Early Beginnings and Formation
In the 1990s, four young boys from Atlanta, known as 112, took the R&B world by storm with their incredible talent. Originally known as Forte, the group was formed by Don Jones, Michael Keith, and Reginal Finley during their middle school years. As they transitioned to high school, Alden Lagin and Marvin Scandrick joined, completing the ensemble.
Discovery and Breakthrough
Their big break came when they were discovered by future manager Kevin Wales during a performance at a talent show. Wales managed to secure a meeting with the influential producer Sean “Puffy” Combs, famously auditioning in the parking lot of a club in Atlanta called 112, which inspired their new name. Puffy saw potential in the group and signed them to Bad Boy Records, setting the stage for their rise to fame.
Success Under Bad Boy Records
Under Bad Boy Records, 112 achieved significant success. Their debut album in 1996 went double platinum, and they won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group the following year. Hits like “Only You,” “Peaches and Cream,” and “Dance With Me” cemented their status as R&B royalty.
Internal Conflicts and Management Issues
Despite their success, internal conflicts began to surface. Members of the group had different agendas, with some wanting to pursue solo projects while others remained committed to the group. Management issues and allegations of financial misconduct further strained relationships. There were accusations of money being stolen and disputes over the rights to the group’s name.
Leaving Bad Boy Records
In 1999, legal troubles surrounding Puffy prompted the group to consider leaving Bad Boy Records. Issues with their paperwork left them no choice but to depart. They signed with Def Jam Recordings, but their initial album under the new label, “Hot and Wet,” did not perform as well as expected.
Attempts at Reconciliation and Further Splits
The group managed to release a successful fifth album, “Pleasure and Pain,” in 2005, but Def Jam decided to drop them shortly after. Attempts to reunite were made, with the group even embarking on a reunion tour. However, tensions resurfaced, leading to another split. Q Parker and Don E. Jones left the group, while Marvin “Slim” Scandrick and Michael Keith continued as 112.
Legal Battles and Trademark Disputes
In 2018, Q and Don filed a lawsuit over the rights to the name 112, claiming that Slim and Mike tried to steal it. Slim, in turn, sued them for false advertising, deceptive trade practices, and trademark infringement. The legal battles further complicated the group’s dynamics.
Financial Struggles
Financial difficulties plagued the members. Slim reportedly faced over $540,000 in debt, while Q Parker filed for bankruptcy due to mounting debts, including a foreclosed house and significant liabilities. These financial woes added to the challenges the group faced in maintaining their legacy.
Solo Projects and Current Status
Despite their struggles, the members continued to pursue solo projects. Don released his solo album “Human” in 2019, while Slim and Mike released an EP titled “112 Forever” in 2020. The remaining members also dealt with personal tragedies, including the loss of Q’s close friend Irish Grinstead from the group 702 and a near-fatal car accident involving Brandon Casey of Jagged Edge.
Future Prospects
As of now, a full reunion of 112 seems unlikely. While the door remains open for reconciliation, ongoing legal battles and personal differences make it difficult. The members have expressed a desire to move beyond their disputes, but the future of 112 remains uncertain.
Conclusion
112’s journey from rising stars to struggling artists is a testament to the complexities of fame and the challenges of maintaining a successful group. Their story is marked by incredible achievements, internal conflicts, legal battles, and financial difficulties. Whether they will bounce back or if this marks the final chapter in their saga remains to be seen.
