RL (singer)

Robert Lavelle Huggar (born April 2, 1977), better known by his initials RL, is an American singer, record producer and songwriter. He is best known for being the lead singer of the R&B group Next.[1][2]

RL
RL in 2019
Background information
Birth nameRobert Lavelle Huggar
Born (1977-04-02) April 2, 1977
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
GenresR&B
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Years active1995–present
LabelsArista (1995–2000)

J (2001–2002)
Interscope (2005–2006)

Music World/Universal (2006–2007)
Associated actsTyrese, Ginuwine, Case, Deborah Cox, Erick Sermon
Websitewww.justrl.com

Personal life

Robert Lavelle Huggat was born in 1977 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Robert and Toni Huggar. Growing up, he was exposed to a variety of musical styles that helped influence his sound. His admiration of artists like Prince and Michael Jackson and music producers such as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis encouraged him to pursue music. .

With his first wife he has son Charles.[3]

In October 2017 he married Lena Danielle.[4] Their daughter Rory Lane was born in January 2018.[5][6]

Next

Fronted by R. L. Huggar, brothers Terry Brown and Raphael Brown, Next originally performed under the name "Straight4ward." For broader commercial appeal, the name was changed to "Next". The group was introduced to producer and DJ artist KayGee from Naughty By Nature. Subsequently, they signed with KayGee's newly formed Divine Mill record label, which, at the time, was distributed through Arista Records.

Solo

RL first distinguished himself outside of Next with his duet with Deborah Cox on the song "We Can't Be Friends" as well as other feature projects. RL followed up that effort with "The Best Man I Can Be", the super-group track from The Best Man movie soundtrack which also featured Ginuwine, Tyrese and Case. By the time RL's soulful "Good Love" (from The Brothers movie soundtrack) and his hook to Tupac's Until the end of Time were released, he had created an artistic persona distinct and separate from Next. RL: Ements is RL’s debut solo project and was released on J Records. It spawned the singles "Got Me A Model" (featuring Erick Sermon) and "Good Man".

Albums

Year Title Chart positions
US U.S. R&B[7]
2002 RL: Ements
  • Released: April 23, 2002
53 6

Singles

Year Song Peak chart positions Album
US US
R&B
1999 "The Best Man I Can Be" (with Ginuwine, Tyrese and Case) 67 15 The Best Man (soundtrack)
"We Can't Be Friends" (Deborah Cox featuring RL) 8 1 One Wish
2001 "Good Love" - 58 The Brothers (soundtrack)
2002 "Got Me a Model" (featuring Erick Sermon) - 76 RL: Ements
"Good Man" - 48

Songwriting

Year Song Artist Peak chart positions Album
US US
R&B
1999 "Party Tonight" 3rd Storee 66 3rd Storee
2000 "Whatever" (featuring Lil' Mo) Ideal 47 11 Ideal
2000 "Where I Wanna Be" (featuring Nate Dogg & Kurupt) Shade Sheist 95 49 Informal Introduction
2001 "Just in Case" Jaheim 52 15 Ghetto Love
2002 "Anything" 28 6
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Other notable songwriting credits

Year Song Artist Album
2001 "Weekend Thing" Koffee Brown Mars/Venus
"Bring Your Heart to Mine" Luther Vandross Luther Vandross
"U R the One" Usher 8701
2005 "Storm (Forecass)" Jamie Foxx Unpredictable
2008 "I Can Change Your Life" Lloyd Lessons in Love
"The Floor" Keith Sweat Just Me
"Sexiest Girl"
"Teach Me"
2009 "Show Off" Ginuwine A Man's Thoughts
"Open the Door"
"Orchestra"
"Touch Me"
"Even When I'm Mad"
2012 "60 Seconds" "Q" Parker The Manual
2013 "Ready for Love" Mindless Behavior All Around the World

See also

References


Billboard Awards 1998 Top New Artist (winner) 1998 Top Hot 100 Singles - Duos/Group (winner) 1998 Top R&B Artist - Duos/Group (winner singles & album) 1998 Top New R&B Artist (winner) 1998 Top Hot R&B Singles Artist (winner) 1998 Top Hot R&B Singles Artist - Duos/Group (winner) 1998 Top Hot 100 Single (Winner) 1998 Top Hot R&B Single Airplay (Winner) American Music Awards 1999, Favorite Soul/R&B Band, Duo or Group: (Nominated) 1999, Favorite New Soul/R&B New Artist: (Nominated) Soul Train Awards 2001, Best R&B/Soul Album by a Band, Duo or Group: Welcome II Nextasy (Nominated) 1999, Best R&B/Soul Single by a Band, Duo or Group: "Too Close" (Winner)


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