IMx No Longer Immature
Word Up! November 1999
If the greatest journey begins with the first step, then Immature has just taken the biggest step of their career. Immature is dead. Long Live IMx. If you haven't heard the news (or their latest single "Stay The Night"), the trio changed their name to IMx, which means "ex Immature."
Batman, Romeo and LDB are officially off security blankets and early bedtimes. Fans world-wide have watched them grow from hyperactive childeren to confident young men almost overnight. The three have flowered into respectable performers and talented artists in only a few short years. People, get ready: with their newest 12-song release on MCA records (slated for release October 26), IMx steps into a brand new sound--one that hearlds their most strikingly soulful album to date.
Their last time out, IMx worked with various industry vets who helped them forge a bold new sound. Hired hands included Keith Sweat, Rodney and Fred Jerkins, Bizzy Bone from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Dazz, of the Dogg Pound, and mentor Chris Stokes. LDB also took on more lead vocal chores, lending greater depth to the group's vocal mix.
This time, though, the members of IMx envisioned a new kind of release that reflects the growth the young men have gone through.
First, all three graduated from high school at a cap-and-gown ceremony recently in Los Angeles County. After graduating from the tutoring school, IMx said they planned to go to college something in the future.
But that's only one of the changes IMx has enjoyed. By listening to their debut single, fans will see that the group has matured in their voices and music--a growth initially found on The Journey, the trio's last release.
That CD began with what could be the most adventurous tracks ever attempted by the group. "Give Up The Ghost," which featured Bizzy Bone, had an eerie vocal counterpoint and rhythmic dazzle. The song showcased IMx' expanded range. Smooth ballads, such as the flamenco-flavored "Tamika," and the hit "I'm Not A Fool," were amongthe album's high-lights Up-tempo R&B jams such as "24/7" and "I Can't Wait," presented different sides to the fellas' discovery of love, joy and sorrow.
Even Dazz presented a dope blend of hip hop and R&B, while ballads, such as "Where Do We Go" and "Extra Extra" (produced by Keith Sweat), sported intricate and heartfelt harmonies. The most touching song on the album, however, was "All Alone," co-written by Batman and Chris Stokes in honor of Batman's mother, who passed away earlier that year. It was a particularly intimate and anguished cry from Batman's soul, and surely ranked among Batman's best-recorded performances ever.
The release closed with "Don't Ever Say Never," an uplifting song that conveyed the spirit of harmony that underlies everything IMx does. That spirit stemmed from the individual musical and personal strengths of the three members of the group. However, that history has been ignored...until now.
A native of Los Angeles, Marques "Batman" Houston has been lead singer of IMx from the group's conception. Kelton Kessee earned his nickname LDB as a kid, when he was dubbed the Little Drummer Boy. Jerome "Romeo" Jones is the lead rapper of IMx.
In fact, Romeo was the guy who first drew the attention of Chris Stokes. Stokes later formed Immature in 1990 after hearing the eight year olds rapping at a Venice Beach youth center. The band made their debut with the 1992 release, On Our Worst Behavior, which was followed by the platinum-selling Playtime Is Over. In 1995 they released We Got It, and followed that with popular release The Journey.
Shortly after their initial emergence into the music scene, the group started to tour with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Soon the IMx tours and in-store appearances were touching off near riots. But, the band never dissapointed their fans, which might explain why IMx is bigger today than ever before.
Batman later became a popular TV star thanks to his recurring role as "Roger" on the WB Network sitcom Sister, Sister. The entire band enjoyed a cameo role in the film House Party 3, which starred TLC and Tisha Campbell. They also contributed to the House Party 3 soundtrack album with "Wake You Up."
It is difficult for some to imagine how a successful group of 15 year olds can so aggressively pursue a music career, yet remain good friends and honor roll students to boot. Unlike most celebrity bands, they have managed to stay together through thick and thin.
While their fans hope the group will work together (and they probably will), some in the entertainment industry assumed IMx would be an unreliable group. But, here they stand, almost a decade later, shocking naysayers and fans alike.
But shock value is not the main goal for IMx. They would rather make good music that comes straight from the heart.
In a few months, the group will begin preparations for tours, live appearances and in-store autograph sessions. Not bad for a group of teenagers.
<---Kelton's tattoo!!
Courtesy of Word Up!
