Sisqo Says 'We've Grown As Artists And Will Prove It' on Dru Hill's Return

Dru Hill is independent, they’ve grown and now their ready to prove it, according to the group’s most charismatic member Sisqo.

Even though it has been a number of years since Dru Hill has released a new album, the group is still performing spot dates similar to their more seasoned counterparts Frankie Beverly & Maze, The O’Jays and Mint Condition but this year the group hopes to reclaim that spotlight they once had in the late 90s.

Performing over the weekend at Baltimore’s Artscape, the group showcased their new single “Loose” while also pulling from their catalog of hits including the singles “Tell Me” and “We're Not Making Love No More.”

With their next release Dru Hill is in control, for the first time they decide what to put out, where to tour and more as they have taken the independent route. Following in the steps of other R&B artists such as Keith Sweat who hit #1 with his independent release earlier this year, Dru Hill knows that their music speaks for itself but, they also realize that they have something to prove this time out. “The focus now is Dru Hill. In today's market, it's about giving your fans something they can't get anywhere else. You got to prove yourself all over again” says Sisqo.

Sisqo is right, after all it has been almost six years since the group’s last release and there are new “sheriff’s in town” – so to speak, including R&B groups One Chance, Day 26 and Jagged Edge. One thing that Dru Hill has on it’s side however is a loyal fan base that still appreciates their classic records like “April Showers,” “All Alone” and “5 Steps.”

"We're sounding good, and our fans want to hear from us” says the singer, who has been working on the follow up to his 2005 solo album Return of The Dragon in addition to the group’s new album.

In March however, it looked like we had seen the last of the group when Woody, a founding member of the group announced his departure to pursue his gospel ministry. A video of the breakup and subsequent fight made it’s way around the net and was viewed by thousands who called the video a ‘publicity stunt’ among other things.

According to a recent interview with the Baltimore Sun, Sisqo says "We had no idea he felt the way he did. He had just been in the studio recording with us the night before. It took us by surprise and brought out all these emotions on that day."

Although Woody’s vocals are still on their upcoming album “Indrupendence Day” which was originally due this month, Tao, an Annapolis, Maryland singer was recruited to replace the founding member.

As for the new album, Sisqo says “It’ll come out when it’s ready.” “I think we're the best we've ever been. We've grown as artists and men.” In the meantime, fans can keep up with Dru Hill through the group’s reality show which chronicles the making of their new album and return to the urban-pop scene.

In related news, Dru Hill will tour through August with stops in Chicago, Cleveland and Kansas City.

Source: Baltimore Sun/ Rashod D. Ollison

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