Ever wondered what happened to the "rump shaker heroes" of the 1990s?
The earliest stars I remember were Wreckx-N-Effect and their multi-platinum hit single "Rump Shaker," which was produced by Teddy Riley way back in '92. I can still hear 'em: "All I wanna do is zooma-zoom-zoom-zoom in the boom-boom... just shake ya rump!" It's been rumored that Pharrell Williams wrote that verse instead of Teddy. Either way, it's one catchy song! And yes, I still shake my rump when I hear it!
The group was made up of Aqil Davidson, Brandon Mitchell, Markell Riley and Keith "K.C." Hanns. Sadly, Brandon was killed in a shooting, according to reports. The group came out with a record called "Rap's New Generation" in 1996, but Wreckx-N-Effect never achieved the success it once had with its first booty-shakin' single. What a tragedy!
Wanna shake ya rump? Check out this video by Wreckx-N-Effect ...
In 1996, Ginuwine teamed up with beatmaster Timbaland for "Pony," his first single from the album "Ginuwine ... The Bachelor." Ginuwine's smooth lyrics, sexy dance moves and swagger sent throngs of screaming women over the edge. I should know, my girlfriends and I were among the throngs screaming! Remember these risque lyrics? "I'm horny, let's do it ... ride it, my pony ..." Ahh, the memories ...
Ginuwine put out a few more albums, but none were as good as the first one. In 2002, it looked like his luck was turning around when P. Diddy/Sean Combs tapped him to sing on "I Need a Girl (Part II)," which is one of my personal faves. Shortly after, Ginuwine started his own label called Bag Entertainment and released the album "Back II Da Basics" in 2005, according to Wikipedia. Word is Ginuwine is working on a new album, called "The New Beginning," slated for release this year. Keep it sexy baby!
Watch Ginuwine move in this video clip ...
Sisqo came out with "Thong Song" off the "Unleash the Dragon" LP after leaving Dru Hill to go solo in '99. This single became a mega-hit and was the booty-shakin' anthem for Spring Breakers that year -- anyone remember MTV's Spring Break? -- and it was definitely the jam of the summer. Comedian Will Ferrell even gave a nod to the song's popularity by singing part of the lyrics to the "Thong Song" as Robert Goulet in a skit on "Saturday Night Live."
Sisqo's success has waned over the years, but he's tried to remain in the spotlight by appearing alongside the unpredictable Bobby Brown in "Gone Country," a reality show on the Country Music Televison channel.
Wanna relive the memories up close? Both Sisqo and Ginuwine can be seen live at the Millennium Theater in Brooklyn on May 17. You can enter to win tickets on Hot97's Web site or get more information on the Millennium Theater's Myspace page.
Watch Sisqo unleash the "Thong Song" remix ...