Whatever Happened to Color Me Badd? The Group Behind “I Wanna Sex You Up” and “I Adore Mi Amor”

#NOLAZINE - During the early 1990s, Color Me Badd became one of the biggest vocal groups in the world. With its combination of R&B harmonies, pop melodies, new jack swing production and hip-hop-inspired style, the quartet produced several records that helped define the decade.

Bryan Abrams, Mark Calderon, Sam Watters and Kevin Thornton appeared to have everything needed for a long career. They had international hits, platinum albums, major award nominations and a fan base that crossed musical and cultural boundaries.

However, changing musical trends, personal struggles and disagreements among the members eventually caused Color Me Badd’s original lineup to fall apart.

So, whatever happened to Color Me Badd?

The Group Started in Oklahoma City

Color Me Badd formed in Oklahoma City during the mid-1980s.

The original members met while attending Northwest Classen High School, where they participated in the school choir. Bryan Abrams and Kevin Thornton had known each other since junior high school, while Mark Calderon and Sam Watters had been friends since elementary school.

The singers were influenced by groups such as the Temptations, the Four Tops, New Edition and New Kids on the Block. They developed their harmonies by singing together at school and performing a cappella.

Originally calling themselves Take One, the members changed their name to Color Me Badd to avoid confusion with the gospel group Take 6.

Instead of waiting for a record company to discover them, the young singers developed a bold strategy. Whenever a major entertainer visited Oklahoma City, they attempted to meet that performer and sing for them.

Their persistence paid off when they performed for Robert “Kool” Bell of Kool & the Gang. Bell helped connect the group with people in the music industry, eventually leading to a recording contract with Giant Records.

“I Wanna Sex You Up” Made Them Superstars

Color Me Badd received its breakthrough opportunity when the group recorded “I Wanna Sex You Up” for the 1991 movie New Jack City.

Produced by Dr. Freeze, the song blended romantic R&B singing with the rhythm and attitude of new jack swing. It became one of the biggest records from the movie’s soundtrack.

“I Wanna Sex You Up” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B chart. It also reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

The song became so successful that Giant Records rushed Color Me Badd into the studio to complete a full album.

The Success of C.M.B.

Color Me Badd released its debut album, C.M.B., in July 1991.

The group reportedly recorded much of the project in only a few weeks, but the rushed schedule did not prevent it from becoming a tremendous success. The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, earned triple-platinum certification in the United States and sold millions of copies worldwide.

The group followed “I Wanna Sex You Up” with “I Adore Mi Amor,” a romantic ballad that reached No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B chart.

“All 4 Love” gave Color Me Badd another No. 1 pop hit. The album also produced the successful singles “Thinkin’ Back” and “Slow Motion.”

Color Me Badd was suddenly competing with groups such as Boyz II Men, Bell Biv DeVoe and Jodeci during one of the strongest periods in R&B history.

The group received Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. “I Wanna Sex You Up” also won major honors at the Soul Train Music Awards and American Music Awards.

Color Me Badd Tried to Change Its Image

Following the enormous success of its debut, Color Me Badd released Time and Chance in 1993.

The group attempted to create a more mature and street-oriented sound. The project included production from respected names such as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, DJ Pooh and David Foster.

The singles “Time and Chance” and “Choose” both reached No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite those respectable chart positions, the album did not approach the sales of C.M.B.

The music industry was changing quickly. Gangsta rap and grunge were becoming dominant, while R&B groups such as Jodeci were presenting a tougher and more emotionally intense image.

Color Me Badd found itself caught between pop, R&B and hip-hop. The group was still successful, but it no longer controlled the charts the way it had in 1991.

“The Earth, the Sun, the Rain”

Color Me Badd returned in 1996 with its third studio album, Now & Forever.

The album included contributions from Babyface, Jon B., Narada Michael Walden and Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men. Its biggest single was “The Earth, the Sun, the Rain,” a polished ballad that reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The project also included “Sexual Capacity,” a song co-written and produced by a young Robin Thicke, who was credited as Rob Thicke at the time.

Although the album performed well in certain international markets, including Japan, Color Me Badd’s commercial momentum in the United States continued to decline.

The group moved to Epic Records and released Awakening in 1998. Its lead single, “Remember When,” reached No. 48 on the Hot 100, but the album failed to restore the group’s earlier popularity.

Why Did Color Me Badd Break Up?

By the late 1990s, the four members were moving in different directions.

Kevin Thornton left to pursue Christian ministry. Sam Watters wanted to focus on songwriting and music production. Bryan Abrams was reportedly dealing with alcohol-related problems, while Abrams and Mark Calderon were the only two members still attempting to hold the group together.

Color Me Badd officially separated after the release of Awakening.

The breakup was not caused by one single incident. Declining record sales, industry changes, personal issues and conflicting career goals all contributed to the original lineup ending.

What Happened to Sam Watters?

Sam Watters created one of the most successful post-group careers of any Color Me Badd member.

He became an accomplished songwriter and producer, working with artists such as Céline Dion, Fantasia, Jessica Simpson, Kelly Clarkson, Anastacia, Natasha Bedingfield and Jordin Sparks.

Watters helped write and produce Jessica Simpson’s breakthrough single “I Wanna Love You Forever.” He also co-wrote Céline Dion’s “I Surrender” and Fantasia’s No. 1 single “I Believe.”

His work behind the scenes proved that his musical talent extended far beyond singing in Color Me Badd.

Kevin Thornton Entered the Ministry

Kevin Thornton left the original lineup in 1998 and pursued a life in Christian ministry.

He worked as a minister, youth pastor and worship leader and later released gospel-influenced solo music. Thornton briefly returned to Color Me Badd during its reunion period but eventually separated from the group again.

The current Color Me Badd organization states that Thornton left in 2016 and is no longer involved in its touring, management or business operations.

Bryan Abrams’ Personal Struggles

Bryan Abrams was one of Color Me Badd’s most recognizable voices and sang lead on several of its biggest songs.

After the original breakup, he released solo material and later appeared on the VH1 reality series Mission: Man Band. The program followed former members of famous vocal groups as they attempted to create a new act.

Abrams eventually reunited with Mark Calderon to perform as Color Me Badd. However, his struggles with alcohol created serious tension.

In 2018, Abrams was arrested after shoving Calderon to the ground during a concert in Waterloo, New York. Video of the incident circulated online and exposed the problems existing behind the scenes. Abrams later appeared on Dr. Phil to discuss his addiction, relationships and behavior. Billboard

Abrams officially left the group in 2020 following a legal dispute. He has since continued pursuing solo music and speaking publicly about his journey.

Mark Calderon Continued Color Me Badd

Mark Calderon became the member who carried the Color Me Badd name forward.

The group’s official website states that Calderon now owns and fronts Color Me Badd. He performs the group’s classic hits with a new supporting lineup at festivals, theaters and nostalgia concerts.

Color Me Badd remains part of the large market for 1990s music. Fans who grew up listening to “I Wanna Sex You Up,” “I Adore Mi Amor” and “All 4 Love” continue attending performances to experience those songs live.

According to the group’s official history, Calderon’s version of Color Me Badd has performed more than 250 shows across the United States since he assumed control of the name. Color Me Badd’s official website

Is the Original Group Still Together?

The four original members of Color Me Badd are no longer performing together.

Mark Calderon is currently the only founding member leading the official touring version of the group. Sam Watters built a successful career as a songwriter and producer. Bryan Abrams pursued solo projects after leaving, while Kevin Thornton is no longer connected to the group’s current operations.

Although there have been several partial reunions over the years, a permanent reunion of the complete original lineup has not happened.

Color Me Badd’s Lasting Legacy

Color Me Badd’s time at the top was relatively brief, but the group created an impressive catalog.

The members brought together pop, R&B, doo-wop, new jack swing and hip-hop influences at a moment when musical boundaries were beginning to disappear. Their diverse appearance and crossover sound helped them connect with audiences around the world.

More than three decades later, “I Wanna Sex You Up” remains one of the most recognizable songs from the New Jack City era. “I Adore Mi Amor” continues to be celebrated as a classic love song, while “All 4 Love” captures the bright and energetic sound of early-1990s pop and R&B.

Color Me Badd may no longer exist with its original four-man lineup, but the music never completely disappeared. The group’s songs continue to receive streams, radio play and placement in movies and television programs.

What happened to Color Me Badd is a familiar music-industry story: four talented friends achieved enormous success, faced personal and professional challenges, and eventually followed separate paths.

Their original run ended, but their place in 1990s R&B history remains secure.