112 (pronounced "one-twelve") is an American R&B quartet from Atlanta, Georgia. Formerly artists on Sean "Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy Records, the group signed to the Def Soul roster in early 2002. They had great success in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Biography

112 is an American R&B quartet from Atlanta, Georgia. Formerly artists on Sean "Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy Records, the group left Bad Boy and signed to the Def Soul roster in early 2002. 112 formed in Atlanta, Georgia and consisted of members Marvin Scandrick, Michael Keith, Quinnes Parker and Daron Jones. Equally rooted in gospel, soul and hip-hop, 112 was the first and most successful urban vocal group to emerge from Combs' Bad Boy Records roster. The group had its start when the members met while attending high school. ?Forte? at the time, the group performed talent shows at church and school and eventually gained the attention of Courtney Sills and Kevin Wales, the group's would-be managers. After being brought to the attention of Sean "Puffy" Combs, the group was quickly signed in front of a local club in Atlanta called 112, which is credited to the group?s name 112. Soon afterwards they found themselves living in New York, recording their debut album. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1996, performed exceptionally well, eventually going double platinum. It featured the hit singles "Only You" and "Cupid," both of which peaked at #13 on the Hot 100 and #3 and #2 on the R&B charts respectively. Not only was the group's 1996 debut prove to be one of the hottest of male groups, but they could be heard on records by such Bad Boy artists as Notorious B.I.G, Puff Daddy & Mase. Unlike most artists on Bad Boy, 112's image was clean, pure and wholesome, which helped the group cross over to a more mainstream audience. Fueled by the hit singles, "Only You" and "Cupid", they hit the road in earnest as the opening act for the Isley Brothers at Ron Isley's request.

Considering 112 hold the best in R&B tradition so closely to their hearts, their own story mirrors the classic ?rags to riches? tale of many of the groups they once idolized, emulated and now are compared to. It was the first of four separate, widely differing tours that saw the group criss-crossing the U.S. with Keith Sweat, New Edition and finally Puff Daddy and the Family, over a grueling 18 month period. Years to follow, they found themselves touring with other big named artists such as Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson. The group has sold collectively a total of about 16+ million records world wide.

Def Jam and U Already Know

In 2003, the group left Bad Boy Records, releasing their fourth album Hot & Wet on Def Soul. The album didn't carry the same success as earlier efforts and failed to make any noticeable impressions on the charts. From the album they released "Na, Na, Na" featuring Dancehall legend Supercat.

Pleasure & Pain, the group's fifth album, was released in 2005 and saw more success. The album eventually reached platinum status and featured the popular single "U Already Know." The album is their first to come with a parental advisory sticker, reportedly caused by a rap from Three 6 Mafia (however, a few earlier songs also contain profanity, such as the use of the word "shit" in "Peaches & Cream").

One Twelve Music Group , The Inc. and solo projects

Recent reports have announced that Daron Jones is no longer a member of the group and is embarking on a solo career. 112 have also formed their own label One Twelve Music Group and got a joint venture deal with Irv Gotti's label The Inc. Records after being dropped from Def Jam Records. 112 continues to tour world-wide as well as in the States. While touring, Slim, Q, and Mike seem to be embarking on their own solo projects anticipated to come out in 2008. Mike goes by the name "Dangerus" and has a website called Dangerusonline.com, and has two songs that have leaked "She's My Superstar" and "Sexy". Slim is featured along with Three 6 Mafia on 8Ball & MJG's second single "Cruzin'" off of their new album "Ridin High". He has signed his own label deal with Asylum/Atlantic called M3 Productions Inc. and is releasing his solo debut album "Love's Crazy" in September 2008. His first single is called "So Fly" featuring Yung Joc. Slim's Myspace page is Myspace.com/Slimof112

In an interview with MiddleChildPromotions, Q. Parker confirmed that his début album is entitled "Real Talk" and is due for release in September 2008. He is currently in the studio working with Tim & Bob, The Pirates, Jammy, Bryan-Michael Cox, Platinum Brothers and Chrystle Johnson ("Touch My Body" by Mariah Carey) amongst others. The album will be released under a joint-venture between his own label NeWFAM Entertainment and Drift City Records.^[1] The first single off the album is called "Crazy Crazy" and it features Rock City.

Daron Jones has been seen performing with the group again while overseas in Germany and Belgium and it is confirmed that Daron had returned to 112.

Discography

• 1996: 112
• 1998: Room 112
• 2001: Part III
• 2003: Hot & Wet
• 2005: Pleasure & Pain
• 2009: The Classics

Solo

• 2008: Real Talk by Q. Parker
• 2008: Love's Crazy by Slim
• 2008: Who I Am by Daron Jones
• 2008: Michael Keith by Michael Keith

Grammy Award history

• 1997: Best Rap Performance by A Duo Or Group: "I'll Be Missing You" (Puff Daddy, Faith Evans and 112) WON
• 2001: Best R&B Group or Duo: "Peaches & Cream" NOMINATED

References

External links

• 112 at LyricWiki
• Biography & booking information
• Article on ''Hot & Wet'' album
• The original group (Forte')
• Slim interview on Allhiphop.com

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