When you think of chart topping 90s R&B groups, Lo-Key? is a band that will land near the top of the list. The hip/hop R&B band consists of five members, Darron “D” Story, Andre “Dre” Shepard, Tyrone “T-Bone” Yarbrough, producer Lance Alexander, and rapper/singer Tony Tolbert.
Lo-Key? was formed in Kansas City, Missouri initially with two members, Lance Alexander and Tony “Prof-T” Tolbert. The duo moved to Minneapolis where they met Tyrone “T-Bone” and Darron “D”, who eventually joined the band, They began performing constantly throughout the area and soon after became well-known for their musical talents in the Minneapolis night life.
Alexander and Tolbert met production/songwriting icons Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and became in house producers for them. Lewis noticed how talented Lo-Key were as a band and signed them to his record label, Flyte Tyme Productions.
In October 1992, Lo-Key released their debut album “Where Dey At” and their first single “I Got A Thang 4 Ya” reached #1 on the R&B Billboard Chart and #27 on the Hot 100 chart.
Lo-Key? released their second album in 1994, “Back to Da Howse” featuring hits “Tasty” and “Good Old- Fashioned Love.” Despite the success of the group, the band called it quits in 1995 to pursue other musical interests.
Alexander and Tolbert went on to produce and write hits for artists such as Next, Shanice, and Alexander O’Neal to name a few. Tolbert also wrote songs and provided background vocals for Earth Wind and Fire, Usher, Janet Jackson, and many more.
Each member of Lo-Key? has made an impact in the music industry and till this day continue making history, writing, producing, and collaborating with other artists.
