Riplay

Striving to follow the lead of positive-minded, stylistically similar groups before them -- such as SWV and TLC -- pop-R&B trio Riplay made their recorded debut in 2016 and signed with Def Jam the following year. Marshaye "Shaye" Hebron, Alaiza "Lay" Hebron, and Kiya "Ki" Hawthorne comprise the Baltimore, Maryland-based group, formed while all three vocalists/songwriters were teenagers. Signed to a production deal with Melvin Watson of Phantom Boyz Music (Christina Aguilera, Alexandra Burke), the group's early material, such as "Strange" and "Hate Me," led to interest from Def Jam, who offered the trio a contract. The Hebrons and Hawthorne had "Status" released through the major label by the end of 2017. Watson's label issued Riplay's six-track Globe Life EP, featuring an appearance from Maino, the next year.
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