Jagged Edge

The platinum plaques, awards and pictures adorning the walls of Jagged Edge’s JOI Studios are testaments to the group’s permanent place in R&B history. And with one listen to “Put A Little Umph’ In It,” the first single from Baby Making Project, their debut album on Island Urban Music, its clear they’re also a part of its future.
Signed by Jermaine Dupri to his So So Def imprint through Columbia Records in the late 90’s, the Atlanta, GA residents have enjoyed a decade of now-classic hits, such as “Gotta Be”, “Promise”, “Let’s Get Married” and the club hit “Where The Party At?” with Nelly.
However, Brandon, Brian, Wingo and Kyle are now embarking on a new journey. They have a new label, new outlook and are anxious to bring what they feel is true R&B back to those thirsting for it. After parting ways with their former record label and successfully launching several businesses—a clothing line, soul food restaurant, and a record label, 581 Muzik Groupe(through which this album is being released)—they are back and ready to start anew with an old friend, Grammy-winning producer Dupri, Def Jam’s President of Island Urban Music, who quickly signed the group to the venerable label.
“JD is our big brother and he showed enough trust to put his name on the line for us. Twice!” says Wingo, in his upbeat, positive tone. “He knew we were a self-contained group and that we’re writers and producers and that we wanted to learn more and more about the business and creative side.” Dupri’s confidence in the group is not unwarranted or unproven. Together, they have produced a plethora of hits establishing Jagged Edge as a major brand in R&B. “This time around it’s a little more fulfilling because we both could have done other things,” says Brandon, who along with his twin brother, Brian, writes and produces the majority of the group’s music. “The relationship and chemistry are special and we want to take this where we’ve never gone before.”
“There are a lot of ups and downs in this business,” says Brian, with a coolness illustrating that he’s the most laidback of the foursome. “That’s not just a cliché, it’s the truth. If you are one of those people that run from adversity, then this is the wrong game. Once you make up your mind, you can face it head on.”
Jagged Edge is excited about joining the Def Jam family (“We have a dream team! L.A. Reid, JAY-Z and Jermaine Dupri! Def Jam is Hip-Hop & R&B,” says Brandon) and they are ready to show that their music withstands the storms of fads and fickle tastes. They are true R&B and the only group standing.
And that’s fine with them.
“There are no other R&B groups in the game right now!” says an off-the-wall, energetic Kyle, the most gregarious one of the gang. “We represent men who don’t know how to represent themselves. Females have pronouns, verbs and adjectives and they can tear you down real fast, if you are not quick on the draw! So, we are telling all of our homeboys out there, if you believe in love, put on that new JE record and tell your woman, “I am not even gonna argue with you, play 9!”
Baby Making Project is a first of its kind for the group: it’s a collection of ballads. “We originally wanted our first album to be all ballads,” continues Kyle, “but Jermaine was like, “What? Do you know how slow your concert will be?’ Everything now has a hip-hop edge, but we have decided to go against the grain.” But, don’t mistake this for an album only fit for the quiet storm. “We tried to make this album fun, mood music,” adds Brandon, who shares lead vocals with Brian, his twin brother. “You put this album on with your girl and it’s going to be set for the next hour!”
Jagged Edge pulls inspiration not only from the classic performers of the Motown era, but they are also motivated by the R&B greats of the late 80’s, such as Keith Sweat and Guy. “When we were growing up their albums would put you in the right vibe with the girl you were with,” says Brandon. “Real, heartfelt R&B isn’t tapered by trends.” With their devotion to true soul music coupled with the growth they have experienced over the years, Jagged Edge knows that it’s their time once again. “We are all grown and mature men. When we came in the game we were kids and we did a lot of childish and immature things. We are better now and musically we are 10 times more confident and competent. And as businessman, we are in a place now to put our own record on our own label. There is no other act in R&B that does that. We know that we can set goals and reach them. Knowing that, you are unstoppable.