Making it in the music industry as a solo artist is hard enough but when there are two or more people in a group, tensions are bound to arise because mo’ money plus mo’ people equal mo’ problems. Although they made beautiful music together, these 15 popular rap and R&B groups just couldn’t set aside their differences in the long run.

Arrested Development

Afrocentric alternative hip-hop group Arrested Development became very popular in the early 90′s. Founded by Speech and his former best friend, DJ Headliner, along with Dionne Farris and spiritual leader Baba Oje, they are best known for their song “Everyday People.” In 1993 the group won Grammys for Best New Artist and Best Rap Performance. They were also tapped by Spike Lee to record a song for his “Malcolm X” biopic that same year. However, Arrested Development never eclipsed the success they had with their debut album. Their sophomore album was panned by critics and shortly after that the group broke up due to “creative differences.” The band patched things up four years later but things were never the same as they struggled to reclaim their popularity in the U.S. Today, the group continues to tour internationally and released their 10th album in 2012.

The statistics on the chances of a marriage surviving are as dismal as the probability of finding someone to marry in the first place which is why single black hopefuls and those whose marriages are in turmoil, need reminders that there are couples who beat the odds. That’s where BlackandMarriedWithKids.com authors Lamar and Ronnie Tyler come in with their new documentary, Still Standing.

The film is the third installment in the couple’s “Timeless” series and features in-depth conversations with several couples, including “Speech” Thomas from the group Arrested Development, and his wife, on how various circumstances threatened their union and how they pulled through together. From chronic illness, to financial struggles, to infidelity, and the difficulties of blending two families into one, these couples have been hit with issues we all can relate to, and in the documentary they’ll talk about working through those problems and being on the successful side of marriage. Dr. Sherry L. Blake, who we’ve seen counsel Gabe and Trina on the “Braxton Family Values” will also offer a psychological perspective on marriage and it’s challenges.

The film is slated for a May 1 DVD release, and if you happen to live in Chicago, Dallas, DC, Houston, or Atlanta, you can check out a live-screening of the film at the end of the month and in April.

Watch the trailer for Still Standing and tell us what you think. Will you check this out when it’s released?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Today I was on Wikipedia and I searched the word “Afro” (actually it gave me Afro textured hair) It was relatively lengthy based on Wiki standards and rightly so. There is a history behind our hair, a legacy even. Now as we find ourselves in another natural wave it’s good to have music to celebrate and encourage us through our natural-haired journey. Check it out.