H-Town (band)

This article is about the R&B group. For other uses, see H-Town (disambiguation).

H-Town
Origin	Houston, Texas, United States
Genres	R&B
Years active	1991–present
Labels	Luke Records, Relativity Records, H-Town Music, Spectra Music Group
Associated acts	Playa, Ginuwine, DeVante Swing, Roger Troutman, Shirley Murdock
Members	Solomon "Shazam" Conner Darryl "G.I." Jackson
Past members	Keven "Dino" Conner (deceased)

H-Town is an American R&B vocal group. It was originally founded by twin brothers Keven "Dino" Conner, Solomon "Shazam" Conner, and longtime friend Darryl "G.I." Jackson.

File:HTOWN2.jpg

Shazam & G.I.

History

Formation

Growing up in a family of singers, brothers Keven and Solomon Conner began their careers singing in 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. They took the name of the group, "H-Town," from the local nickname for the city of Houston, Texas, in which they grew up.

Albums

Fever for Da Flavor

H-Town's debut album Fever for Da Flavor was released on April 15, 1993. 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, and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Lick U Up," the band's follow-up single, was less successful on the charts. H-Town won the 1993 Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist. That same year, they signed on as a part of the Coca-Cola Summerfest tour, which also included Shai, SWV, Jade, Naughty by Nature, LL Cool J and Silk.

Beggin' After Dark

In 1994, H-Town returned to the studio to record their second album Beggin' After Dark . It was released on November 8, 1994.

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. Other tracks from the album included "Sex Bowl," "Full Time," "Much Feelin' (And It Tastes Great)," "Buss One," featuring reggae singer Papa Reu, and "Baby I Love Ya," featuring Roger Troutman.

Ladies Edition, Woman's World

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" 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.

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. It was released on October 28, 1997. 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.

Imitations Of Life

On September 28, 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 official single release from the Imitations Of Life album. There was also a video released but, it did not contain deceased frontman, Keven "Dino" Conner. Despite its display of wide vocal abilities from the late lead singer Dino, 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.

Bringing the Heat

In July 2000, Solomon "Shazam" Conner released a solo album entitled Bringing the Heat. Selected tracks from Shazam's solo effort were included on H-Town's 2004 album Imitations Of Life.

Knocking Your Heels and Child Support

In mid-2009, after the loss of band member, Dino, the remaining two members, Solomon "Shazam" Conner and Darryl "G.I." Jackson, released the single "Knocking Your Heels" featuring Jodeci, from their upcoming album Child Support.

Death of Dino

On January 28, 2003, 28-year-old Dino was killed in an automobile accident in Houston, Texas. According to police, Dino had just left a recording studio and was a passenger in a car being driven by his pregnant girlfriend 22-year-old Teshya Rae Weisent. Their vehicle was struck by an SUV that ran a red light, and both Dino and Weisent were killed.

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.

At the time of Conner's death, H-Town was said to have just finished what would have become their fourth album. They eventually released their reunion album Imitations of Life on October 12, 2004.

Discography

Albums

Fever for da Flavor Released: April 15, 1993 Chart positions: #16 U.S. Billboard 200 US: Platinum

Beggin' After Dark Released: November 8, 1994 Chart positions: #98 U.S. Billboard 200 Last RIAA certification: Gold

Ladies Edition, Woman's World Released: November 15, 1997 Chart positions: #53 U.S. Billboard 200 Last RIAA certification: Gold

Imitation of Life Released: October 12, 2004

Child Support Released: December 9. 2015

Awards and nominations

Year	Result	Award	Category	Single
1993	Won	Soul Train Music Award	Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist	-
	Nominated	Soul Train Music Award	Best R&B/Soul Single - Group, Band or Duo	"Knockin' Da Boots"

See also

• Houston hip hop

External links

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