Imajin

Although the contemporary R&B quartet Imajin might initially appear to fit the conventional mold of a "boy band," particularly given the imagery on their first album's packaging, the group possesses greater depth than that label implies. Beyond composing and shaping the majority of their material, the four musicians also performed on several tracks themselves. Assembled during the late '90s and drawing from earlier ensembles such as the Jackson 5, New Edition, Hi-Five, Immature, and Mint Condition, the lineup featured Jamal Hampton, Talib Kareem, Olamide Faison, and John Fitch, each still in his teens when the project began. Bert Price played a key role in bringing the members together and steering their early development, which quickly led to a deal with Jive Records. The resulting self-titled debut, issued in 1999, was helmed by Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence and Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie, both known associates of Mr. Puff Daddy.