February 24, 1990 – Bell Biv DeVoe releases “Poison”
As founding members of supergroup New Edition, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe had been in the spotlight for the better part of a decade – though often not as bright a spotlight as group members Bobby Brown and Ralph Tresvant. So when, during a break in NE’s activities, at the suggestion of producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the trio decided to form their own vocal group, the music world looked curiously.
But no one could have predicted that on this day in 1990, BBD would initiate the world with one of the most infectious songs of the era, a song whose intro is as recognizable as any that R&B had delivered. Written and produced by hot New Jack Swing devotee Dr. Freeze, “Poison” immediately shot up the R&B, Dance and Pop charts, and made BBD a staple on MTV. Needless to say, Bell Biv DeVoe had their signature song right out of the box, a #1 R&B charter that showed just how deep the talent was in New Edition.
So check out “Poison” again below, and just try not to smile when you hear that initial “dit dit dit dit dit dit dit dit dit BAM.”
By Chris Rizik
