New Jack Swing Hall Of Fame:
Riff

Quoted in VIBE Magazine as one of *Nsync member J.C. Chasez's major influences, Riff first made their presence known in the 'based-on-a-true-story' 1989 film Lean On Me singing "Fair Eastside", an ode to their high school (in real life!).

Two years later, Riff arrived in the summer of 1991 with "My Heart Is Failing Me," an incredibly warm ballad by the group. By this time, they had also added vocals to labelmate Vanilla Ice's third single, "I Love You."

But perhaps it was their sparkling second single, "If You're Serious" that Riff is best known for. They followed that up with the upbeat "Everytime My Heart Beats" and contributed the title cut of the White Men Can't Jump Soundtrack with the Highland Place Mobsters and Dallas Austin.

Riff then released a follow-up album in 1993 before going quiet. Notable moments in their career include a stunning acapella performance of "Oh Mary Don't You Weep" on the Arsenio Hall show in 1991.

Members of Riff would move on to join the group Men Of Vizion, and then reform as Riff by the mid 2000s.

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