim & Bob have discovered and or worked on some of the biggest artists in the music industry and has helped develop the Atlanta music scene as it is widely known for today...

, The Pirates, Jammy, Bryan-Michael Cox, The Platinum Brothers
The Platinum Brothers
The Platinum Brothers are an American record production duo based in Atlanta, Georgia. Consisting of Adam Gibbs and Mike Chesser, the duo produced "Let's Chill" and "So Hot" from Charlie Wilson's album Charlie, Last Name Wilson which has gone on to sell over 300,000 copies.In 2002, The Platinum...

 and Crystal Johnson
Cristyle
Crystal Nicole Johnson, better known by her stage name Cristyle or sometimes credited as Cri$tyle is an American Grammy Award winning songwriter signed with So So Def/EMI Music.-Career:...

. The album will be released under a joint-venture between his own label NewFam Entertainment and Drift City Records. The first single off the album is called "Crazy Crazy" and it features Rock City.

Michael Keith decided to leave 112 and go solo. He stated that a former groupmate stole his, and member Slim's, money, causing the two to leave. Slim however states that he never fell out with anyone over money and is still with 112. The group now consists of members Q, Slim, and Daron. Mike said his business partner showed him that he wasn't receiving his royalty checks and that he needed to sue either Q or Daron. Q said that he respects Michael Keith as a man but wishes he would not put false rumors out in public. Mike says that his personal relationships with the other three members are good but business wise he can't deal with them anymore. Q, Slim, and Daron have been performing without him overseas in Australia, France, and Germany. Mike released his debut solo album, Michael Keith, on September 30, 2008 as a digital download through iTunes and Amazon MP3. He also released two songs "She's My Superstar" and "Sexy" under the pseudonym "Dangerus" via the internet. In 2010, Michael Keith has reconciled with the other three members of 112 and will record with the group on their sixth studio album planned for release in 2010.

Reunion and new projects (2010–2011)

In March 2010, 112 returned to the studio, according to member Q. Parker. The group is recording a follow up to the 2005 album, Pleasure & Pain. He broke the news via Twitter, "In the studio with my boys Mike and Daron! New 112 album comin soon!" The news of the group's reunion was also confirmed by member Daron Jones in an interview published on Sound-Savvy.com. Jones confirmed that the reunion will include Mike and Q, and possibly Slim. He commented, "Slim just didn’t want to be a part of it" But there are rumors that Slim might have had a change of heart. He recently recored a song with the group called "One More Try" it has not been confirmed if it will be on there new album or if Slim will be either. The yet-to-be titled album currently doesn’t have a release date.

In January 2011, Q Parker released a 12-month fitness calendar, and announced that his solo project will be released sometime this year.

Discography

Studio
  • 112
    112 (album)
    - Critical :Leo Stanley of Allmusic gave the album 4 out of 5 stars stating that "as the first romantic soul group on Puff Daddy's Bad Boy label, 112 at least has the appearance of originality. However, their eponymous debut demonstrates that this is only an appearance - in reality, they are much...

    (1996)
  • Room 112
    Room 112
    Room 112 is the second studio album by R&B quartet 112, released on October 20, 1998. The album features label mates Mase and Faith Evans. Also features Lil' Kim, Lil' Zane and MJG...

    (1998)
  • Part III (2001)
  • Hot & Wet
    Hot & Wet
    - Personnel :* Chris Athens — Mastering* Leesa Brunson — A&R Assistance* Jonathan "Chronic Face" Burke — Vocal Engineer* Isaac Carree — Vocals* Dru Castro — Engineer* DaTwelve — Executive Producer* Tina Davis — A&R* Vidal Davis — Producer...

    (2003)
  • Pleasure & Pain (2005)


Solo
  • Love's Crazy
    Love's Crazy
    -Charts:...

    (2008) by Slim
    Slim (112)
    Marvin Eugene Scandrick III, better known by his stage name Slim, is an American R&B singer better known for being part of the band 112....


Awards

The Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...

s are held annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., known variously as The Recording Academy or NARAS, is a U.S. organization of musicians, producers, recording engineers and other recording professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and its...

. 112 has one award from two nominations, so far.
Year Nominated work Award Result
1998 "I'll Be Missing You
I'll Be Missing You
"I'll Be Missing You" is a Grammy Award-winning song and hit single recorded by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans and 112, in memory of fellow Bad Boy Records artist Christopher "Notorious B.I.G" Wallace who was murdered on March 9, 1997...

"
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
The Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group was awarded between 1991 and 2011, alongside the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. Previously a single award was presented for Best Rap Performance....

Won
2002 "Peaches & Cream
Peaches & Cream (112 song)
"Peaches & Cream" is the second single from the album, Part III, by 112. The song was nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 44th Grammy Awards in 2002...

"
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals
The Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal was awarded between 1970 and 2011. From 1967 to 1969 and in 1971 the award included instrumental performances...

Nominated
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