The Real Story Behind Another Bad Creation: From Playground Legends to Forgotten Fame

If you were a pre-teen in the early ’90s, you probably remember Another Bad Creation (ABC) and their infectious hit “At the Playground.” These kids seemed to have it all—cool style, swagger, and that irresistible charm that made them stars.

But their journey from neighborhood kids to pop icons is both inspiring and cautionary.

ABC’s story didn’t start with fame. They were just a group of kids from the neighborhood, dancing on the sidewalks of Atlanta for spare change to buy candy.

Their big break came when a woman noticed their sidewalk performance and called her brother, Kevin Wales. At the time, Wales was no music mogul—just a 20-year-old Delta Airlines worker with a passion for music. But he saw something special in the boys and encouraged them to form a group.

Wales wasn’t the only one who believed in them. Soon, Michael Bivins of New Edition and Bel Biv DeVoe fame took notice. Within weeks, ABC was winning talent shows all over Georgia.

The group’s final lineup included David “Lil Dave” Shelton, Romel “RoRo” Chapman, Chris Sellers, Demetrius “Red” Pugh, Mark Pugh, and Adrien “GA” Witcher—a mix of friends, cousins, and brothers.

Getting the parents’ approval was tough. Wales had to convince them that he wasn’t just another hustler looking to exploit their kids. After much reassurance, the parents agreed, and ABC was on its way.

A crucial connection helped: Lil Dave was the nephew of Ralph Tresvant from New Edition. Through Ralph, ABC was introduced to the right people, and Wales quit his job, betting everything on the group’s success.

After recording a demo in LA, Michael Bivins heard it and knew they were stars in the making. He introduced them to Motown Records, who quickly signed them.

Their debut single “Iesha” became a massive hit, followed by “Playground.” Their album “Coolin’ at the Playground Ya Know!” went platinum, and the boys became household names. They toured the world, appeared on TV, and even performed on “In Living Color.”

However, not everyone was impressed by their singing. Critics questioned their vocal abilities, but their young fans didn’t care. To them, ABC was all about fun, style, and attitude.

The group even had a playful feud with fellow kid rappers Kris Kross, which stayed mostly on record.

But as quickly as they rose, ABC’s fame faded. Their second album flopped, partly due to questionable management decisions and changing tastes. Motown’s instability and lack of direction left the boys with little control over their careers.

By the mid-’90s, ABC had quietly disappeared from the spotlight, with little money to show for their brief stardom.

The group attempted a reunion in 2006 with the “Grady Baby” EP, showing improved skills but failing to recapture their old magic. Today, the members have moved on to other ventures, occasionally performing and mentoring.

Though their net worths remain unknown, ABC’s legacy endures as a nostalgic part of pop culture history—a reminder of both the highs and pitfalls of early fame.