This Is the Unexpected Way R&B Group 112 Got Their Name
When we think about R&B groups that influenced the culture in the late ’90s and early 2000s, 112 is certainly among those that stand out. The four-man group consisting of members, Quinnes “Q” Parker, Daron Jones, Marvin “Slim” Scandrick, and Michael “Mike” Keith signed with Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ Bad Boy Records in the 1990s and the rest is history.
Though the group found major successes beginning in 1997 and heading into the early 2000s, conflicts amongst them, with Diddy, and with other record labels have mired some of their success.
Still. 112’s legacy and the rather unique way they earned their name certainly can’t be erased.
112 is a beloved R&B group from the late ’90s and early 2000s
The origins of 112 began in the early 1990s when most of the group was in high school together. The group was initially founded by Jones, Keith, and Reginald Finley. The group initially began performing in talent shows around Atlanta before eventually forming the group we know as 112 with Scandrick and Parker and getting the attention of Diddy.
112 released their self-titled album in 1996 and it went double platinum with hits like “Only You” and “Cupid.” In 1997, the foursome won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, for featuring in the song “I’ll Be Missing You” with Diddy and Faith Evans following the death of the Notorious B.I.G.
Q and Deron Jones left 112 after a nasty argument
By 2004, after leaving Bad Boy in favor of Def Jam, 112 was unable to reclaim the success of their previous years. Though the group stuck together, after trying out solo careers, they eventually collapsed as we know it in 2018. Q and Jones left the group for good.
According to TMZ, the split came after ran argument that the men could not resolve. “I just want the fans to know I’m sorry,” Slim revealed. “I know how the fans were when all four of us came back together. I didn’t come back for this. I’m being sued, and I’m just going to keep it real. I’ve never taken from them. I’ve never cheated them. I’ve risked everything personally, and y’all know what I’m talking about, for this brand.”
When 112 battled Jagged Edge recently on Verzuz, neither Q nor Jones appeared citing an ongoing legal issue.
This is how 112 got their name
When 112, was first formed in 1993, the guys went by the name Forte. However, they changed their name to 112 after standing outside of Atlanta’s Club 112, awaiting Diddy so that they could sing for him.
Diddy was impressed and the group auditioned again for Bad Boy producer Chucky Thompson, Bad Boy Records artist Faith Evans and Combs’ protégé Usher where they were given the official green light.
In 2002, the group left Bad Boy records seeking greater creative control over their material since they had all matured professionally and personally and they felt that they were being stifled and pushed aside under Diddy’s expansive list of artists.
112’s most recent album 2017’s Q, Mike, Slim, Daron, might be their last if the men aren’t able to mend fences and rebuild.
