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 “Best Man” the super-group track from the The Best Man (1999) soundtrack which also featured Ginuwine, Tyrese & Case. By the time RL’s Rev. Greenish-styled “Good Love” (The Brothers soundtrack) and his hook to ‘Pac’s “Until the End of Time” were released, it was clear that he had created and artistic persona distinct and separate from Next. RL: Ements is RL’s debut solo project for Clive Davis’ still burgeoning J Records label; the lead single “Got Me A Model”.|RL:ements (2002).|RL:ements (2002). While on hiatus with Next in 2002, R.L. began work on his solo career. His first release was the single entitled “Good Love” from the Brothers original soundtrack. The song was a departure from Next’s overly sexual image and surprised many longtime fans. R.L. than collaborated with rappers Snoop Dogg and Lil’ Kim on the Dr. Dolittle 2 soundtrack with the song “Do You Wanna Roll”. Next also appeared on the CD with the song entitled “Looking For Love” featuring rapper Lil’ Zane (who appeared in the movie). It was rumoured that “Do You Wanna Roll” would be released as a video and a vinyl single was released, however the video never saw the light of day. It was then that R.L. began work on his solo album, RL: Ements, without the knowledge of his bandmates (according to member Tweet on his song “Keepin’ It Real”). The song “Ghetto” leaked on the internet featuring Jermaine Dupri, however it was re-recorded and eventually featured the rapper Postaboy. Around the same time, a song entitled “Model Chick” leaked, believed to be the first single. The song was eventually scrapped and completely re-worked into the albums official first single “Got Me A Model” featuring Eric Sermon. A remix to the song was also recorded and featured producer Jermaine Dupri. The album was released in April of 2002 and unfortunately did not sell as well as expected. A second single and video was released entitled “Good Man”. This was the first album released by a member of Next without the direction from longtime collaborator Kaygee. |
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