From Mantronix to Groove Theory: Bryce Wilson's Journey - Discovering Amel Larrieux & Producing Hits

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"Dive deep into the extraordinary life and musical journey of Bryce Wilson, renowned Producer and former member of the iconic R&B duo Groove Theory, in this exclusive interview. From his early days in the music industry to his pivotal role in shaping the R&B landscape, Bryce shares heartfelt stories and insights.
Join us as he reflects on his time with Groove Theory, his evolution as a producer, and the challenges he overcame. Get ready for an intimate conversation that unveils the passion, dedication, and creativity that have defined his remarkable career. Don't miss this chance to witness the magic behind the music."
Halftime Chat R&B Podcast is your go-to destination for soulful conversations, music insights, and in-depth artist interviews within R&B and Hip-hop. Leading the discussions is your host, Nnamdi E.S. Okoye, a seasoned Music Broadcaster and Psychotherapist. Join us in exploring the heartbeat of R&B and Hip-hop culture.
#Brycewilson #groovetheroy #AmelLarrieux
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[@junkfoodvegan]

This was such a good interview, that I watched it twice! I enjoyed the focus on his early childhood/young adulthood years and his professional career, instead of on his personal life. Too many past interviews on Bryce focused too much on his personal life and not enough on his professional career that it felt awkward.

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you for your kind words. All my interviews go through the journey of their lives to help us understand the person behind the music

[@TheBulletzgottishow20]

Bryce a real one dope interview

[@overstandinggod3410]

Groove Theory was a very special and beautiful anomaly that sat right there in the middle of 1995. Songs were just as big as The Notorious B.I.G, NaS and The Fugees. Dominating clubs and car stereo systems all over the Tri-State. Bryce Wilson is a musical genius that deserves all his flowers. (Pause) 😂

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Yessss

[@LLondon721]

I’ve seen a few interviews of Bryce over the years. He always paints a vivid picture in his responses🔮👏🏽

[@esseen100]

I knew Amel from Philly after meeting her through a mutual friend at a Unity Day event downtown. She was very beautiful, every dude wanted to talk to her, but she was very disciplined with her faith. We found out we had mutual friends from the New York City Hip Hop scene, and continued to talk when I went back to school in Atlanta. After discussing things of a cultural and spiritual nature, she told me that she was working on music with Bryce Wilson from Mantronix. And I asked, "You mean "Bryce Luva from Mantronix?"😅 When I listened to the music I was surprised because she was so focused on her faith, I never thought she would get into the entertainment industry. She played me a song about a youth dealing with Urban blight and it was dope. I knew that if this ever came out it, was going to blow. About a year or so later I just happened to be at my brother Dallas Austin's office and he had a new executive who just happened to be Karen Durant. When I went into her office she had the Groove Theory poster on the wall. I yelled out sort of embarrassingly" I know that girl!" And she was smiling and saying that she knew Amel very well. And this interview is now reminding me that she did say Amel was her assistant. Man this was a great interview, brings up so many cool memories.😎

[@HalftimeChat]

Wow, what an amazing comment and backstory. Thank you very much 🙏🏾😊

[@esseen100]

@@HalftimeChat thanks Namdi. I was just singing the praises of your platform and interviewing skills to a good friend of mine who loved your Groove Theory interview. I was just telling him that he needs to watch the interview you did with Timmy Gatling. 😁 Btw, the song that Amel played for me is the song "Boy At The Window" from their self-titled album. I think the track was a little different though..🤔

[@HalftimeChat]

@@esseen100 that Timmy interview was groundbreaking for me

[@esseen100]

@@HalftimeChat For us as well! Many of us feel GUY's first album was one of the best ever, but we never knew Timmy's story, and it answered so many questions.👏👏👏

[@stsbk]

Hey wait…she’s from Philly? Why didn’t I ever know that? I’m from Philly born and raised and never heard she was from there. I didn’t even know Left Eye was from Philly until I was in my 30s. Wow.

[@iluvmyboba]

Hands down one of the best interviews I have ever seen in my life. Halftime Chat, I truly respect and appreciate the format and formula of your show. Bryce Wilson is a clear and concise storyteller. He speaks with knowledge, humility, sincerity and humor.

[@HalftimeChat]

Wow, thank you very much 🙏🏾😊

[@overstandinggod3410]

@iluvmyboba I agree

[@iamv482]

@@HalftimeChat My daughter is a artist and thank you for interviewing this wonderful intelligent and gifted man 🏆.

[@southerncalifornia970]

Groove Theory's debut (and final) album 'Groove Theory' was released on October 24th,1995 (28th anniversary)

[@no_guarantees]

Great call 🤙🏾

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

I thought they formed it with another woman.

[@dlo8796]

This interview really blessed me! Especially when he discussed retiring at the height of his career. It really touched me because it’s not always about the money. Peace and options in life is the real bag in my opinion. Super dope interview❤

[@HalftimeChat]

I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as I did speaking to Bryce

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

he was the eye candy in toni's video 😂😂😂 I definitely couldn't wait for the video to come on he ate those frames up .

[@fentonajoseph]

I am only 15 mins into the interview and I had to comment that the interviewer is dope. I never heard of this channel but I’m def subscribing! Bryce was def one of the producers I looked up to as a young music producer. Didn’t know he was from Brooklyn/Queens. It’s dope learning his backstory. I’m from LI and he’s a few years older than me. OK imma go back and watch the rest now lol.

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you for your kind message 😊 I'm a Therapist who tried to give my guests the opportunity to tell their story

[@tdotp1618]

Great episode & shout out to BW! Tell me was one of those unicorn songs that hard core guys willingly danced when a girl said let's go.

[@SURLY_BOO]

Lol word. It got "2 step" written all over that Beat!

[@waynesworldizm]

A very good and in-depth interview. Always wanted to know how and why they broke up. I bought the GT debut album back in 1995 when I first visited New York. The apt we stayed in had MTV and the box and that video Tell Me was played every single day. I grew to love the song while on holiday and bought the CD (which I still own to this day) while out there. It’s an amazing album. Still one of my favs.

[@dappamikey]

Not gonna lie. I received the GT album as a promo and the standout track was 10 minute high for me. I banged that track out continuously and was nice to hear that it was Bryce's fav track. Great interview btw

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you 😊

[@shantefranklin1763]

back in 2020 I had the opportunity to talk to Bryce on the phone thru one of my dawgs......we were prolly on the phone for like a couple hours it was like a 4 way conference call we were talking bout errrthang from the music to the streets amel, the state of music it was crazy......that was an interesting conversation because that conversation also let me know how much Bryce was truly involved in the streets.....he started naming niggaz that were heavy hittaz lol it was shocking to know who he was affiliated with street wise......but culturally Bryce played a huge part in r&b transitioning from new jack swing to his dark ambient sound then it transitioned to Neo soul which is funny because Bryce mentioned in the phone call how he hated Neo soul he said some of it was cool but it wasn't really all that......also it's crazy how he brought up how Devante was one of his true inspirations because you can clearly see the distinction between the two.....that groove theory album sonically still sounds new in 2023

[@mrmiggedy123]

Thank you for covering all these artists/producers of the 80s & 90s!! Vinyl!!

[@HalftimeChat]

🙏🏾😊

[@allainat666]

Bryce needs to flood all airwaves with his greatness❣️ his musical magic has been missed and is needed❣️. Thank you for using your platform to showcase and celebrate the man and mind behind the music🎉🔥🎵

[@geraldbroadnax2992]

Great interview...A couple of points. He said about the electronic producers are the best, I ABSOLUTELY believe that. Sonically I think they are years ahead of the hip hop and soul producers, etc. I listen to a lot of house and electronic stuff now, but my roots are hip hop,soul,r and b, I just kind of grew out of it. Secondly I am glad that he big up'd Mantronix,, I would love to see an interview with him, because I believe that he was the first one that kind of merged the whole electronic/hip-hop and club into songs.

[@MrDprince804]

Now you knw why Timbaland said him and Pharrel would study Mantronix records

[@ariahlea1186]

It’s nice to hear Bryce speak on his music journey. I love the way he is illustrative with his stories and ideas. Bryce is extremely dynamic in his creativity. He has so much talent and I know he has much more under his belt. I wish him the best! This was a great interview, thank you. 💜✨

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you, I really enjoyed interviewing him and giving him the opportunity to share his story

[@nicoledaley9871]

Nice interview brought back a lot of memories about the 80s in Brooklyn if you survived the 80s you can survive anything

[@damonadams9640]

DAAAAMN B. U SOUND LIKE ME COMING UP FAM!!![999]

[@rbh1324]

I dont think I've EVER heard him open up this much! Artists like Groove Theory really contributed to my musical development...I was torn when they broke up. Amel was dope after....but her and Bryce together were that "ive heard your voice/music, vibe before"....even though it was my 1st time. This is an amazing interview! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@esseen100]

That's kind of a testament to Namdi's interviewing skills. I've seen more than one interviewee on this platform start off a little aloof like it's just another interview with someone they're not sure if they can trust, to opening up, smiling and being transparent. Also sharing more than they anticipated.😄

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you 😊

[@HalftimeChat]

🙏🏽 humbled

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

he's legendary to the hip hop community too

[@aproducernamed2]

Good interview. I remember when I first subscribed you had a couple thousand subscribers. Now you got a 100 thousand plus. Congratulations King.👏👏👏👏👏

[@HalftimeChat]

Much appreciated thank you 🙂

[@khadijadiggs5540]

This was SO good & SO informative!! I'm SO glad I stumbled onto this channel and will definitely be backtracking for the episodes I've missed. Thank you for this excellant conversation!

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you for stopping by. This is generally how I interview all my guests 😊

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

Damn hea taking me back to the 80s when life was so real...I was from East NY Brooklyn..peace to the Supreme team and the A-team(cypress hills)..these kids don't have a clue..you had to live thru those times to understand what was what..even though I love queens coming from Brooklyn we felt Queens was soft compared to Brooklyn East NY, Brownsville, red hook, the Stuy, flatbush, east flatbush and Fort Greene..😅

[@nanaobben5166]

REALLY ENJOYED this - Random watched - sat thru the whole 2hrs. Great to get to know Bryce's story. I totally get him. 🖤

[@HalftimeChat]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@damonadams9640]

DAAAAMMNN IT THK U B. FOR THE RAW UNCUT TRUE FACTS FAM CHEERS & SALUTE TO U FOR THIS!!![999]

[@robertellis6413]

Really great interview. Subscribed. Thanks. Manchester

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you 😊 always good to have a fellow Brit part of the community

[@robertellis6413]

@HalftimeChat it was a great interview as I say. Always admired bryce from mantronix days. Amerie has an amazing voice. Shame no 2nd album. Have got her album too but it's not prolific.

[@TAJA330]

Amazing interview!

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you 🙏🏽😊

[@nuclassicthrowbacks]

Halftime Chat, Thank you for conducting this fabulous interview. Nnamdi, asked insightful questions with the utmost respect ❤️

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you very much. It's a labour of love to share these stories with other R&B fans 😊

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

he's has a great sound from you're makin' me high to crazy in love 😍 very talented Bryce acts too ❤

[@sq1ne]

AWESOME interview. Bryce is that dude 💯

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you. He was a great guest

[@cee2533]

FINE,FINE,JUST FINE

[@akingwithwords2144]

Dope interview. Just popped up on my page 🤷🏾‍♂️. I’m mos def gonna subscribe to this page…

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you very much 😊🙏🏾

[@jp-uno]

I had no clue Bryce was from Mantronix. But I'm on the West Coast so I never connected the dots. Still my favorite song by Groove Theory is "4 Sure" That song was a serious banger!! I was disappointed when that album didn't come out.

[@EastNewYorkKid]

Great to hear his story. Good interview.

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you 😊

[@Lover-of_TRuth]

1:40:59 s/o to Devonte!Track #4 (I’m still waiting) on Jodeci’s forever my lady album is highly underestimated. I’ll never get tired of that track and still bump it to this day on repeat! 💫😍 Classic! Now I have to listen to it after this video 🥲 Excellent interview w/ Bryce! He’s really down to dearth and straight to the point. I enjoyed this, learned a lot and had a lot of questions answered like why he was blurred out and in the background of the Groove Theory album cover, him being in the the Toni video and I also thought that was him singing on tell me too, lol (Teddy’s jam 2 🥰)

[@deebaker4671]

I have a whole different level of respect for Bryce. He seems to be a good hearted guy with morals which is very rare in these days. God bless your talents and efforts 💯

[@overstandinggod3410]

And the unheard bangers on Sunset Park soundtrack or Love Jones soundtrack need to be highlighted as well...

[@s-alh1914]

THIS WAS A GREAT CHAT! LUVED IT!

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you 😊

[@thedayaftertomorrow9502]

I'm stunned at how little he has aged since the 90s/early 2000s. If I didn't know who he was I would think he was 30 years old. Bryce and Tyson Beckford are changing the face of what 50+ looks like😂.

[@HalftimeChat]

Yea, he does remind me of Tyson 😁

[@skateness]

My sister Valear and I went to Andrew Jackson with L.L. Todd walked around wearing Kangols and sweatshirts with his name on the back. He was so arrogant lol! There were several celebrities around. I also skated at Empire and SkateKey. I still skate ❤

[@rockhills]

Man I love running across interviews like this! I always wondered how groove theory came about and why they broke up. So much history here! That part about the computer for production just blew my mind.

[@HalftimeChat]

I've got over 100 guests from Rodney Jerkins to El DeBarge 😁

[@rockhills]

@@HalftimeChat Yes I’ve subbed! I’ll be checking the past episodes for sure!

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

I like your content...i just subscribed 😅

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you very much and Welcome aboard! ☺️

[@michaellott210]

I hope him and Mantronik hook up for another Banger ✌🏾

[@tysonrodriguez9667]

ALWAYS shout out to Halftime Chat, something that we always wished for. Nnamdi you are the truth G.

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you 😊🙏🏻

[@Mr.Jones41]

That’s crazy because I used to live in the south and one of the students spit tobacco on my shirt and I fucked him up. One of my teachers tried to paddle me and I hit her in the head with a chair… the times 🤦🏿‍♂️ smh…

[@damonadams9640]

SPEAK ON B.!!![999]

[@damonadams9640]

CHEERS & SALUTE TO THE GOD/KING B. FOR IS GREAT WORKS!!![999]

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

there was some female writers named makeda davis & makeba riddick who worked with bryce for czar entertainment they had hits.

[@nicetea4153]

Wow. This guy is cool. SMART. And fine as hell.

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Somehow I knew he would say queens they have a certain accent that I enjoy hearing 😂😂 .

[@mrbabyears]

I always wondered what happened to this guy. He just disappeared..

[@kennyroberson6216]

He didn't disappear he started acting producing afterwards

[@lighterwaves5659]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

Kind of like Caron Wheeler and Soul 2 Soul. you start fighting the hand that feed I think it came from Bryce playing the background and the average listener thought Groove Theory was ALL Amel Later on though, Amel & her husband got too restrictive with her. I have most of her solo albums and I love them. I would have loved to hear Amel over Pharell, Questlove, Ryan Leslie productions

[@PrettyRikiWitAWord]

He's still so fine to meeeee❤️😊....

[@debrajames3865]

"Dont operate on a low level " sysy on your level. Walk in closets and 3 bedroom and 2 bath are my level.

[@anjelheaven]

Um, sir! I'ma let you finish but Toni does write. Check the credits! Great interview though.

[@HalftimeChat]

☺️

[@Blessed-tn1wd]

😂😂😂😂

[@sirpoppinchuck]

Grandmaster CAZ had a Jeri curl wait a minute. Ha! Ha!

[@damonadams9640]

THE GLITZ & GLAM IS NOT GOLD REALITY WE DIDN'T LEARN @ THE YOUNG AGE. HEALTH PEACE OF MIND FAMILY HARMONIOUS LOVE AS THE REAL RICHES IN LIFE, THAT MIND SET IS WHAT WE LEARNED LATER AS WE BECAME MORE MATURE!!![999]

[@MrDprince804]

Bryce is DopeX….

[@RoyalAlkebulan]

🆕2️⃣ your channel. Just subscribed.

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you. Welcome to the community 🙏🏾😇

[@chancest.thomas5160]

20 Minutes in... He's got really Good story tellin' skillz. U can tell He ain't a Liar, He remembers EVERYTHING. An Hour in...Amel was problematic & was Greedy. I was 2day Years Old When I learned Nnamdi is a certified Mental Health Therapist.

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

I don't think she was greedy, but someone told her some stuff and she tried getting more from the wrong person. Instead of her partner and producer Bryce, she should have fought for publishing or to work with other producers.

[@HalftimeChat]

😂 thank you. It helps me get my guests to relax and share their stories without judgement 🙏🏾

[@Vincentedrawit01]

I disagree with the Prince diss. I still respect Mr. Wilson's opinion.

[@deebaker4671]

That is why Amel flopped after this, being too greedy. She had one hit after this album, Get Up. Bryce was looking out for her and was fair. Lesson learned, stay in your lane and get the work done !

[@MsMoneyonMyMind]

He used to be so fine to me lol

[@kennyroberson6216]

He is still very good looking but yeah he used to be that guy

[@meredithawatson]

He is STILL fine. And his confidence is the icing on the cake.

[@MsMoneyonMyMind]

@@meredithawatson nah lol

[@08mraskew]

did anyone mention that "Mamma said, Knock U out" Was Traaaaaaaash? if not, i'll say it, LL was losing his momentum by then

[@pandroidigital]

Nah. You buggin'

[@EvidenceBasedMedsin]

Amel mother is Jewish, so….

[@ronniebobbyedition993]

To me Amel had a basic voice. The thing that made "Tell Me" pop for me was the really small part that Bryce had towards the end of the song....plus the beat.

[@user-bb3tk5wk9x]

Trey Lorenz

[@ronniebobbyedition993]

@@user-bb3tk5wk9x Right, that was Trey Lorenz. Thanks. His voice won that song, along with the beat. Oh girl let the success of that song go to her head.

[@user-bb3tk5wk9x]

@ronniebobbyedition993 Trey also stole the show on Mariah Carey's version of, "I'll be there ." Boy can sang!!I 😁

[@ronniebobbyedition993]

@@user-bb3tk5wk9x Yes, he did.

[@halfmanhalfamazing9812]

Great interview! I am a fan of Groove theory and shout out to Bryce 🫡💫

[@HalftimeChat]

Thank you 😊