112 YouKnowIGotSoul 2014
When discussing influential voices in R&B, the legacy of 112 Songs immediately comes to mind. Emerging from the Bad Boy Records era in the mid-1990s, this quartet delivered a catalog of hits that continue to resonate with fans today. Their timeless sound and smooth harmonies solidified their place in music history, making a revisit to their discography always rewarding.
Formed under the guidance of Puff Daddy, 112 released five impactful albums before initially disbanding. Their reunion brought forth the album “Q, Mike, Slim, Daron,” showcasing their enduring chemistry. Although reports suggest another split recently, the collection of 112 songs remains a testament to their talent and contribution to the R&B genre.
Without further delay, let’s delve into a curated list of top 112 songs, celebrating the very best from their impressive repertoire.
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Only You (Remix) ft. The Notorious B.I.G. & Mase
“Only You” marked the debut single for 112, quickly establishing their presence in the R&B landscape. The Bad Boy remix, featuring labelmates The Notorious B.I.G. and Mase, elevated the track to iconic status. This version is a definitive highlight among 112 songs, showcasing the group’s harmonious vocals alongside heavyweight rap features.
112 Only You Remix
Image alt text: 112 Only You Remix single cover featuring group members and guest artists The Notorious BIG and Mase.
Cupid
“Cupid” stands as a quintessential 90s R&B ballad and a cornerstone of 112 songs. Its enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt lyrics and smooth melodic delivery. Often cited as one of the greatest ballads of the decade, “Cupid” exemplifies the romantic essence that defined much of 112’s early work and remains a beloved track for R&B enthusiasts.
112 Cupid
Image alt text: 112 Cupid single cover art displaying the song title and artist name against a simple background.
I Will Be There
From their self-titled debut album, “I Will Be There” is a standout track, underscoring the depth of 112 songs found within that initial release. The album itself is rich with notable songs, but “I Will Be There” captures a special essence of the group’s vocal blend and emotional delivery, making it a fan favorite and a testament to their early potential.
112 112 Album Cover
Image alt text: 112 self titled debut album cover featuring a group portrait in black and white tones.
Love Me ft. Ma$e
“Love Me,” featuring Bad Boy Records colleague Ma$e, was the lead single from 112’s sophomore album “Room112.” This collaboration further solidified their hit-making formula, blending smooth R&B with catchy hip-hop elements. As one of the prominent 112 songs, “Love Me” showcased their growth and ability to create crossover hits.
112 Love Me
Image alt text: 112 Love Me single artwork with the song and artist names prominently displayed in a stylized font.
Anywhere ft. Lil’ Zane
“Anywhere,” the second single from “Room112,” became a significant hit for the group, expanding the reach of 112 songs into mainstream charts. Featuring Lil’ Zane, the track’s upbeat tempo and romantic lyrics resonated widely, cementing “Room112” as a pivotal album in their discography and highlighting their ability to craft broadly appealing R&B anthems.
112 Anywhere
Image alt text: 112 Anywhere single cover showing the group members and featured artist Lil Zane.
Love You Like I Did
Also from the “Room112” album, “Love You Like I Did” is often considered a standout, representing some of the best songwriting and vocal performance within 112 songs. The track’s emotional depth and relatable themes of lost love connected with audiences, demonstrating the group’s capacity to deliver powerful ballads within their album collections.
112 Love You Like I Did
Image alt text: 112 Love You Like I Did single art, simple design focusing on text elements.
It’s Over Now
“It’s Over Now” marked a significant milestone as the lead single from the “Part III” album and 112’s first number one single. This achievement underscores its importance among 112 songs, showcasing their commercial peak and evolution into chart-topping artists. The song’s strong melody and relatable breakup theme contributed to its widespread success and cemented its place in R&B history.
112 Its Over Now
Image alt text: 112 Its Over Now single artwork, featuring a close-up image of the group members.
Peaches & Cream
“Peaches & Cream” represents 112’s crossover success, becoming their most commercially successful hit to date and one of the most recognized 112 songs globally. Its infectious beat and playful lyrics broadened their audience, making it a staple at parties and on radio stations. This track epitomizes the fun, energetic side of 112’s musical spectrum.
112 Peaches and Cream
Image alt text: 112 Peaches and Cream single cover, brightly colored and featuring the song title prominently.
Smile
“Smile,” an often-overlooked gem from the “Part III” album, was produced by the acclaimed duo Tim & Bob. Despite being an album cut, “Smile” is cherished by fans as a testament to the consistent quality within 112 songs. Its smooth production and heartfelt lyrics demonstrate the depth of talent on “Part III” beyond its more commercially prominent singles.
112 Part III
Image alt text: 112 Part III album cover, a minimalist design with the group name and album title.
Nowhere
“Nowhere,” a hidden treasure from their fifth album “Pleasure & Pain,” features production from Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri. This track exemplifies the consistent quality present even in the deeper cuts of 112 songs. Often praised by long-time fans, “Nowhere” highlights the group’s ability to maintain high standards throughout their extensive discography.
112 Pleasure and Pain Album Cover
Image alt text: 112 Pleasure and Pain album cover, artistic shot of the group with album title text overlay.
Honorable Mentions:
- Come See Me (featuring Mr. Cheeks) (from the “112” album)
- Crazy Over You (from the “Room112” album)
- Your Letter (from the “Room112″ album)
- Caught Up (from the Part III” album)
- Right Here for You (from the “Hot & Wet album)
- U Already Know (from the “Pleasure & Pain” album)
- God Knows (from the “Pleasure & Pain” album)
- Dangerous Games (from the “Q, Mike, Slim, Daron” album)
- Both of Us (featuring Jagged Edge) (from the “Q, Mike, Slim, Daron” album)
These honorable mentions further illustrate the rich tapestry of 112 songs, showcasing their consistent output of quality R&B music throughout their career. Exploring these tracks provides a deeper appreciation for the group’s artistry and their lasting impact on the genre.
