H-Town (band)

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H-Town
Origin Houston, Texas, United States
Genre(s) R&B
Years active 1993-Present
Label(s) Luke Records
Relativity Records
H-Town Music
Members
Solomon "Shazam" Conner
Darryl "G.I." Jackson
Former members
Keven "Dino" Conner (deceased)

H-Town is an American R&B/hip hop musical group that was formed in 1992 by Keven "Dino" Conner, his twin brother Solomon "Shazam" Conner, and their long-time friend Darryl "G.I." Jackson. They took the name of the group, "H-Town," from the local nickname for the city of Houston, Texas.

Contents

[edit] History

Growing up in a family of singers, brothers Keven (Dino) and Solomon (Shazam) Conner began their career singing in talent shows and plays before a local producer sent their demo tape to one-time 2 Live Crew rapper and record company owner, Luther "Luke" Campbell. After an impromptu audition, Campbell signed the band to his label, Luke Records.[1]

[edit] Albums

[edit] Fever for Da Flavor

H-Town's debut album, Fever for Da Flavor, was released on April 15, 1993.[2] The group gained popularity in America with "Knockin' Da Boots", H-Town's biggest hit to date. "Boots" was a #1 hit on the R&B charts[3], and hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.[4] "Lick U Up", the bands follow-up single, was also released from the album but was less successful in the charts. The band won a 1993 Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist. That same year, H-Town became part of the Coca-Cola tour, which also included Shai, SWV, and Silk.[1]

[edit] Beggin' After Dark

In 1994, H-Town went back into the studio to record their second album Beggin' After Dark. It was released on November 8, 1994.[5]

The most popular single from this album was "Emotions". The song made it to #11 on the R&B charts and #51 on the pop charts.[4] Other hits from the album included "Sex Bowl", "Full Time", "Much Feelin' (And It Tastes Great)", "Buss One" featuring reggae singer Papa Reu, and "Baby I Love Ya" featuring the late Roger Troutman.

[edit] Ladies Edition, Woman's World

By the time H-Town went back into the studio to record Ladies Edition, they had undergone a massive change. They recorded a cover version of The Persuaders' "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate" for the 1996 film of the same name. The song became H-Town's first Top 40 pop hit in three years (#37).[4]

They then cut their ties with Luke Campbell, found God, and became more conscious toward women in their third album Ladies Edition, Woman's World.[6] It was released on October 28, 1997.[7]The album's theme is making up for past transgressions with women. A theme conveyed in songs such as "Don't Sleep on the Female", "Julie Rain" (a sobering account of spousal abuse), and "Jezebel". The album was dedicated the album to Nicole Brown Simpson and "all the women of the world". Twenty national women helplines were also listed on the back cover.[8]

[edit] 2000 - Present

In July of 2000, Solomon "Shazam" Conner released a solo album called Bringing the Heat. Selected tracks from Shazam's solo effort were included on H-Town's 2004 album, Imitations Of Life.

On January 28, 2003, 28-year-old Keven "Dino" Conner and his girlfriend Teshya Rae Weisent had just left a recording studio when their vehicle was struck by a SUV that ran a red light. Both Conner and Weisent were killed. Three people witnessed the accident, but all fled the scene. One man, Juan Diaz, was later apprehended.[9]

At the time of Conner's death, H-Town was working on what would become their fourth album.[9]They released their reunion album, Imitations of Life, on October 12, 2004.[10]

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

Fever for Da Flavor
Beggin' After Dark
Ladies Edition, Woman's World
Imitations of Life

[edit] Singles

Year Title Album US R&B US Pop
1993 "You & Me" Featuring Luke In The Nude by Luke 94 -
1993 "Knockin' Da Boots" Fever for Da Flavor 1 3
1993 "Lick U Up" Fever for Da Flavor 21 67
1993 "Keepin' My Composure" - -
1994 "Baby Wanna?" Fever for Da Flavor 87 -
1994 "U Will Know" by Black Men United Featuring Dino of H-Town Jason's Lyric Soundtrack by Various Artists 5 28
1994 "Part Time Lover" Above the Rim Soundtrack 9 57
1994 "Back Seat (With No Sheets)" Beggin' After Dark 58 -
1995 "Emotions" Beggin' After Dark 11 51
1996 "A Thin Line Between Love & Hate" A Thin Line Between Love and Hate Soundtrack 6 37
1997 "They Like It Slow" Ladies Edition 12 35

[edit] Other Collaborations

Year Title Artist Album
1993 "It's Your Thang" Various Addams Family Values: Music from the Motion Picture
1994 "Bust a Nut" Luke Featuring H-Town In the Nude
1994 "Take It Slow" Featuring Dino Trellini Featuring Dino Trellini
1995 "Ain't No Fun" Various Original Gangstas Soundtrack

[edit] Awards & nominations

Year Result Award Category Single
1993 Won Soul Train Music Award Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist
-
Nominated Soul Train Music Award Best R&B/Soul Single - Group, Band or Duo "Knockin' Da Boots"

[edit] See also

[edit] External links