What Happened To Shai? | Lineup Changes, Inflated Egos & Keeping The Legacy Alive

The pursuit of higher education is what initially brought this foursome together but, their vocal talent would be what ultimately took their lives to new heights. Right from the start, they captivated every audience they performed in front of and, soon after, dominated the music charts. Then, one member left, shortly followed by another, leaving the last two standing to wonder if this was truly the end. Let’s find out what happened to American ‘90s R&B group Shai.
#Shai
SOURCES:
• Shai - Lord I've Come ...
• Illfamedmag Interviews...
• R&B Group Shai Introdu...
• Shai - “If I Ever Fall...
• Vinyl Conversations Ep...
• EP 45: Garfield Bright...
• EP 46: Marc Gay (Shai)...
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www.iloveoldsc...
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ABOUT LET'S GET TO THE ROOT
Hi! I'm Genevieve and this is my second channel. I'm a lifestyle blogger who's obsessed with skincare, self love, 90's r&b music and anything chocolate! Don't forget to check out my main channel, Genuinely Genevieve!
Let's Get To The Root lives up to its name by going beyond just the surface. This channel takes a deep dive into all the interesting and shocking information about all your favourite Hollywood celebrities, entertainers, social media personalities, public figures, movies, television shows and more from back in the day to the present. You'll get all the nostalgic feels and find out what your favs have currently been up to. The answers to all your burning questions and extra juicy details you never knew before are all right here!

[@greatgownsbeautifulgowns]

The Acapella version of 'If Ever Fall In Love' is easily in the top 10 of a list of the best R&B songs of all time.

[@ladiiblue2u634]

Yes ma'am

[@NBid-rp9ch]

Facts

[@therealangelodevinci7420]

@@NBid-rp9ch ❤❤

[@matthewprince9705]

What I respected about Shai and TLC is they promoted Black college life (HBCUs) in their early videos. They made it cool and natural to be at college and university and be positive about educating yourself and being in love. This was following House Party 2 and A Different World. Now nobody in Soul and R&B talks about or showcases HBCUs anymore. Plus, Garfield was an O.G. in how laid back in the songs he was, only stepping forward to talk during the breakdowns, this would drive the girls crazy!

[@pablodelsegundo9502]

I was talking with a friend lately about how the 90s seemed like such a golden age (at least on the outside) for Black American culture for pretty much those reasons you listed. Positive media representation was at its highest for sure.

[@shashaduke8700]

@@pablodelsegundo9502 beautifuly said🥰

[@jwalk31]

And this is what I mean by 90's music being so much better all-around. It wasn't just the music itself, it was the images. the reason shai was always my favorite of all the r&b groups is because of their message of respect, romance and showing that alternate life for black people. They were different. different than Jodeci, different than Boyz2Men.

[@dogsalwaysbarkatbetamaleswoof]

I literally thought this the other night as well. We are getting some representation in Hollywood but sitcoms and TV shows have now gone to reality TV where everyone is embarrassing themselves for 15 minutes of fame. The black family is only further segregated. Being relatable and wholesome is not as important as showcasing affluence and societal influence.

[@BTheTrue]

?+

[@AmoMe2009]

IF I EVER FALL IN LOVE acapella is even better than the radio single. I’M YOURS is my shit too especially the video.

[@KINGJAMES-rp3ex]

That first album

[@6time686]

I Don't Want To Be Alone remix w/ Jay-Z.

[@taureanmay7480]

Good.

[@diggidy5367]

"Comforter" was the one, it was wayyyy underrated

[@BlkbunniOrg]

@@diggidy5367 Comforter is my jam to this day

[@bellacreole6488]

We won’t get amazing sounds like this again. Music has drastically changed

[@Carolina_Panthers145]

Facts

[@shashaduke8700]

Very true🥺🥺😭😭

[@billwilliamsii2659]

If you give me your number I can call and sing to you like that. Don't be Shai. Let me be your Comforter

[@jonbonson75]

Idk. Everything new becomes old, and the old becomes new. Look at the rnb music when Dangelo, Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scott, etcc were out. This style will be back around again. Probably sooner than later.

[@GeorgeJansen]

Just think @Bellacreole, the folks in 2123 will be saying the same thing.

[@AmoMe2009]

COMFORTER is my favorite single from them. One of the best Quiet storm songs I’ve ever heard of. Best time to listen to it is at night. Resonates such effervescence. These young cats today don’t know nothing about 90s sensuality(not sexuality- there’s a difference).

[@AmoMe2009]

@The Esquire of Sports® 💯

[@MsBaileyLayne]

Lay down, and tell me what’s on your mind! Lord! Love talk and slow jams kept this one going.

[@taureanmay7480]

Yes.

[@diggidy5367]

Facts criminally underrated song

[@09NXN06]

Yesss!

[@BeniTsuki]

Shai vocals and arrangements were like no other. Comforter still hits!!! I always liked what their group name meant too.

[@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484]

Y’all literally say the same thing about every group

[@mrlitl06]

Boyz II Men had superior vocals and arrangements. But Shai was a great group. With great music.

[@bowlegg41smith71]

@@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484 Yes we do, because most groups from the 90s were 🔥🔥🔥. So we can speak on all of them in a positive way!!🙌🏾👏🏽❤️ We love them all🤣😂

[@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484]

@@bowlegg41smith71 you live in a fantasy world and not in reality …nutcase basically

[@SharJones87]

Whoo chile Garfield been fine forever!!

[@ladiiblue2u634]

Wow really I didn't know that

[@jewelsafire6844]

The '90s wouldn't be the same without Shai. Their music brings back so many good memories & feelings.❣

[@NellieKAdaba]

I agree.

[@humblesoul2547]

Facts and Profyle also You was my jam

[@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484]

Yea it would’ve been the same …not like they were a triple platinum selling group or had a long Career

[@Silentgenius01]

Agreed!

[@Divinelytuned7]

@@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484this person must not know the 90s 😂 suuuper flooded with talent

[@Carolina_Panthers145]

Rip to real r&b music! Unfortunately we will never see the 90's era again. 😞

[@AmoMe2009]

So damn true! Smh. For real!

[@keshaharrington5847]

Exactly!!!!! 💯🙏🏿♥️

[@jasminehill6312]

I miss it sooo much 😢

[@AmoMe2009]

@@jasminehill6312 same!!!!

[@medylemaproductions]

That’s somewhat a lie because it got brought back to life around Bruno Mars 24K Magic era… so many artists were bringing back that sound. Millennials were just too caught up in the actual 90s era to see that

[@hdetroyerAssassindestroyer]

My high school friend Dr. Garfield Bright is doing Great! so proud of him ❤ Shai 💙💙💙

[@Silentgenius01]

[@blvkmirror8388]

I still listen to Shai till this day....This is my kind of R&B right here...Great Video! 👍🏽

[@1973tinytim]

Hell ya Shai Gets a reg ay in my house alongside lol key Men at large And a many many more

[@blvkmirror8388]

@@1973tinytim Absolutely...Men at Large "So Alone" is also on my playlist today too tims 💯 Salute!

[@lbtheking97]

I may not be first, but I'm here for it🙋🏿‍♂️. Can't wait for episodes of Jodeci, Another Bad Creation, and H-Town😉

[@likeitornotwithmichaellane4896]

I believe Shai could’ve been on top for a long time if they were free of distractions and legal problems during the creation of their sophomore effort. The 2nd album was okay. But not even nearly as close to solid like their debut. Much love to them, this awesome channel and it’s beautiful host! 💖🙏🥰

[@thethrowbackkidd]

Their second album is criminally underrated. I can say that “Blackface” has no skips, the songs are so timeless & ppl really sleep on that one.

[@matthewprince9705]

So many great singers and groups careers were stunted due to bad contracts and executives and A&Rs moving around. When you sign to a main singer's vanity label or an "urban" division of a major you can be in trouble, if your boss/main artist gets bored with you (see Jay Z and P Diddy) or main A&R/executive is fired/transferred. Shai were signed to Gasoline Alley and distributed by MCA. If they had signed to MCA directly, they could have had longer careers. Look at Mary J Blige, she was smart. She was on MCA through Uptown Records but had signed directly to MCA by her 3rd album and has been there since it switched its name to Geffen.

[@PreppedandPolished]

Black face first half of the album is beautiful music

[@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484]

Y’all say that about every group

[@obellinfantie]

I was doing door work in the early 1990's in a club off Charing Cross Road, London. A group of young American guys, there was a girl with them too. They wanted to get in but it was strictly a no ticket no entry kinda thing. The promoter came to the door, a cool white chick. There was a little banter between them, they said they were singers in a group called Shai. Nobody had heard of them so a lot of quizzical looks until they broke into an Acapella of If I ever fall in love...I guess you can only imagine how that went down 👐🏾👐🏾👐🏾👐🏾

[@juniorjames7076]

Wow, thanx for sharing that amazing story! In fall 1992 I did a semester at American University, Washington DC. It was an International Affairs/Pubic Policy program. Several students from the UK and Europe were in that program, and together we hung out after class and afterhours, going to clubs, and of course, going to the famous parties at Howard University's campus. This was at the height of New Jack/R&B and the Black British Soul invasion! I had a crush on this sistah from Brixton, but damn, I was too shy at the time so I friendzoned myself! Thanks for bringing back those memories. Wonder where she is now..................sigh.

[@GangstaBoo7]

Omgg this was my GROUP 🥰 “Comforter” & “Come with me” still gets plays

[@thabo3866]

I swear this is the best channel on KZbin. The nostalgia alone...sighs

[@mrsshelton226]

Can I just say that Garfield is one BEAUTIFUL man!!!💖💖💖💖💖💖😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 I had such a huge crush on him when I was in high school!!!! It's nice to see he's not only fine but educated as well!🥰🥰 Baby I'm Yours and Comforter still gets bumped in my car on the regular!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@thebrownbaldy]

Comforter and If I Ever Fall In Love Again will always be the definition of 90s slow jam classics. Glad to hear those brothers are doing well in life too.

[@jspurs22]

This group gave us if not the greatest two tracks every guy should take notes on, Comforter, If I ever fall in love, THE END

[@beemocha]

“Ooooo da doo doo doo doo..oooooh da doo doo doo doo…the very first tiiime that I saw your brown eyes,your lips said “HELLO”,and they said “hi”..” 🎶🎶🎶🎶 I loved when they were on Family Matters and Laura had a dream they sang to her,then she dreamed Steve was dressed up as all four members of the group lol

[@deshonebonyrowland-ward4552]

Literally listened to "together forever" last night... Just reminiscing... That should've been a single... Man.. This Era is one of the best era's of r&b... I'll never change growing up in this Era.... I miss love in r&b.

[@Pinkricaan]

Hi-Five were it for me

[@deshonebonyrowland-ward4552]

@@Pinkricaan I love them too... Unconditional love is one of my favorite songs ever

[@Pinkricaan]

@@deshonebonyrowland-ward4552 i keep them in rotation...I don't really listen to much new music...it's a shame the personal tragedies all those guys went thru...

[@deshonebonyrowland-ward4552]

@@Pinkricaan Ditto... I stay in the 90s and early 00s....if I hear something new I like I rock with it but music drops so fast and alot of it isn't quality... I totally agree with you

[@beaniegee5129]

Comforter is still a classic to this day!!

[@anthonymcken6050]

Facts

[@JustBree716]

I had forgot all about that song. I love that song

[@sashageorge2939]

I still listen to Shai! Come with me, baby I’m yours, comforter are a few of my favs!

[@Bridget9927]

GARFIELD IS MY FAVORITE MEMBER OF THE GROUP....DAAAAMN HE IS FINE😘♥️

[@natashathomas3743]

Yes girl! (Fanning myself from his hotness) lol

[@beaniegee5129]

Shai also appeared on an episode of In the House along with Brownstone, Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford and Estelle Harris

[@tropicallymixed.]

Wow wasnt expecting that update about Garfield. Good for him.

[@nicolesherman8974]

The acapella version of If i ever fall in love is just as good as the original.

[@MyKeeP81]

i prefer a beat everytime lol. but yeah its good

[@cashoutsteve2495]

The Acapella version was better to me.

[@Machelle3200]

I"m not shocked Garfield is a Professor. That dude just looked really smart. LOL!

[@LaPotraBellaca]

Garfield is fine as hell. Kudos to him for getting all those degrees and becoming an educator.

[@keepsit100atalltime9]

Girl it was some tea about him when he was a professor

[@DJAUDIO1]

Shai songs had everyone boo'd up in the 90's.

[@bigrudd9346]

Together forever is an underrated banger.

[@kevinpayton2664]

Yes. I kept rewinding their cassette to hear Together Forever.

[@renee4674]

Shai is one of my favorite groups from the "90's. Together Forever has to be one of the best love songs ever written. I dedicated this song to the love of my life that was taken away way too soon.

[@darrylcarter3691]

Do one about Rome he sings I belong to you( every time I see your face it makes me wanna sing, and every time I think about your love it drives me crazy)

[@blackamericanlesbianprofes4357]

I absolutely loved that song "I Belong To You" by Rome when it debuted in my pre-teen years. Also "Crazy Love". And now almost age 37 at the end of next month, I have listened to the song "I Belong To You" to see how I feel about it now and the lyrics are hilarious to me. But the music is still great. I would like to see an update on Rome, thanks for your comment Darryl Carter.

[@beaniegee5129]

Shai also had a cameo appearance on an episode of Family Matters too!!

[@thetruesoulofanaquarius9302]

Lol when Laura was daydreaming and Urkel became all the group members singing to her 🤣

[@TTSantiago821]

Garfield!!!!! 💗💗💗 biggest crush on him. Coko had all the fine men back n the day lol.

[@thetruesoulofanaquarius9302]

She sure did and Garfield is still fine

[@davidterell]

Saw these brothers in 2019 and they can actually sing. Comforter and If I Ever Fall in Love sounded just like I remembered...

[@shaybar93]

Lmao at the shady Whitney meme.

[@JuicyPopEntertainment]

😂😂😂

[@completely_me75]

The whitney clip tickled tf outta me🤣

[@Blessed-tn1wd]

Me too 😂😂😂😂😂

[@yaayaadavis]

Its nice to see/hear they are all in a good place and doing well🙏🏾.. usually these 90’s R&B groups be going through it! 😩

[@K7M80]

I had such a HUGE crush on Darnell💋

[@PlussizeNatural101]

I was in love with Darnell. Still listen to their songs till this day.

[@loveangel102]

Shai what an underrated vocalist group🙌🏽💯

[@eye-leenlove]

Dang!!!! Garfield!!!! Is like fine wine!!!! Lawd have mercy!!!! Sheeeeesh!!!! God bless them genes!!!!!

[@PreppedandPolished]

Shai is one of the best R&B groups of all time. They encapsulate the 90's and should be forever treasured. Black Face their second album is as sexy as it comes. Iconic group that should never be forgotten.

[@jaygarnica2]

There will never be anything close to this ever again…the harmonic sound was incredible

[@sgAlwayz]

Chile, who didn’t try to harmonize every part of the Comforter lyric?! I will comfort, comfort you…repeat!

[@Ty-wy9he]

Wow go Dr. Garfield!!! Glad to hear that the trajectory of his story is the complete opposite of what has happened to so many other past R&B singers.

[@uniquelyme3581]

Ahhh My High School years, a guy in my class that liked me sang Comforter to me, I'll never forget it 🥰😃

[@derricknregina]

I went to Howard u with these guys n will always be proud of them. I can remember playing their debut album for my dad n being so proud. HU forever.

[@cleftheart1969]

Yay I'm first. So sad how groups break up wish them all the best.

[@MsNathalie26]

I listen to Comforter every night to go to sleep I swear..... Thank you for this update on them, I always wondered what happened to them

[@kevinpayton2664]

Shai's first album is still 🔥.

[@kellytclarice]

Garfield is very handsome! I used to think this group and color me bad on the radio were Boyz II Men. Don't judge me I was fresh out of pull ups 🤣

[@MsKim510]

I used to love Shai! I remember seeing them in concert back in 1994 at KMEL SummerJam; Hi-Five, Silk and a few other hot 90 groups were on the same lineup(except for Jodeci & Boyz II Men). What a time to be alive! I'm happy to see that the members are alive and doing well. Keep the videos coming! I would love to see a video on the group Riff in the near future. 💜

[@NoirAngel510]

Yup, I remember that summer jam too! Are you from The Bay too?

[@MsKim510]

@@NoirAngel510 Yes, born and raised! 🙂

[@rethablair6902]

Garfield's a proffessor😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

[@faith2xxx]

Dr. Garfield Bright!

[@rethablair6902]

@@faith2xxx my shock runneth over Jesus💙💙💙💙

[@rasberrybombay2]

I had a crush on the light skin one.. I was like 13 14 when they came out and I actually think he was my first crush 😂

[@wdynamite782]

Garfield looks just like that actor Brandon Adams who played in the Movie The Sandlot and as the kid the baby bad video from Michael Jackson's Moonwalker.. They look like adult twins.

[@losrob27]

Yea, he also reminds me of Raheem on "Juice."

[@TheRnBTalkShow]

Great update I always wondered what happened to some of the members in the group

[@FearlessLove]

Come with me was SLEPT ON BIG TIME. Such a beautiful song, the production, vocals, everything…

[@saj8]

Jodeci, specifically Devante, was throwing shade at Shai in that Vibe interview back in '95.

[@jalanjackson1242]

These men are phenomenal I've listened to all their albums pretty much. "coming back at Cha" is the greatest!!

[@turtlew1019]

A hidden gem they're featured on is "I Will Always love you" by Boney James on his Body Language album. They're a very talented group.

[@pjeff30]

I didn't know about that. I'm gonna go listen to it now. Thanks!

[@MrEOM41]

Love Shai “Comforter” is my favorite song by them.

[@beaniegee5129]

Never forget that moment Martin Lawrence sang If I Ever Fall in Love in the Break-Up Part 2 episode of Martin

[@Tiajones333]

Right

[@mrsain19]

stuff like that is not only how songs go mainstream, but also how songs and the artists dont ever ever get forgotten either.

[@danavixen6274]

Good updates on a group that made memorable hits. Shai was the soundtrack to my middle school years. 😁

[@tsmith9713]

This took me back to my college days! I had Shai in heavy rotation back in the day. It would be so dope if all the greatest 90's R&B guy groups went on tour! 🎤🎛🎼🙌🏾

[@beaniegee5129]

The video for Baby I'm Yours was also directed by Cyndi Lauper

[@DemeJamesBright]

It was actually directed by Michael Mfume.

[@AmoMe2009]

Who here knows the reggae version of IF I EVER FALL IN LOVE? 90s Carribean heads know! 😎

[@JuicyPopEntertainment]

I know it all too well! 😂

[@AmoMe2009]

@@JuicyPopEntertainment 😁✊🏽

[@totalmrmeanor7586]

@@JuicyPopEntertainment Let's be brutally honest...Shai was a poor man's Boyz Il Men😏

[@josephchampjr.3256]

If I ever fall in love 🥰 it’s my favorite 🤩 song 🎵 from SHAI.

[@bigrudd9346]

My favorite R&B group. Favorite song is "If I ever fall inlove", the acapella version.

[@BlkbunniOrg]

I was waiting for you to do them

[@beyondthefamecelebritystories]

Great video 💯

[@MrPesante2008]

Shai was my 2nd favorite group behind Boyz II Men. I had a singing group in high school, and most of our songs where of Shai and Boyz II Men. Shai was definitely one of the best R&B groups of the 90's.

[@mariabraddock3607]

Can we get: Mokenstef Brand New Heavies Idea Christopher Williams

[@dj2prince]

Ideal

[@jamillawebb3567]

I just love this page!! Man Shai was everything! Their first album was timeless💕💕💕💕

[@DallasChick79]

This is one of the many reasons I love this channel! When subs ask for certain artists to be featured, you get right on it! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@koolyokam007]

Garfield has a striking resemblance to Dino from H-Town.

[@izzyuncut6332]

I loved Garfield bay bay he was fine that voice was blessed

[@MsAussie83]

I wish I could meet him one day! Garfield sounds like the kind of guy who would comfort you when you're crying. His voice is so amazing!

[@josemercado2050]

This is one of my favorite groups of the 90s I like all the songs 👍♥️❤️👍

[@shaunelf.3835]

And my Friday has been made! This was one of my favorite groups

[@keshaharrington5847]

I love Shai, def Men of Vision. Proud of Garfield accomplishments.. Can you do Hi-Five, if you haven’t. Thanks, I love your channel and connecting with this Era.. truly miss it❤️

[@hazelgoddess2335]

Comforter and baby I’m yours is still my favorites 🤎

[@JetseTurner]

Facts, my Sista!✊🏿

[@celebmultimediaexclusives9525]

I’ve been waiting on this! Glad you finally covered Shai! They’re definitely deserving of the recognition! 😍😍😍😍😍They were so talented and underrated!!

[@keitahentleigh7489]

...You got a lot right but not all... I was there and very much a part of the beginning of Shai and I knew a great deal about the last album... Anyways, this is better than most commentaries about the group...

[@nr30199]

The crush I had on Garfield was REAL 😍

[@Ms.Bytchy]

Reliving the 90s.. the best decade ever🙌

[@christopheraikens3713]

You should do one for the group "Today"

[@makedab4614]

Garfield looks good.

[@shaybar93]

Garfield’s update is amazing

[@mateaukalua4426]

You did an amazing job summarizing and recapping their stories.

[@amygonzales9146]

GIRL! DO ONE ON SILK!! 😃😃😃

[@ButterflyFan74]

I had b BIG crush on Garfield.

[@pepsidude2007]

Was my first CD I ever bought!! 😫

[@09NXN06]

I will always love Whitney!

[@brittneybutler2491]

Me too!

[@beaniegee5129]

If I Ever Fall in Love is still a banger to this day!!

[@LunchboxLex]

I'm from DC so as a child I was so proud‼️😂😂😂😂

[@clarissawestbrook2203]

Comforter is my favorite song by Shai. They are one of the most underrated acts of the '90s. That's so cool they met on the Howard University campus. I miss '90s R&B.

[@KB-xp6dq]

I was in the studio when they recorded "Baby I'm Yours" (I was dating Garfield at the time). We didn't last long because once they blew up, he (understandably) wanted to partake of all of the "fans" suddenly available to him (and I wasn't trying to deal with that). All these decades later, we're still cool though. Our break up wasn't crazy because I willingly set him free before I got hurt 😁. And the white sweater he wears in the "Comforter" video? I got that lol. I also ended up being really good friends with Carl (he thanked me in the liner notes of their second album). Cool guys all around. (And I painted/bedazzled the jacket Darnell is wearing at 3:00. It has the whole group on the back and he wore it when they were on the "Tonight Show." I did jackets for all four of them based on whatever they told me they wanted; Marc's had a huge tiger on the back and had nothing to do with the group or an image of himself.)

[@Chi_Rebel89]

The 90s... You just had to be there❤️

[@icyblue2614]

Baby I'm yours was my song 90s was about the groups shai silk tlc swv xscape htown so many to mention