After 7
After 7 is an American R&B vocal group formed in 1987 in Bloomington, Indiana, by brothers Melvin Edmonds and Kevon Edmonds alongside Keith Mitchell, the siblings of acclaimed producer and songwriter Babyface (Kenneth Edmonds). Known for their smooth harmonies and romantic ballads, the trio rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, achieving multi-platinum success with hits that blended contemporary R&B with new jack swing influences.[1][2] The group's self-titled debut album, After 7, released in 1989 by Virgin Records, earned platinum certification and spawned several Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Heat of the Moment" (peaking at No. 5), "Ready or Not" (No. 7), and "Can't Stop" (No. 6), the latter two also topping the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[1] Their follow-up, Takin' My Time (1992), also went platinum and featured the medley "Baby I'm for Real (Natural High)" (No. 4 R&B) and "Nights Like This" (No. 2 R&B), while their third album, Reflections (1995), included the gold-certified crossover hit "'Til You Do Me Right" (No. 2 Hot 100, No. 1 R&B).[2] The group received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Can't Stop" in 1990, underscoring their impact on the genre during the era.[1] Following a hiatus after 1995, during which Melvin Edmonds departed and the group temporarily disbanded, After 7 reunited in 2009 with lineup adjustments, including the addition of Jason Edmonds (Melvin's son). Melvin briefly rejoined for the 2016 album Timeless, which included the Urban AC Top 10 single "I Want You," before his death in 2019. The group continued with Kevon Edmonds, Keith Mitchell, and new member Danny "Skyhigh" McClain, releasing Unfinished Business in 2021 featuring the single "Bittersweet." In January 2025, Keith Mitchell departed to pursue a solo gospel career, and as of November 2025, the group consists of Kevon Edmonds and Danny McClain, maintaining their legacy through tours and new music.[2][3][4]History
Formation and early years (1988)
After 7 was founded in 1988 by brothers Melvin and Kevon Edmonds, along with Keith Mitchell, while the three were attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.[2] The group's roots lay in the university's vibrant music scene, particularly the Indiana University Soul Revue, a student ensemble dedicated to performing rhythm and blues and soul music, where the members participated and developed their vocal harmonies and stage presence.[5] In their formative period, the trio balanced emerging musical pursuits with everyday employment, performing at local venues and events in the Bloomington area to build experience and a following.[2][6] These early performances allowed them to refine their elegant, harmony-driven style amid the demands of post-college life in Indiana. The pivotal family connection to their older brother, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds—a rising songwriter and producer—proved instrumental, as he took on management of the group in 1987 and leveraged his industry ties to secure their signing with Virgin Records in 1988.[2] This deal stemmed from an artist development agreement between Babyface, L.A. Reid, and the label, marking the transition from local act to professional outfit. That same year, After 7 entered initial recording sessions overseen by producers Babyface and L.A. Reid, focusing on demo tracks of original material written by Babyface to craft the group's distinctive smooth R&B sound characterized by lush vocals and melodic ballads.[7] These efforts laid the groundwork for their polished, adult-oriented aesthetic, distinct from the era's more upbeat trends.Breakthrough and peak success (1989–1995)
After 7 achieved their breakthrough with the release of their self-titled debut album in 1989, which was produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Antonio "L.A." Reid.[8] The album featured a smooth new jack swing sound and was certified platinum by the RIAA on November 27, 1990, signifying sales of one million units in the United States.[9] It produced several major hits, including "Ready or Not," which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and "Can't Stop," reaching No. 6 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B chart.[10][11] "Heat of the Moment" also contributed to their rising popularity, charting at No. 19 on the Hot 100 and No. 5 on the R&B chart.[12] The group's momentum continued with extensive touring and television appearances that solidified their presence in the R&B scene. They opened for Whitney Houston on her I'm Your Baby Tonight World Tour in 1990, gaining exposure to larger audiences. After 7 made notable performances on Soul Train, including a 1989 episode where they showcased "Heat of the Moment" alongside artists like Regina Belle and Alyson Williams, and a 1993 appearance performing "Kickin' It."[13][14] These outings helped establish them as a leading act in the new jack swing era, blending harmonious vocals with upbeat production. In 1992, After 7 released their second album, Takin' My Time, which earned gold certification from the RIAA, reflecting strong commercial performance with sales of 500,000 units.[15] Key singles included "Baby I'm for Real (Dedication Mix)," a remake that peaked at No. 5 on the R&B chart, and "Truly Something Special," which peaked at No. 49 on the R&B chart.[12] The album maintained the polished sound shaped by Babyface and L.A. Reid's influence, though the group took on more songwriting responsibilities. By 1995, After 7 capped this peak period with their third album, Reflections, certified gold by the RIAA for 500,000 units sold.[16] Standout tracks featured "How Do You Like It," which charted on the R&B singles list, and a cover of Hall & Oates' "Sara Smile," highlighting their interpretive strengths in contemporary R&B. Overall, the group's first three albums sold over two million copies combined by 1995, cementing their status as a prominent R&B trio during the early 1990s.[16]Disbandment and solo careers (1996–2009)
Following the release of their third album, Reflections (1995), which achieved gold status with approximately 500,000 units sold—half the sales of their platinum-certified debut—After 7 faced declining commercial momentum and internal shifts, leading to Melvin Edmonds' departure and the group's official disbandment in 1997.[16][2] The album's lead single, "'Til You Do Me Right," reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 2 on the Hot 100, but overall underperformance relative to prior successes contributed to the split.[16] A key factor in the group's challenges was the dissolution of their relationship with Virgin Records, which had released Reflections, amid broader industry turbulence, limiting promotional support and visibility.[2] With no new group material forthcoming, the members pursued individual paths during this period of separation. Kevon Edmonds launched a solo career with his debut album 24/7 (1999) on RCA Records, which peaked at No. 77 on the Billboard 200 and featured the title track single that reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the RIAA.[17] He toured in support of the album, enlisting his nephew Jason Edmonds—son of Melvin—as a background singer, marking an early family collaboration that foreshadowed later group involvement.[2] Melvin Edmonds shifted focus to songwriting and production sporadically, including contributions to the Soul Food soundtrack (1997) as part of the group Milestone alongside his brother Kevon, but largely stepped away from the spotlight to prioritize family life and non-music work, such as driving trucks.[2] Keith Mitchell took on behind-the-scenes roles in the industry, including road management for tours, while also engaging in construction to support his family during the low-profile years.[2][18] Throughout the 2000s, After 7 maintained sparse group activities, limited to occasional one-off performances at tributes and festivals that drew on their 1989–1995 hits for nostalgic appeal, without releasing new material as the members navigated personal milestones like raising families amid unsigned status.[2] This hiatus allowed time for reflection on their legacy, setting the stage for a partial reunion by decade's end.Reunion and later years (2010–present)
After 7 resumed touring in the late 2000s as an informal reunion, with Jason Edmonds, son of founding member Melvin Edmonds, joining Kevon Edmonds and Keith Mitchell as a supporting vocalist to perform their classic hits for nostalgic audiences.[19][20] The group marked their return to recording with the release of their fourth studio album, Timeless, in September 2016 through eOne Music, which evoked their signature smooth R&B harmonies and romantic themes on tracks like the Urban AC Top 10 single "I Want You."[21][22][3] In May 2019, founding member Melvin Edmonds died at age 65 following a short illness, prompting a reconfiguration of the group's vocal dynamics with Kevon Edmonds taking on primary lead responsibilities.[23][24] To sustain their lineup, vocalist Danny McClain joined later that year, contributing to live performances and new material.[2][25] The trio of Kevon Edmonds, Keith Mitchell, and McClain released their fifth studio album, Unfinished Business, in May 2021 via the independent SoNo Recording Group, featuring interludes dedicated to Melvin and singles such as "Bittersweet" that explored themes of resilience and enduring love amid personal loss.[26][27][25] Lineup evolutions continued as McClain departed in 2023 and was replaced by Wil Robinson, who brought fresh energy to their stage presence. In early 2025, Keith Mitchell left the group to launch a solo gospel career, with his debut single "He's Alive" signaling a spiritual pivot, and he was succeeded by Jeremy Keith to maintain the trio format for ongoing tours.[28][29][30] Amid these transitions, After 7 has navigated challenges including the profound impact of Melvin's death and evolving music industry dynamics, such as shifting distribution models and digital streaming, by leveraging consistent touring and social media engagement to sustain a dedicated fanbase. Their 2025 activities included a standout performance at the Cincinnati Music Festival, where a tribute to Frankie Beverly went viral for its emotional depth, and an upcoming appearance at the Houston Area Urban League's Equal Opportunity Day Gala in December.[31][29][32][33]Members
Current members
Kevon Edmonds remains the cornerstone of After 7 as the sole surviving founding member and primary lead vocalist since the group's inception in 1988. Following the death of his brother Melvin Edmonds in May 2019, Kevon took on heightened leadership responsibilities, becoming the main lead singer from 2019 onward and contributing significantly to songwriting on subsequent releases, including co-writing tracks like "Never" and "Invisible" on the 2021 album Unfinished Business.[34][35] Wil Robinson joined After 7 in 2023, enhancing the group's sound with background vocals and rich harmonies that add depth to their layered arrangements. His addition has injected fresh energy into live shows, where he often engages audiences with dynamic stage presence during performances of classics like "Ready or Not." Jeremy Keith became a member in 2025 as the tenor vocalist, succeeding Keith Mitchell, and has brought a distinctive gospel-infused style to the ensemble through ad-libs that elevate tracks like "Can't Stop" on recent tours. His vocal agility helps maintain the group's signature smooth R&B harmonies while introducing subtle spiritual nuances.[36] Kevon's steadfast leadership has been pivotal in keeping After 7 active after Melvin's passing, fostering a collaborative dynamic where Robinson and Keith adapt the original trio's intricate vocal blends to sustain the group's enduring appeal in contemporary settings.[37]Former members
Melvin Edmonds was a founding member of After 7, serving from 1988 until his death in 2019 as the group's baritone vocalist and a key songwriter, contributing to the rich harmonies that defined their early sound, particularly on debut hits like "Ready or Not" and "Can't Stop."[24][2] He played a pivotal role in the group's formation alongside his brother Kevon Edmonds and Keith Mitchell while attending Indiana University, and his vocal arrangements helped establish their signature R&B style during the late 1980s and 1990s peak.[23] Edmonds passed away on May 18, 2019, at age 65, following a short illness and prior health challenges including multiple strokes.[34][38] Keith Mitchell, another founding member, provided tenor vocals for After 7 from 1988 through January 2025, offering longevity across the group's breakthrough era, hiatus, and reunion phases, including contributions to their 2021 album Unfinished Business.[2][30] His harmonies supported lead singer Kevon Edmonds on classics like "Heat of the Moment," and he rejoined full-time in 2009 after a brief departure in the early 2000s.[4] Mitchell left the group in January 2025 to pursue a solo career in gospel music, debuting with the single "He's Alive" and preparing an album titled Food for Your Life.[30][29] Jason Edmonds, son of Melvin Edmonds and nephew of Kevon Edmonds, joined After 7 in the mid-2000s—around 2007—for background vocals and live performances, supporting reunion tours and helping maintain the family's vocal legacy during the group's intermittent activity in the 2000s and 2010s.[19][39] He departed shortly after his father's death in 2019, shifting focus to music management and songwriting; earlier in his career, he had worked with artists like Whitney Houston.[40] Daniel McClain (also known as Danny McClain) served as a bass vocalist from 2019 to 2023, joining post-Melvin Edmonds to fill the vocal lineup and contributing to the 2021 album Unfinished Business as well as tours immediately following the group's loss.[31][41] His tenure helped stabilize performances during the reunion era, with appearances in 2021 interviews and videos showcasing his integration into the group's sound.[42] McClain left in 2023 and was replaced by Wil Robinson.[31]Musical style
Genre and sound
After 7's primary genre is contemporary R&B, incorporating new jack swing elements in their early work through upbeat rhythms and synth-heavy production that blended urban contemporary sounds with pop accessibility.[43][44] The group's signature sound features smooth, multi-layered harmonies that prioritize romantic ballads and mid-tempo grooves, creating a polished and emotive listening experience.[2][39] Kevon and Melvin Edmonds often delivered falsetto leads, adding a bright, soaring quality to tracks like "Ready or Not."[45] Their vocal arrangement relies on a three-part harmony structure, blending tenor, baritone, and bass ranges to achieve a cohesive, emotive delivery that emphasizes emotional depth over raw power.[46][47] Lyrically, After 7's music centers on themes of love, relationships, and sensuality, setting them apart from the harder-edged R&B of their contemporaries through a focus on heartfelt introspection rather than aggressive energy.[2][48] Over time, their sound evolved from the dance-oriented tracks of 1989–1992, characterized by new jack swing's rhythmic drive, to more reflective ballads by 1995, as heard in "Til You Do Me Right." Their 2016–2021 releases, including Timeless and Unfinished Business, incorporated nostalgic vibes that revisited their classic harmonies while updating the aesthetic for modern audiences. Following Keith Mitchell's departure in 2025, the group has continued to perform, maintaining their signature harmonious style with the remaining core members and new additions.[44][49][50] This polished aesthetic drew heavily from Babyface's influence in shaping their refined R&B approach.[2][18]Production and collaborations
The production of After 7's early albums was dominated by the duo of Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Antonio "L.A." Reid, who helmed their self-titled debut (1989) and Reflections (1995), infusing the recordings with the polished, smooth "LaFace sound" characterized by layered harmonies and sophisticated R&B arrangements.[51] [52] Takin' My Time (1992) featured production from other collaborators including Randy Ran and Dallas Austin, while still embodying the LaFace aesthetic. This meticulous studio approach, often involving extensive overdubs and fine-tuned mixes, helped define the group's breakthrough era under LaFace Records, distributed by Virgin Records from 1989 to 1995.[53]) Songwriting for these albums blended internal contributions from the Edmonds brothers—Melvin and Kevon—with external talents, prioritizing melody-driven tracks that showcased vocal interplay; Babyface, as a family member and key collaborator, penned hits like "Ready or Not" alongside Reid.[54] [43] In their later years, After 7 incorporated more self-produced elements, particularly on Timeless (2016), where Kevon Edmonds served as executive producer alongside Babyface and Daryl Simmons, allowing greater creative control over the album's nostalgic yet contemporary R&B vibe.[55] [22] The group's 2021 release, Unfinished Business, further emphasized independence through production by Damon Thomas and contributions from Stokley Williams, reflecting a shift to self-directed sonic experimentation outside major label constraints post-2016.[56] [27] This evolution from label-backed polish to independent autonomy highlighted After 7's adaptability, with external partnerships like those with Simmons and Thomas maintaining the emphasis on harmonious, emotionally resonant melodies.[57]Discography
Studio albums
After 7's self-titled debut album, After 7, was released on August 22, 1989, through Virgin Records in association with Uptown Records.[58] Produced primarily by Babyface and L.A. Reid, the record introduced the group's signature harmonious R&B sound, blending smooth vocals with contemporary production that captured the essence of late-1980s urban soul.[59] It achieved platinum certification from the RIAA on November 27, 1990.[9] The group's sophomore effort, Takin' My Time, arrived on August 25, 1992, under Virgin Records.[60] This album marked a maturation in their songwriting, exploring deeper themes of love, relationships, and emotional vulnerability with a polished, mid-tempo R&B approach.[59] It earned gold certification from the RIAA.[59] Reflections, the third studio album, was issued on July 18, 1995, by Virgin Records.[61] Featuring a mix of introspective original compositions, the project delved into personal reflection and romantic introspection, showcasing the group's vocal interplay in a more contemplative light.[59] The album received gold certification from the RIAA on November 16, 1995.[61] Following a long hiatus, After 7 returned independently with Timeless on October 14, 2016, via eOne Music.[55] This release blended fresh original material with reimagined classics, emphasizing the enduring appeal of their harmonious style while bridging their past hits with contemporary R&B elements.[3] Their fifth studio album, Unfinished Business, was self-released on August 20, 2021, through SoNo Recording Group and Rose Works, LLC.[56] Released in the wake of Melvin Edmonds' passing in 2019, the album serves as a tribute to their legacy, focusing on themes of resilience, brotherhood, and timeless love through heartfelt ballads and upbeat tracks.Compilation albums
After 7 released their first compilation album, The Very Best Of After 7, in 1997 through Virgin Records, shortly after the group's disbandment following the 1995 album Reflections.[62] This 12-track collection focused on their early hits from the late 1980s and early 1990s, including remixes of popular singles like "Can't Stop (Remix)" and "Heat of the Moment (Remix)," alongside a cover of Hall & Oates' "Sara Smile" and tracks such as "Ready or Not," "One Night," and "'Til You Do Me Right," as well as the rarity "Gonna Love You Right (A Cappella Remix)."[] The album served to consolidate their catalog during the hiatus, emphasizing their new jack swing-influenced R&B sound and helping sustain fan interest without new original material.[] In 2003, during the ongoing period of inactivity, EMI Music Special Markets issued The Best Of After 7, a more streamlined 10-track retrospective that overlapped significantly with the 1997 release but focused on core hits.[] Key inclusions were core hits such as "Ready or Not," "Can't Stop," "Heat of the Moment," "Nights Like This," and "'Til You Do Me Right," drawing primarily from their Virgin-era output to target collectors and maintain sales of back catalog recordings.[] This edition aimed at broader accessibility, particularly in budget-friendly formats, amid the group's absence from the studio.[] After 7 has no official live albums to date. Digital streaming platforms have featured curated compilations of their hits, such as selections from The Very Best Of After 7 available on services like Spotify and Apple Music, which repackage tracks for modern listeners during the reunion era starting in the 2010s.[] These efforts, including remixes of key tracks like those in the original collections, continue to support catalog visibility without introducing new recordings.[]Singles
After 7 achieved significant success on the R&B charts with four number-one hits during their peak years in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their debut single "Heat of the Moment," released in 1989, peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, marking an early breakthrough for the group despite reaching only number 74 on the Hot 100.[63][64] The follow-up "Ready or Not," also from 1989, became their first number-one R&B single, holding the top spot for two weeks and climbing to number 7 on the Hot 100.[65][66] "Can't Stop," issued in 1990, followed as their second consecutive R&B chart-topper, peaking at number 6 on the Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[65][67][68] From their second album Takin' My Time (1992), "Baby I'm for Real" (a medley with "Natural High") reached number 1 on the R&B chart for one week, though it charted modestly at number 55 on the Hot 100.[12] The group's third album Reflections (1995) produced the No. 1 R&B and No. 2 Hot 100 hit "'Til You Do Me Right," as well as "How Do You Like It," which peaked at number 9 on the R&B chart. In later years, After 7 made a modest chart return with singles from their 2016 album Timeless, including "I Want You," which entered the top 10 on the Adult R&B Songs chart.[3] Their 2021 release "Bittersweet" from Unfinished Business focused primarily on streaming platforms, garnering attention through digital plays rather than traditional radio airplay.[69]| Single | Release Year | Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Peak | Hot 100 Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Heat of the Moment" | 1989 | 5 | 74 |
| "Ready or Not" | 1989 | 1 | 7 |
| "Can't Stop" | 1990 | 1 | 6 |
| "Nights Like This" | 1991 | 3 | 24 |
| "Baby I'm for Real/Natural High" | 1992 | 1 | 55 |
| "'Til You Do Me Right" | 1995 | 1 | 2 |
| "How Do You Like It" | 1995 | 9 | — |