112 [PA]

Performer: 112
Artist: Faith Evans; The Notorious B.I.G.; Mase
Engineer: Tim; Bob ?; Chauncey Mahan; Bill Esses; Lane Craven; Michael Patterson; Paul Logus; Axel Niehaus; Tony Maserati
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: 112: Daron Jones (vocals, piano); Marvin, Q, Michael (vocals). Additional personnel includes: Faith Evans (vocals); The Notorious B.I.G., Mase (rap vocals); Bob Robinson (piano, keyboards); Tim Kelley (keyboards, bass, drums); Deric Angelettie (programming); Kelly Price (background vocals); Mr. Cheeks. Producers include: Sean "Puffy" Combs, Stevie J., Al B. Sure! Principally recorded at D.A.R.P. Studios, Atlanta, Georgia; Daddy's House Recording Studios, Unique Recording Studios and The Hit Factory, New York, New York. Establishing themselves not only as new artists but as new songwriters, the four singers in 112 introduce their self-titled debut with a number of ballads and slowed-down grooves that focus on love and life. The smooth sound of their music blends perfectly with their four-part harmonies. With the support of Bad Boy Entertainment founder and producer Sean "Puffy" Combs, and occasional appearances by labelmates Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G., 112's songs sound like easy pop hits. "Only You" and "Come See Me" are aimed at the club scene, while "Call My Name" and "Can I Touch You" work best at home with the lights dimmed. Personnel: Mase, The Notorious B.I.G. (rap vocals); Bob Robinson (piano, keyboards); Daron Jones (piano); Kelly Robinson (keyboards); Tim Kelly (drums); Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie (programming); Kelly Price (background vocals). Audio Mixers: Tim ; Doug Wilson; Bob ?; Charles "Prince Charles" Alexander ; Darin Prindle; Lane Craven; Michael Patterson ; Paul Logus; Tony Maserati. Audio Remasterers: Nasheim Myrick; Carlos "6 July" Broady. Photographer: Danny Clinch. Unknown Contributor Role: The Emotions. With a big push from industry mogul Puff Daddy (who helped out with writing and producing the album, in addition to putting it out on his Bad Boy label), 112's debut became a romantic soul hit upon its release in 1996. A quartet that specialize in close harmonies and a light, hip-hop-influenced urban contemporary sound, 112 bear more than a passing resemblance to Boyz II Men, but this detracted from neither their obvious talents nor their record sales. The group's self-titled first effort is arguably its best. From the cover image of a dapper-looking foursome in white suits to the love-themed slow jams that fill the disc, 112's debut epitomizes the clean, respectable boy group. "Only You," the album's lead-off single, with its addictive, low-end groove, remains a highlight.

The Source (9/96, p.156) - "...They take us through the mystic realms of love and lost....112 display their vocal and lyrical strength successfully with their debut work..."

Sean "Puffy" Combs, as the head of his own record company (Bad Boy), helped launch the career of the boy band 112. The four-member band began as a cleaner-cut contrast to the tough-hewn rap acts associated with the label in the mid-1990s, featuring gentle harmonizing and sweeter themes, a la Boyz II Men. However, by the time the act hit its peak in the early-'00s, 112 had established a more suggestive, rougher sound, scoring Top 10 hits with the Mobb Deep-sampling "It's Over Now" and the innuendo-laced club-banger "Peaches & Cream."

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