The Tragic Truth About '90s R&B Group Brownstone

Brownstone’s 1995 debut album went platinum and the group was even nominated for a Grammy award. Sadly, the trio only released two studio albums and they haven’t been seen on the music charts since 1997. This is a story of internal conflicts, line-up changes, and an untimely passing.
#Brownstone #90sMusic #CharmayneMaxwell
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[@jaydal4767]

Underrated R&B group

[@rrg]

Definitely!

[@zzizahacallar]

I loved them and Xcape

[@ricardobrown4966]

@@zzizahacallar Yeah Xscape with Kandi........they released memorable hits

[@octaviax387]

@@rrg can you do SWV pleasee

[@Dawghome]

@@octaviax387 YES!!!

[@katrinajavarnie]

Whoever narrates this has such a calming voice🥰

[@macewbee]

Agreed

[@blackrose02.]

Yes

[@HEFFROZAY]

She sure does very soothing

[@Prettiboiace12]

Yes she gets me moist🙈😜

[@miguelmejia4656]

gay

[@Monique__91]

Maxee’s death has always been odd to me RIP

[@briannaburch6737]

Exactly how does a bottle of wine fall off the counter in mysteriously hit her in the head Yeah I believe the husband was involved just saying🤔😒 RIP 🪦 Maxee 😔

[@ashj1661]

Very odd.

[@Monique__91]

@@briannaburch6737 I always thought this. God forgive me if I’m wrong

[@briannaburch6737]

@@Monique__91 Well they said it was after an argument I don’t know it just doesn’t sit well with me I just looked at his face in that picture something looks off🤔🧐

[@Monique__91]

@@briannaburch6737 yeah I remember. He looks sinister

[@quaminajohnson9886]

Its really a shame that they don't make R&B singers like brownstone anymore these lady's can really sing its a shame that R&B will never be the same as it was in the 90s.

[@williamrichardson24]

#FACTS ..You would be hard pressed to find groups like Brownstone, En Vogue, and XScape in this day and age. Groups where any one of the singers can step up to the 🎙 and sing lead👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@hanunahwest9102]

My 3 favorite female groups r Brownstones,TLC and En Vouge (original members).

[@sherrodmacs3472]

It has been going down for a while now.

[@kholomokolo]

The 90s was truly a musical golden age... Maybe we are biased but it's the 90s man

[@stoneysoraclechannel7839]

Maxee's death was very tragic. Sounds like more to the story but I may watch too many criminal investigation docs.

[@tychauntenelle919]

I remember watching a video from Celebrity Underrated talking about Maxee's death and I'm thinking to myself "her husband killed her,took one of the wine glasses then broke it to make it look like she fell on it to make it look like she had a freak accident"

[@bellladonna2071]

Yes it's not adding up. I mean accidents happen but this is just weird.I need more details about this "accident" I watch a lot of criminal investigation too.

[@quietstorm570]

@@tychauntenelle919 very suspicious. If he did do it, whatever happens in the dark will come to light.

[@mrs.butler2uheuxz766]

Nah yr right.. I truly believe her husband did it😐😑

[@mrs.butler2uheuxz766]

@@tychauntenelle919 yep pretty much..I watched that same documentary on Celeb Underrated .. ☹️

[@taureanmay7480]

I ❤ Brownstone.

[@rrg]

💕💕

[@taureanmay7480]

@@rrg nice.

[@ODY0319]

Tragic death from group members or anyone in the hip hop community scares me! May she rest in peace

[@margaretrakestraw7244]

I loved Brownstone!! They deserved so much more than they received.

[@tami8458]

Bloody hell, that was such a nasty death.

[@vestangomberume7316]

I missed these glad you're back

[@sheenamonae9070]

I’ve been listening to them lately you read my mind. And also a video about Musiq soulchild would be nice I’ve been listening to him too.

[@b.5977]

I met the one that died, R.I.P, when I was working at a hotel in Buckhead in Atlanta and I remembered one of my coworkers asking her what happened to the group and if there was any chance they would get back together and she said absolutely not due to the fighting and disagreement within the group, especially with one member in particular, but then I got to met that particular member and God knows she was definitely right about her, she was so arrogant and full of herself to the point where you would think she was the best thing since slice bread.

[@belladonna5904]

Who was the member?

[@Keepit100-t6c]

​@@belladonna5904 When someone tends to be the lead vocalist they get the most spotlight. I can imagine the level of pride that can consume a lead vocalist in a trio or group of any size.

[@Keepit100-t6c]

​@@belladonna5904It's pretty obvious from the video that it's Nicki.

[@yakeishabaker5294]

I LOVE brownstone but i didnt know they lost 1 of their group member which is very tragic,wish the rest of the members all the very best and that they keep on putting out good music

[@kaylabey]

sometimes dancin is soo underrated. i love that song the moment i heard it. shoutout to my grandpa for playing gems

[@reneeoverton2677]

Love Brownstone Rest in Paradise Maxee

[@teachermaria9244]

I love brownstone and still listen to their music. I had a chance to chat to them way back, during the "MySpace" days.

[@hiddengemz955]

They are all so gorgeous 😍😌

[@ShdwSlf]

I hate when women lie to other women like this

[@donmonteiro6830]

They were all so beautiful my fav was the one with the braids what a goddess

[@rrg]

❤️❤️

[@kmoore5215]

Wow! I remember it like yesterday when my local radio DJ announced that MiMi would be leaving the group due to her illness in ‘95.

[@tomaradannette]

Your voice, your content, your consistency, and your poise is totally awesome! That's all folks!

[@roberthayes5886]

I played Brownstone. In my Club " Raiders" from Since it Begun till my Babygirl was born in 97, when Raiders was Closed and I Opened The Pphunk Club " The "Sky Bar" almost Half a mile from The Raiders Club...it Broke my heart such a Sweet Soul Mammas Voices...I still Cherish their CDs..Though....Word

[@charlita25]

Beautiful 🤩 tones is all their voices

[@luvmypetsrhanie1144]

I still have all 3 of their CDs.

[@K9boxing]

Do one about Mc Hammer

[@rrg]

Can you watch this one first? Please? ❤️😂

[@taureanmay7480]

@@rrg maybe.

[@K9boxing]

@@rrg 😂👍🏿

[@rrg]

@@K9boxing ❤️❤️

[@K9boxing]

@@rrg when you get a chance check me out I support you I’m a former 2x World Champion I fought on the reality show called the Contender Season 2 as well and I’m training Ben Askren who about to fight Jake Paul🥊🙏🏿

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

Brownstone FOREVER

[@brandon_jo_el]

Nicci Gilbert has a ridiculously great smile.

[@leelee185]

I so love these girls I’m so glad to have found this 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@cynthiamcgee5403]

I remember taking this C.D from my Daughter listening to it on the bus going to work still love it

[@Shortlady82]

My dad loved brownstone so much.

[@theresawebb1806]

Breen waiting on this wonder what happened to them. Happy this is out.

[@rrg]

Thanks for watching ❤️

[@theresawebb1806]

@@rrg You welcome.

[@myoama160]

Their album was amazing, it is still one of my favorites.

[@oggietv]

To be fair it should have been mentioned that R&B Divas was actually Nico Gilbert’s show, she came up the concept she didn’t just appear on it, regardless of how she was depicted it’s important that we recognise when Black Women are bosses

[@Calvin375]

You did hear they also let her go from the show, right? Attitude is everything.

[@oggietv]

@@Calvin375 I’m not disputing that, I’m just letting it be known that without her there would have been no show in the first place and it’s important she’s respected for that

[@iTheRealBigbosceoProductions]

They were my favorite 90s group. I hated they split. They sounded like a whole choir

[@donaldhvancleaf7420]

I loved Brownstone!! And wanted more music..So sorry.

[@blacknproud.podcast]

From watching Nicci Gilbert on television on the show I seen how she really acted, because you aren't supposed to bully other females around like she did.. Maybe if her attitude wasn't so horrible Brownstone would have been a phenomenal success but rest well Queen Maxee.. Could you please do a story about the circumstances surrounding the Shalam including Jody Whatley because that would be a great watch, please..

[@robinperryman6474]

I loved Grapevine. That lifestyle is hard and doesn't always end well.

[@isaaccrimes5205]

Loved the group and I wouldn't mind seeing them perform again❤️

[@Inksplash52]

Great video can you please do a video on Another Bad Creation

[@Tallwater67]

One of the best groups! I still will put the cd on and play the whole thing !

[@Nenegyrl]

Can you do the group Men of Vision, please? I think they were signed to the same label as Brownstone.

[@davyannajones]

I’ll never understand why these artists can’t release new music

[@lauracampos8542]

I loved them! True talent!

[@valeriacustis372]

I was never a fan...but I used to enjoy all of those very beautiful and talented songs from the nineties...her death was a very sad and bizarre loss, and whitney houston was another very sad loss for the black songstress experience...their natural God Given talent to motivate and relax along with inspire I hope will still lead their children ....take care and be soulful

[@shunniepoo3110]

I always wondered what happened ...

[@awamua1985]

I absolutely love there music have since I was 9

[@andrewnehemiah3467]

Would NOT get on the highway without still! ❤❤❤

[@seanpowell1661]

I would love to see Unsung do an episode on Brownstone.

[@chrisbodden8]

That won't happen ever, Nicci turned it down multiple times.

[@seanpowell1661]

@@chrisbodden8 that because, she doesn't want Mimi and Kina to talk about how nasty she was to them.

[@anotherworldddd]

Wow that publishing deal is probably the reason why they didn't need to come back

[@deesenuts8730]

Mj really looked out for his artists. Sony was maaaad

[@Blackbethoven]

I wish they could be on tour with the queens of R n B

[@theresawebb1806]

They should retire sometime they wase great love their sound alot. Said they were out a stort time.

[@erosbs2425]

Wonderfull voices,,,,🌹🌹🌹

[@daibm5392]

I remember when their 1st single (If you love me) came out in Africa . It was epic! The song was played at every barbecue lol.

[@momoss5181]

Kina's solo album was a masterpiece. #slepton

[@vanessarichardson199]

I always wondered what happened to them. 5 miles to empty should have hit the charts at # 1 very cool record. The music buisness r a trip. I wish they will be able to it out new music. love u guys

[@leelohaskin7941]

Yeah they business loves propping up no talents but yet they always manage to get in the way of groups like this and singers like Joi and Nikka Costa

[@onevoice4894]

I’m side eyeing that white zaddy over Maxee’s “accident”. Funny how the Verdict is always no foul play when these black women end up 💀 in these IR relationships. RIP Maxee 🙏🏾

[@rapmeister1000]

Always wondered what happened to them. Loved there music.

[@bagley232]

wasnt a big fan but that chorus on Grapvyne was dope

[@brahmabkitty03]

I love them still!

[@DJ_MusicMan_G]

Now that I’m building a brand I’ve learned how to not speak on certain things too much on social media but this group could’ve gone very far but it’s always the arrogance of one person that can destroy it all . When you try to handle record label folks and seasoned producers in a disrespectful manner , they usually show you better than they can tell you . I myself was once treated disrespectfully by one of its members for no reason at all . Nevertheless, I thought they were the dopest voices in R&B period . Character is everything :

[@TangieEdwards]

Well said.

[@uniquelyme3581]

Character is EVERYTHING! 😃

[@portraitofalady1598]

Please spill the tea. Can you give more details about what happened???

[@steviesly7908]

A VERY SHORT CAREER! VERY SAD! 7 21.

[@Ah-ed6ie]

Omg I remember that Mimi was absent when they performed on MTV'S the grind and another show bronchitis yup was the excuse

[@JustMyExpressions]

I know I am. Thanks for sharing

[@mizzjacquettaxx6974]

I remember that lead singer Nicci on Martin episode I’m sure know.

[@rashardgrand7907]

You cannot replace people .

[@venomlily1651]

I had heard about Charmayne's death later on that year, but I STILL to this day don't believe she died the way they say she did . There's NO WAY you an be holding a wine glass in FRONT on you, trip and fall, and the glass ends up piercing the BACK of your neck ? I'm no genius, but even I can smell a fabricated COVER UP in this story !

[@thehawk5141]

She was obviously killed by her husband. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some history of domestic abuse. Often times WM/BW relationships have this kind of behavior.

[@erickjohnson6438]

I had a huge crush on Charmayne

[@bluebrown4477]

I'm not surprised I wish Nikki would change her stands on how she approach everybody and everything cuz when she does the group will go far

[@loveyb9090]

I had the honor of seeing them last night at my juneteenth. They are even beautiful in person. I enjoyed them. They gave a tribute to the one that passed. They sang. I know they got paiddd when Tory lane sampled them.

[@frankieromo]

The more brutal truth: Nicci is the catalyst for the group existing, as she contacted everyone. Brownstone was actually a 4 girl group to start. Nicci then shoved out the 4th member because Nicci realized that the 4th member was getting way more attention and would be hard to control So she kicked her out. They very quickly got a deal with MJJ records. They only met Michael Jackson once and never had a relationship with him. MJJ was a new label. Nicci was a goon who walked over everyone, including the people at MJJ. She controlled Maxee and Mimi, and Mimi finally broke down and left. They added Kina, a childhood friend of Nicci. Kina then left as well, because Nicci is a bully. Kina then released "Not Bad For A Girl from the Gutter Like Me" which was a nice hit. Everything Nicci has touched, she has been brutal to people. She created Brownstone, but she also destroyed it and everything else she has ever touched. That is the brutal truth.

[@leonation89]

Do gospel groups Trin-I-Tee 5:7 and Virtue please? I wanna hear they stories.

[@src3360]

If you love me accapella will ALWAYS hold a special space in my heart 😇🥰😍

[@spank2424]

Love ur speaking voice easy on the ears 🙏🏾!

[@davesmoothie]

...Brownstone was the bomb, the first time I realised that it was just 3 ladies singing, I was shook AF😳..I thought it was a whole damn choir

[@UncleDuTheWatchman]

We all did! 😂

[@82laina]

Right!😂

[@devertonpasley4942]

Me too . I thought as well

[@tinyking11]

Same!! 🥴🔥🤣

[@freddiedickens624]

Right

[@deesenuts8730]

Omg MJ gave them a publishing deal. This was the shit he was tryna do! Him and Prince were trying to put us ON about OWNING your own work

[@debiluv4704]

And you know, they cannot stand it when we want to establish generational wealth.

[@okletstalk1372]

Will who listen to celebrities they have money we don't

[@DA-gn2my]

Your absolutely right, because same thing happened to Sam Cook

[@susanfarrell1128]

I love them both

[@doreensika837]

After watching r&b divas nicci’s attitude was probably why they failed.

[@dstreet43]

Omg! yes! just horrible

[@aishiac7371]

I thought the same thing..

[@dfoxxy]

Facts

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

Ikr

[@jamiejohnson7123]

EXACTLY!

[@petitegrandelove1874]

5 miles to empty was/is one of My favorite song. Always playing it❤️

[@lovelylenay]

That is my song the song and the video is AMAZING!

[@norah4892]

I was just listening to that song. One of the best song ever.

[@calvthomas6153]

I love that song... and I can’t find it on my ITunes😩

[@lovelylenay]

@@calvthomas6153 it’s on there it just cost that’s the only place I could find it!

[@kevinpayton2664]

Love that song.

[@niabelizaire3596]

RIP Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell :(

[@hanunahwest9102]

R I P

[@markiej9783]

@dakota haro I was thinking that!

[@lhm8969]

😔 Max, the sweetest person.Rest in peace Max. I wish I could turn back the clock and see you be a choir director away from all that gitters. 🙏💔

[@williamrichardson24]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🕊🕊🕊

[@lhm8969]

@dakota haro When I heard what happened I couldn't stop crying. Max was a gentle sensitive person very kind. May she rest in peace🙏🙏 because this world did not deserve the person I knew.

[@prettygirl2105]

Nicci was so terrible on R&B Divas. Terrible attitude, vengeful and rude.

[@stellabellafontay9366]

Looking like Madea. 😒

[@monaramsey5714]

@@stellabellafontay9366 I hate chu so much!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@monaramsey5714]

@@stellabellafontay9366 I hate chu so much!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@monaramsey5714]

@@stellabellafontay9366 I hate chu so much!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MindfulMatters734]

@@stellabellafontay9366 Damn. I hatecho ass too! I cannot unsee the madea-ness now!

[@queenladybug1702]

With all due respect, that young lady's death sounds suspicious 😐. It makes no sense to me.

[@tychauntenelle919]

I'm telling you I believe her husband killed her and set it up where he told 911 that he found her like that when he and his son got home. What's done in the dark will come to light

[@queenladybug1702]

@@tychauntenelle919 I agree wholeheartedly.

[@queenvic83]

it was an Illuminati sacrifice

[@DA-gn2my]

A lot of white men are killing their black girl friends or wives and getting away with it, and she probably wanted a divorce from him

[@missme2554]

That death was suspicious af to me

[@alicemiriah]

Exactly like wth sounds like a fake story and she really got into a fight or argument and it ended tragically.

[@03lisajade]

I’m telling you.....

[@marvinandjosh1]

Me too.

[@KiaFlow]

When I heard that story, I was like hmmmm

[@DLICIOUS42]

I was thinking the same thing

[@camalw7742]

No one can touch their vocals ‼️ “From The Bottom Up” is a masterpiece ❤️❤️❤️

[@whatchuknowboutdat5740]

That it is!

[@Keepit100-t6c]

En Vogue definitely could

[@ThatBranB]

Superb vocal group. Mad their reign was so short. R.i.h Maxee 🌹

[@aprilchampaigne2239]

Nikki killed Brownstone! Her attitude is outrageous!

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

Ik

[@ChefOuattara]

The Brownstone story is proof that you need more than talent if you want longevity in the music business. They were truly talented and gifted vocalist. Maxee’s death NEVER sat right with me. Even listening to this woman try to explain it sounds ridiculous on its face. I will always think something fishy happened there, but that’s in Gods hands now. You just don’t hear this kind of Real singing anymore and that’s really sad for not just the industry, but for us the listeners🥰

[@TortoiseJames]

Never made sense to me either. It'll come out in the rinse.

[@yvettee3828]

Those sisters had some voices...Brownstone, From the Bottom Up - that album killed it; I played it to death.

[@sweetsweet81]

Yes they did! Their harmonies were on point!

[@chakastyles8794]

Mimi is an elementary school teacher with two young adult children in college.

[@brewhite7727]

I’ll always remember Syleena Johnson reading Nicci for filth 😭😭

[@SoFlyGemini]

Most of the divas of on the show I didn’t like and felt they should have never done reality tv like.... Kelly Price, Dawn from EnVogue, Mi’Chelle, Chante Moore, KeKe Wyatt... hell even Hollywood divas made me dislike Golden Brooks from Girlfriends 😩

[@joshuamcdowell9745]

Paula Jai Parker was full of it too on Hollywood Divas

[@SoFlyGemini]

@@joshuamcdowell9745 yup she was 😩 I wanted to slap her silly cause that hubby of hers was a disrespectful bum 👀 I wonder if they’re still married 🤔

[@kaceyr3226]

I totally agree with you! I think the only one who was actually pleasant was Claudette Ortiz from the group city high. She seemed very nice and laid back.

[@portraitofalady1598]

@@SoFlyGemini Me & my cousin were talking about her and that "husband" the other day,wondering the same thing. She probably still with that fool. 🙄

[@SoFlyGemini]

@@portraitofalady1598 yes I think the bum Forest is still around 🤭😭

[@dorisdriver6259]

It was an honor to work at MJJ Music and with Brownstone!

[@camecex]

Brownstone was the shyt during the 90's. These groups never get their just due

[@TriciaWilson]

My favourite R&B female group EVER

[@rrg]

❤️❤️❤️

[@taureanmay7480]

Yes.

[@johntaylorjr4344]

Continue resting in power Maxi. She was my favorite member of Brownstone with her beautiful voice. She quietly had the most beautiful voice of the group, in my opinion.

[@queenoflogic3206]

They sounded like a full choir together. 5 miles to empty is my favorite song

[@t.c.o.g.773]

This is Michael Jackson’s group that he put on mjj rest in heavenly peace 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊

[@char_d.0908]

Damn, I loved All what that group put out💯 They really should have gone further than they did.

[@angell504]

Wasn’t the lead singer a guest on Martin? I know that was her and she can act

[@MarvRiv]

I don’t remember Nicci being on there, but maybe you’re thinking about the episode with Millie Jackson? I always thought they favored each other. That was the episode where they sang “Pass the Peas”!

[@MissJaynet]

@@MarvRiv remember the episode where Martin was trying to get Pam cousin a record deal. that was her. and Hustle man went to get a deal with his kazoo on a saxophone 🤣🤣

[@cleftheart1969]

@@MissJaynet 🤣 l remember that l was in Tears🤣 l was rolling.

[@sistamaryclarence]

@@MissJaynet 🤣🤣🤣 yesss I still laugh at that episode like I’ve never seen in Hustle Man playing pick up the pieces on the kazoo sax kills me everytime 🤣🤣😫

[@pansysgarden]

Yeah, that was Nicci on an episode. Martin was trying to get a record deal for her well as her manager. Good episode.👌

[@bobon.robinson6453]

Mimi’s mystery always drew me to her. Nothing against Kina, but I was done after Mimi’s exit. 5 Miles to Empty was 🔥🔥 tho

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

I Agree After Mimi Left it Wasn't the Same

[@primerointern2427]

@@LEGENDPantherJennings True but Kina kept them going for a minute . She can really sing

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

@@primerointern2427 ikr

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

@@primerointern2427 why Kina Leave

[@primerointern2427]

@@LEGENDPantherJennings Really it came down to a couple of things 1. Girl infighting (catiness) and 2 Kina kind of being the outsider as the new woman in the group.

[@dorisdriver6259]

It was an honor to work at MJJ Music and with Brownstone!

[@sophiabrown9423]

Grapevine was powerful these ladies did it we need more groups like this. No female artist these days can touch them all natural Micheal Jackson knew talent when he saw it.

[@niecygreen8717]

I’m liking this before I even watch. I loved Brownstone. Thank you @realrealitygossip

[@rrg]

Thank you!