H-Town with Next and Changing Faces

Next, hailing from Minneapolis, became late-'90s R&B icons with hits like "Too Close" and "Wifey." Known for suggestive lyrics and gospel-influenced harmonies, they achieved multi-platinum success with "Rated Next" under Arista. The group, mentored by Reverand James Grear, and Sounds of Blackness' Ann Nesby, worked with producers like KayGee and Darren Lighty. They released three albums before splitting in 2003. They reunited in 2018 with original members RL, T-Low, and Tweet.

Changing Faces, a New York urban soul duo similar to TLC and SWV, featured East Harlem's Cassandra Lucas and Bronx's Charisse Rose. Known for hits like "Stroke You Up" and "G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T." crafted by R. Kelly, their soulful, gospel-infused vocals achieved major R&B chart success in the '90s.