Hi-Five pick up the pieces

HI-FIVE, the quintet from Waco, Texas, taught us how to play the kissing game with a popular boy or girl in school when they released their number one single, “I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)”, in 1990. The single was an instant hit, thanks to New Jack Swing innovator, Teddy Riley and songwriter, Bernard Belle. The group released a number of top 10 singles such as “Unconditional Love,” “She’s Playing Hard to Get”, “Just Can’t Handle It”, “I Can’t Wait Another Minute” and “Never Should’ve Let You Go”.However, the group disbanded in 1994.
After the guys took some time off, they realised absence really makes the heart grow fonder once they reunited.

The group regained their love for music again and was ready to spread love to their fans.
Original members Shannon Gill, Marcus Sanders, and Treston Irby were inspired to get back on the road after Hi-Five lead vocalist, Tony Thompson died in 2007. Now with a new record label, Bronx Most Wanted, Gill, Saunders, Irby, and two new members, Dre Wonda and Faruto Evans are ready to continue the legacy.

Sanders and Irby’s concert were scheduled to perform at B.B. King in New York City with special guests Horace Brown, Jeff Redd, and Meli’sa Morgan. While the guys were touring, preparing and rehearsing for the concert, Saunders and Irby chatted with Singersroom about how they evolved as an artistes, their long hiatus, Tony’s death, and more.

Legacy
Marcus: We realise now that we have impacted a lot of male group’s careers. Being recognised after 20 years is a big deal for us. Younger fans appreciate our music. Our music is still relevant and good in the business. That’s a big deal because we looked up to New Edition, Jackson Five and other groups. They were huge inspirations for us so it’s a good look because without them, fans wouldn’t be able to respect our work so it’s an ongoing cycle.

Treston: The song, “I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)”, changed our lives because Bernard Belle and Teddy Riley composed a song that was age appropriate for us.

I mean we were 15-16 years old at the time. The song catered to our generation, and Tony’s vocals made it a number one song. We crossed over as a group when we released the song, so many thanks to Teddy and Bernard. Our career wouldn’t be where it is now without our number one smash. — Singersroom.