112 is the debut self-titled album from R&B quartet 112. It just turned 25 having been originally released on August 27, 1996. It was one of the first R&B records on Bad Boy and was mostly produced by Puff Daddy along with Stevie J, one of the members of the hitmen in-house production team.
The group formed in high school and was original known as Forte. They changed their name to 112 after the famed club in Atlanta. It was there that they performed in front of Faith Evans, Usher and Puff Daddy. After their performance they would become the second R&B act signed to Bad Boy Records.
Boyz II Men was a huge influence on the group and they actually had several songs on their debut which were initially planned for Boyz II Mens second album II.
The first single "Only You" is a classic 90s track displaying the magic combo of Hip Hop and R&B. It features their label mate The Notorious B.I.G. and a remix was released with an additional verse from also new Bad Boy artist Mase. "Only You" would peak at #43 here in New Zealand.
"Come See Me" was released as the second single from the album. It featured Mr. Cheeks from the hip-hop group The Lost Boys.
The third and final single from the project is certainly one of the groups signature songs, "Cupid." A slow jam staple which features the group singing their affections towards their ladies.
The album also contains the song "Making Love" which was on the soundtrack for the 1995 film Money Train and many consider a hidden gem of a slow jam.
112 is a solid debut from this R&B quartet which would help them be one of the ones to carry the group torch through the end of the 90s and into the early 2000s.
This is certainly an album to check you if you have never done so before especially for its 25th anniversary!
