TROOP

Interview by The Heat Seekers

The Legendary R&B Group

The Legendary R&B Group, TROOP Best Known For Their Smash Hit “Spread My Wings” and “All I Do Is Think Of You” Continues To Shower Us With Their Music. As They Are Still On The Move In 2022, I Will Never Forget How These Two Songs Hit The Billboards R&B Singles Chart. The New Generation Of Youngsters Can Now Enjoy The Smooth R&B Sound Of TROOP As They Currently Tour Across The Country.

The Heat Seekers: Please give a description of how the group started.

TROOP: We all auditioned for Rodney ‘s mother. At the time she was Managing the group.

THS: What were the founding members vision of the group?

TROOP: We wanted Troop to be different than any other r&b group that came before us. We wanted our singing to be soulful and our dancing to be inovative and creative.

THS: Give us details on what is was like when you first heard your song on the radio.

TROOP: Mamacita was our first debut single. Produced and written by the late Gerald LeVert and his cousin Mark Gordon. We were all at Rodney’s mother’s house when we first heard the record on the radio. It was mind blowing. A feeling I would never forget.

THS: Over the years R&B groups have changed, do you think music has changed for the good or the bad for R&B groups?

TROOP: I guess it would depend on what you think. R&B can not be replaced. There are still some artists out there that are doing some good r&b like Chris Brown, Usher, Donnell Jones, Justin Bieber, Ashanti and the list could go on. Music is about being creative so I respect all forms of music. R&B is definitely getting more attention and with groups like Troop still around, I think we can fairly say r&b is heading to main stream exposure again.

THS: Who is the comedian of the group?

TROOP: I think Reggie was the comedian of the group. Rest his soul. Reggie passed last year.

THS: Who sings the loudest or most outspoken?

TROOP: I would say Jon Jon sings the loudest. Allen would be the most outspoken.

THS: Now that the industry has changed and gone to digital music, how does that effect the groups success? Or does it?

TROOP: I think Troop’s success has already accurred we just need to Keep up with the changes, like having a solid online presence and continue to put out great music. Now as far as the streaming dynamic, that has changed the way we see our money on the record side.

THS: Are all original members still part of the group? If not, please list their names and time span with the group.

TROOP: Yes, we are all Original Members.

THS: Tell us about a memorable moment on tour?

TROOP: A memorable moment for us is when we first performed “All I Do Is Think Of You”. The crowd went crazy! This song is one of our biggest hits.

THS: Do you see a difference in your fan base in USA versus oversees?

TROOP: We haven’t spent as much time overseas as we have here in the states, so I really couldn’t say but we have been getting a lot of invitations to return to Holland, London and Japan.

THS: Starting off so young I am sure there were memorable pranks involved. Describe if any?

TROOP: Steve would take pictures of us while we slept. Pictures with our mouths open or pics with us having funny faces because we were so tired. To look at those pictures was hilarious.

THS: Tell us of a time that a fan did something out of the ordinary while performing?

TROOP: I remember the first time a fan ran across the stage and grabbed Jon Jon. It was crazy. I thought to myself, we might be getting a little famous. Lol

THS: What is your take on music today?

TROOP: It’s a different generation so ideas have changed, sounds have changed, as far as the music production but I enjoy the creativity. The music industry always pushes the mark to find that special thing, that unique group or solo artist. Music will always be exactly that…a new interpretation of emotions, feelings and convictions. Fans are enjoying music today just as they did years ago.

THS: What are the plans for the group in the future?

TROOP: Our plans are to continue to create great music. We are interested in some endorsements and being involved on some soundtracks. We are also interested in starting our own label. We have been having discussions on taking some of this money and getting into real estate and possibly even open a restaurant.

THS: Is there anyone or a group that you would love to work with in the future?

TROOP: I would love to work with Snoop Dogg and Jay Z. (Allen)

THS: If you could give an up and coming young group some advice, what would it be?

TROOP: My advice would be to study your craft. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and always have your paperwork looked at by a knowledgeable Entertainment Lawyer.

THS: If you could do it all over again, would you change anything?

TROOP: I believe things happen as they should. I wouldn’t change anything and we are still moving forward on this journey so the possibilities are endless.

THS: Name 3 artists you admire..past or present?

TROOP: Michael Jackson, Prince and Aretha Franklin. I could go on and on but I will stop there.

THS: Does anyone in the group play instruments?

TROOP: Yes, Steve plays piano and Allen plays the flute. With the way technology is today it’s very easy to play a lot of instruments with one piece of equipment but stand alone… piano and flute.

THS: What can you state is different when touring from the 1990’s up until 2022?

TROOP: touring is touring. It’s been about the same to me. I love it. It’s such a awesome feeling to visit with the fans and just have a good time. The money is not too bad either. Lol

THS: Please let your audience know how to contact the group for future shows.

TROOP: You can reach out to us on Instagram at @officialtroop2022 or our Management by Email at grownnsexymusic18@gmail.com or strangemotelmusic@gmail. com

THS: Would you like to say anything special to your fans?

TROOP: We love you and we appreciate you. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for the love and support!