Which R&B group’s debut album “Cooleyhighharmony” featured the single “Motownphilly”? Boyz II Men released the album and the song. Issued by Motown Records in April 1991, Cooleyhighharmony introduced the Philadelphia vocal group’s layered harmonies and youthful new jack swing sound.
“Motownphilly” was the album’s debut single and was co-written and produced by Dallas Austin, with assistance from group member Nathan Morris and Michael Bivins. Bivins also contributed a guest rap, linking Boyz II Men to the New Edition spin-off Bell Biv DeVoe and the wider early-1990s R&B scene.
The title combines two major influences: Motown’s 1960s soul tradition and Philadelphia soul of the 1970s. The single peaked at number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, while the album eventually reached number three on the Billboard 200. Cooleyhighharmony was certified nine-times platinum in the United States. It is sometimes confused with the group’s later blockbuster material, especially “End of the Road,” which was added to a reissue rather than appearing on the album’s original edition.