BBD

Bell Biv DeVoe: Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe. Additional personnel includes: Trina Powell, Big Tezz, Richard Smith, William Davidson (vocals); Rockwilder (various instruments, programming); DJ Twinz (various instruments). Producers include: Rockwilder, DJ Twinz, Dem Dem Twinz, Junod Etienne, Chris Jenkins. Although Michael Bivins had a hand in the creation of Boyz II Men, the '90s weren't an especially artistically fertile period for these ex-New Edition members, so BBD is a welcome return to form--and if the form in question is rap, leavened with considerable doses of the trio's trademark harmonies, then Bell Biv Devoe has made a successful attempt at updating its sound for the new millenium. Though the results may surprise former fans, there's enough on offer to satisfy those weaned on the past glories of "Do Me" and "When Will I See You Smile Again," while gaining the outfit some new credibility. Album opener "Sic Wit It" with its mix of shimmering, soulful vocals and rapping is a clue to BBD's general direction, while "Breezy," with its simple, grainy keyboard figure and old school dance beat is an undoubted highlight. "Pesos" is a timely warning to today's would be gangstas about the dangers of avarice, while the swaying "I Ain't Going Nowhere" is a smooth dose of dimly-lit bedtime R&B. In short, BBD is a triumph for the old firm.