Formed in the late 1980s, After 7 is an American R&B group that made an indelible mark on the music industry with their smooth, emotionally driven sound. Comprised of brothers Kevon and Melvin Edmonds, along with their close friend Keith Mitchell, After 7 became known for their sophisticated blend of romantic ballads and soulful harmonies. As the younger siblings of Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, the group also benefited from the strong influence and production expertise of their famous brother, which helped shape their career. Their music reflects the evolution of Black R&B from the golden era of the late 1980s and 1990s, when New Jack Swing and quiet storm balladry defined the sound of urban radio. Early Years and Formation Kevon and Melvin Edmonds, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, were raised in a musical family that valued soul, gospel, and R&B traditions. Their older brother, Babyface, was already making waves in the music industry as a writer and producer. While Babyface's career skyrocketed, Kevon and Melvin, along with Keith Mitchell, began to forge their own path. The trio came together and soon caught the attention of music mogul L.A. Reid and Babyface, who helped secure them a deal with Virgin Records. Debut Album: "After 7" (1989) The group’s self-titled debut album, *After 7*, released in 1989, introduced them to the world with the sultry lead single, **"Ready or Not."** The song became a massive hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and #7 on the Hot 100. Its success was a testament to After 7’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with lush harmonies, a hallmark of late 1980s R&B. Another standout track from the album, "Can't Stop," further solidified their place in the R&B scene, becoming a top 10 hit. With its slick production, courtesy of Babyface and L.A. Reid, and After 7’s velvety vocals, the song epitomized the sophisticated, sensual side of R&B that was gaining popularity. 1990s Success and Legacy Their sophomore album, *Takin' My Time* (1992), continued After 7’s winning streak with hits like "Kickin' It"and "Baby I'm for Real." The group's sound evolved, incorporating elements of New Jack Swing, but always retaining their core essence-smooth, polished love songs that resonated with audiences. This consistency allowed them to stay relevant in a rapidly changing music landscape. By the mid-1990s, After 7's music had become a staple of quiet storm radio formats, a genre characterized by slow jams that emphasized romance, longing, and emotional depth. Their ability to deliver relatable, passionate songs connected them with fans who were drawn to the honesty and intimacy in their music. Hiatus and Return After 7 took a brief hiatus in the late 1990s, but Kevon Edmonds pursued a successful solo career, releasing the well-received album 24/7in 1999, which included the hit single "24/7."However, the group reunited in the mid-2000s to reignite the magic that initially made them stars. Their reunion album, Timeless (2016), was both a nostalgic callback to their earlier sound and a reflection of the group’s maturity. Featuring the single **"Let Me Know,"** the album reminded fans of After 7’s signature sound-lush harmonies and love ballads-but also incorporated modern R&B influences, allowing them to stay relevant in a new era. Impact on Black Music After 7’s influence on Black music is undeniable. They were part of a wave of late-80s and early-90s R&B artists who helped define an era of Black music marked by lush ballads, slick production, and smooth harmonies. Along with acts like Boyz II Men and Tony! Toni! Toné!, After 7 paved the way for future generations of R&B artists who prioritize romantic, soulful storytelling in their music. Their sound embodies the transition from the 1980s synth-driven R&B to the more organic, emotionally raw sound of the 1990s. The group's collaboration with Babyface and L.A. Reid placed them at the forefront of an era in which Black music became more mainstream and dominated radio waves. Their success is not just a reflection of their talent but also their ability to adapt while staying true to the soul of their music. Legacy and Conclusion After 7 remains one of the most respected R&B groups from their era. Their smooth, heartfelt love songs have stood the test of time, continuing to be played on urban adult contemporary radio stations and influencing new generations of R&B artists. The Edmonds brothers, along with Keith Mitchell, left a lasting legacy that underscores the importance of craftsmanship and emotional depth in Black music. Even in an age of constantly shifting musical trends, After 7’s commitment to authentic, soul-driven R&B ensures their place in the pantheon of greats in the genre.
I download one of their songs two days ago I forgot about that group. Keep us up-to-date with the 1970s groups because I forget sometimes I'm 67 ok 🎶🎵🤷🏽
Formed in the late 1980s, After 7 is an American R&B group that made an indelible mark on the music industry with their smooth, emotionally driven sound. Comprised of brothers Kevon and Melvin Edmonds, along with their close friend Keith Mitchell, After 7 became known for their sophisticated blend of romantic ballads and soulful harmonies. As the younger siblings of Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, the group also benefited from the strong influence and production expertise of their famous brother, which helped shape their career. Their music reflects the evolution of Black R&B from the golden era of the late 1980s and 1990s, when New Jack Swing and quiet storm balladry defined the sound of urban radio.
Early Years and Formation
Kevon and Melvin Edmonds, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, were raised in a musical family that valued soul, gospel, and R&B traditions. Their older brother, Babyface, was already making waves in the music industry as a writer and producer. While Babyface's career skyrocketed, Kevon and Melvin, along with Keith Mitchell, began to forge their own path. The trio came together and soon caught the attention of music mogul L.A. Reid and Babyface, who helped secure them a deal with Virgin Records.
Debut Album: "After 7" (1989)
The group’s self-titled debut album, *After 7*, released in 1989, introduced them to the world with the sultry lead single, **"Ready or Not."** The song became a massive hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and #7 on the Hot 100. Its success was a testament to After 7’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with lush harmonies, a hallmark of late 1980s R&B.
Another standout track from the album, "Can't Stop," further solidified their place in the R&B scene, becoming a top 10 hit. With its slick production, courtesy of Babyface and L.A. Reid, and After 7’s velvety vocals, the song epitomized the sophisticated, sensual side of R&B that was gaining popularity.
1990s Success and Legacy
Their sophomore album, *Takin' My Time* (1992), continued After 7’s winning streak with hits like "Kickin' It"and "Baby I'm for Real." The group's sound evolved, incorporating elements of New Jack Swing, but always retaining their core essence-smooth, polished love songs that resonated with audiences. This consistency allowed them to stay relevant in a rapidly changing music landscape.
By the mid-1990s, After 7's music had become a staple of quiet storm radio formats, a genre characterized by slow jams that emphasized romance, longing, and emotional depth. Their ability to deliver relatable, passionate songs connected them with fans who were drawn to the honesty and intimacy in their music.
Hiatus and Return
After 7 took a brief hiatus in the late 1990s, but Kevon Edmonds pursued a successful solo career, releasing the well-received album 24/7in 1999, which included the hit single "24/7."However, the group reunited in the mid-2000s to reignite the magic that initially made them stars.
Their reunion album, Timeless (2016), was both a nostalgic callback to their earlier sound and a reflection of the group’s maturity. Featuring the single **"Let Me Know,"** the album reminded fans of After 7’s signature sound-lush harmonies and love ballads-but also incorporated modern R&B influences, allowing them to stay relevant in a new era.
Impact on Black Music
After 7’s influence on Black music is undeniable. They were part of a wave of late-80s and early-90s R&B artists who helped define an era of Black music marked by lush ballads, slick production, and smooth harmonies. Along with acts like Boyz II Men and Tony! Toni! Toné!, After 7 paved the way for future generations of R&B artists who prioritize romantic, soulful storytelling in their music.
Their sound embodies the transition from the 1980s synth-driven R&B to the more organic, emotionally raw sound of the 1990s. The group's collaboration with Babyface and L.A. Reid placed them at the forefront of an era in which Black music became more mainstream and dominated radio waves. Their success is not just a reflection of their talent but also their ability to adapt while staying true to the soul of their music.
Legacy and Conclusion
After 7 remains one of the most respected R&B groups from their era. Their smooth, heartfelt love songs have stood the test of time, continuing to be played on urban adult contemporary radio stations and influencing new generations of R&B artists. The Edmonds brothers, along with Keith Mitchell, left a lasting legacy that underscores the importance of craftsmanship and emotional depth in Black music. Even in an age of constantly shifting musical trends, After 7’s commitment to authentic, soul-driven R&B ensures their place in the pantheon of greats in the genre.
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Dang it 2chann! I have to say this again ~ you’re definitely my music twin. It’s scary but I love you fam! ♥️🥰✨🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
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Just wanted to say I'm glad you not tired up in that Diddy mess 🙏🏽🎶🎵
I download one of their songs two days ago I forgot about that group. Keep us up-to-date with the 1970s groups because I forget sometimes I'm 67 ok 🎶🎵🤷🏽
Hey there Sis! 🎀✨🌸✨🥰🫂
@@mzjazzi6070
Hello Queen 👑
((Sharon)) big hug sis