The drum pattern starts and you instantly know what it is. Ronnie, Ricky and Mike changed the face of music, with hits like “Poison”. Their unique brand of R&B and Hip Hop fusion was undeniable. Bell Biv Devoe branched off from the extremely successful male band, New Edition. New Edition is preparing for the release of their 3 part mini-series chronicling the rise of the group. Bobby Brown was the wild child. Ralph Tresvant was the smooth operator. Johnny Gill was the soulful crooner. But BBD combined all of these elements, setting the blueprint for the style of today’s urban music scene. Now, the trio has reunited for the first time in over 15 years. Their new single, “Run” was just released last week.

Bell Biv Devoe are still as cool as they were in their heyday. Their latest single, lifted from their upcoming album, Three Stripes, is a thumping club track that puts an unappreciative woman in check. Adding to its nostalgic appeal, the song samples Herb Albert’s 70s hit “Rise” (made famous by Notorius B.I.G. on “Hypnotize”). The guys are sick of their lady playing mind games and are fed up with her shenanigans. I must admit, I didn’t know what to expect from the song, but I was pleasantly surprised. They took a big risk taking so many years off (despite numerous New Edition reunion concerts) in a fickle music business that exists today.

The New Edition Story is set to air on BET in 2017. The film is directed by famed music video director Chris Robinson. Bryshere Y. Gray (Yazz on the hit TV show Empire) is arguably the most famed actor of the cast, who plays Michael Bivins. An interesting fact that many people may not know is Michael Bivins is responsible for Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’s stage name. He thought her left eye was prettier than the right. So, he called her “Left Eye” and the name stuck. Ronnie Devoe has been married to Shamari Fears of the group Blaque (who Left Eye discovered) since 2006. The group’s history as well as New Edition’s as a whole, should be quite a roller-coaster to watch next year.

What are your thoughts on Bell Biv Devoe’s “Run”?