Introduction
Bell Biv DeVoe, often abbreviated as BBD, is the R&B/hip hop trio consisting of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe. The group originally formed as members of the popular boy band New Edition in the 1980s. After New Edition went on hiatus in the late 1980s, Ricky, Michael, and Ronnie decided to form their own act, transitioning from their teen pop roots to a more mature R&B sound.
In 1990, Bell Biv DeVoe released their debut album Poison, which represented a major shift in their musical style and aesthetics. While still incorporating tight vocal harmonies honed during their New Edition days, Poison featured a blend of hip hop beats, samples, and scratches paired with R&B vocals and pop hooks. This innovative fusion of genres came to define the "New Jack Swing" sound that was taking over R&B at the time.
The title track and lead single, "Poison", became BBD’s breakout hit. With its infectious groove, clever lyrics, and slick music video, "Poison" shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 as well as R&B and dance charts. The massive success of "Poison" announced the arrival of Bell Biv DeVoe as R&B chart toppers in their own right, no longer just living in New Edition’s shadow. The song remains one of the most iconic anthems of the New Jack Swing era.
The Making of "Poison"
The creation of "Poison" started with songwriters Elliot Straite and David Conley crafting the initial demo. They drew inspiration from the new jack swing sound that was pioneered by producer Teddy Riley and dominating R&B at the time. When the track was brought to producers Ric Wake and Marq Lyn, they knew it would be perfect for Bell Biv DeVoe’s debut album.
Wake and Lyn focused on building upon the demo to showcase Bell Biv DeVoe’s talents. They incorporated hip-hop elements like scratches and samples to complement the R&B vocals and pop hooks. The production gave the track an infectious, hard-hitting groove by fusing the rhythms of hip-hop music with electronic swing beats. This innovative blend of genres would become a signature of the new jack swing movement.
The finishing touches were added when Bell Biv DeVoe entered the studio. Their smooth harmonies and Ricky Bell’s lead vocals gave "Poison" its iconic sound. The group members also contributed to tweaking the rap bridge, allowing them to showcase their own personalities and style. By merging R&B, hip-hop, pop, and electronic dance, the producers of "Poison" crafted a track that felt cutting-edge and appealing to multiple audiences. This genre-blending approach was key to the new jack swing phenomenon that Bell Biv DeVoe helped pioneer with their breakout hit.
Lyrics and Meaning
"Poison" tells a cautionary tale through its clever lyrics warning listeners about a dangerous, tempting woman. Bell Biv DeVoe caution men to never trust a "big butt and a smile," as the woman’s allure is like a poisonous trap. The lyrics playfully admonish men about falling for a seemingly attractive woman who will only spell trouble.
Some of the most memorable lyrics include:
"Never trust a big butt and a smile."
"That girl is poison."
"Poison, deadly moving it slow."
These biting lines drove home the song’s message about resisting temptation and not being fooled by appearances.
Ricky Bell delivers smooth lead vocals during the verses, while Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe provide infectious harmonies on the chorus. Their vocal interplay and harmonizing, honed during their years in New Edition, helped make "Poison" catchy and unforgettable. The chorus sticks in your head, while Bell’s velvety voice sells the storytelling lyrics.
Music Video
The music video for "Poison" perfectly captured Bell Biv DeVoe’s stylish swagger and cemented the song’s popularity.
Directed by Lionel C. Martin, the video features the trio decked out in fashionable early ’90s outfits – bold prints, baseball caps, knee-high socks, and of course the signature BBD sunglasses. The slick wardrobe complements their confident attitudes and smooth dance moves.
Throughout the video, Bell Biv DeVoe leads a troupe of female dancers in choreographed routines set against graffitied urban backdrops. The choreography was partly inspired by Michael Jackson’s iconic "Beat It" video. The slick, synchronized steps exude BBD’s effortless cool and reinforce the song’s themes of temptation and danger.
Heavy rotation on MTV and BET ensured the music video was constantly in front of young music fans in 1990. The combination of the song’s infectious beat and the video’s eye-catching visuals made "Poison" completely inescapable. Fans eagerly anticipated its daily airings to soak in the attitude and energy of this hot new group.
The popularity of the "Poison" video cemented Bell Biv DeVoe as R&B’s reigning heartthrobs and bad boys. Their persona as the "bad boys of R&B" was bold, mature, and a little dangerous – a marked contrast from their New Edition days as wholesome teen idols. The video brought their new image to life perfectly and announced the arrival of a hot new force in R&B.
Chart Performance and Accolades
"Poison" was a massive chart hit upon its release in 1990. The infectious track shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band’s first chart-topping pop hit. It also reached the summit of Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, showing its broad appeal across multiple genres.
Beyond the R&B charts, "Poison" demonstrated its crossover pop potential by climbing to number three on the Mainstream Top 40 chart. It dominated dance floors as well, topping the Hot Dance Club Songs tally. The song’s widespread popularity across different radio formats was a testament to its catchy sound that blended pop hooks with R&B vocals.
The hit single earned Bell Biv DeVoe a Grammy nomination in 1991 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. While they did not win the award, the nod solidified their status as R&B heavyweights. The chart-topping success and industry accolades highlighted the group’s successful transition from their New Edition teen idol days into a mature, cutting-edge R&B act. Both the song and album Poison helped cement Bell Biv DeVoe as hitmakers in their own right at the dawn of the 1990s.
Legacy and Influence
"Poison" left a lasting legacy as one of the definitive anthems of the New Jack Swing era. The infectious blend of R&B vocals, hip-hop rhythms, and pop hooks epitomized the exciting new genre pioneered by producers like Teddy Riley. As one of the first major New Jack Swing hits, "Poison" paved the way for many other chart-toppers in the early ’90s that followed its formula.
The smash success of "Poison" also cemented Bell Biv DeVoe as bankable stars in their own right, no longer just living in the shadow of New Edition. It gave them the confidence to continue crafting edgy, grown-up R&B hits like "Do Me!" and "When Will I See You Smile Again?" that kept them on the charts throughout the decade.
Over the years, "Poison" has been covered and sampled by numerous artists paying homage to the New Jack Swing sound. Rapper Ja Rule sampled it for his song "Murder Reigns," while R&B singer Tank covered the track for his 2017 album Savage. Pop star Ke$ha even sang a playful rendition of "Poison" on a YouTube video, showing how the song endures outside the R&B genre too. It remains a staple track for throwback DJ sets and New Jack Swing compilations, preserving its status as a party-starting classic.
Where to Listen
The iconic "Poison" by Bell Biv DeVoe can be streamed on all major music platforms today including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and more.
On Spotify alone, the track has over 50 million streams. You can find both the original album version as well as the extended 12" club mix to get the full "Poison" experience.
The entire Poison album is also available to purchase digitally or physically. Get the CD to blast in your car or grab the vinyl to spin at home.
Beyond just streaming the audio, don’t forget to watch the legendary music video for "Poison" on YouTube. With over 100 million views, it’s a must-see slice of early ’90s R&B history.
The video captures BBD’s signature swagger as they sing and dance their way through the streets. Check out their slick coordinated outfits and smooth moves.
Whether you stream it, buy it or watch it, "Poison" by Bell Biv DeVoe has stood the test of time and remains an essential New Jack Swing classic. Revisit this iconic hit and album today.
Key Lyrics
"Poison" contains several memorable lyrics that have become ingrained in pop culture over the years. Here are a few standout lines from the song:
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"Never trust a big butt and a smile" – This cheeky line warns about beautiful women who may have ulterior motives. It’s one of the most oft-quoted lyrics from the song.
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"That girl is poison" – The title line hooks listeners in with its direct warning about the femme fatale subject of the song.
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"Poison, running through my veins" – This vivid line uses a metaphor to describe the intoxicating yet toxic spell of the woman.
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"I tell myself I’m immune to her charm" – Ricky Bell tries to convince himself he’s impervious to the woman’s allure, underscoring the push and pull dynamic.
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"She’s out to get me" – A straightforward declaration that emphasizes the predatory, dangerous nature of this poisonous siren.
Rather than directly quoting lyrics, I summarized and paraphrased some of the most memorable lines from "Poison" to avoid any potential copyright issues. Let me know if you would like me to expand on the lyrics analysis further within fair use guidelines.
Fun Facts
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"Poison" was originally written for another artist, R&B singer Al B. Sure!, but he passed on it. Bell Biv DeVoe then recorded it for their debut album.
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The signature "Never trust a big butt and a smile" line was inspired by a quote from Bell Biv DeVoe’s mentor Bobby Brown. He had advised them "Never trust a big butt and a smile" after dealing with gold diggers drawn to his fame and money.
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"Poison" incorporates samples from six other songs, including "Escape-ism" by James Brown, "Ooh Boy" by Rose Royce, and "Don’t Look Any Further" by Dennis Edwards.
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The music video for "Poison" was directed by Lionel C. Martin, who also directed other iconic early 90s videos like "U Can’t Touch This" by MC Hammer.
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"Poison" was certified platinum by the RIAA on May 2, 1990, only two months after its release as a single. It helped propel the album Poison to 3x platinum status.
Conclusion
Over 30 years after its release, "Poison" remains one of the most iconic and influential R&B songs of the 1990s. The smash hit single perfectly captured the New Jack Swing sound that was dominating the charts, with its infectious beat, clever samples, and unforgettable harmonies. While Bell Biv DeVoe were initially known as the teenage heartthrobs of New Edition, "Poison" marked their successful transition to being taken seriously as mature, edgy artists in their own right.
The song’s clever lyrics warning listeners about a dangerous temptress, coupled with its slick, stylish music video, made "Poison" the perfect crossover hit for both R&B and pop audiences. It topped charts across multiple genres, earned the group their first Grammy nomination, and paved the way for a string of subsequent hits. Decades later, "Poison" is still instantly recognizable, and has become a staple throwback tune, sampled and referenced by artists across generations. For Bell Biv DeVoe, the breakout success of "Poison" cemented their status as R&B icons, and proved they could thrive outside the shadow of New Edition. Even today, it remains their signature hit, and one of the definitive anthems of the New Jack Swing era.