Biography of Wreckx-N-Effect

Rappers Aquil Davidson, Markell Riley, and Brandon Mitchell issued their self-titled debut for Motown in 1990. It didn't generate much response, and they changed their name from Wrecks-N-Effect to Wreckx-N-Effect. Mitchell was killed in a shooting incident that same year. The group's fortunes changed drastically with the release of their second LP, Hard or Smooth. The controversial single "Rump Shaker" topped the R&B charts and peaked at number two on the pop charts. It helped elevate the album into the Top Ten on the Hot 200 chart, but drew fire from feminists and black image groups upset at its lyrics and the subsequent video. Markell Riley is the brother of producer/performer Teddy Riley, one of the architects of new jack swing. ~ Ron Wynn