BIOGRAPHY
Next was formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1992, originally consisting of lead singer R.L. Huggar, brothers Terry "T-Low" Brown, and Raphael "Tweet" Brown. The group's name, "Next," signifies their aim to be the next big thing in R&B.
In 1997, Next released their debut album, "Rated Next," which included the hit singles "Butta Love" and "Too Close." "Too Close" became a massive success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's catchy hook and suggestive lyrics contributed to its popularity, making it a signature track for the group.
The success of "Too Close" helped propel the "Rated Next" album to platinum status, establishing Next as a prominent force in the contemporary R&B scene. The album showcased the group's ability to blend smooth vocals with seductive and mature themes.
Next continued their success with subsequent albums, including "Welcome II Nextasy" (2000) and "The Next Episode" (2002). While they maintained a presence in the R&B charts, the group faced challenges in maintaining the same level of commercial success as their debut.
Throughout their career, Next was praised for their harmonies, sensual ballads, and contributions to the evolving sound of R&B in the late 1990s. R.L. Huggar's soulful vocals and the group's ability to create intimate and relatable songs endeared them to fans of contemporary R&B.
In the following years, the members of Next pursued individual projects. R.L. Huggar, in particular, continued his career as a solo artist. Despite the challenges associated with changing trends in the music industry, Next's impact on the R&B landscape of the late 1990s is acknowledged, and their music remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of that era.