Silk is a highly celebrated, R&B quintet who has sold over 5 million records. The group still comprises the original members who debuted in 1992. These gentlemen are Timzo (Timothy Cameron), Jim (Jimmy Gates, Jr.), Big G (Gary Glenn), Lil G (Gary Jenkins) and John John (Johnathen Rasboro). Popular for baby-making ballads and New Jack Swing favorites, Silk is best known for their 1993 pop hit, “Freak Me.” Other hits include “If You”, “Meeting In My Bedroom”, “Girl U For Me”, “Lose Control”, “Hooked On You” and “Don’t Rush”. The group was discovered by Keith Sweat over 20 years ago yet they continue to enjoy longevity in the industry with six studio albums. Currently, Silk is delicately placing the finishing touches on their seventh studio LP while touring the world.
The group began its embryonic stage in the mid 80′s. Timzo, Jim and John John formed the singing group as the teenagers harmonized while working at McDonald’s. Shortly thereafter, Big G was joined. A then-gospel group, the four would get their big break singing church songs in their manager’s basement during a cookout. Already empowered with unique diamond-smooth harmonies, Silk went in search of a fifth voice and Gary “Lil G” Jenkins was joined to the group. Keith Sweat signed the group to his Keia label and helped to create Silk’s unmistakable sound.
Sweat co-wrote and produced most of the steamy, sexually suggestive songs for their debut album, Lose Control. Selling two million copies, the album spun three US R&B Top 10 hits, including ‘Freak Me’, which stayed at #1 on the chart for eight weeks and the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. Silk would go on to release their second album with an eponymous title giving us “I Can Go Deep”, “Hooked On You” and “Don’t Rush”. Silk served as the Executive Producer of this Top 10 R&B album and remained in this position of creative control on their subsequent works. The SILK LP was followed by the group’s third studio album, Tonight. At the helm of songwriting and music production, Silk enlisted contributions from the likes of Darrell “Delite” Allamby, Lincoln “Link” Browder and Antonio “Jovii Hendrix” Mobley. The Tonight LP would quickly attain platinum status with the release of the provocative “If You” ballad – the group’s second Billboard Hot 100 hit. With the steamy and intense “Meeting In My Bedroom” to follow, Silk’s third album would solidify the group as influential vocalists in the industry. The subsequent albums, Love Session, Silktime and Always and Forever gave the world “We’re Callin’ You”, “Ebony Eyes”, “Don’t Go” ft. Tamar Braxton and “There’ll Never Be”.
Silk is comprised of very entrepreneurial and philanthropic gentlemen. The five have always engaged in business and charitable endeavors. Unbeknownst to many, Silk are honorary members of the Men of Distinction having received a mayoral proclamation in Atlanta for their selfless service to community efforts. Aside from their feel-good music and baby-making hits, Silk is known for being one of the few singing groups who are, in fact, still together with all original members. Silk’s seventh studio album is currently untitled. No doubt it will be a hallmark for music lovers around the world. Fans are eager to hear what’s next from the five most signature voices in all of R&B.
