Source: Raymond Boyd / Getty
Sadly, one of the founding members of R&B group After 7 has passed away. Melvin Edmonds, brother of Kenneth “Babyface ” Edmonds, has passed away according to reports. His cause of death is unknown.
Edmonds was 65-years-old.
His son, Jason Edmonds, confirmed his passing via Facebook.
“I’ve been receiving and reading everyone’s messages and texts about my Dad,” he posted. “I appreciate the kind words and I’ll have something to say in return. For now, I just need time to process.”
Edmonds stopped performing with After 7 after their 1995 album Reflections and was replaced by his son, Jason. He allegedly struggled with substance abuse throughout the years, however that’s not the reason he left the group. His brother Kevon said he simply grew weary of the music business.
“Melvin grew tired of the business,” he told I Love Old School Music. “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.”
He reunited with Kevon and other group member Keith Mitchell for their 2016 album Timeless.
“Since Melvin was no longer doing this, we checked in with him to see if he was game to work on the album, the group told Billboard about Melvin rejoining the group. “Without his voice in our signature sound, it would have been cheating our fans. Melvin is on throughout the album. He definitely stepped it up in the studio and gave us his all, bringing a great balance.”
After 7 is known for their hits “Ready or Not,” “Can’t Stop” and “Kickin’ It.”
Edmonds is survived by his four children Melvin, Jason, Courtney and Chris.
