Title: Bell Biv DeVoe – Poison
Year/Genre/City: 1990, New Jack Swing / R&B, Boston, MA
Matrix #: N/A
Condition: VG+

Cultural Facts:

[Group Pivot]: After the New Edition shakeups, Bell, Bivins, and DeVoe formed this as a survival move—an intentional break from their “clean” image into something darker and more adult.

[Talent Scout]: Michael Bivins used his post–New Edition leverage to develop and connect new acts; he’s closely tied to early careers of groups like Boyz II Men and Another Bad Creation through management/A&R work.

[Catchphrase Life]: “Never trust a big butt and a smile” escaped the record and became a real-world saying—one of those rap/R&B one-liners that turned into everyday language beyond the song.