Blaque, an American girl group, faced tragedy when member Natina Reed died in a car accident in 2012. The group never officially disbanded but has been inactive since Reed’s death.
Blaque, which stands for “Believe, Life, Achieving, Quest, Unity, Everything,” was formed in 1996 and consisted of members Shamari Fears, Brandi Williams, and Natina Reed. They saw success in the late 1990s and early 2000s with hits like “808” and “Bring It All to Me,” and even appeared in the 2000 film “Bring It On.”
Their rise to fame was swift after being signed by Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, a member of the iconic girl group TLC. Blaque released two albums, “Blaque” in 1999 and “Blaque Out” in 2002, both of which showcased their R&B and hip-hop-infused pop sound. They were known for their vocal harmonies, catchy hooks, and danceable beats.
However, after the release of their second album, the group faced various challenges, including label issues that led to the shelving of their third album. Despite these setbacks, they attempted a comeback in the late 2000s.
The untimely death of Natina Reed on October 26, 2012, was a devastating blow to the group and their fans. Reed was struck by a vehicle in Georgia as she walked across the street. She was just 32 years old. Her passing deeply affected the remaining members, and while they have occasionally reunited for performances, Blaque has not released new music as a group since Reed’s death.
The legacy of Blaque lives on through their music and the impact they had on their fans during their brief but memorable time in the spotlight. Their influence can still be felt in the work of contemporary girl groups and R&B artists.
