Tao Soprano, formerly of Dru Hill, is embarking on a new musical chapter. The Annapolis, Maryland, native has joined the R&B group Intro as its new lead singer.
The trio also consists of founding members Clinton “Buddy” Wike and Jeff Sanders.
“Being chosen to be the lead singer of Intro is definitely an honor,” Tao Soprano exclusively tells Rated R&B.
“Their ’90s R&B sound is legendary, and to now be a part of that legacy, man, it’s surreal. I’m ready to bring my own flavor to this iconic vibe and take it to places we haven’t even imagined yet!”
The group has been actively posting on social media, gearing fans up for their new era, including upcoming performances and “eventually” new music.
Soprano’s addition to Intro comes six years after first exiting Dru Hill in 2019. He joined the latter group in 2008 after founding member James “Woody” Green’s departure.
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During Soprano’s time in Dru Hill, he contributed to their fourth album, InDRUpendence Day (2010), and holiday EP, Christmas in Baltimore (2017), as well as toured.
In a 2019 interview with YKIGS, Soprano revealed why he left Dru Hill. “Pretty much they wanted to move in a different direction. They had put Playa in the group,” he said. “From that point, I continued to be on the road with them for about a year and a half.” (Rated R&B previously reported the members of the R&B group Playa joined Dru Hill in 2018.)
Tao Soprano briefly returned to Dru Hill in 2022 and continued touring with them until 2024.
Intro was previously fronted by Kenny “G-Love” Greene, who was lead vocalist and principal songwriter, until he passed away in 2001 due to complications from AIDS. He was 32.
The group’s formation traces back to the early ’90s when Wike and Greene met while in the army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Wike later met Sanders through a mutual friend and eventually introduced him to Greene.
Fast forward to circa 1991, they met rap star Heavy D at a club in New York, where they sang for him. Shortly after, Heavy D called them to meet with DJ Eddie F, who offered them a recording contract with Untouchables Entertainment.
In 1993, Intro released their self-titled debut album via Untouchables/Atlantic Records. The RIAA gold-selling album featured classics like their cover of Stevie Wonder‘s “Ribbon in the Sky,” “Let Me Be the One” and “Come Inside.”
Wike revealed that “Let Me Be the One,” written by Greene and Dave Hall, was originally intended for Mary J. Blige‘s debut album, What’s The 411?. However, there weren’t enough open slots on the album. (Greene and Hall did land placements with “Reminisce,” “Love No Limit” and “My Love,” though.)
In 1995, they released their second album, New Life, which included songs like “Feels Like the First Time” and “Funny How Time Flies.” The album wasn’t able to replicate their first album’s success. Not long after, they went on a hiatus.
After Greene’s death, Intro later re-emerged with new member Ramon Adams before adding Eric Pruitt. (Both have since departed from the group.)
While Intro hasn’t released an album in 30 years, they did drop a few standalone singles in the 2010s, with their most recent release being 2021’s “Higher.”
In 2022, soul singer and songwriter Eric Roberson released “All I Want” featuring previously recorded vocals from Greene and Intro.
“I am a huge fan of the group, Intro,” Roberson said. “The lead singer, Kenny Greene, was one of the best writers and singers I had ever heard. With him passing in 2001, he left a void in R&B. I am extremely happy to have a performance from him showcased on this record.”
At the time of this writing, Intro is set to perform at Majestic Mirage Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in July. The group posted a flyer on their official Instagram account with the caption: “Guess who’s coming to Punta Cana?”
Revisit R&B group Intro’s self-titled debut album on Spotify or Apple Music.
