Boyz Ii Men - Motownphilly (official Music Video) • Essential

The video opens with the group—, Wanyá Morris , Shawn Stockman , and Michael McCary —celebrating a birthday before transitioning into various choreographed sequences across Philly.

A young Questlove (drummer for The Roots ) makes a brief cameo as a drummer; he was a schoolmate of the group. Boyz II Men - Motownphilly (Official Music Video)

Members of Another Bad Creation (ABC) and Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD) are featured, reinforcing the lyrics: "Boyz II Men, ABC, BBD / The East Coast Family" . Critical Success The video opens with the group—, Wanyá Morris

Released in , the Motownphilly music video served as the explosive introduction for Boyz II Men , establishing their "East Coast Family" brand and the "New Jack Swing" sound that would dominate the decade. Directed by Lionel C. Martin , the video is a high-energy celebration of the group's hometown, Philadelphia , and the mentorship that launched their career. Video Context and Production Critical Success Released in , the Motownphilly music

The title is a portmanteau representing the group's two primary influences: the 1960s Motown soul sound and 1970s Philly soul . Notable Cameos and the "East Coast Family"

The video famously visualizes the "East Coast Family" collective, a group of artists mentored by of New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe .

Appears throughout the video and performs a guest rap bridge detailing how he discovered the group backstage at a concert.