How Could This Happen to a 90s R&B Girl Group? The Truth About Ex-Girlfriend

In the vibrant era of 90s R&B, girl groups like TLC and SWV dominated the airwaves with unforgettable harmonies and style. Yet, amidst these icons, another group, Ex-Girlfriend, emerged with potential to rival the best—only to be derailed by industry pitfalls.

Their story, rooted in the 80s as a teen pop group named Petite, is one of talent, transformation, and heartbreak, revealing the harsh realities of the music business.

Before they became Ex-Girlfriend, the group started as Petite, formed by artsy high schoolers Kimberly Davis, Julia Robertson, Monica Boyd, and Tisha Hunter at New York’s Fiorella H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art, famously known as the “Fame School.” In 1985, they secured a deal with York’s Records and released their debut single *So Fine*, a sassy response to New Edition’s *Mr. Telephone Man*. It charted at number 86 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart—a modest start.

However, their 1986 album failed to gain traction, and the buzz remained local. Struggling, they took on backup singing and session work, but lineup changes soon followed. Kimberly Davis left for a solo career, and replacement Ken Pierce also departed by 1989, leaving the group’s future uncertain.

A turning point came in 1989 when Full Force, the powerhouse behind hits for Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, saw potential in the remaining trio—Monica, Julia, and Tisha. Signed to Forceful Records under Reprise, they added Stacy Francis and rebranded as Ex-Girlfriend, embracing a bold, independent image with the surname “X” for each member.

Their 1991 debut album *X Marks the Spot* showed promise, with the R. Kelly-produced single *Why Can’t You Come Home* peaking at number 5 on the R&B chart, earning them spots on BET and Soul Train. The album reached number 39 on the R&B charts, and follow-up *You (You’re the One for Me)* hit number 35. Yet, momentum faded as later singles like *With All My Heart* failed to chart.

By 1994, Ex-Girlfriend attempted a comeback with a bolder sound and image, releasing *It’s a Woman Thing*. Tracks like *X in Your Sex* charted modestly at number 47, but the album flopped, and their final single *You for Me* made no impact. Caught in a messy label conflict between Forceful, Reprise, and Warner Bros., the group lacked the support to thrive.

As Tisha later reflected, “We didn’t have protection and signed really bad deals.” By 1995, Ex-Girlfriend disbanded, their potential unfulfilled.

Post-breakup, the members forged new paths. Monica became a makeup artist, Tisha found solace in gospel music and faith, Julia had a minor comeback with a 2016 duet, and Stacy Francis soared with Broadway roles and collaborations with legends like Prince. Ex-Girlfriend’s story is a stark reminder of how talent alone isn’t enough in an industry that often chews up and spits out even the most promising acts.