After 7 emerged in the '90s as a solid contemporary ensemble able to perform creditably in either vintage soul or modern new jack and urban styles. The Indianapolis trio includes brothers
Melvin and
Kevin Edmonds (the brothers of producer/performer
Babyface) and
Keith Mitchell (cousin of
Babyface's longtime partner
L.A. Reid). They signed with Virgin in 1989 and had immediate success with their LP
After 7. Such songs as "Can't Stop" and "Heat of the Moment" were major winners on the urban and quiet storm circuit, and a remix of "Can't Stop" also attracted sizable dance attention. They recorded with
Johnny Gill, then enjoyed another hit release in 1992,
Takin' My Time. It included a sterling remake of
the Originals' "Baby, I'm For Real."
–
Ron Wynn, Rovi