Biography Wikipedia
Wikipedia:
The Timex Social Club was an American contemporary R&B group, formed in 1982 by students of Berkeley High School in Berkeley, California. The group is perhaps best known for its 1986 hit single, "Rumors" and for being major forerunners of the new jack swing movement.
History
Originally known as the Timex Crew, members included Marcus Thompson (founder), Gregory "Greg B" Thomas, Michael Marshall, Craig Samuel and Darrien Cleage. By 1986, Samuel, Cleage and Thomas had departed, and both Alex Hill and Kevin Moore were added to complete the group, and the name Timex Social Club was adopted. They specialized in both old school hip hop and the merger of urban R&B with hip hop rhythms, which were later known as new jack swing.
In 1986, the group released the Vicious Rumors album on Danya/Fantasy Records. It had one major hit, "Rumors", which peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single also reached #1 in Canada and #13 in the UK Singles Chart, and held the number 1 position for: US Billboard R&B chart, Hot Black Singles-Sales, Hot Black Singles-Airplay, US Hot Dance Club Play, Hot Dance/Disco-12 inch singles sales charts.
The two follow-up singles "Thinkin' About Ya" and "Mixed-Up World" both reached the R&B Top 20.
Rumors
The success of the single "Rumors", prompted hip hop impresario Russell Simmons to hire the group as the opening act for thirty-eight dates on Run DMC's Raising Hell tour in 1986. Other acts on the tour were Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, and Whodini. Besides solo dates, the group also opened for New Edition, Midnight Star, the S.O.S. Band, Kool & The Gang, and Jermaine Jackson.
Touring
Timex Social Club still tours. They can also be booked for private parties and appearances through GigMasters.com (http://www.gigmasters.com/rb-band/Timex-Social-Club/). Their records still surface on Pop and R&B radio, especially during old-school mix shows. The group's records have now become sample sources for contemporary artists such as: 2_Pac, Public_Enemy_(group), and Master P.
In pop culture - cover versions, parodies and usage
Over the years, the group's hit "Rumors" has spawned a host of remakes, parodies and uses, such as:
"Back From The Dead" - House Of Pain"Half Man Half Machine" - Goldie Lookin Chain"He said, she said..." Andre Nickatina and Mike Marshall"Hookaz" - South Central Cartel"Jealousy" - Club Nouveau"More News At 11" - Public Enemy (band)"Roaches"- Bobby Jimmy & the Critters"Rumors" - Jo De La Rosa"Rumors" - Mr. Shadow"Stop Hatin'" - Master P"Soon As I Get Home" - 2 Pac"Rumores" - Memo Rios & M.C. AplausosTheir single, "Thinkin' About Ya", was first covered by Club Nouveau on "Why You Treat Me So Bad" (Life, Love and Pain, Warner Bros. Records 25531). The following is a list of known covers.
"Rumors" Father Dom feat. [Timex Social Club]"Can't Trust a Man" - Mia X feat. Suga T"Lifestyles Of The Rich and Shameless" - Lost Boyz"How Can I Get Over You" (Remix feat. LL Cool J) - Taral Hicks"I Got 5 On It" (featuring Michael Marshall) - Luniz"I'm Gonna Be Alright" (Track Masters remix, featuring 50 Cent) - Jennifer Lopez"Irresistible" (So So Def remix, feat. Lil Bow Wow) - Jessica Simpson"Only U" - Ashanti"Satisfy You" (feat. R. Kelly) - P Diddy"Thinking Bout U" (feat. Mia X) - Master P"Untouchable" (feat. Infa-Red, Cross and Drag-On, Syleena Johnson, Sheek Louch) - DMX"What's My Name" - Mr. Capone-E
