What Happened to 98 Degrees?

98 Degrees, an American pop and R&B vocal group, was uniquely formed in 1996 in Los Angeles by Jeff Timmons, who independently sought out members rather than being assembled by a record label or producer. The group, consisting of brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Timmons, all hail from Ohio. They quickly gained traction and signed with Motown Records, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1997. Their breakthrough came with the 1998 album "98 Degrees and Rising," which achieved quadruple platinum status and spawned major hits like "Because of You" and "The Hardest Thing." The group's success continued with the album "Revelation" in 2000, featuring the chart-topping collaboration "Thank God I Found You" with Mariah Carey and their own hit "Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)."

Following a highly successful period, 98 Degrees announced a hiatus in 2002, allowing individual members to pursue solo projects. Nick Lachey, in particular, remained in the public eye with a solo music career, acting roles, and hosting various television shows, including "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica" and later "Love Is Blind." Drew Lachey also found success, winning "Dancing With the Stars" in 2006 and engaging in Broadway performances and charity work. Jeff Timmons released a solo album, "Whisper That Way," in 2004, and Justin Jeffre pursued political aspirations, running for mayor of Cincinnati.

The quartet officially reunited in 2012 for a performance at the Mixtape Festival, marking the end of their decade-long break. This reunion led to the release of their album "2.0" in 2013 and participation in "The Package Tour" alongside New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men. They continued to embrace their return with a Christmas album, "Let It Snow," in 2017, and subsequent tours, including the My2K Tour.

A significant turning point in their recent career was the announcement in late 2024 of their album "Full Circle," which was officially released on May 9, 2025. This album was notable for blending five new original tracks with re-recorded versions of their classic hits, allowing the band to reclaim ownership of their catalog. The lead single, "Got U," showcased their evolving sound while retaining their signature R&B-infused harmonies. The release demonstrated their enduring appeal and commitment to shaping their future in the music industry.

As of September 17, 2026, 98 Degrees remains highly active. The group signed a new deal for worldwide representation with Independent Artist Group in June 2026, indicating continued strategic career management and touring ambitions. They have a robust schedule of tour dates planned across North America and Europe throughout 2026, including appearances at various festivals and venues. Individual members also continue their ventures; for instance, Drew Lachey co-created and co-directed an Off-Broadway musical experience called "Label•less" that premiered in July 2026, and Nick Lachey continues his television hosting duties and music projects. The band's consistent touring and new music releases solidify their status as an enduring pop act that successfully navigated the challenges of the music industry and a lengthy hiatus.