112 was released on August 27, 1996 by Bad Boy Records.
112 arrived on a musical landscape where R&B music was at its peak for mainstream audiences. During this juncture, there were a plethora of R&B groups making their mark on the industry and opening doors for new acts to breakthrough. The opportunity to capitalize on this momentum was made available and 112 seized the opportunity in the stellar fashion.
Bad Boy Records was the newest label on the scene and their youthful exuberance shined through with the hot acts they were signing in both the R&B and Hip Hop genres respectively. 112 became the second R&B act signed by
Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs and he clearly saw something in the quartet ages ranging from 17-19. The group failed to disappoint with their debut offering and left quite the impression on the multitude of music fans worldwide.
This album would introduce the group as an alternative choice from the other R&B groups on the music charts. Their style of rhythm and blues was reminiscent of
Boyz II Men and many of the forefather R&B groups throughout the history of R&B music. Each of the 19 songs on the album highlighted the four part harmonies of
Michael Keith and
Daron Jones and lead singers
Marvin “Slim” Scandrick and
Quinnes “Q” Parker. It would also showcase the production talents of group member Daron Jones, up and coming Bad Boy Hitmen producer,
Steven “Stevie J.” Jordan, Tim & Bob, Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men and Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs. All of these elements proved to be explosive once the album hit stores in the late summer of 1996.
The concept for the group was formulated by Daron Jones and Michael Keith when they were in 7th grade. 112 formed as a group in 1994 in Atlanta, Georgia while attending the same high school. They were originally a quintet and their group name was
Forte, which was an acronym for
Forever On Route to Excellence.
After various line up changes with different group members, co-founders Daron Jones and Michael Keith recruited Marvin “Slim” Scandrick and Quinnes “Q” Parker to become part of the group. The group began to build a legendary reputation around their hometown of Atlanta by winning consecutive singing competitions. They eventually gained the attention of producers Tim & Bob and managers Courtney Sills and Kevin Wales.
As the story goes, the group was brought in to perform for Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs at the famous Buckhead 112 Club in Atlanta, Georgia. It would be here where they would obtain the name for their group. After receiving a co-sign from
Faith Evans and
Chucky Thompson, Combs signed the quartet to his label to become his first male R&B collective. A year later, the group would release their debut album and the rest would be history.
Between the months of February 1995-January 1996, 112 was recorded at Daddy's House studios in New York, New York.
SoulCulture recently sat down with co-founder Daron Jones and producer Steven “Stevie J.” Jordan to discuss how the album developed from beginning to end.
Q Parker, for those unfamiliar with the name, is one part of the hugely successful R&B foursome 112. Originating from Atlanta, Georgia and signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, the group had five albums between the years of 1996 and 2005. Also Grammy winners for their contribution to the Notorious B.I.G. tribute record "I’ll Be Missing You," Q, Daron, Slim, and Michael are often referred to as one of the better R&B groups of the golden era by fans and critics alike. With that said, and a reunion apparently on the cards, the time has come for Q to go it alone and reignite the type of R&B that not only plays the soundtrack to a couple’s romantic evening but also provides the backdrop to many a passionate person’s everyday life.
In May 2010 we asked superproducer Just Blaze "What Happened To The Remix?" - who would have thought that that answer would make it's way into the pages of the colossal 420-page coffee table book Hip Hop: A Cultural Odyssey Book?
Bound in black leather and described as "the definitive literary and photographic celebration of the groundbreaking culture," the luxury book features unseen photos by Hip Hop photographer Jonathan Mannion, interviews, essays and profiles on a range of Hip Hop pioneers, legends and players key in the growth and global impact of Hip Hop of Hip-Hop, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem, Run-DMC, Queen Latifah, Will.I.Am, Diddy, 50 Cent and Will Smith.
Afrika Bambaataa penned the book's intro with a further 150 or so artists contributing commentary, including Cee Lo, Chuck D, Faith Evans, Ice-T, Kool Keith, Method Man, Nelly, ?uestlove and Spinderella.
Watch our interview with Just Blaze below, along with more details on Hip Hop: A Cultural Odyssey and how to get your hand on it.
This year seemingly is the year when all albums classified as “urban myths” finally see the light of day. Dr Dre’s Detox has actually birthed material and Lupe Fiasco’s Lasers is all set for a March release. Whilst we anticipate various other mythical albums (Fugees comeback, Madvillain), one of the most anticipated albums for almost six years is finally released and Saigon’s odyssey to drop The Greatest Story Never Told LP finally ends in 2011.
With label issues, controversy and new arrivals just a handful of reasons for its delay, can the NY disciple of super producer Just Blaze make up for the lengthy delay with a bona fide classic? 
