The Eighties was a pivotal decade for R&B, bridging the hole between the traditional soul of the 70s and the New Jack Swing and Hip Hop Soul that might outline the 90s. This period gave start to iconic vocal teams that mastered all the pieces from synth-heavy funk to essentially the most tender “Quiet Storm” ballads.
While the panorama of the music trade has modified, many of those legendary teams proceed to tour and report. Here is the present standing of the highest 80s Male R&B Groups as of 2026.
After 7
Founded by brothers Melvin and Kevon Edmonds (alongside Keith Mitchell), After 7 introduced a complicated, refined soul sound to the late 80s with their 1989 self-titled debut. While their huge success carried into the early 90s with hits like “Ready or Not” and “Can’t Stop,” they continue to be an important a part of the 80s R&B lineage. Following the tragic passing of Melvin Edmonds in 2019, the group has proven unbelievable resilience. Danny “SkyHigh” McClain and later Wil Robinson joined Kevon and Keith to maintain the harmonies tight. The group stays extremely energetic on the touring circuit and launched their newest album, Unfinished Business, in 2021. As of 2026, they proceed to be a premier dwell act, proving that their timeless “elegant soul” model by no means goes out of trend.
Atlantic Starr
Known for the final word wedding ceremony tune “Always,” this group has seen many lead singers (together with Sharon Bryant and Barbara Weathers) come and go. Original members Wayne, Jonathan, and David Lewis proceed to maintain the model energetic. They nonetheless carry out their traditional ballads and infrequently launch unbiased soul singles for his or her devoted fanbase.
Cameo
While they started within the 70s, Larry Blackmon and Cameo owned the 80s with the “Word Up!” period and their signature purple codpieces. Larry Blackmon continues to steer the group right this moment, maintained as a good touring machine. They stay a staple at funk festivals and lately held a profitable residency in Las Vegas.
DeBarge
The household group sometimes called the “Black Osmonds” dominated the mid-80s with their easy harmonies and high-tenor leads on hits like “Time Will Reveal” and “Rhythm of the Night.” The group’s historical past has been marked by private struggles, however the siblings have remained energetic in numerous capacities. Bunny, El, James, Randy, and Bobby’s legacy continues to be celebrated by frequent sampling by trendy artists. El DeBarge, the group’s breakout lead, continues to carry out as a solo artist and has made a number of high-profile appearances at awards reveals and on the touring circuit in recent times.
The Deele
Known for hits like “Two Occasions,” this group is famous not only for their music, however for launching the careers of Babyface and L.A. Reid. While L.A. Reid turned a titan of the trade and Babyface a solo legend, the group has reunited sporadically over time for particular performances. Most lately, they’ve remained inactive as a recording unit, although their catalog stays a staple of R&B radio.
The Force M.D.’s
Blending doo-wop roots with hip-hop and R&B, the Force M.D.’s gave us the timeless “Tender Love.” Despite the tragic lack of a number of authentic members over time, the surviving members (Khalil Lundy, Stevie D., and Zere) proceed to tour and report, conserving the group’s legacy alive. They lately launched new music to rejoice their fortieth anniversary within the trade.
Full Force
More than only a group, Full Force was a manufacturing powerhouse for artists like Lisa Lisa and Samantha Fox. As performers, they gave us “Alice, I Want You Just for Me.” The group, consisting of the George brothers and their cousins, has remained remarkably brothers-in-arms. Despite some well being battles for member Bowlegged Lou, they continue to be energetic in media, manufacturing, and occasional dwell performances.
The Gap Band
Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Wilson brothers—Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert—outlined the funk-infused R&B of the early 80s with anthems like “Outstanding,” “Burn Rubber on Me,” and “You Dropped a Bomb on Me.” Following the passing of Robert Wilson in 2010 and Ronnie Wilson in 2021, the group as a trio reached its finish. However, lead singer “Uncle” Charlie Wilson has seen an enormous resurgence as a solo famous person, incessantly collaborating with trendy R&B and Hip-Hop artists. He stays one of the constant headliners on the competition circuit right this moment, conserving the Gap Band’s legendary catalog on the forefront of the style.
Guy
The pioneers of New Jack Swing, Teddy Riley and brothers Aaron and Damion Hall redefined the sound of R&B within the late 80s. While their runs are sometimes interrupted by inside friction, the group has carried out at a number of main R&B festivals lately. Teddy Riley stays one of many trade’s most sought-after producers, and Aaron Hall has often launched solo materials and carried out on “Verzuz” platforms.
LeVert
The Cleveland trio of brothers Gerald and Sean LeVert (sons of O’Jays legend Eddie LeVert) and childhood good friend Marc Gordon have been a dominant power within the mid-to-late 80s. With a string of hits like “(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind” and the crossover smash “Casanova,” they efficiently merged soulful vocals with the burgeoning New Jack Swing sound. Following the tragic lack of Gerald LeVert in 2006 and Sean LeVert in 2008, the group’s legacy has been preserved by its surviving co-founder. Marc Gordon has continued to maintain the model alive by iterations like LeVert II and, most lately, The LeVert Experience. In 2026, Gordon excursions with this ensemble—which incorporates Dave Tolliver (of Men at Large) and Joe Little III (of The Rude Boys)—acting at main R&B occasions just like the Mother’s Day Celebration in Baltimore and Philadelphia. They stay a staple on nostalgia excursions and cruises, guaranteeing the LeVert “bloodline” of music stays related with followers.
New Edition
Arguably essentially the most influential group of the period, New Edition has seen all of it. After many years of solo success and numerous iterations (BBD, Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill), all six members—Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill—reunited for the large “Culture Tour” and a residency in Las Vegas. They proceed to carry out as a unit, whereas members additionally keep their facet tasks.
Ready for the World
Led by Melvin Riley, this Flint, Michigan group dominated with “Oh Sheila” and “Love You Down.” After a protracted hiatus, the group reunited with most of its authentic members and has been energetic on the “misplaced 80s” and R&B tour circuits. They proceed to convey their signature synth-funk sound to dwell audiences throughout the nation.
Today
Mentored by Gene Griffin and Teddy Riley, Today was a cornerstone of the New Jack Swing motion within the late 80s with hits like “Girl I Got My Eyes On You” and “Him Or Me.” While the group hasn’t launched a full-length challenge since 1990’s The New Formula, lead singer Big Bub (Frederick Lee Drakeford) established a profitable solo profession within the 90s and has remained energetic within the trade as a singer and producer. In current years, the group’s members—Big Bub, Larry Lasean, Wesley Adams, and Tay-Tay—have reunited for sporadic dwell performances and have been featured in documentaries and interviews discussing their position within the New Jack Swing period.
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