TV One Kicks Off Black Music Month Profiling Dru Hill’s Bumpy Rise To Fame

TV One is celebrating Black Music Month with original programming and musical performances during the month of June. The network kicked off the month of greatness on Thursday, June 2 with an original documentary, followed by an encore presentation of UNSUNG: Dru Hill. Dru Hill told the story of four guys, all from one city, who came together to form the R&B group known around the world in the ’90s. The group members, Woody, Sisqo, Nokio, and Jazz all grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. However, originally the group was named 14 Karat Harmony and only consisted of three of the four members. 

Once Jazz joined the group their journey to fame was still bumpy. With Kevin Peck as their manager, the group was able to set up a meeting with Island Black Records to help them release their first signal, “Tell Me”. To the group’s surprise, the song skyrocketed to #5 on the Billboard R&B charts. After the success of this hit, the group officially changed their name to Dru Hill, named after a park in Baltimore.

Shortly after Dru Hill released two number one hits, “In My Bed” and “Never Make A Promise”. Both of these recordings came with shocking music videos that were so out of the ordinary for this time, which included gay couples and abusive families; the group got letters from so many fans about how they were more confident in themselves.

While the guys thought everything would be smooth sailing from here on out, all that changed in 1997. Dru Hill was all set to perform as the management team started to break out in a huge fight, ultimately leading to a lawsuit with Dru Hill and Black Island Records. The lawsuit requested that Black Island Records release the group from their contract and pay damages of $55 million. In the end, the lawsuit was settled for an unknown amount and each member was able to record a solo album. Rising to more fame with Dru Hill’s third #1 single, “How Deep Is Your Love.” Everyone thought the group was back. It wasn’t until they started shooting a music video with Will Smith that Woody suddenly left the group.

Trying to still tour as a trio did not work out as planned. While all this was happening, Sisqo was in the process of making his solo album that ended up selling over 5 million copies and included several hits. While this took place, Nokio also started producing for some big stars. Nevertheless, Woody returned to the group but the record label would not let Woody or Jazz release their solo album as promised.

This caused Jazz to leave the group, forcing the band to add another member, Ruscola. But Jazz was worried about his image so he returned for Dru Hill’s third album that featured the fifth member. Despite the fifth member, Black Island Label dropped Dru Hill, causing several members to go through dark times. This may have seemed like the end of the group to many fans but in 2008 the group reunited. But like old times Woody and Jazz left, forcing Sisqo and Nikio to replace them once again. This time with two members from another R&B group called Playa. Dru Hill released another album with their two new members. Although this group no doubt had a tough ride, many still call their songs “timeless and classic hits.”