“Can I get your name and number, cause I like your Steelo”
It is with this statement that R&B group 702 burst onto the scene. From The Vault journeys back to 1996, when the ladies released their debut single ‘Steelo.’
Introduced as the proteges of New Edition star Michael Bivins, the trio kinda sorta had to hit it out of the park with their first offering. And that’s exactly what they did with the Missy Elliott-assisted ‘Steelo’ – a Hip-Hop/Soul number produced by Dr Ceuss which saw them celebrate men whose swagger (or “steelo”) was on 100.
Commercially, the single fared well, especially given that it served as their debut, peaking at #32 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It even reached showed a little promise in the UK where it narrowly missed the Top 40 (#41).
However, for many a millennial, the track is perhaps most memorable for being used as the opening theme to Nickelodeon’s ‘Cousin Skeeter.’ Gifting it a second wind of sorts.
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Brian Luvar directed the band in the song’s basketball-themed video. The Vegas natives are seen getting their 90s on with synchronized choreography, matching outfits, and sass in abundance.
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We’ve long felt that 702 didn’t get garner the shine they deserved during their stint in the industry. If it wasn’t TLC‘s endless string of smashes then it was Destiny’s Child‘s dominance thereafter; all of which stopped the ladies from hitting the highs they were capable of – which is such a shame.
Anyhow, with a recent sighting together at the Soul Train Awards, it seems they are brewing something. Needless to say, we can’t wait to hear and see what they have in store.
Bring it on, ladies!