BLACKstreet was founded in 1992 by Teddy Riley, a New Jack Swing pioneer known for his work as a member of Guy. The group went through numerous personnel changes over the years, with current and former members including Riley, Eric Williams, Mark Middleton, J-Stylz, Joseph Stonestreet, Levi Little, Dave Hollister, Terrell Phillips, and Chauncey Hannibal.
The group’s self-titled debut album was a moderate success due to the singles "Booti Call" and "Before I Let You Go", both Top 40 hits ("Before I Let You Go" hit the Top 10). The follow-up, 1996’s Another Level, was a breakthrough success due to the top single "No Diggity" (with Dr. Dre), which was a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1996, and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Another Level eventually went four times platinum in the United States and peaked at #3 on the Billboard chart.
BLACKstreet followed up with Finally, but group turmoil and personnel shifts soon led to a break-up. After rumors of legal action and a preemptive countersuit, the group re-banded and released Level II in 2003.
In 2006 the group was a part of the New Jack Reunion Tour with Teddy Riley, Mark Middleton, Eric Williams, and new member J-Stylz.
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