UB Soul Friday: The Multi Talented RL Talks New Music + NEXT

This weeks “UB Soul Friday” spotlight’s a Twin Cities legend RL! UB Soul Friday, spotlights artists, albums, singles and videos that left a mark in R&B and Soul music! We kicked off this series this year with celebrating groups, such as Kool and the Gang and Full Force. Followed by celebrating R&B male artists, Johnny Gill, Carl Thomas and last week Freddie Jackson. In our first UB Soul Friday Interview, singer/songwriter RL was our first choice! Formed in 1992 by brothers T-Low and Tweety, aka Terrance Brown and Raphael Brown, respectively, and joined by R.L. (aka Robert Huggar), the act had its first mentor in T-Low's godmother, legendary Ann Nesby, who trained and managed the group during its early days. In 1994, Next was playing in its hometown of Minneapolis when it linked up with Low Key?'s Prof. T and Lance. Those two, eventually helped record "Rated Next," and worked with the group at Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis' famous, Flyte Tyme Studios. Soon thereafter, a demo tape got the attention of Naughty By Nature's Kay Gee, who signed the act as the first release for his new imprint Divine Mill, which at the time was still under development. As they say...the rest is history! In a rare conversation, RL continues his tradition of giving UB a no holds barred interview. An, unfiltered, hour-long interview with UB‘s Tishelle, a good friend of his. RL discusses his career and humbled beginnings. With the group NEXT short of their 30th Anniversary in a few years, RL shares stories of their early days. From performances at Arnellia‘s, to former members, to being signed. Plus with the 20th Anniversary of RL‘s viral song “Hater N U,” approaching next year, he clears the air on the aftermath. Regarding the song and the accompanying UB interview that went viral and caused riffs between him and members of Jagged Edge and 112. If that’s not enough, of course he gives UB the scoop on new music, which includes a joint NEXT project with the group Silk and a new solo RL album. RL plays a hilarious edition of the UB Lyric Game and in the process, shares a story of a reworked song (with a clip) he wrote for Ginuwine. In this heartfelt conversation, RL also gets candid about his insecurities he has faced since a child. Including a failed suicide attempt. And his disappointment on the lack of support from his home state of Minnesota (UB can relate). Plus RL drops gems on how music is consumed today and so much more!