Michael Jackson Producer Teddy Riley Just Named a Shocking Music Group as the GOAT

With the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, set to hit theaters on April 24, and music legend Teddy Riley having just released his book, Remember the Times: A Memoir, Riley has been making the rounds on radio shows and podcasts, with a lot to say. For those who don’t know, Riley is a singer/songwriter/producer who has been behind some mega hits over the years, including Jackson’s “Jam,” “Dangerous,” “In the Closet,” and of course, “Remember the Time.” 

All that being said, Riley has a lot of stories and opinions to share. That’s probably why his latest interview with the Drink Champs podcast was over three and a half hours long. While he dropped a lot of gems in that timeframe, something that may send shockwaves among music lovers everywhere is his take on the music group he deems the greatest of all time. 

Teddy Riley Says New Edition is the Greatest Group of All Time

During his discussion with Riley, Drink Champs co-host N.O.R.E. brought up super producer Jermaine Dupri. N.O.R.E. noted, “I believe I’ve seen Jermaine Dupri say this. He said that New Edition is the greatest group of all time. And he said, because each one of these members, solo, went platinum. Do you believe that statement?”

Wasting no time responding, Riley replied, “They [New Edition] are the greatest group of all time.” After N.O.R.E. and fellow co-host, DJ EFN, applauded the statement, Riley went on to say: 

“And why I say that, is because them together, is a nucleus. They’re a group that got back together and stayed together, because they’ve seen the business. They stood on business. If other groups would stand on business, we would have a nucleus, and we would have groups back. Right now, there’s a recession of groups. Now, we’re leaning towards leaning on the legends. And they’re the legends that are really setting the example for the other legends.”

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/STf40-T9DIA

Is New Edition the Greatest? I Have Some Thoughts

Let me first say, I’m a fan of New Edition and all of their accomplishments. Between the groups’ albums and those solo projects of the members, the men have sold an impressive 40 million+ albums. To that point, members Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill, and sub-group Bell Biv DeVoe have spawned songs that are bona fide classics in the history of music. Plus, New Edition was the blueprint for Boyz II Men, New Kids on the Block, and more. But would I consider them the greatest group of all time? 

Making such a bold statement means I have to place New Edition over The Jackson 5, The Temptations, and the vocal powerhouse Boyz II Men. Additionally, venturing outside of R&B, I have to consider the album sales and hits of The Beatles, U2, and Queen. And since no distinction was made by Riley in saying the greatest male group, what about TLC, Spice Girls, and Destiny’s Child? Yeah, I may not be a legendary producer, but I think this GOAT discussion isn’t so easy to answer.

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