Terri & Monica

Once part of the vocal trio Gyrlz, often cited as the originators of the New Jill Swing sound, Terry and Monica found fresh direction under the guidance of their former bandmate Tara. The pair revived a stalled trajectory by inking a deal with Epic Records, where they unveiled their first single, the Kev Boogie–helmed “Oh Huh.” Further notice arrived via “I’ve Been Waiting,” their contribution to the John Singleton–directed Poetic Justice soundtrack that featured Janet Jackson and 2Pac. Appearing in 1994, the duo’s debut album blended hip-hop and R&B into an upbeat, accessible set laced with pro-feminist themes. “Since we represent females, we want to encourage them to help build their self-worth,” they explained to American journalists.