Ladies Represent: RichGirl & Electrik Red

As the last few embers within the once roaring fire of girl groups fizzles out upon the exit of Danity Kane, there’s only a few logs left attempting to re-ignite the blaze that once culminated around the R&B industry.

Not since the days of groups like TLC, En Vogue, S.W.V., Xscape and Total has there been a strong presence of feminine unity in the world of music. A collective of women on the mic at one point, was definitely a dominating force for lovers of R&B, but by the end of the late 90′s and upon the exit of Destiny’s Child, music’s been taking a completely different turn and artists are strapping up solo laces rather than opting to share the mic or the spotlight with their contenders.

As with anything in life, there’s always a few new artists in cue hoping to serve up a sentence of longevity and outlast their promise of the clichéd 5 minutes. But that was 10 minutes ago. Having yet to be blessed with any rare gems, it’s beginning to look like a closed casket on the search for the next group to enter girl band history.

But just when you thought the rein of the ultimate girl group died with the burial of Destiny’s Child, two rare gems have snuck through the back door to dull that shine on this lacking industry. Listen up.

RichGirl

Who are they::
Seven, Lyndriette, Brave and Audra, together as one make up the X Factor that the industries been missing with the emergence of their group RichGirl. Currently they’re making major moves with their first singles 24 and He Ain’t With Me Now, off their highly anticipated debut album, which should drop by the end of summer.

How they were discovered:
These dimes come to us from the vision of Rich Harrison, the man behind the hits Crazy In Love by Beyonce’ and One Thing by Amerie. The four were handpicked individually, and together make up a talented powerhouse of creativity, vocal ability, style, and charisma.

Who they remind us of:
From their look to their sound, you could easily consider them the 2009 version of En Vogue. Although they do bring their own flare to the world of girl groups, after listening to their music you’ll notice that they embody the same sultry edge that Terry, Cindy, Maxine and Dawn did when they hit us with that Don’t Let Go (Love). Quite like En Vogue, they too were assembled from someone else’s vision, and each girl has a different sound and attitude to bring to the group.

Why you should check for them:
It’s only ever so often that the world of music is lucky enough to pack in a little substance apart from it’s newly renovated cookie cutter frame. When it comes to RichGirl, you don’t just get one soulful singer, you get 4 in the mix. Each girl in the group packs a vocal punch when it comes to their inherent ability to carry a tune. They’re not dominated by their good looks, but rather their talent speaks for itself. It’s been a while since we’ve had that kind of spark to ignite our Love Jones. They’ll easily make you remember why you used to love girl groups and four part harmony.

Style:
These ladies represent the grown and sexy. They’re definitely not marketable for a tennis shoe campaign, but if you’re talking Dolce & Gabbana this foursome fits the bill. If couture had a voice, it would sound something like RichGirl’s. In one word, their overall style is chic.

What could turn you off from them:
The mere mention of a manufactured group makes people leery that the industry is trying to package pretty faces over infectious lyrics, rather then offering us artists who have undeniable talent. That’s not true for RichGirl. This foursome is coming into the game not to be known just for their image, but to be taken serious for their craft because in truth, these girls can sing. Each member, prior to signing with Jive Records was working on their own solo career when they stumbled upon the opportunity to work in a group with other talented artists. This isn’t a group where there is one magnificent voice singing lead on all the tracks while everyone else takes up the rear. This is RichGirl, and everyone who came along for the ride is priceless.

Summer Anthem:
He Ain’t Wit Me Now (Tho)

Say Whattt? Noteworthy Lyrics:
“And when I’m with my girls ain’t the same type of trust. When we all get to pimpin’ and bouncing on up. When time bombs ticking, start talkin’ mess. Just dance a little closer, that’s why I wore this dress cause oh.”– He Ain’t Wit Me Now (Tho).

Electrik Red

Who are they:
Kyndra “Binkie” Reevey, Lesley Lewis, Naomi Allen and Sarah Rosete make up R&B music’s, revenge of the “Besties.” These gal pals got their start in the industry on another foot… as Back Up Dancers. In the beginning they paid the bills kicking up the dirt with artists like Usher, Chris Brown, Mariah Carey, and from making major cameos in music videos like Ciara’s Like A Boy. But when unbridled talent was given a free range of growth, it was only a matter of time before these divas went from stomping their feet to harmonizing over beats. Lately you’ve seen these doves sashaying in front of their own screen with the hits So Good or Drink In My Cup, which like most of their other music, was written and produced by The Dream.

How they were discovered:
They gave the mic a nod a time or two under the direction of producers like Rodney Jerkins, but saw little luck under their own spotlight. After a chance opportunity dancing back up in the Shawty is a 10 video, it was only a matter of time before they caught up to their own “Dream”. Having formed Electrik Red in 2005, they were finally signed by Def Jam in 2008 and a man by the name of Terius Youngdell Nash also known as The Dream, had taken them under his wing as his protégés. Repping for ladies and keeping things unique, this unboxable foursome are currently bringing the temperature up in the industry with the release of their 1st album, How to Be a Lady: Volume 1.

Who they remind us of:
Dare I say it? Vanity 6. These magnetic sirens got the kind of sex appeal and flavor that died with modern day girl groups upon the exit of a little risk taking and ingenuity. There’s a new Prince in town and he goes by the name Dream. Their heavy hitting pop tracks, mixed down with some major synthesizer action and catchy beats bring you back to the head boppin days of Nasty Girl.

Why you should check for them:
There’s not a lot of options out here for fresh music unless you’re into vocoder boxes and repeat offenders. If you’re in desperate need like the industry is, for some real Radio Killa’s to put a new spin on the mantle, these ladies are on a “crimson” tide. Catch the wave while it’s here.

Style:
This quad of singers live by the rhythm of their own melody. When it comes to musical style and personality, the group doesn’t follow the train of societies stereotype, they’ve crossed the street and are making their own way through the industry. “We’re bringing a new age woman to the world. There are a lot of women out there just like us and we feel like there is a void, there’s a voice that needs to be heard. We can represent for all those women out there. We want to show it’s okay to be different, it’s okay if you’re not a Stepford Wife,” says Sara Rosete.

What could turn you off from them:
By nature women are catty creatures, and who better to take up issue with than former video vixens. Many in the world already have a problem with how women are negatively portrayed in film and music videos. 3 out of the 4 members of Electrik Red, just happen to come from the world of vixenhood, so many might not be up to taking their music or them seriously. Don’t let their former resume’ stunt you though, these ladies copped a record deal because their skills are worthy of that center stage action.

Summer Anthem:
WFY (We F*** You)

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Say Whattt? Noteworthy Lyrics:
“My girls all call me crazy_cause i’m out here calling you baby._I shouldn’t have let you hit that_cause now I can’t forget that._I don’t wanna really give a fuck,_but now a bitch all in love.” — So Good.

For more information on Electrik Red and RichGirl please visit www.electrikredmusic.com and www.myrichgirl.com.