Total group
Total group
They are a very popular group from the 90s. The group has members like Kima Raynor, Keisha Spivey, and Pamela Long. Total is best known for their feature on Mase’s “What You Want”, as well as their hits “Kissin’ You”, “Can’t You See” (featuring The Notorious B.I.G.), and “What About Us?” and “Trippin'”, both featuring Missy Elliott. When it comes to collaboration it worked out very well for them. During the 90s having someone that you can collaborate with and you’re coming up in the industry. It’s what made more sense. Pamela also was singing for Biggie’s “Hypnotize”. They made their first appearance on Biggie’s song called “Juicy”.
They became very popular when it comes to their partnership with Biggie and it made a lot of sense. Biggie at the time was coming up in the Music industry. So it only made sense that they would feature them. For their first appearance they were able to be featured in Biggie’s “Juicy”. And that is one of the biggest songs in Hip hop. And they are a very big artist. They were featured on a song called “One More Chance”. Then they hit the studio and began working on their album. Everything was working out for them. And were building a brand.
Their song “Can’t You See” first appeared on the soundtrack for “New Jersey Drive”. And it was in 1995. Being featured in movies is really good. People can get to know you through there. So many things that they could do to expand their brand. They could even be featured in more movies that will do well. The song also had Notorious B.I.G. and it did well on the Billboard. When it comes to their success, they have these cool vocals that mix well together. And that’s why they were able to do well. Total then produced 2 more songs “No One Else” (and its remix featuring Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, and Da Brat) and “Kissing You” (and its remix featuring Sean “Puffy” Combs).
The album was certified platinum. While recording their second album, it has songs like LL Cool J’s “Loungin (Who Do Ya Luv)”, Foxy Brown’s “I Can’t”, and Mase’s “What You Want”. The group then released another song featuring Missy Elliott and Timbaland “What About Us” from the Soul Food soundtrack. Their other album “Kima, Keisha and Pam”. And it became certified gold. They also collaborated with Missy Elliott on a song called “Trippin'”. Their next release is “Sittin’ Home”. And it became a top 10 hit. There was a remix with an artist Shyne.
The girls also were singing on the rap duo Gang Starr’s “Discipline”. And they were featured on the Tony Touch single “I Wonder Why”. They also contributed to songs like “Crave” on “3 Strikes”. When you look at the time that they were coming up, the 90s were truly magical. And it was such an amazing time. The music that they were creating and their partnership was the perfect thing that they were doing at the time. Their songs always have a lot of views on YouTube. It’s quite clear that there is a generation that likes listening to this type of Music. This group has made an impact and they have done well.
They were also the first act to be signed on Bad Boy Records. They also come from New Jersey. And New York talent during the 90s is amazing. Hip hop comes from Bronx, New York. Pamela has released her own solo project. When it comes to groups, a lot of people are asking what happened. And why is there a lack of it. There is a lack of groups because there is a lot of work that you have to do when it comes to managing them. Total group also went on a hiatus when it comes to not releasing music. And also people start their own families as well.
Being in a group, there is a lot that can happen when it comes to people going their own separate ways. Because maybe they are not happy when it comes to things that are happening. And sometimes they just want to do their own thing. Total have been together for a while touring, releasing music and doing lots of collaborations. And also the time is different when it comes to the Music industry. Right now we have TikTok and Instagram. There are some who adapt to the current market when it comes to the Music industry.
When it comes to 2025 R&B, if they want to last in this music market, there is a lot that they would have to do. The music that they are doing right now, there is a lot of sampling when it comes to the 90s. And of course 90s music is amazing. However, we want to hear new music. That is not a sample from there. Because the music is then not unique and then it sounds like everyone else. And that’s what some people say that the music sounds the same. And people are not unique enough and that is a lot to do with how much exposure people have right now.
Total group have made really good music that will last for a long time. Them collaborating with people like Biggie Smalls was such a good move.
Collaboration meant that they were able to do a lot when it comes to their careers. Career wise they did it in the best era. When collaborating with certain artists will turn into a classic. Many people don’t have the luck when it comes to it. Because classic music isn’t being made as much. And people will forget about it and then move on. And when they move on, it’s not songs that they will always remember and Mariah Carey said that music has become like fast food.
Total group will always be remembered. Their music will travel generation after generation. And they will be doing lots of good things that can help so many people. When it comes to making good authentic music. And when you look at the swag that they had coming up in the music industry it’s really good. And it has done a lot. Music wise what we need is to also bring back songwriters. Nowadays to save money, people are attempting to write their own music and also produce their own music as well. This can be good. Because it means that they have creative control. However, sometimes leave it to the professionals.