Brownstone (group)

Career

The original trio of Brownstone consisted of Monica "Mimi" Doby, Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell, and Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert. They connected after going to different auditions in Los Angeles, formed the group, and secured a deal with MJJ Productions in under a year. Their first album, From the Bottom Up, featured the successful singles "If You Love Me" and "Grapevyne." In 1995, they received a Grammy nomination and a Billboard Music Award.

Following extensive worldwide touring, Doby left due to health issues; on Video Soul with Donnie Simpson, bronchitis was given as the reason. Later radio interviews suggested internal conflict with the other two members caused her departure. Kina Cosper from Detroit replaced her, and subsequent members included Kymberli Wright (Detroit), Racquel Roberts (Los Angeles), and Teisha Brown (Detroit). After a challenging period, Brownstone released "5 Miles to Empty" from their second album Still Climbing.

In 1998, they contributed "Don't Play Me Wrong" to The Players Club soundtrack. In February 2019, the group announced a one-off reunion for the Essence Music Festival's 25th anniversary, featuring founding members Gilbert and Doby, returning member Brown, and marking the group's own 25th anniversary. Former member Cosper stated in an interview that she was invited but "respectfully declined." At the Centennial Boule in July 2022, all three original members were inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.

On September 13, 2022, the newest lineup—Gilbert, Brown, and new member Arin Jackson—announced the single "All I Want" for release on September 30, 2022. Brown later left the group and was replaced by Jackson's sister Alexis Jones. In 2023, Brownstone released a live cover of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" from an upcoming live covers album.