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Pretty Ricky is an American R&B/hip hop group originated from Miami, Florida. Pretty Ricky originally consisted of four brothers: Corey "Slick'em" Mathis, Diamond "Baby Blue" Smith, "Spectacular" Blue Smith, and Marcus "Pleasure P" Cooper who is the group's only singer since the rest of them take roles as rappers. Pleasure P left the group in 2007 to embark on his solo career. He was replaced by Emmanual DeAnda (aka Manny DeAnda).

Musical career[link]

Early career (1997–2003)[link]

Pretty Ricky began performing together in 1997 in Miami, signed to Bluestar Entertainment International by C.E.O. Joseph "Blue" Smith. Joe Smith is the father of the original 4 members. According to a 1999 story in The Miami Herald, the brothers were originally called Pretty Rickie & The Maverix, until the country group the Mavericks objected, and the brothers decided 'y' endings are "more masculine" than 'i.e.'".

(2000-2004)[link]

Before Pretty was established they were known as "Slimey Gritz." Despite the off-putting name the group was a hip hop sensation. They did, however, have a different lead singer. Known as Bizzy B, Robert Baish led the group to make it what it is today. Nearing the peak of their career the rest of the group felt slightly threatened, you could say, and kicked Bizzy B out for the fact, and I quote, "his lyrics were too raw."

[edit] Bluestars (2004–2005)

In 2004, Pretty Ricky created sensation when their next tune entitled "Grind With Me" made its way to be the most requested song ever on Power 96 shortly after it was first played during 'Love Hour' program. The station's interim program director, Tony the Tiger, afterwards sent the tune to Craig Kallman, Co-Chairman and also Chief Operating Officer of Atlantic Records. Upon his arrival in Florida by December, he was amazed by the commotion the band had ignited at a Martin Luther King, Jr. parade in Hallandale. "It was complete pandemonium," Kallman recalled. "Hundreds and hundreds of screaming, shrieking girls basically stormed the stage and bum rushed the guys as they came off, chasing them down the field, jumping on the van, trying to climb on the van." Invited by Kallman to have an audition in his hotel room at Loew's Miami Beach, Pretty Ricky was immediately offered a record deal on the spot.

After signing the deal, the song was re-recorded with familiar titles, "Grind with Me" & "Ride with Me", less explicit versions of their hit single, which led to their debut album Bluestars being released in May 2005. It debuted^[2] and peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200 album chart selling 56,000 copies in the first week. Within several months, 'Bluestars' was certified Platinum by RIAA, leading the group to obtain popularity as well as commercial success. This debut album was included in the top 20 of The Billboard 200 while its two tracks, "Grind With Me" and "Your Body".

The group then toured with Omarion, Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Bobby V, and other acts in the Scream Tour IV concert series. As of January 1, 2012, the album Bluestars has sold over one million copies nationwide.

[edit] Late Night Special (2006–2007)

Their second album, Late Night Special, was released on January 23, 2007, and sold over 132,000 copies in the first week topping the charts.^[3] It remained #1 on the charts for 5 consecutive weeks. The album included the singles "On the Hotline" and "Push It Baby" which featured reggae superstar Sean Paul. After the release of Late Night Special, the group's singer, Marcus "Pleasure P" Cooper, pursued a solo career. As of January 1, 2012, Late Night Special has sold over 900,000 copies nationwide.

[edit] Pretty Ricky (2008-2009)

In 2009, Pretty Ricky independently recorded and released their third album, self-titled Pretty Ricky, which was released on November 17, 2009. Only two singles were released from the album, "Tipsy (In Dis Club)" and "Say a Command".

[edit] Bluestars 2 (2010–present)

"Cookie Cutter", was released on July 27, 2010,^[4] whilst "Topless" was released on August 10, 2010.^[5]

Mathis has left the Pretty Ricky roster, due to him being in rehab following his addiction to cocaine. He did not feature in the "Cookie Cutter" video or the mixtape.

Bluestars 2 is the upcoming fourth studio album by Pretty Ricky, which is set to be released in 2012.^[6]''Italic text'Italic text--24.26.94.35 (talk) 15:49, 22 May 2012 (UTC)

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

Singles[link]

rowspan="2"|2011

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website