The Shocking Truth About Hip Hop Group ABC (Another Bad Creation)

If you were a pre-teen in the early ‘90s, there’s a good chance you had a crush on at least one member of Another Bad Creation (ABC). With their catchy hooks, oversized clothes, and undeniable swagger, ABC seemed destined for stardom.

But behind the scenes, their rise and fall was a classic tale of the music industry’s highs and lows.

ABC started out as just a group of neighborhood kids in Atlanta, dancing on sidewalks for spare change. Their big break came when a local woman noticed their talent and called her brother, Kevin Wales.

At the time, Wales was just a 20-year-old Delta Airlines maintenance worker with dreams of making it in music. He saw the boys’ potential, asked them to recruit friends, and formed a group.

The final lineup included David “Lil Dave” Shelton, Romel “Roro” Chapman, Christopher “Chris” Sers, Demetrius “Red” Pew, Marus “Mark” Pew, and Adrien “GA” Witcher.

Convincing the boys’ parents was a challenge. Wales wasn’t a bigshot producer—just a young man from the neighborhood. But after much reassurance, he earned their trust. The group’s big advantage?

Lil Dave was the nephew of Ralph Tresvant from New Edition. Thanks to this connection, ABC landed an introduction to Michael Bivins, who quickly saw their promise and brought them to Motown Records.

Motown wasted no time, pushing ABC into the studio. Their debut single, “Iesha,” became an instant hit, and their 1991 album *Coolin’ at the Playground Ya Know!* went platinum.

Songs like “Playground” and “My World” dominated radio and MTV, making ABC household names. The group toured the world, performed on iconic shows like *In Living Color*, and even appeared in the 1993 film *The Meteor Man*.

But fame came with its own set of problems. Critics questioned their singing ability, and some found it uncomfortable how young boys were marketed as teen heartthrobs. Still, their young fans didn’t care—it was all about the vibe and style.

ABC even had a lighthearted rap beef with Kris Kross, who famously dissed them in the opening of “Jump.” But as quickly as they rose, ABC’s star faded. Their second album, *It Ain’t What U Wear, It’s How U Play It*, flopped. Overexposure, questionable styling choices, and a lack of creative control hurt the group.

Motown was changing, and the label didn’t know what to do with them. By the mid-‘90s, ABC had quietly disappeared from the spotlight, with little money to show for their success.

The group attempted a reunion in 2006, releasing the *Grady Baby* EP, but it failed to make a splash. Since then, the members have focused on mentoring, entertainment, and filmmaking, using their story to inspire others.

Today, they live regular lives, occasionally performing together but mostly staying out of the limelight.

ABC may not be topping charts anymore, but their place in pop culture is secure. Whether you loved their music or just remember their wild fashion, Another Bad Creation will always be a nostalgic reminder of early ‘90s hip hop.