H-Town (band)
Encyclopedia
H-Town is an American R&B/hip hop
vocal group. It was originally founded by twin brothers Keven “Dino” Conner, Solomon “Shazam” Conner, and their longtime friend Darryl “G.I.” Jackson in 1992.
to onetime 2 Live Crew
rapper and record label executive Luther "Luke" Campbell
. After an impromptu audition, Campbell signed the group to his label, Luke Records
. They took the name of the group, "H-Town," from the local nickname for the city of Houston, Texas, in which they grew up.
H-Town's debut album Fever for Da Flavor
was released on April 15, 1993. The group achieved hit status in the United States with "Knockin' Da Boots
," which became H-Town's biggest hit and also their signature song. "Boots" was a #1 hit on the R&B charts, and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
. "Lick U Up," the bands follow-up single, was less successful on the charts. H-Town won the 1993 Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist. That same year, they signed on as a part of the Coca-Cola
Summerfest tour, which also included Shai
, SWV
, Jade, Naughty by Nature
, LL Cool J
and Silk
.
Beggin' After Dark
In 1994, H-Town returned the studio to record their second album Beggin' After Dark
. It was released on November 8, 1994.
The most popular single from this album was "Emotions." It became a #11 hit on the Billboard R&B chart and reached #51 on the Hot 100. Other tracks from the album included "Sex Bowl," "Full Time," "Much Feelin' (And It Tastes Great)," "Buss One," featuring reggae
singer Papa Reu
, and "Baby I Love Ya," featuring Roger Troutman
.
Ladies Edition, Woman's World
By the time H-Town returned to the studio to record Ladies Edition
, they had undergone some changes. They recorded a cover version
of The Persuaders
' "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate
" for the 1996 film of the same name
. The song became H-Town's first Top 40 pop hit in three years, peaking at #37.
They then cut ties with Luther Campbell, underwent a spiritual awakening of sorts, and became more aware of women's issues on their third album Ladies Edition
, Woman's World. It was released on October 28, 1997. The album's general theme centers on a man's penitence for his past transgressions with his woman, a theme conveyed in songs such as "Don't Sleep on the Female," "Julie Rain" (a sobering account of spousal abuse), and "Jezebel." According to the liner notes, the album was dedicated to Nicole Brown Simpson
and "all the women of the world." Twenty national women's telephone helplines were also listed on the back cover.
Bringing the Heat
In July 2000, Solomon "Shazam" Conner released a solo album entitled Bringing the Heat. Selected tracks from Shazam's solo effort were included on H-Town's 2004 album Imitations Of Life.
Knocking Your Heels and Child Support
In mid 2009, after the loss of band member, Dino, the remaining two members, Solomon "Shazam" Conner and Darryl "G.I." Jackson released the single "Knocking Your Heels" from their upcoming album "Child Support." The single's remix features Jodeci
and Pretty Ricky
. The release date of "Child Support" is still TBA with iMG Recordings as of January 2011 .
Three people were in the SUV, all of whom fled after the accident. One of them, Juan Diaz, was later apprehended, however, and faced a felony charge of failure to stop and render aid.
At the time of Conner's death H-Town was said to have just finished what would become their fourth album. They eventually released their reunion album Imitations of Life on October 12, 2004.
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
vocal group. It was originally founded by twin brothers Keven “Dino” Conner, Solomon “Shazam” Conner, and their longtime friend Darryl “G.I.” Jackson in 1992.
Formation
Growing up in a family of singers, brothers Keven and Solomon Conner began their careers singing in talent shows and plays before a local producer sent their demo tapeDemo (music)
A demo version or demo of a song is one recorded for reference rather than for release. A demo is a way for a musician to approximate their ideas on tape or disc, and provide an example of those ideas to record labels, producers or other artists...
to onetime 2 Live Crew
2 Live Crew
2 Live Crew was a hip hop group from Miami, Florida. They caused considerable controversy with the sexual themes in their work, particularly on their 1989 album As Nasty As They Wanna Be.- Early career :...
rapper and record label executive Luther "Luke" Campbell
Luther Campbell
Luther R. Campbell , also known as Luke Skyywalker, Uncle Luke or Luke, is a record label owner, rap performer , and actor...
. After an impromptu audition, Campbell signed the group to his label, Luke Records
Luke Records
Luke Records is the record label formed in 1990 by Luther Campbell, frontman of 2 Live Crew.The label was originally called Luke Skyywalker Records, however because it was not found to be of fair use, Campbell shortened his pseudonym to "Luke" .-Artists:* 2 Live Crew* MC Shy D*...
. They took the name of the group, "H-Town," from the local nickname for the city of Houston, Texas, in which they grew up.
Albums
Fever for Da FlavorH-Town's debut album Fever for Da Flavor
Fever for Da Flavor
Fever for Da Flavor, the debut album from H-Town was released on April 15, 1993. The group gained popularity in America with "Knockin' Da Boots", H-Town's biggest hit to date. "Boots" was a #1 hit on the R&B charts, and hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Lick U Up", the bands follow-up single, was...
was released on April 15, 1993. The group achieved hit status in the United States with "Knockin' Da Boots
Knockin' Da Boots
"Knockin' Da Boots" is the debut single from R&B group H-Town. Taken from their debut album, Fever for Da Flavor, "Knockin' Da Boots" became one of the biggest R&B singles of 1993 according to the Billboard charts, where it peaked at number three for seven weeks, and also topped the R&B chart for...
," which became H-Town's biggest hit and also their signature song. "Boots" was a #1 hit on the R&B charts, and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
. "Lick U Up," the bands follow-up single, was less successful on the charts. H-Town won the 1993 Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist. That same year, they signed on as a part of the Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machines in more than 200 countries. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke...
Summerfest tour, which also included Shai
Shai (band)
Shai is an early 1990s vocal R&B/soul quartet. Their biggest hit was "If I Ever Fall in Love," which reached #2 in the U.S. Top 40.-History:...
, SWV
SWV
Sisters with Voices, better known as SWV, is an American female R&B trio from New York. Formed in 1990 as a gospel group, SWV became one of the most successful R&B groups of the 1990s. They had a series of hits, including "Weak", "Right Here/Human Nature", "I'm So Into You", and "You're the One"....
, Jade, Naughty by Nature
Naughty by Nature
Naughty by Nature are a Grammy Award-winning American hip hop trio from East Orange, New Jersey that at the time of its formation in 1989 consisted of Treach, Vin Rock, and the DJ Kay Gee...
, LL Cool J
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
and Silk
Silk (group)
Silk is an American R&B group, formed in 1989 in Atlanta, Georgia.-Career:Silk are best known for their hit singles, "Happy Days", "Freak Me" from their debut album, Lose Control. Another hit from Lose Control, "Girl U For Me", helped the album reach double platinum status...
.
Beggin' After Dark
In 1994, H-Town returned the studio to record their second album Beggin' After Dark
Beggin' After Dark
Beggin After Dark Beggin After Dark Beggin After Dark (Released November 7, 1994 is the second album from 90s R&B group, H-Town. The most popular single from this album was "Emotions". The song made it to #11 on the R&B charts and #51 on the pop charts...
. It was released on November 8, 1994.
The most popular single from this album was "Emotions." It became a #11 hit on the Billboard R&B chart and reached #51 on the Hot 100. Other tracks from the album included "Sex Bowl," "Full Time," "Much Feelin' (And It Tastes Great)," "Buss One," featuring reggae
Reggae
Reggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. While sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.Reggae is based...
singer Papa Reu
Tyler James Williams
Tyler James Williams is an American teen actor and voice actor. He is most recognizable for having played the title character of the Chris Rock-inspired sitcom Everybody Hates Chris.-Life and career:...
, and "Baby I Love Ya," featuring Roger Troutman
Zapp (band)
Zapp is a soul and funk band formed in 1978 by brothers Roger Troutman, Larry Troutman, Lester Troutman, Terry Troutman, Bobby Glover and Gregory Jackson [Cincinnati Ohio Funk Keyboardist]...
.
Ladies Edition, Woman's World
By the time H-Town returned to the studio to record Ladies Edition
Ladies Edition
Ladies Edition is R&B group H-Town's third album, released October 28, 1997. Their cover of The Persuaders' "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate," from the 1996 film of the same name was H-Town's Top 40 pop hit in three years, reaching #37.They became more conscious toward women in their third album...
, they had undergone some changes. They recorded a cover version
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
of The Persuaders
The Persuaders (band)
The Persuaders are a New York based R&B vocal group, with some fame in the 1970s, best known for their hit single, "Thin Line Between Love and Hate"...
' "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate
Thin Line Between Love and Hate
"Thin Line Between Love and Hate" is the title of a 1971 song by the New York City-based R&B vocal group The Persuaders. The song was written and produced by the Poindexter brothers, Robert and Richard, and was also co-written by Jackie Members....
" for the 1996 film of the same name
A Thin Line Between Love and Hate
A Thin Line Between Love and Hate is a 1996 dark comedy-romance film that was directed and co-written by Martin Lawrence, who also stars in the film. Lawrence co-wrote the screenplay alongside Kenny Buford, who has also written for Lawrence's hit television sitcom, Martin...
. The song became H-Town's first Top 40 pop hit in three years, peaking at #37.
They then cut ties with Luther Campbell, underwent a spiritual awakening of sorts, and became more aware of women's issues on their third album Ladies Edition
Ladies Edition
Ladies Edition is R&B group H-Town's third album, released October 28, 1997. Their cover of The Persuaders' "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate," from the 1996 film of the same name was H-Town's Top 40 pop hit in three years, reaching #37.They became more conscious toward women in their third album...
, Woman's World. It was released on October 28, 1997. The album's general theme centers on a man's penitence for his past transgressions with his woman, a theme conveyed in songs such as "Don't Sleep on the Female," "Julie Rain" (a sobering account of spousal abuse), and "Jezebel." According to the liner notes, the album was dedicated to Nicole Brown Simpson
Nicole Brown Simpson
Nicole Brown Simpson was a former wife of professional football player O. J. Simpson.- Relationship with O. J. Simpson :...
and "all the women of the world." Twenty national women's telephone helplines were also listed on the back cover.
Bringing the Heat
In July 2000, Solomon "Shazam" Conner released a solo album entitled Bringing the Heat. Selected tracks from Shazam's solo effort were included on H-Town's 2004 album Imitations Of Life.
Knocking Your Heels and Child Support
In mid 2009, after the loss of band member, Dino, the remaining two members, Solomon "Shazam" Conner and Darryl "G.I." Jackson released the single "Knocking Your Heels" from their upcoming album "Child Support." The single's remix features Jodeci
Jodeci
Jodeci is an American band, whose repertoire includes R&B, soul music, and new jack swing. The group consists of two pairs of brothers from Hampton, Virginia and Charlotte, North Carolina: Cedric & Joel Hailey and Donald & Dalvin DeGrate, all respectively known by their stage names: K-Ci & Jojo,...
and Pretty Ricky
Pretty Ricky
Pretty Ricky is an American R&B/hip hop group originally made up of Diamond "Baby Blue" Smith, Spectacular Smith, Corey "Slick 'em" Mathis, and Marcus "Pleasure P" Cooper. In 2007, Pleasure P left the group to pursue a solo career...
. The release date of "Child Support" is still TBA with iMG Recordings as of January 2011 .
Death of Dino
On January 28, 2003, Dino was killed in an automobile accident in Houston, Texas. According to police, Dino had just left a recording studio and was a passenger in a car being driven by his girlfriend, 22-year-old Teshya Rae Weisent. Their vehicle was struck by an SUV that ran a red light, and both Dino and Weisant were killed.Three people were in the SUV, all of whom fled after the accident. One of them, Juan Diaz, was later apprehended, however, and faced a felony charge of failure to stop and render aid.
At the time of Conner's death H-Town was said to have just finished what would become their fourth album. They eventually released their reunion album Imitations of Life on October 12, 2004.
Albums
| Fever for Da Flavor Fever for Da Flavor Fever for Da Flavor, the debut album from H-Town was released on April 15, 1993. The group gained popularity in America with "Knockin' Da Boots", H-Town's biggest hit to date. "Boots" was a #1 hit on the R&B charts, and hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Lick U Up", the bands follow-up single, was...
|
| Beggin' After Dark Beggin' After Dark Beggin After Dark Beggin After Dark Beggin After Dark (Released November 7, 1994 is the second album from 90s R&B group, H-Town. The most popular single from this album was "Emotions". The song made it to #11 on the R&B charts and #51 on the pop charts... Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... RIAA certification In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards... : Gold |
| Ladies Edition, Woman's World Ladies Edition Ladies Edition is R&B group H-Town's third album, released October 28, 1997. Their cover of The Persuaders' "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate," from the 1996 film of the same name was H-Town's Top 40 pop hit in three years, reaching #37.They became more conscious toward women in their third album... Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... RIAA certification In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards... : Gold |
| Imitations of Life
|
| Child Support
|
Singles
| Year | Title | US Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
US R&B | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | "Knockin' Da Boots Knockin' Da Boots "Knockin' Da Boots" is the debut single from R&B group H-Town. Taken from their debut album, Fever for Da Flavor, "Knockin' Da Boots" became one of the biggest R&B singles of 1993 according to the Billboard charts, where it peaked at number three for seven weeks, and also topped the R&B chart for... " |
3 | 1 | Fever for Da Flavor Fever for Da Flavor Fever for Da Flavor, the debut album from H-Town was released on April 15, 1993. The group gained popularity in America with "Knockin' Da Boots", H-Town's biggest hit to date. "Boots" was a #1 hit on the R&B charts, and hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Lick U Up", the bands follow-up single, was... |
| "Lick U Up" | 67 | 21 | ||
| "Keepin' My Composure" | - | - | ||
| 1994 | "Baby I Wanna" | - | 87 | |
| "Part Time Lover" | 57 | 9 | Above the Rim soundtrack | |
| "Back Seat (With No Sheets)" | - | 58 | Beggin' After Dark | |
| 1995 | "Emotions" | 51 | 11 | |
| 1996 | "A Thin Line Between Love & Hate Thin Line Between Love and Hate "Thin Line Between Love and Hate" is the title of a 1971 song by the New York City-based R&B vocal group The Persuaders. The song was written and produced by the Poindexter brothers, Robert and Richard, and was also co-written by Jackie Members.... " |
37 | 6 | A Thin Line Between Love and Hate A Thin Line Between Love and Hate A Thin Line Between Love and Hate is a 1996 dark comedy-romance film that was directed and co-written by Martin Lawrence, who also stars in the film. Lawrence co-wrote the screenplay alongside Kenny Buford, who has also written for Lawrence's hit television sitcom, Martin... soundtrack |
| 1997 | "They Like It Slow" | 35 | 12 | Ladies Edition |
| 2009 | "Call Me Mr. Pacman" | - | - | Child Support |
Other collaborations
| Year | Title | Artist | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | "It's Your Thang" | Various | Addams Family Values: Music from the Motion Picture |
| 1994 | "Bust a Nut" | Luke Featuring H-Town | In the Nude |
| "Take It Slow" Featuring Dino | Trellini Featuring Dino | Trellini | |
| 1995 | "Ain't No Fun" | Various | Original Gangstas Soundtrack |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Result | Award | Category | Single |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Won | Soul Train Music Award | Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist | |
| Nominated | Soul Train Music Award | Best R&B/Soul Single - Group, Band or Duo | "Knockin' Da Boots" |
External links
- http://htown4ever.com/blog/ H-Town Official Website
- [ H-Town] at Allmusic
- http://twitter.com/htown4life at
- http://twitter.com/gijackson at "GI"
- http://www.facebook.com/pages/H-Town/75058581883 Facebook Fanclub
- http://www.youtube.com/user/htown4lifetv?feature=mhum H-TOWN on YouTube
- http://www.myspace.com/htowngi Myspace-"GI"
- http://www.facebook.com/htowngi Facebook-"GI"
- Keven "Dino" Conner at Find A GraveFind A GraveFind a Grave is a commercial website providing free access and input to an online database of cemetery records. It was founded in 1998 as a DBA and incorporated in 2000.-History:...