H-Town

H-Town is an American R&B vocal group. It was originally founded by twin brothers Keven Conner, Solomon Conner, and longtime friend Darryl Jackson. Formation[edit] Growing up in a family of singers, brothers Keven and Solomon Conner began their careers singing in talent shows and plays before a local producer sent their demo tape to onetime 2 Live Crew rapper and record label executive Luther "Luke" Campbell. After an impromptu audition, Campbell signed the group to his label, Luke Records.[1] They took the name of the group, "H-Town," from the local nickname for the city of Houston, Texas, in which they grew up.[2] Albums[edit] Fever for Da Flavor H-Town's debut album Fever for Da Flavor was released on April 15, 1993. The group achieved hit status in the United States with "Knockin' Da Boots," which became H-Town's biggest hit and also their signature song. "Boots" was a #1 hit on the R&B charts, and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.[5] "Lick U Up," the band's follow-up single, was less successful on the charts. H-Town won the 1993 Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist. That same year, they signed on as a part of the Coca-Cola Summerfest tour, which also included Shai, SWV, Jade, Naughty by Nature, LL Cool J and Silk. Beggin' After Dark In 1994, H-Town returned to the studio to record their second album Beggin' After Dark . It was released on November 8, 1994. The most popular single from this album was "Emotions." It became a #11 hit on the Billboard R&B chart and reached #51 on the Hot 100. Other tracks from the album included "Sex Bowl," "Full Time," "Much Feelin' (And It Tastes Great)," "Buss One," featuring reggae singer Papa Reu, and "Baby I Love Ya," featuring Roger Troutman. Ladies Edition, Woman's World By the time H-Town returned to the studio to record Ladies Edition, they had undergone some changes. They recorded a cover version of The Persuaders' "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate" for the 1996 film of the same name. The song became H-Town's first Top 40 pop hit in three years, peaking at #37. They then cut ties with Luther Campbell, underwent a spiritual awakening of sorts, and became more aware of women's issues on their third album Ladies Edition, Woman's World. It was released on October 28, 1997. The album's general theme centers on a man's penitence for his past transgressions with his woman, a theme conveyed in songs such as "Don't Sleep on the Female," "Julie Rain" (a sobering account of spousal abuse), and "Jezebel." According to the liner notes, the album was dedicated to Nicole Brown Simpson and "all the women of the world." Twenty national women's telephone helplines were also listed on the back cover. Imitations Of Life On September 28, 2004 H-Town released their fourth album titled "Imitations Of Life" under their own record label H-Town Music. Track 2 - "Nothing in Common", was the only official single release from the Imitations Of Life album. There was also a video released but, it did not contain deceased frontman, Keven "Dino" Conner. Despite its display of wide vocal abilities from the late lead singer Dino, this album did not reach many H-Town fans. It also failed to receive marketing or promotion throughout the United States. Its availability has been mainly through online music stores and other various music stores outlets. Bringing the Heat In July 2000, Solomon "Shazam" Conner released a solo album entitled Bringing the Heat. Selected tracks from Shazam's solo effort were included on H-Town's 2004 album Imitations Of Life. Knocking Your Heels and Child Support In mid-2009, after the loss of band member, Dino, the remaining two members, Solomon "Shazam" Conner and Darryl "G.I." Jackson released the single "Knocking Your Heels" from their upcoming album Child Support. Death of Dino On January 28, 2003, Dino was killed in an automobile accident in Houston, Texas. According to police, Dino had just left a recording studio and was a passenger in a car being driven by his girlfriend, 22-year-old Teshya Rae Weisent. Their vehicle was struck by an SUV that ran a red light, and both Dino and Weisent were killed. Three people were in the SUV, all of whom fled after the accident. One of them, Juan Diaz, was later apprehended, however, and faced a felony charge of failure to stop and render aid. At the time of Conner's death H-Town was said to have just finished what would have become their fourth album. They eventually released their reunion album Imitations of Life on October 12, 2004.