# The Tragic Downfall of Cameo: Exploitation, Betrayal, and Heartbreak

Cameo, the funk powerhouse that dominated the 1980s with hits like “Word Up” and “Candy,” seemed poised for eternal glory. Formed in 1974 by Larry Blackmon as the New York City Players, they rechristened themselves Cameo after spotting a cigarette pack in Canada, avoiding a lawsuit from Ohio Players.

Signed to Casablanca Records’ Chocolate City label, they released their debut *Cardiac Arrest* in 1977, blending heavy funk with danceable grooves. Albums like *We All Know Who We Are* (1978) and *Secret Omen* (1979) yielded hits such as “I Just Want to Be” and “It’s Serious,” featured in the disco film *Thank God It’s Friday*.

Their breakthrough came with *Cameosis* (1980), which hit No. 1 on the R&B charts with “Shake Your Pants.” Subsequent albums like *Feel Me* (1981), *Nights of the Sound Table* (1981), and *Alligator Woman* (1982) went gold. The 1980s peak included *She’s Strange* (1984), *Single Life* (1985), and *Word Up* (1986), their biggest seller, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard 200. “Word Up” topped R&B and hit No. 6 pop, while “Candy” followed suit.

But fame bred turmoil. Originating with over 15 members, Cameo shrank amid disputes. Founding members Gregory Johnson, James Wheeler, Melvin Wei, and Harass Fire departed due to unequal pay and favoritism. Larry Blackmon, the charismatic frontman, gained control, leading to accusations of exploitation. Former members alleged he treated them unfairly, prioritizing personal gain.

Tensions erupted in legal battles. In the 2000s, four ex-members—Nathan Leftenant, Arnett Leftenant, Gerald Bright, and Gregory Johnson—sued Blackmon for withholding $13,000 in royalties and misusing the Cameo name for solo Vegas shows. They sought $1 million in damages, claiming betrayal. Blackmon defended his stewardship, but the feud tarnished the band’s image, echoing disputes in groups like The Temptations.

Tragedy struck personally. Lead singer Wayne Cooper, vital to hits like “Candy,” died of AIDS in 1984, devastating fans. Blackmon faced his own scandals, evicted from an Atlanta apartment in 2023 for $6,000 unpaid rent. The property was left wrecked—holes in walls, broken appliances, dog feces—costing $10,000 to repair, totaling $16,000 in damages.

Cameo resented the “funk stereotype” of wild, unintelligent artists. Members, including Blackmon, demanded respect, criticizing media portrayals and rappers for perpetuating negative images. They advocated for black artists to uplift their community without assimilation.

Despite hiatuses, Cameo’s music endured. Mariah Carey sampled “Candy” in “Loverboy” (2001), Beyoncé in “Before I Let Go” (2019). Members pursued solo careers: Kevin Kendrick and Aaron Mills collaborated with OutKast; John Kellogg became a music lawyer and educator.

Cameo’s story is one of triumph marred by greed and loss. What if unity prevailed? Their funk legacy persists, but the human cost—legal wars, untimely deaths, personal ruin—reminds us of music’s darker side.