We all know and love TLC—I mean, we tried to copy their style, and dance moves in front of the mirror. They had us singing about chasing waterfalls, creeping, and not wanting any scrubs. Here are four girl groups from the 90s that also gave us the hits we needed, when we needed them. Let’s take a trip down memory lane.
1. Allure
Allure may have been one of the most well-known groups signed to Mariah Carey’s Crave Records. The New-York R&B group with Alia Davis, Linnie Belcher, Lalisha McClean and Akissa Mendez, released their first album in 1997. One of their most notable hits “All Cried Out” with 112, rose to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and undeniably had us sangin’ our hearts out, even if we couldn’t hit those high notes.
2. Brownstone
When the three original ladies Mimi, Maxee, and Nicci came together in 1994 to form Brownstone, they undeniably created a melt-in-your ears symphony everytime. In less than a year of coming together, they were signed to Michael Jackson’s MJJ music. They released their debut album From the Bottom Up, with hit singles like “Grapevyne,” and arguably their most successful single “If You Love Me,” which got them a Billboard Music Award.
3. Kut Klose
This trio with the ethereal, sensuous voices of Tabitha Duncan, Athena Cage, and Lavonn Battle was discovered by Keith Sweat in 1994. They were introduced on Sweat’s hit singles “Get Up On It,” and also lent their voices to the melodic, stuck-in-my-head chorus of “Twisted.” Sweat also wrote and produced their debut album Surender. While this was the only album they released, it delivered some seriously soulful, sultry tracks like “I Like” and saw some success on the Billboards.
4. 702
Named after the area code of their hometown Las Vegas, the trio began as a quartet with the Grinstead sisters and cousin Amelia. The group was discovered by Sinbad, and eventually signed by Michael Bivins of Bell Biv DeVoe and New Edition. Perhaps one of their most successful songs, the gold certified, billboard hit single “Where My Girls At?” was released in 1999, and had us shutting down anyone tryna take our man.
Conclusion
Girl groups dominated the music scene in the 90s with their infectious energy and soulful melodies. These women served as a testament to female identity, relationships, and resilience after pain. We only mentioned four on this list. Which forgotten girl groups are you listening to?