Vertical Hold (American group)

1988–1991: Early beginnings Following her departure from female hip hop group The Sequence, Angie B. Stone made several attempts to start a solo career. She began writing solo material and booked studio time at her own expense. Renamed Vertical Hold, they released their first single "Summertime" in 1988 through Criminal Records. The album peaked at number 33 on the US Top R&B Albums chart, and sold more than 62,000 copies domestically. The album's lead single "Seems You're Much Too Busy" peaked at number 20 on US Hot R&B Singles chart. Their follow up singles "A.S.A.P." and "Matter of Time" performed commercially less successful, with the former peaking at number 83 on US Hot R&B Singles chart. Vertical Hold's second album, 1995's Head First, reached number 67 on the US Top R&B Albums chart. Its first and only single "Love Today" peaked at number 49 on the Hot R&B Singles. The group disbanded after being disappointed by the mechanisms of the industry. ==Disbandment and aftermath==

In late 1995, Stone began working with music producers Gerry DeVeaux and Charlie Mole as the featured vocalist for their group Devox. On September 25, 1996, the group released their only album titled Devox Featuring Angie B. Stone, exclusively in Japan. The album featured a few songs by Vertical Hold as well as new songs that Stone recorded. Devox disbanded after Stone declined to become a full member of the group as she wanted to pursue a solo career. The project eventually caught the attention of Arista Records A&R manager Peter Edge, which lead to Stone being offered a solo recording contract with Arista Records. ==Member timeline==

• Angie B. Stone – lead vocals (1987–1995) • David Bright – drums, keyboardist, vocals (1987–1995) • Willie Bruno, Jr. – keyboardist, vibraphonist, vocals (1987–1995) • Gordon Mack III – programming and engineering (1987–1992) ==Discography==

Studio albums Singles ==References==