Whatever Happened to Az Yet, the R&B Group Behind “Last Night”?

#NOLAZINE - The 1990s produced an unforgettable generation of male R&B groups. Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Dru Hill, 112, Blackstreet and Jagged Edge all helped define the era, but another talented group briefly appeared with the vocals and potential to become just as successful.

That group was Az Yet.

The Philadelphia-based singers gained national attention with their 1996 debut single, “Last Night.” Powered by smooth harmonies, passionate lead vocals and production from Babyface and Mervyn Warren, the seductive ballad became one of the decade’s most memorable R&B records.

Az Yet appeared positioned for a long and successful career. However, after scoring two major hits from their debut album, lineup changes and long breaks between projects prevented the group from maintaining its original momentum.

So, whatever happened to Az Yet?

The Formation of Az Yet

Az Yet’s history began in Philadelphia around 1989 when singers Shawn Rivera and Dion Allen started performing together as a duo.

As the group developed, additional singers joined, including Kenny Terry. Az Yet built its reputation through live performances and vocal harmonies at a time when record labels were searching for the next major male R&B group.

The group eventually came to the attention of Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, one of the most successful songwriters and producers of the era. By the time Az Yet prepared its self-titled debut album, the recording lineup included Marc Nelson, Shawn Rivera, Dion Allen, Darryl Anthony and Kenny Terry.

Marc Nelson was already familiar with the music industry. He had briefly been an early member of Boyz II Men before leaving the group prior to its rise to superstardom. His vocal ability made him an important part of Az Yet’s polished sound.

“Last Night” Became Their Breakthrough Hit

Az Yet released its self-titled debut album through LaFace Records in 1996.

The album’s lead single, “Last Night,” quickly became the group’s signature song. Written by Babyface and Keith Andes and produced by Babyface and Mervyn Warren, the record featured rich vocal arrangements and mature romantic lyrics.

“Last Night” was also featured on the soundtrack for Eddie Murphy’s hit comedy The Nutty Professor, giving the group even more exposure.

The song reached No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart and climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also found international success, reaching No. 2 in Australia and becoming a hit in several other countries. (“Last Night” chart history)

For many R&B fans, “Last Night” remains a perfect example of the slow jams that dominated radio during the 1990s. The group’s harmonies carried the record, while the emotional delivery gave it a sensual sound that continues to connect with listeners decades later.

Another Hit With “Hard to Say I’m Sorry”

Az Yet proved it was not finished after one successful single.

The group followed “Last Night” with a cover of Chicago’s classic song “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.” The David Foster remix featured former Chicago singer Peter Cetera, creating a connection between the original version and Az Yet’s modern R&B interpretation.

The single reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became another platinum-selling success. It also earned Az Yet a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. (“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” recording history)

Az Yet’s debut album eventually sold more than one million copies and received platinum certification. The group had two Top 10 pop singles, outstanding vocal talent and the support of some of the industry’s biggest producers.

Everything appeared to be in place for Az Yet to become one of the leading R&B groups of its generation.

Lineup Changes Interrupted Their Momentum

Despite the success of the first album, Az Yet experienced major personnel changes.

Marc Nelson left the group and resumed his solo career. He later released the album Chocolate Mood in 1999 and continued working as a singer and songwriter.

Singer and actor Tony Grant joined Az Yet as a replacement. Grant possessed a powerful voice and later became known for his work in stage productions, including several popular touring plays.

Over the years, Az Yet’s membership continued changing. Original and former members left, returned or pursued separate projects. These changes made it difficult for the public to identify one permanent version of the group.

The long delay between major releases also affected Az Yet’s ability to compete in the rapidly changing R&B industry. By the early 2000s, the musical landscape had shifted, and younger groups and solo performers were receiving most of the attention.

The Group Continued Releasing Music

Az Yet did not completely disappear after its debut album.

The group released the EP That B U in 2004, followed by later projects including Back Home 2007 and She’s Magic. Different combinations of members also continued performing live and appearing in stage productions.

Several former members reunited at different times, while others focused on solo careers, songwriting, acting and independent music.

Az Yet has remained active in various forms, although the lineup performing under the name today is different from the five singers featured during the group’s commercial peak. Kenny Terry has remained one of the group’s longest-serving members, while other vocalists have joined its more recent incarnation.

The constant lineup changes may be confusing for casual fans, but they also show that the Az Yet name and music never completely disappeared.

Why Didn’t Az Yet Become Bigger?

Az Yet had the talent to build a much larger catalog, but timing and instability worked against the group.

Their debut arrived during an extremely competitive period for male R&B groups. Boyz II Men were already global superstars, while acts such as Dru Hill, 112, Blackstreet and Jagged Edge were also fighting for radio play and industry attention.

Az Yet’s repeated membership changes made building a consistent image even more difficult. Fans had connected with the voices and personalities featured on the debut album, but the group began changing before it could establish a strong follow-up era.

Most importantly, Az Yet did not release another major album quickly enough to capitalize on the success of “Last Night” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.”

In the music business, talent is only part of the equation. Timing, consistency, label support and group chemistry are equally important.

“Last Night” Remains a ’90s R&B Classic

Although Az Yet never duplicated the commercial success of its debut, the group made a permanent contribution to R&B music.

“Last Night” continues to appear on ’90s slow-jam playlists, throwback radio programs and social-media discussions about underrated R&B groups. Its vocal arrangement and production have allowed the record to age better than many songs from the same period.

“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” also showed Az Yet’s versatility and ability to transform a classic pop-rock ballad into an emotional R&B performance.

The group’s self-titled debut album remains a reminder of what Az Yet was capable of accomplishing. Supported by production from Babyface, Brian McKnight, Jon B. and other respected musicians, the album showcased a vocal group with enormous potential.

So, Whatever Happened to Az Yet?

Az Yet never officially vanished. The group continued through numerous lineup changes, reunions, independent releases and live performances.

Marc Nelson, Tony Grant and several other former members pursued their own projects, while different singers kept the Az Yet name active. However, the group was never able to recapture the mainstream momentum created by its platinum debut album.

Today, Az Yet is remembered primarily for two songs—but those records made a lasting impact.

“Last Night” remains one of the smoothest and most recognizable R&B songs of the 1990s. Nearly three decades after its release, the record still introduces new listeners to a Philadelphia group that briefly stood on the edge of superstardom.

Az Yet may not have become as commercially dominant as some of its peers, but the group’s harmonies, talent and signature hit earned it a permanent place in ’90s R&B history.