Riplay

Striving to follow the lead of positive-minded, stylistically similar groups before them -- such as <a href="spotify:artist:2NmK5FyrQ18HOPXq1UBzqa">SWV</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:0TImkz4nPqjegtVSMZnMRq">TLC</a> -- pop-R&B trio Riplay made their recorded debut in 2016 and signed with <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Def+Jam%22">Def Jam</a> the following year. Marshaye "Shaye" Hebron, Alaiza "Lay" Hebron, and Kiya "Ki" Hawthorne comprise the Baltimore, Maryland-based group, formed while all three vocalists/songwriters were teenagers. Signed to a production deal with Melvin Watson of <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Phantom+Boyz+Music%22">Phantom Boyz Music</a> (<a href="spotify:artist:1l7ZsJRRS8wlW3WfJfPfNS">Christina Aguilera</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:6yZoNdsPrYLviaEOOzbZt8">Alexandra Burke</a>), the group's early material, such as "Strange" and "Hate Me," led to interest from <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Def+Jam%22">Def Jam</a>, who offered the trio a contract. The Hebrons and Hawthorne had "Status" released through the major label by the end of 2017. Watson's label issued Riplay's six-track Globe Life EP, featuring an appearance from <a href="spotify:artist:20apXQGKM00jJTvYfyKwlb">Maino</a>, the next year. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi