Nick J of No Question talks real R&B

No Question, the R&B quartet, stands for a press photo.

Too many R&B groups from the 1990s came and went too fast as a crowded market prevented tremendous commercial success. We recently had the opportunity to connect with one of these great groups, No Question. Comprised of Damon Core, Dante Massey, Tommy Blackwell, and Nicholas Johnson, No Question achieved minor success with their hits "I Don't Care," and their cover of "You Make Me Feel Brand New."

Thanks to the detective skills and dedication of Moofu, who conducted the interview for R&B Haven, we had the opportunity to speak with Nicholas Johnson of No Question. Check out the interview as Nick talks about how No Question formed, and where the group's name originated.

Interview with Nick J of No Question

R&B Haven: How did you guys meet and form the group?: Nick J: Well I met the guys in the group individually. Dontae was the first person I met through a friend so Dontae and I hung out a lot and we each had a common enemy we wasn't cool with (Tommy). Dontae was tryna rumble Tommy back in our high school days. I had another kind of beef with the dude until I heard him sing. That's when my producer Bubb at the time introduced me to Tommy and we became cool. I met Damon later after the guys were signed to Colombia. When the guys got dropped for Jagged Edge that's when I was asked to be in the group and the named change from Blakmale to No Question.
R&B Haven: You guys seemed to disappear completely after the first album. What exactly happened?

Editors Note: The group opted out of this question but, courtesy of Moofu we were able to roughly piece it together. They worked on solo projects and decided to reunite back in 2007/2008. Tommy and Nick had a falling out and for some reason Damon and Dante went to LA.
R&B Haven: How did you guys pick a name for the group?: Nick J : Damon thought the name No Question fit us because it was no question that we were hot and could sang any of those groups that was out under a table plus we had great music.
R&B Haven: I heard some new tracks on your myspace and news about a new album what can you tell us about that?: Nick J : Well, the music you heard was my music I'm always grinding it out in the studio, but I have some music that was never heard before. That was when we were going to get back together but people had other plans.
R&B Haven: Who were your singing inspirations??: Nick J : Jodeci, H-Town, Dave Hollister, Tony Thompson of Hi-Five, Kenny Green of Intro and also, Philly's own Whitehead Bros.
R&B Haven: On the back of the album, you guys give shout outs. Nick, you mention Jazz from Dru Hill as well as 2face from profyle. Were you closely acquainted with the other groups?: Nick J : Well I have worked with many artist like Jay-Z, Freeway, etc on writing and stuff for artists.
R&B Haven: You guys went on tour with Boyz II Men. Did you feel a rivalry with them since both groups were representing Philly?: Nick J : There was no beef with Boyz 2 Men, they are great guys and they paid dues so that our youth can get on and do our thang so much love to them.
R&B Haven: I love your cover of "you make me feel brand new." Was there a particular reason you guys chose to record that song?: Nick J : I think we did the cover song for Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff cuz at the time, we were signed with them and we was paying homage to them for everything they done for music period. So that was an honor to do that for them as well as the fans.
R&B Haven: What do you think of the current state of R&B? With a lack of groups and lack of real singing.: Nick J : I think the current state of R&B suck singer tryna be rappers, rappers now tryna sing, it's crazy. That's why I listen to artists like James Fauntleroy, Chris Echols, and One Chance cuz they bringing that singing back. The new artist is the ones you need to listen to.; I like to thank you for doing this, and whatever you need, big homie. Philly love!