The woman who started singing was Maxee (RIP). The very strong voice is Nicci's. The other lady is Kina Cosper; she took the place of original Brownstone member, Mimi (who lost the group).
A very fine reaction 👩🏾👩🏾👩🏾! I see 👁👁 that you have reacted to Brownstone before: If You Love Me and Grapevyne. 5 Miles To Empty was released as the lead single for Brownstone's 1997 album: Still Climbing. It was written by Big Yam, Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert, Victor Merritt and Jon B. It was produced by Big Yam and Victor Merritt. The song reached #6 on the R&B chart, #24 on the Dance chart and # 39 on the Hot 100. It also charted at #12 on the UK Singles Chart and #5 in New Zealand. The music video was directed by Paul Hunter. This was the group's first song featuring Kina Cosper who replaced Monica "Mimi" Dolby in the group (see below for the reason why she left the group). Yes, the harmony is on point! All their songs are good even the non-singles. Brownstone Info 📰: Brownstone is a female R&B singing group that was popular during the mid-1990s. They are best known for their 1994 hit single: "If You Love Me", which was nominated for a Best R&B Performance Grammy Award. Also, the singles: "Grapevyne", "5 Miles To Empty" and "Pass The Lovin'" also brought them some success, as well as their rendition of the song: "I Can't Tell You Why", a song originally recorded by the Rock band: The Eagles. Brownstone was founded by twenty-something singers Nicole "Nicci" Gilbert, Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell, and Monica "Mimi" Dolby. They came together in Los Angeles, where each had come in search of a music career: Monica "Mimi" Dolby from New Orleans, Louisiana; Nicole "Nicci" Gilbert from Detroit, Michigan; and Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell from the South American country of Guyana. "The threesome began singing together after seeing each other perform at a seemingly endless series of auditions", Essence magazine reported in 1995. "There was instant chemistry. Vocally, we had a really strong blend that sounded good", Monica "Mimi" Dolby told Essence magazine. "We picked our name because brown is the earth and stone is solid". Nicole "Nicci" Gilbert has said that shared sense of strength and stability also inhabited the friendship between these three women. "Together we have a strong foundation and act as a unit". They formed the group and were signed to Michael Jackson's MJJ Music record label after an impressive audition for Michael Jackson less than a year later. The group soon recorded their debut album: From The Bottom Up, which spawned the hit singles: "If You Love Me" and "Grapevyne". The group received the 1995 Billboard Music Award for Top Hot R&B Singles Airplay for their single: "If You Love Me". They also received a 1995 Grammy Award nomination for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance Duo or Group for the single as well. After extensive touring around the globe, Monica "Mimi" Doby left the group for alleged health reasons; in an interview with BET Video Soul host Donnie Simpson, the problem was cited as bronchitis. The cause of her split from the group was later said (in radio interviews) to be internal personal strife with the other two group members. She was replaced in the group by Kina Cosper of Detroit, Michigan. Monica "Mimi" Dolby would go on to become a school teacher in the Los Angeles school district after leaving the group. After a difficult transition period, Brownstone released the song: "5 Miles To Empty", from their 1997 album: Still Climbing. On the album: Still Climbing, the group continued to work with a variety of writers and producers and again managed to create an album which was both eclectic and cohesive. The record displayed a seamless consistency derived from the threesome's hands-on approach and special touch. Of the 12 tracks on "Still Climbing", for example, eight were written or co-written by the three group members. Meanwhile, MJJ Music and its partner, Epic Records did their part by launching a strong promotional campaign that pushed "Still Climbing" to retailers, radio stations and video networks. Brownstone promoted the record during a European tour, then joined singer Keith Sweat for a series of concerts in the United States. In 1998, Brownstone was featured on the soundtrack for the film The Players Club with the song "Don't Play Me Wrong". The group members would slowly grow apart in the coming months and went on pursuing solo musical projects and other interests. Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert appeared in the 1998 film: Woo. She has also appeared in some television shows including: Martin, New York Undercover, Living Single, Sister Sister and in the 2004 Tyler Perry stage play: Meet The Browns. In 2005 she would release a solo album: Grown Folks Music. Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell, following the disbandment of Brownstone, she moved to London and signed with Mercury Records in 2000 to pursue a solo career. Her solo debut single: "When I Look Into Your Eyes", spawned a remix by producer Fred Jerkins III and peaked at number 55 on the UK Singles Chart. Her follow-up single: "This Is Where I Wanna Be", failed to chart. Its commercial underperformance led to the cancellation of her solo album. Kina Cosper would release a solo album on DreamWorks Records in 2000 entitled: Kina. Kina peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. The single: "Girl From The Gutter", was followed by the single: "Me", which peaked at number 3 on the same chart. "Have A Cry" was released to radio but never charted. Kina parted ways with DreamWorks Records shortly after the final single release. A few years after their release, Kina Cosper's songs began popping up in various TV shows. In fall 2005 her songs: "Give & Take" and "I Love You", both appeared in an episode of the UPN sitcom: Girlfriends. Kina Cosper's song: "Sincerely", was also featured in the 2005 motion picture: Beauty Shop. Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell passed on February 27, 2015, at age 46 following what has been reported publicly as an accidental fall. The singer was at her home when she allegedly fell and cut her throat on a drinking glass that shattered during the fall. She passed away shortly afterwards in hospital, at the age of 46. She was married to Danish record producer Carsten Schack from music production duo of "Soulshock And Karlin". Carsten Schack was also previously involved with R&B singer Tracie Spencer in a decade long alleged volatile relationship. In February 2019, it was announced that Brownstone were to reunite for a one-off performance for the 25th anniversary of the Essence Music Festival with founding members Nicci Gilbert, Mimi Doby, and returning member Teisha Brown, as well as the 25th anniversary of the group. During an interview with former member Kina Cosper, she expressed that she was invited to perform alongside Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert and Monica "Mimi" Doby, but that she "respectfully declined". During the Centennial Boule in July 2022, all three current group members (Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert, Arin Jackson, Tiesha Brown) were inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. On September 13, 2022 Brownstone's newest group line-up, composed of founding member Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert, Teisha Brown and new group member Arin Jackson, announced the release of the group's new single: "All I Want", on September 30, 2022. It was later announced by the group that Teisha Brown had departed the group and has been replaced by Arin Jackson's sister Alexis Jones. In 2023, Brownstone has released their live cover of the song: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", from their upcoming 2023 album. Brownstone still performs their music live on stage in 2023. Brownstone Group Members 👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤: Current Members Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert (1994-1998, 2007-2015, 2019-present) Arin Jackson (2019-present) Alexis Jones (2022-present) Former Members Monica "Mimi" Doby (1994-1995, 2019) Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell (1994-1998, 2007-2015) Kina Cosper (1995-1997) Teisha Brown (2007-2015, 2019-2022) Brownstone Albums 📀: From the Bottom Up (1995) Still Climbing (1997) Back Again (2023) *Currently Recording Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert Albums 📀: Grown Folks Music (2005) Kina Cosper Albums 📀: Kina (2000) Some good Brownstone songs 🎶: Pass The Lovin', I Can't Tell You Why, Kiss And Tell, Love Me Like You Do, Fruit Of Life, All I Want, Let's Get It Started, Deeper Feelings (Ooh La La), Revenge, I'm Not Her, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Foolish Pride, Brownstone Flava, Half Of You, In The Game Of Love, All I Do, Baby Love, Sometimes Dancin', Around You, Don't Play Me Wrong, True To Me, If You Play Your Cards Right, Party Wit Me, You Give Good Love, Don't Cry For Me and Wipe It Up. Fun Fact 🕵🏾♀: Brownstone appeared and performed on Bernie Mac's short lived R&B and Jazz television music show: Midnight Mac, in 1995. Also, the group appeared on the television show: New York Undercover (S2/E15 Bad Blood), in 1996.
Some reactions to consider 🤔: Ike And Tina Turner- River Deep Mountain High Live (on The Midnight Special), Ray Charles & The Raelettes- What'd I Say Live (on The Ed Sullivan Show) or Bobby Brown- Good Enough (toninho marcal YT channel). RIP Tina Turner 🙏🏾
Mimi left the group shortly before the recording of this second album. It was a big deal because Brownstone went on BET to announce it. The rumor is that she didn't get along with Nicci, but there's no real evidence to support this because Mimi has never spoken about why she left publicly. The new singer is named Kina Cosper. She only appeared on this one album and then the group disbanded. Kina put out an incredible solo album a few years after this.
always be remembered as the trio of lead singers sounding like a 20 people choir. LOL
Just blessed with so much vocal talent and power!
The woman who started singing was Maxee (RIP). The very strong voice is Nicci's. The other lady is Kina Cosper; she took the place of original Brownstone member, Mimi (who lost the group).
This is my favorite songs by them! Thanks for the reaction!
A very fine reaction 👩🏾👩🏾👩🏾! I see 👁👁 that you have reacted to Brownstone before: If You Love Me and Grapevyne. 5 Miles To Empty was released as the lead single for Brownstone's 1997 album: Still Climbing. It was written by Big Yam, Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert, Victor Merritt and Jon B. It was produced by Big Yam and Victor Merritt. The song reached #6 on the R&B chart, #24 on the Dance chart and # 39 on the Hot 100. It also charted at #12 on the UK Singles Chart and #5 in New Zealand. The music video was directed by Paul Hunter. This was the group's first song featuring Kina Cosper who replaced Monica "Mimi" Dolby in the group (see below for the reason why she left the group). Yes, the harmony is on point! All their songs are good even the non-singles.
Brownstone Info 📰:
Brownstone is a female R&B singing group that was popular during the mid-1990s. They are best known for their 1994 hit single: "If You Love Me", which was nominated for a Best R&B Performance Grammy Award. Also, the singles: "Grapevyne", "5 Miles To Empty" and "Pass The Lovin'" also brought them some success, as well as their rendition of the song: "I Can't Tell You Why", a song originally recorded by the Rock band: The Eagles.
Brownstone was founded by twenty-something singers Nicole "Nicci" Gilbert, Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell, and Monica "Mimi" Dolby. They came together in Los Angeles, where each had come in search of a music career: Monica "Mimi" Dolby from New Orleans, Louisiana; Nicole "Nicci" Gilbert from Detroit, Michigan; and Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell from the South American country of Guyana. "The threesome began singing together after seeing each other perform at a seemingly endless series of auditions", Essence magazine reported in 1995. "There was instant chemistry. Vocally, we had a really strong blend that sounded good", Monica "Mimi" Dolby told Essence magazine. "We picked our name because brown is the earth and stone is solid". Nicole "Nicci" Gilbert has said that shared sense of strength and stability also inhabited the friendship between these three women. "Together we have a strong foundation and act as a unit".
They formed the group and were signed to Michael Jackson's MJJ Music record label after an impressive audition for Michael Jackson less than a year later. The group soon recorded their debut album: From The Bottom Up, which spawned the hit singles: "If You Love Me" and "Grapevyne". The group received the 1995 Billboard Music Award for Top Hot R&B Singles Airplay for their single: "If You Love Me". They also received a 1995 Grammy Award nomination for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance Duo or Group for the single as well.
After extensive touring around the globe, Monica "Mimi" Doby left the group for alleged health reasons; in an interview with BET Video Soul host Donnie Simpson, the problem was cited as bronchitis. The cause of her split from the group was later said (in radio interviews) to be internal personal strife with the other two group members. She was replaced in the group by Kina Cosper of Detroit, Michigan. Monica "Mimi" Dolby would go on to become a school teacher in the Los Angeles school district after leaving the group.
After a difficult transition period, Brownstone released the song: "5 Miles To Empty", from their 1997 album: Still Climbing. On the album: Still Climbing, the group continued to work with a variety of writers and producers and again managed to create an album which was both eclectic and cohesive. The record displayed a seamless consistency derived from the threesome's hands-on approach and special touch. Of the 12 tracks on "Still Climbing", for example, eight were written or co-written by the three group members. Meanwhile, MJJ Music and its partner, Epic Records did their part by launching a strong promotional campaign that pushed "Still Climbing" to retailers, radio stations and video networks. Brownstone promoted the record during a European tour, then joined singer Keith Sweat for a series of concerts in the United States.
In 1998, Brownstone was featured on the soundtrack for the film The Players Club with the song "Don't Play Me Wrong".
The group members would slowly grow apart in the coming months and went on pursuing solo musical projects and other interests.
Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert appeared in the 1998 film: Woo. She has also appeared in some television shows including: Martin, New York Undercover, Living Single, Sister Sister and in the 2004 Tyler Perry stage play: Meet The Browns. In 2005 she would release a solo album: Grown Folks Music.
Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell, following the disbandment of Brownstone, she moved to London and signed with Mercury Records in 2000 to pursue a solo career. Her solo debut single: "When I Look Into Your Eyes", spawned a remix by producer Fred Jerkins III and peaked at number 55 on the UK Singles Chart. Her follow-up single: "This Is Where I Wanna Be", failed to chart. Its commercial underperformance led to the cancellation of her solo album.
Kina Cosper would release a solo album on DreamWorks Records in 2000 entitled: Kina. Kina peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. The single: "Girl From The Gutter", was followed by the single: "Me", which peaked at number 3 on the same chart. "Have A Cry" was released to radio but never charted. Kina parted ways with DreamWorks Records shortly after the final single release. A few years after their release, Kina Cosper's songs began popping up in various TV shows. In fall 2005 her songs: "Give & Take" and "I Love You", both appeared in an episode of the UPN sitcom: Girlfriends. Kina Cosper's song: "Sincerely", was also featured in the 2005 motion picture: Beauty Shop.
Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell passed on February 27, 2015, at age 46 following what has been reported publicly as an accidental fall. The singer was at her home when she allegedly fell and cut her throat on a drinking glass that shattered during the fall. She passed away shortly afterwards in hospital, at the age of 46. She was married to Danish record producer Carsten Schack from music production duo of "Soulshock And Karlin". Carsten Schack was also previously involved with R&B singer Tracie Spencer in a decade long alleged volatile relationship.
In February 2019, it was announced that Brownstone were to reunite for a one-off performance for the 25th anniversary of the Essence Music Festival with founding members Nicci Gilbert, Mimi Doby, and returning member Teisha Brown, as well as the 25th anniversary of the group. During an interview with former member Kina Cosper, she expressed that she was invited to perform alongside Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert and Monica "Mimi" Doby, but that she "respectfully declined".
During the Centennial Boule in July 2022, all three current group members (Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert, Arin Jackson, Tiesha Brown) were inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
On September 13, 2022 Brownstone's newest group line-up, composed of founding member Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert, Teisha Brown and new group member Arin Jackson, announced the release of the group's new single: "All I Want", on September 30, 2022. It was later announced by the group that Teisha Brown had departed the group and has been replaced by Arin Jackson's sister Alexis Jones.
In 2023, Brownstone has released their live cover of the song: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", from their upcoming 2023 album.
Brownstone still performs their music live on stage in 2023.
Brownstone Group Members 👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤👩🏾🎤:
Current Members
Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert (1994-1998, 2007-2015, 2019-present)
Arin Jackson (2019-present)
Alexis Jones (2022-present)
Former Members
Monica "Mimi" Doby (1994-1995, 2019)
Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell (1994-1998, 2007-2015)
Kina Cosper (1995-1997)
Teisha Brown (2007-2015, 2019-2022)
Brownstone Albums 📀:
From the Bottom Up (1995)
Still Climbing (1997)
Back Again (2023) *Currently Recording
Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert Albums 📀:
Grown Folks Music (2005)
Kina Cosper Albums 📀:
Kina (2000)
Some good Brownstone songs 🎶: Pass The Lovin', I Can't Tell You Why, Kiss And Tell, Love Me Like You Do, Fruit Of Life, All I Want, Let's Get It Started, Deeper Feelings (Ooh La La), Revenge, I'm Not Her, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Foolish Pride, Brownstone Flava, Half Of You, In The Game Of Love, All I Do, Baby Love, Sometimes Dancin', Around You, Don't Play Me Wrong, True To Me, If You Play Your Cards Right, Party Wit Me, You Give Good Love, Don't Cry For Me and Wipe It Up.
Fun Fact 🕵🏾♀: Brownstone appeared and performed on Bernie Mac's short lived R&B and Jazz television music show: Midnight Mac, in 1995. Also, the group appeared on the television show: New York Undercover (S2/E15 Bad Blood), in 1996.
Love your reaction ❤
S Nation.. you did a again!!! Period!!
I been waiting on this one! Thanks . “If You Love Me” is another good one from them. If I remember correctly, MJ himself gave them their first deal.
Yes he did !!!!
Brownstone had THE TIGHEST harmony!
Some reactions to consider 🤔: Ike And Tina Turner- River Deep Mountain High Live (on The Midnight Special), Ray Charles & The Raelettes- What'd I Say Live (on The Ed Sullivan Show) or Bobby Brown- Good Enough (toninho marcal YT channel).
RIP Tina Turner 🙏🏾
Mimi left the group shortly before the recording of this second album. It was a big deal because Brownstone went on BET to announce it. The rumor is that she didn't get along with Nicci, but there's no real evidence to support this because Mimi has never spoken about why she left publicly.
The new singer is named Kina Cosper. She only appeared on this one album and then the group disbanded. Kina put out an incredible solo album a few years after this.
Oh wowww,
React to MC Lyte "I GO ON" pretty please
One of my favorties from Brownstone. I love the vocals on this. :)