Rhyze

Biography

Rhyze was an American R&B and funk band that emerged from New York City in the late 1970s, evolving from an earlier group called Soul Unlimited and later The Nu-Sound Express, LTD. The members met while still in college and became associated with producer and songwriter Paul Kyser, who played a pivotal role in shaping their sound and career. Under Kyser's guidance, they transitioned from local performances in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area to recording and releasing music as Rhyze.

The band is best known for their 1980 hit "Just How Sweet Is Your Love," which achieved success on both the Billboard Hot Dance/Disco and Black Singles charts. Their energetic blend of funk, R&B, soul, and disco was showcased on two albums: 'Just How Sweet Is Your Love' (1980) and 'Rhyze To The Top' (1981). Rhyze's music was characterized by tight horn arrangements, soulful vocals, and danceable grooves, drawing comparisons to contemporaries in the funk and disco scenes. Their work earned them a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1981, as well as a nomination for Best New Artist the same year.

Despite their brief period of mainstream activity, Rhyze left a lasting impression on the late disco and early 80s funk landscape. After disbanding around 1981, the group saw a resurgence of interest in their music among soul and funk enthusiasts, particularly in the UK. In 2011, they released a devotional album, 'God Is On Call,' demonstrating their continued creative spirit decades after their initial success.

Fun Facts

• Rhyze was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1981: Best New Artist and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
• The band evolved from a college group called Soul Unlimited, later known as The Nu-Sound Express, LTD, before becoming Rhyze.
• Their track 'Bizzaar' from the album 'Rhyze To The Top' became a cult favorite in the UK rare groove scene.
• After a long hiatus, Rhyze released a devotional album titled 'God Is On Call' in 2011.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Paul Kyser - Producer, songwriter, and arranger who discovered and developed the band from their college days, guiding them through their transitions from Soul Unlimited to The Nu-Sound Express, LTD, and finally to Rhyze. (All Rhyze releases, including 'Just How Sweet Is Your Love' and 'Rhyze To The Top') [1970s–1981]

Key Collaborators

• Leon Stuckey - Songwriter who co-wrote much of Rhyze's material alongside Paul Kyser. (Songs on 'Just How Sweet Is Your Love' and 'Rhyze To The Top') [1980–1981]
• Band Members - Core creative and performing unit; each contributed to the band's signature sound. (All Rhyze recordings and performances) [1980–1981]

Artists Influenced

• UK Soul and Funk DJs/Collectors - Rhyze's tracks, especially 'Bizzaar,' became popular in the UK soul scene and among collectors, influencing later appreciation for rare groove and disco-funk. ('Bizzaar', 'Just How Sweet Is Your Love') [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Fall (Woman)
2. Feel Your Weight - Poolside Remix (Blood Remixed)
3. Open (Woman)
4. 3 Days Later
5. 3 Days (Woman)
6. Song For You (Blood)
7. Black Rain (Home)
8. Break Apart (Migration)
9. Taste (Blood)
10. Come In Closer (Home)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz