H-Town (band)

H-Town
Solomon "Shazam" Conner (left) and Darryl "G.I." Jackson (right).
Background information
Also known as	The Gents
Origin	Houston, Texas, U.S.
Genres	R&B Hip–Hop
Years active	1990–present
Labels	Luke Relativity H-Town Music Spectra
Associated acts	Playa Ginuwine 2 Live Crew DeVante Swing Roger Troutman Shirley Murdock Jodeci
Members	Solomon "Shazam" Conner Darryl "G.I." Jackson
Past members	Keven "Dino" Conner (deceased)

H-Town is an American R&B vocal group from Houston, Texas, United States. H-Town was founded in 1990 by twin brothers Keven "Dino" Conner and Solomon "Shazam" Conner (b. November 18, 1974), and their longtime friend Darryl "GI" Jackson. H-Town is best known for their hits during the early to mid–1990s.

History

Formation

The group grew up together in Houston's notorious Yellowstone neighborhood located on the southside of the city. While attending Yates high school, Keven and Solomon Conner formed a band with Jackson. They were known as "The Gents" and recorded their first album "It's No Dream" with producer Phil Blackmon. Shazam was chosen as lead singer at the time of recording this album, which featured the ballad "A Time for Us". Unfortunately, the album was not successful after being available locally. They later recorded tracks and performed at talent shows and plays before a local producer sent their demo tape to onetime 2 Live Crew rapper and record label executive Luther "Luke" Campbell. After an impromptu audition, Campbell signed the group to his label, Luke Records. Producer Bishop "Stick" Burrell became their producer and positioned Dino as lead singer, seeing his potential and rare voice as the formula for success in the group and built his sound around him. ^[1] They took the name of the group, "H-Town", from the local nickname for the city of Houston, Texas, in which they grew up.^[2]

Early career

Fever for Da Flavor (1993)

H-Town's debut album Fever for Da Flavor was released on April 15, 1993.^[3] The group achieved hit status in the United States with "Knockin' Da Boots", which became H-Town's biggest hit and also their signature song. "Boots" was a #1 hit on the R&B charts,^[4] and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.^[5] "Lick U Up", the band's follow-up single, peaked at #21. They signed on as a part of the 1993 Coca-Cola Summerfest tour, which also included Shai, SWV, Jade, Naughty by Nature, LL Cool J and Silk.^[6] In 1994, H-Town won the Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist. They also appeared on the Above the Rim soundtrack with their single "Part Time Lover", which was produced by DeVante Swing of Jodeci. It peaked at #9 on the R&B Charts.

Beggin' After Dark (1994), Ladies Edition, Woman's World (1997)

In late 1993, H-Town returned to the studio to record their second album Beggin' After Dark . It was released on November 8, 1994.^[7] The most popular single from this album was "Emotions". It became a #11 hit on the Billboard R&B chart and reached #51 on the Hot 100.^[5] Other tracks from the album included "Back Seat (Wit No Sheets)", "Full Time", "One Night Gigolo", "Tumble & Rumble", "Buss One", featuring reggae singer Papa Reu, and "Baby I Love Ya" featuring Roger Troutman. By the time H-Town returned to the studio to record Ladies Edition, they had undergone some changes. They recorded a cover version of The Persuaders' "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate" featuring, Shirley Murdock for the 1996 film of the same name. The song became H-Town's first Top 40 pop hit in three years, peaking at #37.^[5] They then cut ties with Luther Campbell, underwent a spiritual awakening of sorts, and became more aware of women's issues on their third album Ladies Edition, Woman's World.^[8] It was released on October 28, 1997.^[9] The album's general theme centers on a man's penitence for his past transgressions with his woman, a theme conveyed in songs such as "Don't Sleep on the Female," "Julie Rain" (a sobering account of spousal abuse), and "Jezebel." According to the liner notes, the album was dedicated to Nicole Brown Simpson and "all the women of the world." Twenty national women's telephone helplines were also listed on the back cover. Their one and only single from the album, "They Like It Slow" was released on September 23, 1997 and peaked at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Later career

Imitations of Life (2004)

On October 12, 2004, H-Town released their fourth album titled Imitations of Life under their own record label H-Town Music. Track 2 - "Nothing in Common", was the only single release from the Imitations of Life album. There was also a video released, but deceased frontman, Keven Conner. Despite its display of wide vocal abilities from the late lead singer Keven, this album did not reach many H-Town fans. It also failed to receive marketing or promotion throughout the United States. Its availability has been mainly through online music stores and other various music stores outlets.

Shazam Solo Single and Child Support (2009)

In July 2000, Solomon Conner released a solo album entitled Bringing the Heat. Selected tracks from Solomon's solo effort were included on H-Town's 2004 album Imitations of Life. In mid-2009, the remaining two members, Solomon Conner and Darryl Jackson, released the single "Knocking Your Heels" featuring Jodeci, from their upcoming album Child Support.

Death of Keven Conner

On January 28, 2003, Keven Conner was killed in an automobile accident in Houston, Texas. According to police, Keven had just left a recording studio and was a passenger in a car being driven by his pregnant girlfriend, Teshya Rae Weisent. Their vehicle was struck by an SUV that ran a red light. Weisent died at the scene. Keven died en route to the hospital. He was 28 years old. Three people were in the SUV, all of whom fled after the accident. One of them, Juan Diaz, was later apprehended, however, and faced a felony charge of failure to stop and render aid.^[10] Two weeks before his death, Keven recorded a song titled, "The Day I Die", and H-Town was said to have just finished their fourth album Imitations of Life which was later released on October 12, 2004. On December 1, 2016, 4 tracks from what was to be Dino's solo album "You're My Morning Star" were released on itunes under Mindtaker Entertainment.

Discography

Albums

Singles

^[14]

As featured artist

Notes

References

External links

• H-Town official website
• H-Town at Allmusic