Troop — Biography
Troop is an American R&B and New Jack Swing vocal group that rose to prominence in the late 1980s with a string of hit singles and polished harmonies. They formed in Pasadena, California, with members Steven “Steve” Russell, Allen McNeil, John “Jon Jon” Harreld, Rodney Benford, and Reggie Warren — childhood friends who shared a passion for singing, dancing, and performance.
The name TROOP is an acronym for “Total Respect Of Other People,” reflecting their group ethos and positive image.
Early Career and Breakthrough
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The group first gained attention by winning the televised talent show Puttin’ On The Hits in the late 1980s, where their performance drew interest from major record labels.
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They signed with Atlantic Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1988. The lead single “Mamacita” became a major R&B hit, reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s R&B chart.
Rise to Fame
Troop’s popularity soared with subsequent albums and chart-topping singles:
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Attitude (1989): This second album became their breakthrough, featuring the iconic No. 1 R&B hits “Spread My Wings” and their smooth cover of “All I Do Is Think of You” (originally by the Jackson 5). The album went platinum and cemented their status in contemporary R&B.
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Deepa (1992): Included the hit “Sweet November,” another No. 1 single written by Babyface.
Across their career, Troop scored five No. 1 R&B singles and ten Top 10 R&B hits, a testament to their vocal harmony and appeal.
Style and Influence
Troop was known for their blend of smooth balladry and upbeat New Jack Swing rhythms, paired with sharp choreography and charismatic performances. They became staples on music television and variety shows, appearing on Soul Train, The Arsenio Hall Show, and The Late Show with David Letterman.
They also made a memorable cameo in the 1991 feature film New Jack City, performing an a cappella version of “Living for the City.”
Hiatus and Later Years
After releasing albums through the 1990s — including A Lil’ Sumpin’ Sumpin’ (1994) and Mayday (1998) — the group took a hiatus as members pursued solo projects, songwriting, and production work. Lead singer Steve Russell went on to write and produce for artists such as Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks, and Jennifer Hudson.
Troop later reunited for tours and occasional recordings in the 2000s and 2010s, sharing stages with R&B contemporaries like Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, and Keith Sweat.
Legacy and Members
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Steven “Steve” Russell – Lead vocals, songwriter/producer
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Allen McNeil – Vocals
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John Harreld – Vocals
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Rodney Benford – Vocals
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Reggie Warren – Vocals (passed away March 14, 2021 at age 52)
Troop’s legacy lies in their harmonic precision, memorable ballads, and enduring influence on R&B vocal groups that followed. Their ability to balance tenderness and groove helped define a key era of R&B music in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
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