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While still in their teens, Steven Russell Harts, Rodney Benford, John Harreld, and Reggie Warren-AKA TROOP-scored big with their self titled Atlantic debut album, which yielded the #1 R&B hit, “MAMACITA,” and the top ten R&B tune “MY HEART”. Troop’s follow up album, 1989’s “ATTITUDE”, struck RIAA GOLD  propelled by two #1 singles “SPREAD MY WINGS” and “ALL I DO IS THINK OF YOU.”

Entering a music industry that at the time already had the great success of other male R&B groups, Troop had their work cut out for them with distinguishing themselves from the rest, but from the moment they made their official entrance into the industry Troop quickly set themselves apart from other groups with their captivating harmony & explosive dance styles.

This internationally recognized R&B Sensation got their start in the late 80s after they won a televised talent contest called, “Puttin on the Hits” that drew interest from record labels & fans alike. Hailing from Pasadena, CA where they are still based, Troop was signed to Atlantic Records and released their debut single “Mamacita.” After reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B Charts it quickly established them as a group that music fans would take serious notice of.  Troop established a reputation as a group that could easily combine high quality live singing with intricate dance routines that would have the crowds in shock at their ability to do both so well. After the success of the debut album, Troop’s  follow up “Attitude”  was an album that would become known as a classic for hit songs like “Spread My Wings” & All I Do Is Think of You” which both climbed to #1 on the Billboard R&B charts & also simultaneously remained in the top 10 on the charts for weeks. It was certified Platinum in 1990 & then Troop released their third album “Deepa” in 1992 which saw their single “Sweet November” go straight to #1 on the Billboard R&B charts as well. They followed the “Deepa” album with two more albums “A Lil Sumpin Sumpin”(1994) & “Mayday”(1998).

After releasing “Mayday” in 1998, Troop took a hiatus & individual members worked behind the scenes on various projects such as writing, producing, collaborating, and other business endeavors.  Co-lead singer, Steven Russell, executive produced nearly the entire “Deepa” album that received quite a few positive reviews from many sources including Billboard which stated “impeccable vocals, catchy lyrics, melody, [and] harmony.”  Russell has gone on to write and produce many hit singles for artists like, Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson, B2K, Joe, Donnell Jones, Keith Sweat and a host of other successful artists.

In 2004 Troop returned to the scene as a unit & immediately began touring across the United States & working on their sixth album. The quintet became well known over the years for their strong live performances which landed them as headliners of worldwide tours as well as the opportunity to tour with other fellow national recording artists. They have shared the stage with many industry veterans such as Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Keith Sweat, Silk, Mario, & Jon B. to name a few.

Troop has built quite the resume with four #1 singles & three top ten singles on the Billboard R&B Charts. They have also completed five albums, which includes three certified Gold & one certified Platinum album. Urban Network showcased “Mayday, the fifth album release, as an “Editor’s Choice” as well as other magazines that praised the album such as Vibe, Impact, & Sister to Sister.

Troop has also been showcased on David Letterman, Soul Train, Arsenio Hall, Showtime at the Apollo, & appeared in the feature film “New Jack City” singing acapella in addition to recording on the soundtrack title song along with Queen Latifah & Levert. Troop continues to fill concert venues with excited fans who are still amazed by their performance. Look forward to seeing & hearing more from Troop at a venue near you or on their upcoming album. In 2014 Troop released three new compilations albums each including one new never heard before Troop song

 

 

1. Troop Performs Live

2. Troop Performs “Not In A Million Years”

3. Beyond the Studio With Troop