Three years ago they were harmonizing in the halls of their high school, taking their classical training and make fabulous doo-wop for the 90's! When they snuck backstage into a show and got New Editon's Michael Bivins to hear them sing, they landed the recording deal they had been wishing for. Their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony, sold seven million albums, won two Grammys, three American Music Awards, two Soul Train Awards...get the picture? They were hot right out of the shoot!!
Boyz II Men also had a hit with "End of the Road" from Eddie Murphy's Boomerang soundtrack, plus they put out an incredible Christmas album in '93 ('Christmas Interpretations') that's still selling to this day. Their follow-up studio album, II, pratically hit the #1 spot on the music charts on day one of its release this year, with it's first single, "I'll Make Love to You" doing the same on the singles charts. The Boyz are happenin' all over again!! Listen in as bass man Michael McCary talks about II...and the most personal parts of his life!
SuperTeen: You didn't have all that much time and space in which to record II. Was there lots of pressure on you?
Michael: We took about nine months to make this one. Actually, it's a bit over the time we took for the first album because, basically, we had to work around the schedules of the various producers. It was kind of strenuous making this album because there were a lot of pressure to top the sales of the first one. We tried to get away to different places, such as Reno, to record and not worry about the pressures and criticisms and people telling us we should do this or that...basically it comes down to what we feel.
SuperTeen: What's your favorite cut on II?
Michael: All the cuts are favorites in one way or another. We paid attention to each, poured all our emotions in each.
SuperTeen: Why did you guys split with Michael Bivins?
Michael: He's busy with his record label. He didn't have time to manage us any more. We always see each other. We're on good terms. He heard II at the various stages of reording. He was the one who suggested we get away from home during recording so we could be away from everyone and everything.
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SuperTeen: What's the most startiling thing you've learned since Boyz II Men got together three years ago?
Michael: I guess it would have to be the business end of music. We learned a lot quickly from Michael Bivins who used to manage us. We read books about what to watch out for. All I can say to new artists is be careful what you sign...I thought it would be one big party, fun, and games. I didn't realize this is a business. It's a lot harder than I thought. A lot more dedication is needed.
SuperTeen: What's changed for you personally?
Michael: All of us have moved due to a lot of the situations around our old homes, but that doesn't mean we don't go back to our old neighborhoods. We hang out and talk, play basketball and pool there all the time. We still live with our families though.
SuperTeen: Describe your room at home.
Michael: My room is extrmley peaceful. As soon as you close the door, it's like another world. It shuts out everything. I'm in my own private little world. I can create music, let ideas come. It's all off-white walls and carpeting, there's a marble bathroom. It's very spacious and very light...from all different angles...even up above! You kind of fall in love in my room. It's a comfortable place, not macho or femine; just comfortable.
SuperTeen: Did you always have a deep voice?
Michael: Since I was twelve. I adjusted to it over a period of time. I wasn't use to the sound coming out, hitting low notes. I had started singing before high school, at age 11, so this was different. I wasn't sure it would work; how my voice would fit in. In high school choir I figured out where my voice would belong.
SuperTeen: Bet girls were falling all over themselves because of it.
Michael: I only wish! I wasn't very popular with girls when I was younger. Now, thank God, I have a little popularity.
SuperTeen: Do you remember the first date you ever had?
Michael: I didn't have many dates when I was growing up. I was hanging out with the fellas, or in school. In high school I was in rehersals day and night.
SuperTeen: Are you seeing anyone, Michael?
Michael: I'm not seeing anyone now. So much of my time is devoted to work. I haven't found anyone who can deal with that and be a part of that. I'm hoping I will in the future. That's everyone's dream. I would like to have a big family.
SuperTeen: Has anyone broken your heart?
Michael: In 1992. She had been cheating on me for a long time. I didn't know...I was trying to make everything work and keep it together. That hurt a lot because that was my first real love.
SuperTeen: What kind of people are you attracted to?<
Michael: Someone who knows what she wants and how she's going to get there. Someone who's sincere, with a certain aura...funny, loving, caring...very caring. I'm really a caring, touchy-feely guy. I'd rather stay home and make dinner, watch a movie and cuddle. It feels good to be home and relax.
SuperTeen: What kind of people turn you off?
Michael: Ones who smoke...in a second. Someone who doesn't know what she wants or waits for someone to take care of her. That goes for anybody. No motivation to take care of themselves, turns me off. Saying dumb things out your mouth all the time turns me off too.
SuperTeen: Do you worry much?
Michael: No. Actually, I'm more like the worry-free person. I'm laid-back and don't worry. I know things will work themselves out. I think about solutions to problems, I don't worry.
SuperTeen: Do you have any sisters and brothers, Michael?
Michael: I have four brothers and one sister, none of whom are in the business. I'm the shortest male at 6'1". Everybody plays basketball...at colleges and so on. I play, but I never concentrated on it as my craft. My first dream was to be a singer.
SuperTeen: Do you have any pets?
Michael: Two dogs and one on the way. I'm buying a third.
SuperTeen: Do you cook?
Michael: Yes. Turkey, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, stuffing, cornbread. My brother and I cooked when my mother was at work. She taught us how to cook, do chores and laundry early on.
SuperTeen: What do you like best about yourself?
Michael: I do for others more that I do for myself.