Mario, B2K, Tyrese Get Songs From Former Troop Member

NEW YORK (RnB Magazine) - Steve Russell, also known as Lil' Steve from the late '80s/early '90s R&B group Troop, has re-emerged as a songwriter for the likes of Mario, B2K, and Tyrese.

Russell co-wrote B2K's "Gots Ta Be" that peaked at Number 13 on USA's R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. Though Russell penned songs on Troop projects, he said it has taken a long time for him to get a big break writing for other acts. "After eight years, I finally got a hit record with the B2K single 'Gots Ta Be.' I wrote and produced that with some friends of mine, the Underdogs. So, I'm just back networking, and I got a lot of more songs coming out. So I'm just putting myself back out there, letting everybody know Lil' Steve is back."

In addition to "Gots Ta Be," Russell also co-authored the group's next single "Why I Love You" and "Understanding," two songs on Mario's album; and a song for Tyrese's J Records debut slated to be released later this year.

In 1990, Troop's ballad "All I Do Is Think Of You" hit Number One on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. The group released several albums, including its 1988 self-titled debut, 1999's Attitude, 1992's Deepa, 1994's Lil' Sumpin' Sumpin', and 1998's Mayday.