The Rise, Fall, and Resurgence of Troop: An Untold Story of R&B.

In the vibrant world of 90s R&B, few groups had the vocal prowess and charisma of Troop. With their killer harmonies and choreography that rivaled the best, they were poised to become one of the biggest names in the genre.

Yet, despite their early success, Troop’s journey was marred by betrayal, mismanagement, and personal struggles that led to their near-erasure from music history.

This is the untold story of Troop, a group that faced the harsh realities of the industry and emerged with a legacy that continues to resonate today.

Early Days: The Formation of Troop

Troop’s story begins in Pasadena, California, with a young dancer named Rodney Benford. Inspired by the iconic group New Edition, Rodney was determined to carve out his own path in the music industry.

With encouragement from his mother, he gathered a few neighborhood friends—Vernon Stewart, Atron, and Reggie Warren—and formed a dance group.

Their break came when they appeared on the hit TV show *Putting on the Hits*, where they lip-synced to New Edition’s “Cool It Now” and won first place, earning $1,000.

This initial success opened doors for the group, leading to a chance meeting with music producers Steve Cohen and David Cook, who recognized their potential.

They were signed to a production company called Platinum Gold, which facilitated a deal with Atlantic Records. It was during this time that they adopted the name Troop, an acronym for “Total Respect of Other People.”

Breakthrough Success

By 1988, Troop was ready to make their mark. Their debut single, “Mamasita,” climbed to number two on the Billboard R&B charts, signaling their arrival on the music scene.

The self-titled debut album released that same year featured several hits, including “My Heart,” which also reached the top 10. Troop’s combination of smooth vocals, slick choreography, and engaging performances quickly garnered them a dedicated fanbase.

However, as their popularity grew, so did the pressures of the music industry. The group’s success was overshadowed by the competitive landscape, with other R&B acts like Boyz II Men and Jodeci dominating the charts.

Despite this, Troop continued to work hard, releasing their second album, *Attitude*, in 1989, which included the hit single “Spread My Wings.” This song, written and produced by Chucky Booker, became an anthem for the group, solidifying their status in the R&B genre.

The Turning Point: Internal Struggles and Betrayal

While Troop was experiencing commercial success, internal tensions began to surface. The group faced challenges as they transitioned from a dance crew to a fully-fledged vocal group. The pressure to maintain their image took a toll on their relationships.

During a tour with MC Hammer, Steve Russell, one of the group members, received an offer to work under Hammer’s label, Busted Records. This opportunity opened his eyes to the complexities of the music industry, revealing that Troop’s management had been taking a significant cut of their earnings.

As the members began to realize the extent of their contractual obligations, they confronted their management about the unfair splits.

Tensions escalated, leading to a public fallout that saw Troop cancel performances and withdraw from shows. Their decision to fight for respect and fair treatment resulted in legal battles with their management, which only deepened the rift within the group.

In the midst of these struggles, Troop managed to sign directly with Atlantic Records, believing they had finally secured the deal they had originally sought.

However, the internal conflicts continued to escalate. The creative partnership between Steve and Allan McNeel began to fray as disagreements over song choices and production arose.

The Decline: A Group in Turmoil

By 1994, Troop’s situation had become dire. After parting ways with Sylvia Rhone, the executive at Atlantic who had initially championed them, they found themselves dropped from the label.

In a desperate bid to stay afloat, they accepted a new deal with Busted Records. However, this move only exacerbated the divisions within the group, as not all members were on board with the decision.

The release of their album, *A Little Something*, marked a significant turning point. The cover featured only three of the five original members, a clear indication of the growing discord.

Steve and Allan had taken control, believing that only they were committed to the group’s success. This decision devastated Reggie, Rodney, and John John, who felt sidelined and erased from their own legacy.

The album’s liner notes included a pointed message directed at Sylvia Rhone, highlighting the animosity that had developed.

It was an emotional and unprofessional move that further strained relationships within the group. By the end of 1994, Troop was fractured, with two factions emerging and the dream that had once united them now in shambles.

A Glimmer of Hope: The Reunion

In the years that followed, it seemed that Troop had faded into obscurity. However, in 2013, the original members reunited, seeking to mend old wounds and reclaim their story.

They recorded a new single, marking the first collaboration in years, and for a moment, it seemed as if hope had returned.

But just as things appeared to be on the mend, Allan began to withdraw from rehearsals, feeling betrayed by the decision to release the single under a different label.

The remaining members, feeling the weight of history and the need to move forward, made the difficult choice to part ways with Allan, solidifying their new direction as a trio.

The Tragic Loss of Reggie Warren

Just as Troop seemed to find their footing again, tragedy struck. On March 14, 2021, Reggie Warren passed away at the age of 52.

His death was a devastating blow to the group and fans alike. Reggie had been a foundational member of Troop, contributing to their early success and embodying the spirit of the group.

In the wake of his passing, the remaining members dedicated their performances to Reggie, honoring his memory and the legacy they built together.

They continued to tour and release compilation albums, ensuring that their story and the contributions of all members, especially Reggie, would not be forgotten.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Troop

The story of Troop is not just one of musical success; it is a narrative filled with struggle, betrayal, and resilience. Despite the challenges they faced, the group never lost sight of their passion for music and the bond they shared.

Their journey serves as a reminder of the complexities of the music industry, where talent can sometimes be overshadowed by personal and professional conflicts.

Kenny Green’s legacy, in particular, highlights the importance of authenticity in an industry that often prioritizes image over truth.

As Troop continues to perform and share their story, they remind us that their journey is about more than just music; it is about brotherhood, identity, and the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to be silenced.

In the end, Troop’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring impact of their contributions to R&B. As they move forward, they carry with them the memories of their journey, the lessons learned, and the hope that their music will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come.