How did Crave originally come together as a group?

 

Crave originally came together as a group in 1999, and it all started at Westinghouse High School in the mid 90’s. The three of us were members of the choir, so we were already familiar with each other’s voices and musical abilities. Music was something that naturally brought us together.

One of the moments that really sparked things was when we participated in the a cappella music for The Temptations movie. The response and energy we received from that experience was incredible. People were really connected with what we were doing, and afterward we started talking about the possibility of taking things a step further.

Not long after that, Manny and Mandell, the other two members of Crave, reached out to me and asked, “You want to do this WAMO talent show?” I didn’t hesitate. I was all in.

What seemed like a simple opportunity at the time ended up changing our lives. We stepped on that stage, killed it, and never really looked back. From there, the chemistry, the talent, and the vision started coming together, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Looking back now, it’s amazing to think that a few young guys singing in a high school choir could grow into a group that would go on to make such a lasting impact on Pittsburgh’s music scene. It all started with a shared love for music, a chance opportunity, and a willingness to take a shot.

 

What was Pittsburgh’s music scene like during the early 2000s?

 

The Pittsburgh music scene in the early 2000s was absolutely booming. It felt like every neighborhood had its own label, its own movement, and at least one standout artist or group that people were rallying behind. There was a real sense of competition, but there was also a lot of pride in representing where you came from.

What made that era special was the amount of talent in the city. There were artists who were serious about their craft, putting in the work, and creating music that people genuinely connected with. Because there was so much talent, there were also a lot of great records coming out of Pittsburgh. You couldn’t just be average and expect people to pay attention, the competition pushed everybody to elevate their game.

The clubs were packed, talent shows were everywhere, DJs were breaking local records, and the streets were buzzing about who had the hottest song or the next big project dropping. It felt like something was always happening. There was a real energy and excitement around local music that motivated artists to keep grinding.

For Crave, it was the perfect environment to grow in. We were surrounded by talented musicians, rappers, singers, producers, DJs, and promoters who all wanted to make their mark. That kind of atmosphere creates hunger, creativity, and opportunity.

When I look back on that time, I remember a city full of ambition. Pittsburgh wasn’t just supporting music, it was living it. The scene was vibrant, competitive, and full of talented people chasing their dreams. It was a special era to be a part of.

 

Do you think local artists had to grind harder back then without social media?

 

Without a doubt, local artists had to grind harder back then. Social media didn’t exist, so if you wanted people to know who you were, you had to get out there and make yourself visible. There was no posting a video and hoping it went viral overnight. You had to shake hands, build relationships, perform, promote, and stay active in the community. People had to see you in real life.

One of the biggest advantages Crave had was being signed to Meanstreet Entertainment under Big D. He didn’t just teach us how to make music, he taught us the business. Before we ever stepped into the studio, we learned the importance of marketing, promotion, branding, and relationship building. Those lessons were invaluable.

Through Meanstreet, we worked with a street team and helped promote projects for major record labels. Whenever artists came to Pittsburgh, we’d often be involved in showing them around the city, taking them to radio stations, grabbing food, hitting the mall, and helping them navigate their promotional runs. Because of that, we got to see the music business from a completely different perspective than most artists. We weren’t just watching the game, we were learning how it worked behind the scenes.

That experience made us hustle even harder. We understood that talent alone wasn’t enough. You had to know how to market yourself and create a buzz around what you were doing. When we released our mixtape, we made sure the music was strong, but we also paid attention to the presentation. We wanted the cover to catch people’s attention and stand out from everything else on the shelf. Then we took those CDs and put them directly into people’s hands… for free. The goal wasn’t immediate money, it was building awareness and getting people talking about who Crave was.

That’s the biggest difference between then and now. Today, artists can build an audience with a few clicks. Back then, every fan, every relationship, and every opportunity had to be earned through real-world hustle. It was a different grind, but looking back, those experiences taught us lessons that still apply today.

 

What were some of the biggest moments for Crave during your run?

 

There were a lot of incredible moments during Crave’s run, and it’s hard to narrow them down because we were blessed to experience so much in a relatively short period of time.

One of the biggest highlights was having the opportunity to meet and spend time with some of the artists we grew up listening to and admiring. As musicians, those moments remind you that the dreams you’re chasing are actually becoming reality. Being featured on BET’s 106 & Park was another major accomplishment. At that time, that was one of the biggest platforms in music, and to see Crave represented on a national stage was huge for us.

But some of the moments I’m most proud of weren’t just about music. We had the opportunity to join forces with legendary Pittsburgh acts like The Clarks, Povertyneck Hillbillies, Rusted Root, Margot B, and Donnie Iris for a benefit concert supporting Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Together, we helped raise more than $250,000 for victims. Being able to use our platform to make a difference in people’s lives meant just as much as any performance or award.

Recognition for our work was also incredibly meaningful. We received numerous awards throughout our career, including being named the Most Played Unsigned Artist on XM Radio during that era. For an independent group from Pittsburgh, that was a major accomplishment and a testament to how far our music had reached.

Another milestone that stands out was being recognized by the City of Pittsburgh. Before proclamations became as common as they are today, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl honored us with a proclamation, and later we were awarded the Key to the City. And just to clear up a common misconception, those are two completely different honors. Hahaha.Some people mix them up. Knock it off! Hahaha

What made receiving the Key to the City especially meaningful was that it wasn’t just about our music. It was also a reflection of the work we were doing in the community. During that time, we served as representatives for the American Red Cross and were heavily involved in community service efforts throughout the city. To be recognized not only as artists but as people making a positive impact meant the world to us.

When I look back, the awards, television appearances, and industry recognition were all amazing. But knowing that we made a difference through both our music and our service to the community, that’s what I’m proudest of.

 

What made R&B groups so popular during that era?

 

What made R&B groups so popular during that era? One word: talent.

Back then, there were a lot of people who could sing. But then there were the artists who could sang. The ones who could step on a stage, harmonize live, command a crowd, and leave people talking about the performance long after it was over. That’s what separated the good from the great. And I can confidently say Crave could sang our asses off.

But talent alone wasn’t enough. You also needed great songs. You needed records that connected with people emotionally, songs they could relate to, sing along with, and make part of the soundtrack of their lives. The groups that lasted had both the vocal ability and the material to back it up.

What made that era special was that audiences expected excellence. You couldn’t hide behind technology, social media followers, or studio tricks. When the lights came on and the microphone was live, you had to deliver.

That’s why so many of those R&B groups are still celebrated today. They had the voices, the harmonies, the stage presence, and the songs. When you put all of those ingredients together, that’s when you go from being regular to being great. And that’s what people fell in love with.

 

How important were local DJs, clubs, and radio stations back then?

 

Back then, local DJs, clubs, and radio stations were everything. Not just in Pittsburgh, but in every market across the country. They were the gatekeepers, tastemakers, and connectors who helped artists build real momentum. If the DJs weren’t spinning your records, the clubs weren’t playing your music, and the radio wasn’t supporting you, it was tough to gain traction.

For Crave, we were fortunate to have strong relationships with people who genuinely believed in what we were doing. Big D and Lonnie had built solid connections with local DJs, club owners, and radio personalities, and those relationships helped open doors for us. But at the same time, we still had to deliver. Once people heard the music, it had to stand on its own.

The support we received helped us accomplish something I’m still incredibly proud of… We had three #1 singles right here in Pittsburgh as an independent, unsigned group. To this day, that’s a rare accomplishment. Not many artists, signed or unsigned, can say they achieved that kind of success in their hometown market.

What made it even more special was the ripple effect. Once Pittsburgh embraced our music, other stations throughout the tri-state region started paying attention and adding our records into rotation. That’s how things worked back then. A strong hometown following could create momentum that spread far beyond city limits.

So, when I look back, local DJs, clubs, and radio weren’t just part of the journey, they were a huge reason why artists like us were able to build careers and create a lasting impact. They helped turn local buzz into something much bigger.

 

What’s one performance or moment you’ll never forget?

 

There are two moments that will stay with me forever.

The first happened during one of our biggest shows when we were awarded the Key to the City of Pittsburgh. We actually paused the performance as Ed Gainey, the mayor’s representative, came on stage to present the honor. To make the moment even more surreal, members of the Pittsburgh Steelers came on stage with us, and then things went to a whole different level. Right in the middle of it all, Pretty Ricky came out on stage and announced that they were signing Crave. The crowd absolutely went CRAZY! The energy in that building was unreal, and for a few minutes, it felt like everything we had worked for was coming together at once. That’s a moment I’ll never forget.

The second was a little more personal, but just as meaningful. We had just finished performing and were heading backstage when T.I. was waiting for us. He dapped all of us up, told us he watched the show, and said we killed it. Now, when you’re grinding and putting everything you have into your craft, getting that kind of respect from an artist at his level hits different. It wasn’t about fame. It was validation from someone who understood the work it takes to command a stage and connect with an audience.

Both moments were special for different reasons. One was a public recognition of what Crave was accomplishing, and the other was respect from a peer in the industry. Together, they reminded us that the hard work was paying off. And yeah, those were some dope moments that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

 

Did you feel Pittsburgh gave enough support to local artists at the time?

 

Actually, yes, I do think Pittsburgh showed a lot of love to local artists during that time. One thing I’ve always believed is that what you put out into the universe has a way of coming back to you. If you supported other people, showed up for them, and genuinely invested in the local scene, that support usually found its way back around.

That’s one of the reasons Crave received so much love from the city. We didn’t just focus on our own success. Even though we were an R&B group, we were out supporting local rap shows, battle events, talent shows, and whatever else was happening in the community. We believed in supporting Pittsburgh talent, regardless of the genre.

People noticed that. They saw us showing up, showing love, and being part of the culture instead of standing off to the side. Those relationships mattered. The city embraced us because we embraced the city.

Looking back, that’s one of the things I’m most proud of. Pittsburgh’s music scene felt like a community. We all wanted to see each other win, and when artists genuinely supported one another, the city responded in a big way. Crave benefited from that support, but we also worked hard to earn it.

 

How different would Crave’s career be if social media existed back then?

 

Man, if social media existed back then, I honestly believe Crave would’ve been even bigger than we were. Because we had the work ethic to maximize every opportunity that came our way.

At Meanstreet, we put in the work. We rehearsed, we performed, we promoted, and we stayed locked in. We had the talent, the look, the choreography, the music, and the support of industry professionals who believed in what we were building. Social media would’ve given us a direct line to the fans every single day.

Back then, artists had to rely heavily on radio, clubs, live performances, and industry gatekeepers to spread the word. Today, one viral video, one trending song, or one behind-the-scenes moment can reach millions of people overnight. With the energy we had and the grind we were on, I have no doubt we would’ve taken full advantage of those platforms.

That said, I’m grateful for the era we came up in because it forced us to earn everything. We had to build real relationships, perform in front of real crowds, and win people over face to face. But if you combine that old school work ethic with today’s digital tools? Whew… I think Crave would’ve been a serious problem.

And I mean that in the best way possible.

 

What challenges came with being part of an R&B group?

 

Honestly, one of the biggest challenges was managing our egos. Hahaha. The truth is, all three of us thought we were the hottest thing smoking, and to be fair, we had good reason to feel confident. We believed in our talent, we believed in our music, and we believed in what we were bringing to the table.

But what made Crave work wasn’t just individual confidence, it was understanding that the group was bigger than any one person. Each of us had a role, a strength, and a unique contribution that helped create the overall sound and chemistry people fell in love with.

As different as we were as individuals, when it was time to work, we knew how to come together and make it happen. I always compare it to Voltron. Separate, we were strong, but together we were something special. That’s really what Dem Boyz was all about. Not just the album title, but the mindset. We knew how to put our differences aside, lock in on the mission, and become a force.

Looking back, that’s probably one of the lessons I’m most grateful for. Talent can get you noticed, but learning how to work together, trust each other, and play your role is what helps create something people remember.

 

Do you think today’s music industry is easier or harder for artists?

As crazy as it sounds, I think it’s both easier and harder for artists today.

On the easier side, technology has opened doors that didn’t exist when we were coming up. Artists can record music, build a fan base, market themselves, and reach people all over the world from their phone. You no longer have to wait for a major label, radio station, or industry gatekeeper to give you an opportunity. If the music connects, you can get seen and heard much faster than ever before.

But on the flip side, it’s much harder to make a real living from music. The digital era changed the economics of the business. People see artists with millions of streams and assume they’re getting rich, but that’s often not the case. Depending on the platform, a million streams might only generate a few thousand dollars. When you really think about it, that’s pretty wild considering how many people have to listen to your music to reach those numbers.

So, while access and exposure are easier, turning that attention into sustainable income is much tougher. That’s why today’s artists have to think beyond just making music. They have to understand branding, content creation, touring, merchandising, partnerships, and multiple revenue streams.

The opportunity is there, no question. But making a career out of it? That still takes talent, strategy, and a whole lot of hustle.

 

What happened to the era of real R&B groups and harmonies?

 

In my opinion, it’s a combination of several things. The music industry has become heavily saturated, artist development isn’t what it used to be, and a lot of the musical foundations that shaped great singers and groups have faded over time. For many artists from previous generations, church played a huge role in developing vocal ability, discipline, harmonies, and stage presence. Those experiences helped create some truly special talent.

You also have to look at how different the industry was back then. There wasn’t easy access to recording equipment, social media, or streaming platforms. If you wanted people to hear your music, you had to work your tail off to get the attention of labels, promoters, and industry executives. The competition was fierce, which meant your talent, preparation, and skill set had to be on point just to get in the door.

Today, technology has made music creation more accessible than ever, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There are a lot of talented artists benefiting from those opportunities. But the flip side is that anyone with a microphone, a laptop, and an internet connection can release music instantly. As a result, it’s become harder to separate truly developed artists from the crowd.

That’s one reason why we don’t see as many legendary R&B groups and harmony-driven acts as we did in the past. The standards, the training, and the artist development process were different. Back then, you had to earn your spot. Today, it’s easier to get your music out, but much harder to build the kind of legacy that lasts for decades.

 

What do younger artists today misunderstand about the music grind?

 

I think one of the biggest things younger artists misunderstand today is that success in music is still a grind. A lot of people see the highlights on social media, the streams, the followers, and the sold-out show. But they don’t always see the years of work, sacrifice, and setbacks that happened behind the scenes.

The truth is, this doesn’t usually happen overnight. Building a career, a fan base, and a reputation takes time. It’s a process, and sometimes it’s a longer process than you expected. There will be moments when things aren’t moving as fast as you’d like, when opportunities fall through, or when you start questioning whether it’s all worth it.

That’s when your mindset matters most. You have to be willing to embrace the challenge, stay committed to your craft, and keep pushing even when the results aren’t immediate. Every artist who has achieved something meaningful has gone through those discouraging moments.

The difference is they didn’t quit. They stayed consistent, kept improving, and trusted the process. If you’re serious about this game, understand that the grind isn’t something you go through—it’s something you grow through.

 

Is there still love for Crave when people see you around the city today?

 

Absolutely! The love is still there, and honestly, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. During our era, Crave had the city on fire, and it’s amazing to see how those memories have stayed with people all these years later.

Even today, I’ll be out with my daughters and someone will stop us, look at them, and ask, “Do you know who your dad is?” Then they’ll start sharing stories about Crave, the music, the shows, and what that time meant to them. Those moments never get old because they remind me of the impact we had on people’s lives and memories.

And yes, there are still plenty of women who see us around the city, ask for a hug, and get a little shy or start blushing. I can’t lie, that always gives me a good laugh. But more than anything, it’s humbling and heartwarming to know that after all these years, people still remember, still appreciate the music, and still show us love.

That’s something I’ll never take for granted.

 

What role did Pittsburgh nightlife play in helping local artists grow?

 

Pittsburgh nightlife played a major role in helping local artists grow. Back then, the city’s DJs weren’t afraid to support hometown talent. They’d mix the hottest local records right alongside the biggest songs on the radio, and when your music could hold its own in that environment, it gave you real momentum and credibility.

The early to mid 00’s was a special time. Spots like Rock Jungle, Chauncey’s, Sports Rock, and several other clubs had the city absolutely lit. Those venues weren’t just places to party, they were platforms where artists could build a following, test new music, and create a genuine buzz.

What made it even crazier was that flights were a lot more affordable back then, especially from places like New York. It wasn’t uncommon to walk into a club and see a celebrity or industry figure hanging out. Imagine hearing your song come on and looking across the room to see someone like Nia Long vibing to it. Moments like that made you realize your music was reaching people beyond your immediate circle.

So yes, Pittsburgh nightlife definitely helped shape the city’s music culture. It gave local artists exposure, created opportunities, and helped build the kind of energy and excitement that can turn a hometown record into something much bigger.

 

What advice would you give young artists trying to build a name today?

 

My advice is simple: stand out, be different, and stay true to who you are. In today’s music landscape, a lot of artists are chasing the same sound, the same look, and the same trends. The problem with that is if you look like everybody else and sound like everybody else, it’s hard for people to remember you.

Don’t be afraid to lean into what makes you unique. Your story, your voice, your experiences… that’s your superpower. Trends come and go, but authenticity never goes out of style.

 

Looking back now, what does Crave’s impact on Pittsburgh music culture mean to you?

 

It means a whole lot to me, honestly. To hear artists like Travis Malloy, SCR, and Landon Thomas, who I’ve had the privilege of mentoring on the music side, say that Crave inspired them is incredibly humbling. These are talented artists who have gone on to do some amazing things, not just locally but on a much bigger stage. Seeing their growth, their success, and the way they carry themselves makes me proud beyond words.

What’s really cool is that the next generation is already showing signs of carrying that torch. Our children are gifted singers themselves and are starting to test the waters musically, so it’s exciting to watch that journey unfold.

And if I can leave you with one thing, it’s this: Crave helped put Pittsburgh R&B back on the map. We were the first R&B group from Pittsburgh to make major noise in the game since The Marcels broke through with “Blue Moon” in 1961. That’s not something I take lightly. We came from the Steel City and showed that Pittsburgh had talent, soul, and a sound that deserved to be heard. Looking back, that’s a legacy I’m grateful to have been a part of.