New Edition: Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill
photographed by Pamela French
UBS Arena, Elmont, New York on April 20, 2023

The Hip Hop Museum felt honored to celebrate New Edition on its 40^th Anniversary in the music industry on April 20, 2023. One month before Hip Hop Appreciation Week, with hearts full of gratitude and respect, we recognized six men whose R&B/Pop contribution fed and fueled generations of fans. As difficult as it may be to believe, there was a time when Rap music wasn’t considered mainstream. This is when New Edition showed its dedication to the Hip Hop community. 

After appearing at Disco Fever nightclub in the South Bronx, where Run DMC was on the bill, New Edition included Hip Hop artists in their arena tours and included Hip Hop DJs onstage with their touring band. 

The complete band – Ronnie DeVoe, Ricky Bell, Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Michael Bivins, and Johnny Gill – generously donated 40^th anniversary “Legacy Tour” jackets to our permanent Archives and Collections. Currently on tour, the band was interviewed before their performance at the UBS Arena on April 20^th  by Nicole Duncan-Smith (of the prolific AllHipHop.com). Check out their coverage here.

Ronnie DeVoe, Michael Bivins, Johnny Gill, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Ricky Bell, backed up by Mark Green and Rocky Bucano
photographed by Pamela French
UBS Arena, Elmont, New York on April 20, 2023

by Kate Harvie, Contributing Writer for The Hip Hop Museum (originally published May 2023)