The seductive harmony of Boyz II Men will fill the USF Sun Dome on Wednesday for the Budweiser Superfest. The Boyz - Michael McCary, Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman - are looking forward to this tour to show off their singing and dancing skills. "We do more than just stand and dance; we want to be known as performers," Stockman said. "We like to dance but are hardly able to with slow songs," Stockman added. The group soon will release something they can all dance to - a remix of "Vibin'."
Known for their harmonious voices and suave dressing, the Boyz are the record indusrty's hottest romantics. Their latest album, II, provides a look at all shades, stages, and rhythms of romance, according to press releases. The men are just as romantic as their songs make them, said Stockman. But the good news is that none of the members is married and they are keeping their options opening.
In addition to their album, the Boyz are staying busy with concerts and other ventures. The group has opened a studio in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, named Stonecreek. "It is our creative haven. We have creative space," said Stockman.
Anyone can rent space at the studio, Stockman said. "We provide everything an artist would want."
Besides their own projects, the group is writing and producing a song for Color Me Badd, and singing background vocals on Michael Jackson's HIStory. The group speaks fondly of the time they spent working with Jackson. "He made us feel at home and comfortable," said Nathan Morris. "It was a learning experience," says Wanya Morris.
To appeal to their wide array of fans, the group has re-recorded some of their songs in Spanish. Upcoming plans include tours in Japan, Asia, and Australia, Stockman said.
Future productions include working with Babyface again, Stockman said. Babyface and the group make a dynamic team producing such hits as "I'll Make Love to You," and "Water Runs Dry."
The group began in 1988 in Phildelphia. The four grew up in the same neighborhood, and attended the same high school.
Their name came from the New Edition song "Boys to Men;" the group was discovered by New Edition member Michael Bivins.
"The Lord has blessed us with the elements," said Stockman. So what seperates this group from all the rest? They don't know, said Nathan Morris. "All we know is what we do."