What Happened to Bell Biv DeVoe?
Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD) is an American R&B/hip-hop group formed in 1988 from members of New Edition: Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe. Known for pioneering the 'New Jack Swing' sound with their multi-platinum debut album 'Poison' in 1990, the trio continues to record new music and tour extensively, maintaining a strong presence in the music industry with performances scheduled through 2026.
Quick Answer
Bell Biv DeVoe, the iconic R&B/hip-hop trio, remains active in the music scene, continuing to tour and perform their classic hits and newer material. As of September 2026, the group has several upcoming concert dates in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, showcasing their enduring appeal. They released new music in 2023, were featured in a Paramount+ docuseries in 2024, and have participated in various high-profile events, solidifying their legacy as pioneers of New Jack Swing.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Bell Biv DeVoe Forms
Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe form Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD) after a temporary hiatus of New Edition.
Debut Album 'Poison' Released
BBD releases their debut album, 'Poison,' which becomes a multi-platinum success, selling over three million copies and defining the New Jack Swing genre with hits like 'Poison' and 'Do Me!'.
'Hootie Mack' Album Released
The group releases their second studio album, 'Hootie Mack,' which achieves gold certification.
'BBD' Album Released
Bell Biv DeVoe releases their third studio album, titled 'BBD'.
'Three Stripes' Album and Tour
BBD releases 'Three Stripes,' their first studio album in 16 years, and embarks on the 'Three Stripes Tour' with SWV and En Vogue.
RBRM Tour with Bobby Brown
Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Bobby Brown (RBRM) begin touring, performing hits from New Edition, BBD, and Bobby Brown's solo career.
'The Hustle of @617MikeBiv' Docufilm & 'Act Like You Know' Single
Michael Bivins' docufilm is released on ALLBLK, featuring the group's new single 'Act Like You Know' with Rev Run. BBD also participates in New Edition's 'The Legacy Tour'.
'Behind The Music: Bell Biv DeVoe' on Paramount+
Bell Biv DeVoe is featured in an episode of the revived 'Behind The Music' docuseries on Paramount+.
Macy's 4th of July Firework Spectacular Performance
The group performs at the annual Macy's 4th of July Firework Spectacular.
Chicago Concert at Wintrust Arena
Bell Biv DeVoe performs in Chicago at the Wintrust Arena as part of their ongoing tour schedule.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular Performance
Bell Biv DeVoe performs at the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.
Muckleshoot Events Center Concert
Bell Biv DeVoe is scheduled to perform at the Muckleshoot Events Center in Auburn, Washington.
RAC Arena Concert (Perth, Australia)
Bell Biv DeVoe is scheduled to perform at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, alongside Boyz II Men and Salt N Pepa.
Spark Arena Concert (Auckland, New Zealand)
Bell Biv DeVoe is scheduled to perform at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, with Boyz II Men and Salt N Pepa.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Bell Biv DeVoe, often referred to as BBD, emerged in 1988 from the ashes of the hugely successful 1980s vocal quintet New Edition. Comprising Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe, the group defied initial skepticism to carve out their own distinct niche in music history. Their debut album, 'Poison,' released in 1990, was a groundbreaking success, selling over three million copies and featuring four classic hits, including the title track, 'Do Me!,' 'When Will I See You Smile Again?,' and 'B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?'. This album is widely credited with pioneering the 'New Jack Swing' sound, a fusion of hip-hop beats, R&B harmonies, and a pop sensibility that influenced a generation of artists.
Following their explosive debut, BBD released 'WBBD-Bootcity (A Remix LP),' which sold over 700,000 units, and their 1993 album 'Hootie Mack,' which was certified gold. While their studio album output has been less frequent in later years, with 'BBD' in 2001 and 'Three Stripes' in 2017, the group has consistently maintained a robust touring schedule, both as BBD and as part of various New Edition reunion configurations.
In recent years, Bell Biv DeVoe has continued to be highly active. In 2023, Michael Bivins was the subject of the docufilm 'The Hustle of @617MikeBiv,' released on ALLBLK, which also featured their single 'Act Like You Know' with Rev Run of Run-D.M.C.. The trio also joined New Edition for 'The Legacy Tour' in 2023, performing their hits alongside their original group's classics. The year 2024 saw BBD featured in the notable Paramount+ docuseries 'Behind The Music' and performing at the Macy's 4th of July Firework Spectacular. They also had various tour dates throughout 2024, including appearances with special guests like 112.
Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, Bell Biv DeVoe shows no signs of slowing down. They performed at the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4, 2025. For 2026, the group has a series of concerts scheduled, including dates at the Muckleshoot Events Center in Auburn, WA, RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, and Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. While one R&B Forever Tour date in Miami was canceled, other international and domestic engagements are confirmed. The members, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe, continue to be the core of the group, with individual members also pursuing other ventures, such as Ronnie DeVoe's real estate work and Michael Bivins' roles as a manager and producer. Their enduring presence underscores their lasting impact on R&B and hip-hop music.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Bell Biv DeVoe made different choices?