In the mid 1990s, R.L. Huggar and Terry and Raphael Brown, with the help of Brown family's uncle, came together to form a group called Straight4ward.  The Browns' uncle was a gospel singer, who helped the young men become acquainted with KayGee of Naughty by Nature, who eventually signed the band to her label,

Next

I mean it’s a blessing especially knowing that I can turn on the radio and still hear my music and it be re-occurring. Most music I hear nowadays, it’s just let’s play it for three or four months and then after that, it’s done, you know what I mean?

The Beginning

In the mid 1990s, R.L. Huggar and Terry and Raphael Brown, with the help of Brown family's uncle, came together to form a group called Straight4ward.  The Browns' uncle was a gospel singer, who helped the young men become acquainted with KayGee of Naughty by Nature, who eventually signed the band to her label, Divine Mill, which was being distributed by Arista Records

Under the guidance of KayGee, they changed their name to Next and released a debut album in 1997, Rated Next.  R&B singer Adina Howard made an appearance on the album, as well as Naughty By Nature.  The album certified Gold.  Their first single from the album, Butta Love, went to #4 on the R&B charts and $16 on the pop charts.  Their second single, Too Close peaked at #1 on the Billboard Top 100 and the R&B charts.  

What Happened 'Next'

Next topped the Billboard year-end charts for 1997 and was awarded, Top New Artist, Top Hot 100 Singles Artist-Duos/Groups, Top R&B Artist-Duos/Groups, Top New R&B Artist, Top Hot R&B Singles Artist, Top Hot 100 Single, Top Hot R&B Single, and Top Hot R&B Airplay.  By this point, the album had gone platinum.  The group was nominated an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group.  

Next released their second album, Welcome II Ecstasy, in 2000.  The album featured reggae artist Red Rat, Beanie Sigel, and 50 Cent.  The single, Wifey, topped the R&B chart and peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 list.  The album certified Gold but did not mirror the success of their first release.  However, Next was again lauded with awards, this time from Soul Train Music and Blockbuster Entertainment.

A Bright Future

2002 saw the release of The Next Element.  Sales were lackluster compared to their past albums, possibly due to the tame nature of the first single, Imagine That.  Fans had become accustomed to much  more lewd material, and may have been disappointed by the change in style.  Over the next few years, they were working on solo projects, and the band recorded a few mixtapes.  Recordings of these can be found online, available for mp3 download.  Music videos can be viewed at their website and on YouTube.  

Next has a new album due out in 2010.  The working title is Next, Lies, and Videotape.  They still have a solid fan base, who seek their music in stores and online.  Group member, Raphael “Tweety” Brown has left the group due to issues with Huggar.

Did you know . . .

1. In 1998, Next contributed the single, Whatever You Want, to the compilation, NFL Jams.

2. Prior to releasing Next Episode, group member T-Low underwent throat surgery, but recovered enough to sing on the album.

3. After leaving Next, Raphael “Tweety”  Brown formed Goldiggez with Max Lux.

• Unlimited Music Access
• Music File Sharing
• Country Based Radio Channels
• Easy, Fast and Safe!
• 100% Free!