Which R&B group broke through with the 1991 hit single "Motownphilly"?

Which R&B group broke through with the 1991 hit single "Motownphilly"? Boyz II Men broke through with the song. It was the Philadelphia vocal group’s debut single and introduced their polished harmonies to a wide audience.

Released by Motown in April 1991, "Motownphilly" was the first single from Boyz II Men’s debut album, Cooleyhighharmony. Dallas Austin produced and co-wrote the track with group members Nathan Morris and Shawn Stockman, along with Michael Bivins. Bivins, a member of Bell Biv DeVoe and New Edition, also appears in the song’s spoken rap section and helped guide the group toward a record deal.

The title combines two major influences: Motown’s classic 1960s soul sound and Philadelphia soul of the 1970s. The song blends vocal-group harmonies with new jack swing and hip-hop elements, helping define the group’s early style. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Listeners sometimes confuse the act with Bell Biv DeVoe because of Bivins’ connection, but Boyz II Men performed the song.