Halftime Chat R&B Podcast

Hi-Five is an American R&B quintet based in Waco, Texas. Hi-Five had a #1 hit on Billboard's Hot 100 in the early 1990s with "I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)". The band was formed in Waco, Texas in 1989, and consisted of the founding and original members from Waco, Texas: Tony Thompson (lead singer), Roderick "Pooh" Clark, Marcus Sanders, Russell Neal, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, native, Toriano Easley.  Hi-Five was originally signed to Jive Records in late 1989 and released their eponymous debut album in 1990. The album went platinum and was produced by Teddy Riley; it included such singles as "I Just Can't Handle It" (R&B #10), "I Can't Wait Another Minute" (Pop #8, R&B #1), and their biggest hit to date, "I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)", which went to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.  #HiFive #MarcusSanders #TonyThompson

Hi-Five is an American R&B quintet based in Waco, Texas. Hi-Five had a #1 hit on Billboard's Hot 100 in the early 1990s with "I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)". The band was formed in Waco, Texas in 1989, and consisted of the founding and original members from Waco, Texas: Tony Thompson (lead singer), Roderick "Pooh" Clark, Marcus Sanders, Russell Neal, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, native, Toriano Easley.  

Hi-Five was originally signed to Jive Records in late 1989 and released their eponymous debut album in 1990. The album went platinum and was produced by Teddy Riley; it included such singles as "I Just Can't Handle It" (R&B #10), "I Can't Wait Another Minute" (Pop #8, R&B #1), and their biggest hit to date, "I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)", which went to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.  #HiFive #MarcusSanders #TonyThompson

Tammy Lucas is a singer/songwriter and vocal producer born with music in her blood. Her Dad is Ray Lucas, Soul Jazz Funk & RnB drummer who played with the Apollo house band/Jimi Hendrix/ Dionne Warwick /Donnie Hathaway/Nina Simone and many more. Also her Mom, was lead of a girl group for a time.  Tammy's recording artistry began as result of being a member of the legendary Paradise Garage. She was introduced to up and coming producers; Boyd Jarvis & Timmy Regisford. 

She wrote lyrics & melody to Jarvis' club track, her 1st song HEY BOY and performed it on the Paradise Garage stage while the maestro himself Mr. Larry Levan mixed her debut record from the DJ booth.    ​Tammy began writing and recording songs with Teddy Riley when he was a HIP HOP producer. Her soulful style help create the New Jack Swing sound. Together they co-wrote the song JOY with Michael Jackson for his Dangerous album. She helped Chad & Pharrell get signed to their 1st deal and began writing sessions with them that lasted for years. 

Tammy was an integral part of the production duo's writing team, and she helped them create the super successful Neptune sound.   #TammyLucas #TeddyRiley #NewJackSwing

Whodini is an American hip hop group that was formed in 1982. The Brooklyn, New York-based trio consisted of vocalist and main lyricist Jalil Hutchins; co-vocalist John Fletcher, a.k.a. Ecstasy (who wore a Zorro-style hat as his trademark); and turntable artist DJ Drew Carter, a.k.a. Grandmaster Dee.  Coming out of the fertile New York rap scene of the early '80s, Whodini was one of the first rap groups to add a R&B twist to their music, thus laying the foundation for a new genre - new jack swing.   

The group made its name with good-humored songs such as "Magic's Wand" (the first rap song accompanied by a video), "The Haunted House of Rock", "Friends", "Five Minutes of Funk" and "Freaks Come Out at Night". Live performances of the group were the first rap concerts with the participation of breakdance dancers from the group UTFO. Russell Simmons was the manager of the group in the '80s.  

The group has released six studio albums. 14 singles of the group hit the charts of the American magazine Billboard. 4 albums of the group were certified Platinum by RIAA, due to their loud single "Friends" that hit Billboard Hot 100.

American Music Award Winner, Donell Jones is a renowned R&B vocalist, an exceptional songwriter, and a master producer.  For over the last 25 years, the multifaceted Chicago native has experienced greatness and adversity during his musical journey as well as he’s been signed to LaFace Records, has had many chart-topping hits, including unforgettable classic ballads that are fan favorites like “Where I Wanna Be,” “You Know What’s Up ft. TLC’s Left Eye,” and “Knocks Me Off My Feet” just to name a few. 

Jones has also produced and written hit songs for Usher “Think of You,” 702 “Get It Together” Drea “Not Gonna Letcha," Jacquees “23,” and he’s recently collaborated with singer, Jon B on a song called “Understand.” Donell has traveled the world doing shows and he’s even gone on tour with Alicia Keys.