Listen to any Boyz II Men song and you can feel their good vibrations, and good vibrations, it seems, are what surround this quartet of singing sensations. Not long after releasing their album, II, they toured limited dates with Babyface, their number one song, "I'll Make Love to You," recieved a Grammy nomination for record of the year, and "On Bended Knee" became the second single off II to hit #1 on the record charts. How's that for good vibrations? Wanya, Shawn, Nate, and Michael have some vibes of their own. Catch them if you can!
Who: Boyz II Men, Nate Morris, Michael McCary, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris...
What: Are unveiling something wonderful.
Where: Stonecreek Recording Studios: 15 minutes from Philly.
When: Recently.
And Why: The multi-platinum artists wanted to let the world know about their latest business venture.
Outside of the building runs a creek filled with baby fishes and beautifulocks that look like they were imported from a Caribbean beach. Inside, each of the guys have a private office where they can plunk out soon-to-be hits on paper before heading upstairs into one of the state-of-the-art mastering rooms. "We're still remodeling. When we get everything the way we want it, we'll be able to let the creative juices flow. Oh, and by the way, will you tell your readers at Spice that we said thanks for their support," Shawn Stockman asked me as I snooped through his office, taking him up on his tour guide offer.
Boyz II Men, now adding the accolade of "businessmen" to their fact sheets, are constantly providing clean cut images and PG rated lyrics still sell. You may not like their stylist, but you have to admit, heavenly harmonies blended to perfection as if the four part oneness was cultivated by God himself cannot be criticized, "We always give thanks to God first, because withough him, these voices wouldn't be blended together at all."
Another humble genius was in the house, Jheryl Bubsy, Motown's top excecutive. He was impeccably dressed as always, polite, and as usual, always had kind words to say, "I'm pround of the group for purchasing this studio, because I know that some nice project will be produced here."
I gently teased Mr. Bubsy about being "The Man" (no, not the police, although he sniffs out talent like a star detective) and he again shared praise with the artists, "After 6 million records sold, several Grammys, Billboard and American Music Awards, and three platinum singles, the guys have proven that they aren't just a passing fancy. They worked hard, and really did most of this by themselves."
The lip-licking smell of Philly steak and chesse sandwiches glided over my nostril hairs, while I talked with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff (the Sounds of Philadelphia songwriters who penned most of the O'Jays and Teddy Pendergrass's songs) about what they're working on, "We had to come by here tonight to see what everybody else in the industry is doing. It's nice to see Boyz II Meb doing so well. They're helping keep our sound alive."
Modesty is supreme, isn't it?