The “sequel,” which was released one week ago on Sept. 6, includes features from After Seven’s Kevon Edmonds (“Home”), Shelia E. and Carlos Santana (“Fiesta”) and Ralph Tresvant, with what is setting up to be the second single, “Perfect.”
Known for his business acumen as much as his rich vocal talent, Gill is among a small pool of artists who owns his masters. It’s also widely known that he registered the name “New Edition” with Ralph Tresvant, a calculated decision he says was meant to preserve the group’s worth.
“The name was obtained because it was out there for 25 years and no one ever owned it,” he reasons. “The group has never owned the name.
“We [did that] to keep the integrity of this group … but everybody got all bent out of shape. It was all done [for] the good of protecting, not only the group, but protecting all of us. … It’s being taken care of.”
If you’re wondering, neither Gill nor Tresvant quit New Edition, and short of a miracle or the second coming of the man upstairs, his music will remain on J Skillz Records for the remainder.
“It would take God coming down and [laughing] tying both of my hands and taking my hands and pushing the ink onto the paper it [and making me sign],” he laughs uncontrollably. “I’m great.”
Agreed.
