Success seems to have come easily to the four guys known for their "Motownphilly" sound. The big question is: Can they handle it?

Their is the story that other hopeful singers dream about. After only a few months of harmonizing together at school, Boyz II Men decided to sneak backstage at a talent show hosted by Michael Bivins. They weren't even hip enough to be hoping Bivins would want to manage them.

"We just wanted to sing to ANYBODY, period!" recalls Wanya. It was just a huge stroke of luck that Bivins was kind enough to listen to the uknown foursome. And when he heard them sing, something about their close harmony and different sound prompeted him to give them his business card. You know call me sometime.

Determination Paid Off

It all could have ended right there, but Nate refused to give up. The guy who often serves as spokesman for the group kept on trying to reach Bivins. "I called him every day for two months!" he laughs now. "I BEGGED him!"

Of course everybody knows what happened when Bivins finally decided to take over and manage the group. Their very first album, Cooleyhighharmony zoomed to the Top Ten, selling more than 3 million copies. They were making their new record company, Motown, move back into the big time.

The awards began rolling in - the kind of recognition that made many a more experienced performer green with envy. There was a coveted American Music Award, plus a pair of nominations for the Grammys. Not bad for four guys who were in high school only a short time ago!

Fame and Fortune

Suddenly they were hotter than hot, making lots of money and sitting square in the limelight. People wanted a piece of the action, girls chased them, and their lives were turned upside down. From nobodies to somebodies almost overnight!

There was hardly any time to even think about what was happening. The guys had to sandwich in work on their new album with a tough nine months on the road. Then they barely had time to catch their breaths before they were off again on Hammer's national tour.

Lots of Compliments

How could they possibly remain the unsophisticated, sweet guys who were sneaking backstage only a little while back? If you talk to the people who deal with them on a day to day basis, some of the things you hear about the Boyz are: "charming-polite-genuine good-natured-hard-working-modest"...the list goes on and on. "Without expection," says one public relations executive who has worked with many top stars, "these guys make up the NICEST group I have ever dealt with in the business!"

High praise, but what about the word going around that the guys are about to desert the town that gave them so much? Is it true that they've been looking at mansions in California and penthouses in New York?

Setting it Straight

No way! Boyz II Men are proud of their roots, and they are deep in Philly. "We grew up on the Motown sound and the Philadelphia sound," reports Wanya. "Now we're trying to connect these two and bring them back."

So if you have any doubts about these guys, relax. Their attitude is right. Can they handle what's happening? You bet they can!