We have heartbreaking news to report today ILOSM fam.’ One of the founding members of After 7, Melvin Edmonds (pictured above, left), has passed away at the age of 65. the reports have surfaced surrounding his passing, but as of yet, neither or his brothers, legendary producer, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, nor Kevon Edmonds (also of After 7) have spoken out regarding the details of how he’s passed away.

What we do know is that Melvin’s passing comes after a long battle with several issues. As we previously reported, Kevon and Melvin Edmonds, along with their friend, Keith Mitchell made up the group, After 7. While they were at the height of their late 80’s/90s success, with hits like “Can’t Stop” and “Ready or Not,” they were also in the midst of covering up a secret that could have hindered their success, had it gotten out at the time. Sadly, it was in regards to beloved Melvin Edmonds.

After 7’s, Kevon Edmonds Revealed Struggles Their Brother Battled Prior To Quitting Group
In the early 2000’s Melvin quit After 7 and his son, Jason Edmonds, replaced him in the group. It wasn’t until a few years late that babyface’s other brother, Kevon Edmonds, explained the inner struggles Melvin had been battling back then:

Kevon Edmonds- “Drugs wasn’t the reason why this or that did not happen. But my brother [Melvin Edmonds] did wrestle with drug abuse from time to time,” he revealed. -via SoulUniverse

Babyface’s Bro’ Told REAL Reason Brother Quit After 7 & Issues He Had…See Latest Photo>>>

The post R.I.P.- Babyface’s Brother, After 7 Member Melvin Edmonds, Dies After Heartbreaking Struggle appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

https://www.facebook.com/After7Music/photos/a.443013549242930.1073741828.442895012588117/599012003643083/?type=3&theater

Via Souleouniverse: Melvin officially left the group in the early 2000s and his son, Jason Edmonds, now performs with them. For many the circumstances surrounding Melvin’s departure remained a mystery until now. Kevon shared that although Melvin did struggle with drug abuse, which affected the group, that’s not why he quit. “Drugs wasn’t the reason why this or that did not happen. But my brother did wrestle with drug abuse from time to time,” he revealed. “It was an issue but it was important to keep our reputation and deliver a solid show and handle the business.”

It was reported that at the time Melvin left the group, it had less to do with his addiction struggles and more to do with the stress of the music industry:

“Melvin grew tired of the business. There are no checks and balances or safety nets or protections for you in this business. He still loves to sing but it’s the extra stuff that he reached his limit with.”

These days, After 7 is also weary of the business side of music and has no immediate plans to pursue a record deal even though their last album was released nearly 20 years ago. Instead Kevon is content to perform with the group on occasion, work on solo material outside of R&B and spend time with his family.“I am happily married with a family and that’s one of the greatest gifts. So if something good presents itself and it feels right and seems purposeful then I will take a look at it. But I’m good in this space.” -via Souleouniverse

Lately, Melvin has performed sporadically with his group members. Maybe one day we’ll see Melvin permanently rejoin the group, but in the meantime it’s great seeing his son, Jason Edmonds, carry that torch in his place.

https://www.facebook.com/After7Music/videos/708497372694545/

Keeping a group together is something just short of a miracle in the music game and the typical problems we usually hear are either money issues, one member getting too much of the group’s shine, or drug problems. Although Kevon Edmonds said that drugs weren’t the reason that Melvin actually left, I’m willing to bet that it contributed at least a little to his departure. Think about it, if Melvin’s reason for leaving was because he couldn’t handle the pressure and not having a steady flow of income, but he also had addictive tendencies, what does someone with an addiction problem typically do during stressful times? They oftentimes self-medicate. So it’s probably safe to assume that his addiction only made his ability to accurately handle the pressure 100 times worse. We certainly wish Melvin Edmonds the best with his health.

The post After 7 Member Reveals Sad Reason Why Babyface’s Brother Quit The Group For So Long appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Remember when we were all singing “Can’t stop hoooow I feel, I’m diggin’ on you, you’re diggin’ on me, we’re diggin’ on we/ And oh I can’t stop hoooow I feel…?” Yeah that was the jam back in the day, I feel like listening to it right now as a matter of fact. Anyways Babyface’s brothers Kevon Edmonds and Melvin Edmonds and their friend Keith Mitchell made up the group, After 7 and they were in the midst of covering up a secret that could have hindered their success, had it got out at the time.

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The trio was originally composed of Keith Mitchell, Kevon and Melvin Edmonds (both brothers of Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds). Melvin officially left the group in the early 2000s and his son, Jason Edmonds now performs with them. For many the circumstances surrounding Melvin’s departure remained a mystery until now.

Kevon shared that although Melvin

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The post After 7 Member Explains Why Babyface’s Brother Quit The Group appeared first on I Love Old School Music.