Pretty Ricky

Outrageously raunchy Miami-based quartet Pretty Ricky -- Spectacular Smith, Diamond Blue Smith, Corey Blue "Slick 'Em" Smith, and Pleasure P -- made a bouncing hybrid of rap and R&B coated in at least 30 layers of sleaze. They debuted in 2005 with Bluestars, released by Atlantic. Lead single "Grind with Me" was a significant hit with urban radio stations; the album went on to sell over 800,000 copies. Late Night Special, an all-around improved set produced by Jim Jonsin, followed in early 2007 and reached the top of the Billboard 200 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts. The following year, Pleasure P departed for a solo career and was replaced by Christopher "Ambition/4play" Myers, who did not last long. Manny Ramon "Lingerie" Deanda eventually solidified the group's lineup. Pretty Ricky, recorded after the album Eighties Babies was leaked and subsequently shelved, was produced entirely by Diamond and released in 2009. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi