Rhythm andblues and hip/hop boy band 112 sings about the joys and sorrows of life andrelationships in their March 29 release Pleasure and Pain.
The membersof 112, Q, Mike, Marvin (Slim), and Daron, reveal to their audience thatalthough they are collectively a group, they have grown to become men asindividuals.
Produced byDef Soul, a division of Def Jam Records, the album contains a total of 17tracks. The album, executive produced by Antonio “LA” Reid and 112, thepleasures of Pleasure and Pain can be attributed to trackssuch as the first single, “U Already Know.”
Gainingtelevision and radio publicity across the country, this sultry track is anenticer the ladies, pursuing them in every aspect. Additional party songsinclude guest appearances of T.I. on “If I Hit,” Jermaine Dupri on “The Way,”and Three Six Mafia on “Closing the Club.”
Incontrast, the pains of Pleasure and Pain can beattributed to ideals such as breaking up in a relationship, cheating, respectand communication, which combine to make the melodies of “What If.”
The desireto stay together, but the feeling of wanting to separate in a relationship isthe theme of “Why Can’t We Get Along,” while the pleading song “What The HellDo You Want” deals with deception and confusion. The track “That’s How Close WeAre” has an old school feel, with similarities to a 1970s upbeat Temptationssong.
Firmlyrooted in gospel music, 112 combines their love for a woman and the blessingsof God with the track “God Knows,” when they sing about love, insecurities, andunderstanding in a relationship.
Natives ofAtlanta, 112 was the first urban group to surface from Bad Boy Records, headedby music and business conglomerate Sean “Puffy” Combs.
Their debutalbum, 112, was released in 1996. The album achieved Gold status, climbing tonumber three on the R&B charts, peaking at number 13 on the Pop chartsshortly after its release.
The secondalbum, Room 112, followed in 1998. Part III, the third album, was releasedin 2001. The group left Bad Boy and joined Def Soul to make Hot and Wet twoyears later in 2003.
Pleasureand Pain is the group’s second album with the label.
