Teddy Riley Announces R&B Group Guy As 'Guy 2.0' With New Members

Teddy Riley is officially reintroducing one of R&B’s most influential groups — just not in the form longtime fans might expect the Grammy-winning producer and architect of the new jack swing sound has announced the creation of a new version of Guy, now known as Guy 2.0. The updated lineup does not include original members Aaron Hall and Damion Hall. Instead, Guy 2.0 will feature a new trio of vocalists: Fred “Ljai” Robinson, formerly of the group Profyle; J Stylz, who was part of BS2; and solo R&B artist Ray Lavender, who was previously signed to Geffen Records. Riley shared the news through the group’s social channels, confirming both the name change and the members who will carry the legacy forward. “Greetings IG! We are GUY 2.0!! Follow us on our mission!!” the group wrote on Instagram, adding that fans can expect to see them live as part of the Teddy Riley Xperience. The move echoes a familiar moment in Riley’s career. About a decade ago, he introduced BS2, a reworked version of Blackstreet that featured a refreshed lineup performing the group’s catalog. Guy’s original run left a significant mark on R&B. Formed in 1987 by Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Timmy Gatling (with Damion Hall joining soon after), the group helped define the sound of late-’80s and early-’90s R&B with hits like “Groove Me,” “Teddy’s Jam,” and “Let’s Chill.” Their debut and follow-up albums went platinum, and their influence stretched well beyond charts and sales, ultimately shaping the new jack swing movement that blended R&B, hip-hop, and pop production in a way the industry hadn’t yet seen. The original lineup has reunited multiple times over the past two decades, most recently participating in select live shows and tours. Their last studio album, Guy III, was released in 2000 it’s unclear whether Guy 2.0 will release new music or focus solely on live performances.

SOURCE