Next

by John Bush
Just six months after their debut album Rated Next was released in late 1997, Next topped the singles charts with the smooth soul of Too Close. Composed of brothers T-Low and Tweety plus R.L., the R&B trio formed in Minneapolis/St. Paul after the brothers met R.L. through their uncle, the director of a gospel choir. With the help of Naughty by Natures Kay Gee on production, the trio developed a slightly pornographic soul tied to Barry White and late-period Marvin Gaye. Their second single Too Close had no problem, hitting number one during April 1998. Next celebrated their success with a slot supporting Boyz II Men on their summer tour.