Jeff was already in L.A. trying to pursue a singing career, but was having a difficult time finding members with the proper drive and dedication. That's when a mutual friend from Cincinnati called a friend he attended high school with at the Cincinnati School of Creative and Performing Arts to see if he would be interested in joining the group. A week later Nick, then a student at Miami University of Ohio, drove to L.A., and subsequently fellow classmates Justin (who was attending college) and Drew (who was an EMT in Brooklyn), did the same. The chemistry between the four was remarkable and 98° was created.

The group was both persistent and successful from the beginning, booking the National Anthem at a Dodgers game their first week together, and winning several talent contests and showcases in the couple of months that followed. They continued to strive for a record deal while working various jobs ranging from landscaping and delivering Chinese food, to doing security at some trendy night clubs.

The four attended a Boyz II Men concert and were successful in singing their way backstage to a private radio party where they got to sing live on the air. That's when they caught the attention of their manager, Paris D'Jon. Paris was at the concert as a co-manager to singer Montell Jordan, who was also performing that evening. Paris began working with the group and helped them to complete their demo. Montell also contributed by doing some of the tracks on the demo. Paris returned to the group with several label offers, but Motown was their unanimous decision for numerous reasons.

"Previous Motown acts had such an influence on our musical style and singing," was Nick's comment about choosing Motown over the other labels.

"We felt it was both an honor and a privilege being on the same label as legendary acts like Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men, and Marvin Gaye," added Justin.

With their own trademark sound created by smooth harmonies and strong blending of voices, 98° follows in the footsteps of other successful and famous labelmates like The Temptations, The Four Tops, and of course, Boyz II Men.

For their self-titled debut album released last July, 98° worked with up and coming producers and songwriters including Tricky and Sean (hailing from the LaFace camp), Rashad Smith (producer of Total, Seal and LL Cool J), labelmate Mario Winans, and perhaps their biggest supporter, Montell Jordan.

Whether it's the soulful ballad "Heaven's Missing An Angel," the gospel and inspirational "Hand In Hand" featuring Motownís newcomer Lashanda Reese, the up-tempo "Come And Get It," or their cover version of The Stylistics' "You Are Everything," 98° offers something for everyone.

"We are pleased that our individual personalities are reflected in the songs on our album," explained Drew." It will help listeners get familiar with each of our voices, and really understand each of the members and how they contribute to 98°."

For 98° an album highlight is "Completely," a song which the group wrote and produced themselves. "Although we enjoy recording material written by other talented artists, it was gratifying having some of our own original material on the album," remarked Jeff.

98°' musical influences range from Boyz II Men and Take Six, to Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder to name just a few. They have already been compared to several artists including George Michael, Boyz II Men, and Az Yet.

98° are going to tour the world in 98 (it's their year). Look for them near you and experience the heat!

Most of the above was taken from the**MOTOWN** site. Go there to find out more about 98° and other great artists!