BIOGRAPHY
Raphael "RL" Brown is an American singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as the lead vocalist of the R&B group Next. Born on April 19, 1977, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, RL has made significant contributions to the R&B genre, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
RL, along with his group Next, rose to prominence with their debut album, "Rated Next" (1997). The album featured the chart-topping single "Too Close," which became a massive hit and is considered one of the signature songs of the era. Known for its catchy hook and RL's distinctive vocals, "Too Close" solidified Next's place in the R&B landscape.
The success of "Rated Next" was followed by the albums "Welcome II Nextasy" (2000) and "The Next Episode" (2002), which included hits like "Wifey" and "Imagine That." RL's smooth and soulful vocals played a crucial role in shaping the group's sound.
Aside from his work with Next, RL has also pursued a solo career. He released solo projects, including the album "RL: Ements" (2002). His solo work showcased his versatility as an artist, allowing him to explore different facets of R&B.
In addition to his music career, RL has ventured into acting and has made appearances on television shows. His influence on the R&B genre is evident through Next's impact during the late 1990s, and RL's vocal talent continues to be celebrated by fans of classic R&B.