Troop

Thanks for interviewing with us. What have you guys been up too?

Steve: We’ve been on the road doing a lot of touring for the past year and a half, almost two years. We’ve released a few compilations with new music on it but haven’t really promoted any one song due to all the traveling. Unfortunately, we also lost one group member. We lost Reggie. We’ve been dealing with that. We’re gearing up to do a new album. We’ve released “The Slow Songs”, “Deepa (Revisited)”, and “The Baby Makers”. We’ve got several compilations with new music that is available right now. Me and Allen re-did and released “The Lady in My Life.” That is Michael Jackson’s wonderful record.

Allen: We also have some solo music out there as well. I did the song “Quarantine”, and it did well. It was in the top 9 and sold out in the United States.

What do you think is missing in today’s music?

Steve: Love.

Allen: I agree with Steve. The love and passion seem to be missing.

Steve: It seems everyone is chasing Hip Hop. I’m not ignoring artists such as Lucky Day, Jazmine Sullivan, H.E.R., and SZA that are doing today’s R&B. I think it’s fine and I love it. Music has always been a medicine for us. I think that needs to come back around and keep the GOD value in it.

Can we expect a book?

Steve: Yes, I am finishing my manuscript for my autobiography and that will be done by the summer. I also have a couple of films out. We did a documentary called “Tales of a Boy Band.” It’s a five-episode series about our life together on Tubi and I also have an eight-episode series called “Day Ones” that is on Tubi as well. Allen McNeill has music in it as well. We’ve been working.

How did Troop come together as a group?

Steve: Well, it started in Pasadena, CA in 1984. Rodney and Reggie were on a lip sync tv show called “Putting on the Hits” and they won first place. They went on to compete further for another grand prize or something. A producer saw the show and wanted to know if they were a real singing group. I had known Rodney since Jr High, so he knew that I was a singer and dancer. Once the producer contacted him, Rodney came to me and asked if I wanted to be in the group. Shortly after, I met Allen and he got into the group. I knew Jon Jon from the boys’ club as a kid and he saw that we were in the group and so then he joined. That’s how it all started.

When did you guys know that it was official, and you had made it? Allen: I think for me personally, it was when we got the call to do a promo tour in Japan.

Steve: The day when they played our song ‘Mamacita’ on the radio. That day, to me, meant that we had a lot of potential.

What maintained the cohesiveness that pulled and kept you guys together?

Steve: We definitely had our falling outs like any other group but what stood the test of time was the unconditional factor that we came here to get. That at the end of the day, that person is who they are just as I am who I am.

Allen: That’s the magical thing about Troop. When we all committed and had that meeting and knew which way we wanted to go, we kind of all knew what it was going to take.

What is one memorable moment you would like to share?

Steve: One memorable moment for me was when we performed with Hammer in LA, in our hometown, and all those celebrities and everyone came out to see us.

Allen: One of mine is when we first began to think we were doing something big, and we were in Wisconsin. We went to the mall and the five of us were just shopping and people started to notice us. The whole mall got shut down and we couldn’t even get in the limo. It was chaotic with the sea of people out there. That was a very memorable moment.

What is something you would tell your younger self?

Steve: Take your business seriously right now today. Stay focused and stay at home, even while you’re having hits. Continue to learn and grow.

Allen: Don’t be afraid to seek guidance and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to go seek out the correct answers. Don’t be afraid to support yourself financially while you are pursing your dreams and your opportunity.

If you could trade places with one person for one day, who would you choose and why?

Allen: I would choose to just stay me. You never know what another person has going on lol. It may look nice and green, but you never know lol.

Steve: I would say Michael Jackson. Just being Mike for one day right before he goes on stage for a concert, and I could just be him one time. In front of a sea of people screaming, crying, and singing the songs.

Where is one place you would like to perform at?

Steve: South Africa

Allen: Egypt

Is there anything you would like to share with your fans?

Steve: Just a reminder that they can find my documentaries streaming on Tubi. I also have a few solo albums.

Allen: Visit the website www.67kings. com. Look out for the new album “Loving Me” by Allen McNeill.

Where can everyone follow you?

Steve: Instagram: @officialtroop2023

Allen: Just google my name, Allen McNeill, and everything will come up. Also, www.allenmcneillmusic.com