1996 Rewind: Remembering 112’s Debut

1996 is one of the most beloved years in hip-hop and R&B, so we’re going to spend all month celebrating its greatness! All 2026, we’re turning the clock back 30 years to review, revisit and relive the most pivotal moments of Black music in that era. And, of course, I’ll be joined by a host of music homies as we debate the best of the best.

I’ve been waiting to discuss this one! After the success of Faith Evans’ debut, Bad Boy Records continued their run of R&B dominance with the debut record from 112. Q, Mike, Slim and Daron immediately made their mark with one of the best albums of the 90s. How does it hold up? Well, Vocalz is back from the Soul In Stereo Cypher to talk about their unforgettable debut 30 years later.

Time to turn back the clock – take us back to when you first heard this album.

Vocalz: 1996 was a very good year for R&B.  We were gifted some amazing music that year. Aaliyah dropped her highly anticipated sophomore album, Maxwell exploded on the scene with arguably a classic album, New Edition with Bobby Brown, back in the fold, 702, SWV’s sophomore album, etc., so it was a crowded field.  Initially when I first heard 112’s debut album, I was like, ok, this is cool, but it didn’t pull me away from some of these other releases.  At the time I was in a singing group, and the other guys were adamant I needed to re-listen to 112 again.  I went home and threw the borrowed CD on and when “Now that We’re Done” came on, my ears perked up.  I am a HUGE Boyz II Men fan, and I was very impressed at how much it sounded like the Philly crooners.  The harmonies, which I gravitate toward, were fantastic.  They sounded like a group who came together organically and not four strangers thrown together for a record deal.  They really stood out from other groups coming on the scene during that time.  Bad Boy always made sure their production was sharp and clean and this album was no different. They now had my attention.

Edd: Well, it’s not secret to most of y’all that 112 was my No. 1 fave R&B group in this era of my fandom. In my eyes, they were the perfect balance of Boyz II Men’s loverboy soul and Jodeci’s hip-hop influences. They were leading the evolution of R&B as we began to round out the decade. And playa, their debut album did NOT disappoint. Some can make the case that it’s too ballad heavy, but who cares when the performances are this good? And the hip-hop laced production was always subtle, ever overpowering. Thirty years later, this CD – yes, my original disc from 1996 – still finds it way into my rotation. It blew me away then, and it still captivates me now.

Talk about your pick for best song.

Vocalz: “Now That We’re Done”

This was a tough choice, because these brothers and the production team of Tim and Bob worked their magic on the songs they collaborated on for this album.  I was about to go eeny-meeny-minny-mo, because “Can I Touch You” is another favorite of mine.  However, “Now That We’re Done” just felt like one of those R&B songs you throw on during those late night phone calls with your boo and fall asleep together, because no one wants to hang up first.  This was a perfect 90’s R&B booty jam.

Edd: “I Can’t Believe”

First thing’s first – I know we ranked our favorite songs above but with the exception of “This is Your Day” (never felt that one) ANY of these songs could be No. 1. But for today’s purposes, the chemistry between 112 and Faith Evans was incendiary. Their vocals blend seamlessly, the performances are impassioned – lawd. Obviously it’s not nearly as well known as the singles (or even some of the more beloved album cuts) but I always admired the magic 112 and Faith made together, and this might be the peak.

Which song produced the best video?

Vocalz: “Only You (Remix)”

Bad Boy’s reputation for remixes, which was well-deserved, and Puff’s vision for visuals and style never missed, ask Jodeci and Mary J. Blige.  Of all the videos for songs from this album, this one actually felt like they put enough money behind it to give it the Bad Boy glow up.  It capitalized on the popularity of the label and the features, Mase and Notorious BIG.  The visuals also gave 112 the New York swag and aesthetic, that stamped them as a true Baaaad Boooyyyyy.  Shooting a video in Times Square was Puffy making a statement.  These guys are Bad Boys, pun intended, and they are ready for prime time.

Edd: “Only You”

So, we got 112 dancing in a cathedral, 112 riding around NYC, or 112 corrupting teenagers outside of a girls school. The visuals aren’t exactly groundbreaking, but they’re all fine for the time. I’ll go with the original “Only You,” only because the Lemonhead-colored visuals are at least different. And I like the theater setting.

Which song should have been a single?

Vocalz: “Now That We’re Done”

While “Come See Me” was a really good song, and catchy, it just felt forced.  “Come See Me” was more of a riding in the car, after the club parking lot bop. But, a good slow jam for the ladies is always a good choice.  “Now That We’re Done” was a perfect song for slow dancing, late night “talks,” post I Love you declarations, and homemade romantic mix tapes. I think it would have been a great way to cap off the singles from the album 112.

Edd: “I Can’t Believe”

“I Can’t Believe” is an easy pick, and not just because it’s No. 1 on my list (today). It has the quiet storm feel but the performances are more fiery than some of the other ballads here. Plus Faith was a pretty reliable name by 1996, so the allure of Bad Boy’s two R&B acts on one song would have moved the needle. I don’t see it doing blockbuster numbers but it could have moved a few more units for the album.

What’s the most underrated song?

Vocalz: “Call My Name”

I ALMOST chose “I Can’t Believe” because 112 and Faith Evans are magic together, but “Call My Name” has that mix of Bad Boy bounce and soulful vocals, that set them apart from their contemporaries.  Alex Richbourg, who has written for so many artists, lending his pen to this familiar and infectious beat was the cherry on top. When you have a veteran songwriter who knows how to craft good songs, and a nartist who can deliver, you get great music.

Edd: “Can I Touch You”

There are at least five or six songs on this project that fit that bill – this album is LOADED with heat. But allow me to show love to “Can I Touch You,” a song that is seductive and sensual without going over the top into crude parody. The gentle production makes it flow so nicely. Props to the legendary Tim & Bob and Wanya Morris for blessing us.

Best songwriting goes to…

Vocalz: “I Can’t Believe”

This song had that subtle Midnight Love vibe to it.  Sometimes the best songs are when the artists fully participate in its creation.  When the Hitmen get involved, you are very likely to get some fire.  Stevie J, aka Steeby, Courtney Sills, and oversight from Puff allowed this song to just be.  They weren’t forcing anything.  Love is a topic in music that never gets old and honestly, we need more of now.  Let me get off my high horse.  112 always said, each member tried to write their own verses before seeking assistance.  Faith’s pen is well-known and formidable.  Sometimes too many chefs in the kitchen spoil the food, but this was a dish worth going back to for seconds and thirds (R&B lovers can be greedy).

Edd: “Pleasure and Pain”

Tough one but I’m leaning toward “Pleasure and Pain”:

Why do you make me feel this way
Feeling betrayed feeling pushed away
Why do you make me feel so bad
Feeling so hurt feeling so sad
What have I done to make you turn
Feeling so lost I’m feeling so burned
If you really cared you’d make a change
So I can feel the pleasures and not the pain

While it might not have been a huge writing feat in 1996, hearing male vocalists express sadness and frustration without resorting to trolling and name calling shows the Grand Canyon-sized gulf between modern and vintage writing.

Which song boasted the best vocal performance?

Vocalz: “Can I Touch You”

This one was a no brainer for me.  When Wanya writes and demos a record that was written for Boyz II Men, If you plan on using it, you have to be on your A game to sing it.  The breath control required to deliver that chorus is not easy, all while doing it in four-part harmony.  Slim lulls you in with the light, sweet first verse. Q follows up and brings a little more power and a little falsetto. Then Daron closes the song out with his best Wanya impersonation.  The vocals were just right, not too much. This formula is what got Boyz II Men to the top.

Edd: “Now That We’re Done”

Another tough one. I know y’all give Slim a hard time but I think he does well on “Cupid.” Not a powerhouse by any means but he tells the story well. I don’t wanna keep running to “I Can’t Believe” for all these answers so allow me to show Daron props for “Now That We’re Done.” He absolutely steals the show by the end of the track.

Several of these songs, “Now That We’re Done” and “Can I Touch You”, were originally set for Boyz II Men’s landmark II album. Did 112 do them justice or would have preferred B2M to take the reigns?

Vocalz: This is a really good question.  Being the Boyz II Men connoisseur I am, and self-proclaimed singing group expert, I will make a bold statement right here on Soul in Stereo, only 2 groups could pull this song off other than Boyz II Men. Drum roll…Az Yet and 112. Being that all the members of 112 have spoken on how they admired and emulated Boyz II Men, getting these two songs, which honestly would not have fit on the mega-hit II album, was perfect for 112.  These songs really showcase their skill, talent, and overall cohesiveness as a group. This one was chef’s kiss.

Edd: Look, I’m sure if Boyz II Men handled these tracks they would have been monster hits. I mean,1994 B2M were MONSTERS. But I liked the different element they added to 112’s game, giving them a more sensual feel and ensuring they just weren’t Jodeci Jr. They likely would have been better performed by B2M, but they were much more essential for 112’s growth.

Keeping the Boyz II Men conversation going, how does 112 compare to them?

Vocalz: 112 looking up to them and patterning themselves more in that vein was what set them apart from the Dru Hills and Jagged Edges.  Those groups leaned more inner city urban, while 112 was a traditional style group who were big city urban adjacent.  Working with Tim and Bob, using some of the overflow songs from II, and having a song written by Wanya, to me was 112 and Puffy making a statement.  They saw who was at the top of the group hierarchy and followed that formula. This 112 album literally sounded like what we would have gotten if Boyz II Men had signed to Bad Boy.  This is evident if you listen to Boyz II Men’s Evolution album.  The songs Puffy produced/co-produced would have fit perfectly on a 112 album. (Sidenote: “Cupid” is 112’s “Water Runs Dry.”)

Edd: The topics tell the story. Just look at the cover – four suave brothers that looked like they’d meet you at bible study but absolutely were flirting with the girls the entire time. The harmonies, the mellow vibe – they were B2M reincarnated for my generation. And to Vocalz’s point, they may have followed their template, but the Bad Boy sound gave them enough edge to differentiate them from the pack. B2M was a massive influence, but they soon gained their own following.

112 vs Dru Hill vs Jagged Edge. Which newcomer R&B group had the best late 90s run?

Vocalz: 112 but it’s really close.  112 had slightly more chart success and the most sales, Dru stood out thanks to Sisqo and their uncanny similarities to Jodeci, and Jagged Edge who probably has the most recognized song of the three groups (“Let’s Get Married”).  Actually, on first thought it was difficult to pick a winner. After further review JE was disqualified because they didn’t go on there run until 2001, and Dru was making a lot of noise, but like most Bad Boy artists, Puff would make sure you were seen, and if you had a modicum of talent, you were going to have at least one hit.  That allowed 112 to appear as the more seasoned of the groups when compared to Dru.  This one turned out to be a pretty easy win for 112.

Edd: I have very, very, VERY strong criticisms of modern day Jagged Edge, and let’s be honest, as much as I love 112, they’re working at half-speed these days. Literally. But in the 90s, I thought 112 handily cleared JE. Their debut was great, sure, but 112’s debut and sophomore albums aren’t just among the best of the decade, they’re two of the best in the past 30 years. Dru Hill is a much, MUCH closer race and while their debuts are on equal ground, I think 112’s sophomore album beats Dru’s. It’s close, but 112 wins.

This album is know for its interludes. How do they stack up to their peers?

Vocalz: Let’s talk for a minute about interludes. While Mr. Babb’s thinks he is the king of interludes, every 112 record has some fantastic interludes that come on, you fall all in, and then it ends.  Heartbreak at its finest. When on occasion, they would give us a full song to accompany an interlude, it felt like a great BOGO at your favorite take out spot.  However, when they left you hanging, as with “Sexy You (Interlude),” you felt abandoned.  As far as R&B groups go, they are the kings of the interlude.

Edd: I MISS INTERLUDES, and Bad Boy never skimped on them. Carl Thomas, Faith, 112 – we were constantly blessed with interludes that often infuriated me because they should have been full records (and you can’t tell me there aren’t full versions out there on someone’s hard drive). While 112 is in the running for Interlude GOATs, I think their labelmate Faith eclipses them. She had HITS disguised as snippets.

We don’t talk enough about Bad Boy Record’s R&B run. How did the label make its mark on the era?

Vocalz: Their signature sound is unmistakable. No matter which artist it was, the sound would be crisp, image flashy, songs catchy and memorable. The visuals were always, as they said, Shiny Suit, which implied quality.  Pair that with excellent music and you are almost guaranteed success.Puff also had a great eye for talent.  He could find, and make stars.  Longevity might not be in their cards, but they would be white hot for a short while.  When people think about Bad Boy as a record label, most think about the GOAT, The Notorious BIG, Lil Kim, the LOX,etc., but Bad Boy gave us some of the best R&B of the 90s and early 2000s.  Look at this roster; Faith Evans, Carl Thomas, 112, Total, Mario Winans, Day 26, Cheri Dennis, New Edition, B5, Gina Thompson’s Bad Boy remix, etc, etc.  They all had HITS.  If anything that part of the Bad Boy legacy is one to remember and 112 was a great representative of that.  They solidified themselves as one of the best R&B groups of their era and best of their peers. This 112 debut album is a testament to that and was the start of a great run for them and a continuing parade of excellence for Bad Boy.

Edd: Vocalz hit the names, so allow me to talk about the quality. 112’s first three albums – two five-star affairs, one 4.5 stars. Carl’s debut? 4.5 stars. Faith? A 5 star debut, a 4.5 star third album and a 4 star sophomore. That’s a hall of fame worthy run, and that’s before we even get to the Totals and Day 26s, who had strong showings too. Bad Boy is usually synonymous with hip-hop and remixes, but their R&B roster was peak.

Is this 112’s best project?

Vocalz: I had to go back and listen to all their albums and I will say no matter which 112 album you choose, you are going to find a jam, or as we used to say, another hot joint.  So my criteria relied on replay value, skips, and memorable tracks.  Being that this album, 112 was their first one I purchased on Vinyl, that was my first clue.  When I went back 112’s – 112 album only had one skip for me, which is fantastic for an 18 song album.  112 is a very underrated group considering their success. You never hear them mentioned with the greats, and that is a huge disservice to them.

Edd: As INCREDIBLE as this album is, I have to give the nod to the sophomore album. The writing is stronger, the production is more diverse (not so ballad-heavy) and you can tell the group is much more confident in their artistry. I’ll defend both with my dying breath though – 90s 112 was something special.

We’re done but the convo isn’t! Let us know who got it right – Vocalz or Edd – and share you 112 thoughts below.