Late Development is presenting an unforgettable night with the legendary Force MD's as the group celebrates 40+ years of groundbreaking music with a special live concert at Sony Hall in New York City on Sunday, August 31.
Recognized as one of the first groups to successfully blend hip-hop and R&B, the Force MD's helped redefine urban music and inspired generations of artists with their signature sound. This exclusive NYC performance is a rare opportunity to experience one of music's most influential groups in an intimate setting.
WBGO's Doug Doyle spoke with three of the current members of Force MD's, original and founding member Stevie D. Lundy, original member Khalil Lundy and their nephew Zieme Capers.
Force MD's (Musical Diversity) formed in 1981 in Staten Island, New York, as Stevie D. and his brothers Antoine and Khalil joined their uncle Jessie Lee Daniels. They began their journey in the early 1980s as The Force MCs, an energetic hip-hop group known for electrifying street performances.
Stevie D. says the family connection had a lot to do with their success, with R & B hits like "Tender Love," "Love Is a House," "Here I Go Again," "Tears," "Itchin' for a Scratch," and many more.
"Yes, we all have a similar sound that really blends. We definitely developed a certain sound that people identified with."
Khalil Lundy says they're quite proud of their Staten Island roots.
"We were coming from the projects on Staten Island. We used to sing in front of the building with our Superman drawers on. We elevated from that to performing at high schools and went on from that on won the NYC Talent Search, a competition involving all five boroughs."
The August 31st event at Sony Hall will also feature the performers telling stories about their careers and projects.
The newest member of the Force MD's is Zieme Capers who has been with the group for about eight years. He's enjoying keeping the group's legacy alive and introducing a younger audience to their music.
"It feels amazing. I love the fact that my generation as well as the generation that they came up with, is able to see that they still have the skills, the moves and the sound. I'm glad to be a part of the updated blend of the soul school music."
Discovered by the legendary Mr. Magic and signed to Tommy Boy Records, the group burst onto the scene with a sound that was both fresh and deeply rooted in classic soul.
The innovative style of Force MD's quickly propelled them to international success, selling millions of records worldwide and built an impressive catalog of timeless hits, including the #1 R&B classic "Tender Love," produced and written by legendary hitmakers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis for the film Krush Groove. The song remains one of the most beloved ballads of the 1980s and has become a staple on radio, streaming platforms, and film and television soundtracks.
Khalil says during each concert the current members pay tribute to those original members who passed away, including Antoine “T.C.D.” Lundy, Charles “Mercury” Nelson, Trisco Pearson, Roger Daniels (DJ Dr. Rock) and Jessie Lee Daniels.
You can SEE Doug Doyle's entire interview with the Force MD's below:
