Pop Ghost

Before Dark. This one’s going to be a quick profile because this girl group had the lights turned out on their career together in just a few years. Before Dark was comprised of sisters Arike & Jeni Rice and their friend Mia Wright. R&B groups were the big thing at the turn of the century and this trio had the look, the moves and the vocals. They were almost immediately picked up and signed by RCA Records in 1998 and began developing their style in the studio. Their first recording to reach public ears was a feature on Tyrese’s ‘Tell Me, Tell Me’ from his debut, self-titled album. Unfortunately, ‘Tell Me, Tell Me’ was never released as an official single in support of the album – which was eventually certified Platinum for sales of over 1,000,000. Can you say missed opportunity?

When it was their time to shine, Before Dark came out swinging with their debut single titled ‘Come Correct’ in 1999. ‘Come Correct’ sounded more like a filler track than a shot at critical acclaim, and the public seemingly agreed since the song only peaked at #93 on Billboard R&B. A follow up single, ‘Baby,’ was released the same year and did much better, reaching inside the top 50 on Billboard R&B. RCA is a big label, however, and they weren’t about to abandon Before Dark just yet… especially after pouring so many resources into them. Their one and only hit, ‘Monica,’ was sent to radio in 2000 and peaked at #77 on the Billboard Hot 100. That roughly translates to: at some point ‘Monica’ was the 77th most popular song in America.

Despite the breakout success of ‘Monica,’ Before Dark’s album – Daydreaming – failed to chart in every market imaginable. When pre-booked appearances in promotion of the album ended, RCA dropped the girls in 2001, and they went from being Before Dark to Before Unemployed. Luckily, their talent – even as individuals – was undeniable and the members of this girl group that time forgot were able to walk into other avenues in Hollywood. Arike became an actress and can be found in the movie adaptions of Dream Girls and Hairspray. Jeni became a producer for shows such as The Game, Blackish and Grownish. Mia went back to school, pursued an education and currently works as a television news anchor.

Monica, Monica, Monica – Oh, Monica. I just want to know who thought dancing with trash cans was a good idea.