90'S Old-School Jamz: Brownstone

R&B Royalty: Looking Back at the Golden Era of Brownstone

​

The 1990s were a powerhouse decade for R&B, and among the groups that defined the era's smooth, soulful sound was the female trio Brownstone. Best known for their Grammy-nominated smash hit "If You Love Me," the group made an indelible mark on music history as protégées of the King of Pop himself.

​From the Bottom Up: The Formation

​The journey of Brownstone began in Los Angeles, where the three original members—Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert, Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell, and Monica "Mimi" Doby—met while attending various auditions around the city. Their impressive vocal blend quickly caught the attention of a music mogul, leading to one of the most significant breaks in their early career: becoming the first act signed to Michael Jackson's MJJ Music record label.

​The group's debut album, "From the Bottom Up," arrived in 1995 and was an immediate success, achieving platinum status. The album was propelled by the success of the 1994 single "If You Love Me," a gospel-inflected groove that peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the group a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, along with a Billboard Music Award.

​Key singles that cemented their place in '90s R&B included:

• ​"If You Love Me" (1994)

• ​"Grapevyne"

• ​"I Can't Tell You Why" (a soulful cover of The Eagles' classic)

​Lineup Changes and Still Climbing

​Following extensive global touring, the group faced its first major lineup change. Monica "Mimi" Doby departed, citing health reasons (later reported to be internal strife). She was replaced by Kina Cosper, ushering in a new chapter for the trio.

​

In 1997, Brownstone released their sophomore album, "Still Climbing," which featured the moderate hit "5 Miles to Empty." While the album maintained the group's signature smooth R&B, it struggled to replicate the immense commercial success of their debut, signaling a period of transition. Over the years, other members would briefly join the lineup, including Kymberli Wright, Racquel Roberts, and Teisha Brown.

___________________________________________________________

​A Legacy Remembered

​Though the group's commercial peak was rooted in the mid-90s, their legacy of powerful harmonies and undeniable soul endures. The original core members were known for their individual vocal prowess, contributing to the distinct, rich sound that made them stand out among their peers.

​Tragically, founding member Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell passed away in 2015 at the age of 46 following an accidental fall, a loss that was deeply felt by R&B fans and the music community.

​Today, Brownstone continues in a different formation, with founding member Nicci Gilbert dedicated to keeping the group's timeless R&B sound alive for a new generation. Their music remains a hallmark of the '90s golden era, proving that Brownstone's journey truly began From the Bottom Up and secured them a permanent spot in the annals of R&B royalty.