Day26
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | August 26, 2007 |
| Founder | Sean "Diddy" Combs |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Albums, singles |
Day26 is a male R&B ensemble from the United States, established in August 2007 by Sean "Diddy" Combs via MTV's Making the Band 4. The group consists of Robert Curry, Brian Angel, Willie Taylor, Qwanell Mosley, and Michael McCluney. Their name reflects the exact date they were chosen as members. Their first album, Day26, launched on March 25, 2008, and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The lead track, "Got Me Going," was introduced during the finale of the television series. Their subsequent album, Forever in a Day, also achieved top positions on Billboard rankings.
Career
MTV's Making the Band 4 continued to chronicle Day26’s journey alongside labelmates Danity Kane and Donnie Klang. The second half of Season 3 premiered on February 12, 2009, centering on the production of their sophomore album, Forever in a Day.
2007–2008: Formation and debut album
Day26 came into existence during the finale of Making the Band 4 Season 1 on August 26, 2007. Diddy personally selected Brian Andrews, Michael McCluney, Qwanell Mosley, Robert Curry, and Willie Taylor; meanwhile, Donnie Klang was signed as a solo act. The group’s name commemorates the date they were assembled.
Under Bad Boy Records, Day26 released their debut single "Got Me Going" in January 2008, which reached #79 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their self-titled album followed on March 25, 2008, entering the Billboard 200 at number one with first-week sales totaling 190,000 copies—marking Bad Boy's third reality show artist to achieve a chart-topping album. Notable producers involved included Mario Winans, Danja, Bryan-Michael Cox, and The Runners. The second single, "Since You've Been Gone," peaked at #52 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart but did not enter the Hot 100. Plans for releasing a third single were abandoned due to moderate overall sales amounting to 387,000 units.
On August 19, 2008, a new installment of Making the Band aired featuring Day26 during Making the Band 4 - The Tour, coinciding with the dissolution of Danity Kane.
2009–2011: Forever in a Day and lineup changes
The MTV series Making the Band 4 resumed coverage of Day26 alongside Danity Kane and Donnie Klang during their tour. Season 3 Part 2 premiered on February 12, 2009.
The concluding season of Making the Band 4 captured Day26’s process recording their second album, Forever in a Day, which was released on April 14, 2009. This season also highlighted former Danity Kane members Dawn Richard and Aundrea Fimbres continuing their group pursuits. During this timeframe, tensions arose between Que and Screwface—the group's newly appointed manager—as well as with other band members.
In December 2009, following disputes with management—particularly involving Screwface—Que departed from Day26. He publicly disclosed the letter terminating his membership:
Dear Qwanell,
I have been instructed by the members of Day26 copied here to formally advise you that the group members no longer desire to work with you. The members request that no longer you nor any of our representatives contact on behalf or concerning Day26. You may have your attorneys, also copied here, direct any inquiries to my attention.
Brian, Willie, Robert and Michael wish you the best in your future endeavors
Que appeared in videos such as "Imma Put It on Her" along with other clips from that album.
2011–2012: A New Day and hiatus
In November 2011, Day26 unveiled the single "Made Love Lately," with its accompanying music video premiering in January 2012. The group announced they were working on a forthcoming album titled A New Day. Nevertheless, on July 16, 2012, Day26 publicly declared their decision to part ways in order to pursue solo ventures:
It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we announce, effective immediately, Atlantic Records Platinum-selling group DAY26 has chosen to pause their collective efforts to concentrate on individual projects. On behalf of all members—Willie, Mike, Rob, Brian, and Que—we extend our deepest gratitude to all the “fams” (fans), DJs worldwide, promoters, radio programmers, Bad Boy Entertainment, Starstruck Management, BET, VH1, FUSE, and every supporter of DAY26 for your unwavering encouragement throughout the years.
We also recognize that this journey would not have been possible without the vision and guidance of Sean “Diddy” Combs and the support of MTV Networks for transforming a group of unknown men into the stars they are today.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you and want you to understand that this chapter isn’t the end. We continue to wish each other success in our solo endeavors and ask that you give each member a chance to shine individually.
As the saying goes, this is not goodbye but simply see you later.
God bless you all,
Much love, Day26.
2013–2018: Reunion and The Return Tour
On November 21, 2013, Day26 announced via Twitter their reunion along with plans for a tour in 2014. They signed with BMG Rights Management and began producing new tracks. On May 26, 2014, they released "Bullshit," the lead single from their upcoming EP The Return, which was scheduled for release on June 26, 2014.
In spring 2017, Day26 revealed plans for a "10 Year Anniversary Experience" concert at the Highline Ballroom in New York City on August 26 to commemorate their formation anniversary. Due to overwhelming demand, an additional show was added for August 27. Labelmate and fellow reality TV alumnus Donnie Klang joined them to celebrate his own decade-long solo career milestone.
During a 2017 interview on Sways Universe, Willie disclosed that the group was in the process of recording their third studio album and discussed how fame affected them as well as addressing the controversy surrounding their absence from the Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour.
On June 29, 2018, Brian Angel announced via Instagram his exit from Day26 citing personal reasons and a desire to focus on his solo career while expressing positive sentiments toward his former bandmates.
2022–present: Fifteenth anniversary, Brian’s comeback, The Millennium Tour: Turned Up! and Day Ones
On July 19, 2022, Day26 celebrated their fifteenth anniversary alongside Brian Angel’s return to the group. Following this reunion, they joined The Millennium Tour: Turned Up! alongside other prominent artists.
Toward late 2024, Day26 independently released their third studio album titled Day Ones, supporting it with numerous radio and podcast interviews throughout early 2025. Key appearances included The Breakfast Club, VladTV, and Tap In with TT, where they opened up about challenges faced during their career, management conflicts, perspectives on Bad Boy Records, and experiences working with P. Diddy. During a VladTV interview in February 2025, Que Mosely candidly spoke about managing trauma within the music industry along with his diagnoses of Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He also revealed a troubling email from P. Diddy that raised concerns about safety. This heartfelt disclosure prompted an emotional reaction from the group live on air.
Careers Before Day26
Prior to their involvement in Making the Band, three members of Day26 had already built foundations in the music industry, influencing their subsequent achievements.
Robert Curry
In the late 1990s Detroit music scene, Robert was part of the vocal and hip hop duo "Antuan & Ray Ray," contributing three songs to Mike Bivins’ BIV 10 Records compilation The Adventures of the BIV 10 Pee Wee All Stars. Performing under the name 'Antuan', his counterpart 'Ray Ray' (Rashad Morgan) eventually pursued an R&B career with T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records. Their track "Feelin It" was included on the soundtrack for the animated film Our Friend, Martin. Among their other notable recordings was "The Rain," a rendition of the 1974 hit by the 21st Century. After his time with BIV 10, Curry shifted focus to songwriting for various artists and became a member of the vocal ensemble "Trilogy," initially under Wyclef Jean’s label. He exited that agreement once he secured a deal with Bad Boy Records following his victory on Making the Band 4. Additionally, Curry maintained a songwriting and production arrangement with Refugee Camp, collaborating with prominent industry professionals such as Jerry Wonder.
Willie Taylor
Willie previously performed with "Kwiet Storm," a Chicago-based R&B group active in the late 1990s and signed to Universal Music Group. Their music video for "Leave Me Alone" received airplay on BET and was featured on programs like 106 & Park. Taylor departed from the group to embark on a solo path and focus on songwriting, contributing to artists including Jagged Edge and Ginuwine. After Taylor joined Day26, Kwiet Storm secured a contract with Island Def Jam.
Brian Andrews
Brian was formerly affiliated with "Mason Row," which operated under Matthew Knowles at MusicWorld/Columbia Records. Following the group's contract termination and subsequent disbandment, Andrews auditioned for Making the Band 4.
Music
Throughout Day26’s break and subsequent reunion phases, each member engaged in individual solo projects alongside other professional pursuits:
| Member | Mixtape / EP | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| Qwanell "Que" Mosley | The Q Files | 2010 |
| Guitar-Her: The Mixtape | 2010 | |
| Robert "Magnum" Curry | Swagnum: The Mixtape | 2010 |
| Willie Taylor | SexTape | 2010 |
| The Re-introduction of Willie Taylor | 2012 | |
| SexTape 2 | 2014 | |
| Mike "Butta" McCluney | Bonus Track (My Time) | 2016 |
| Brian Angel | Daybreak: The Appetizer | 2017 |
| Various digital singles and releases | 2018–present |
Beyond these collections, members have issued numerous standalone singles and appeared as featured artists on other musicians’ projects.
Television, Film & Theater
Willie Taylor gained visibility through his participation in VH1's reality series Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood during seasons two and three. He also appeared on WE tv's Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars (Season 17, Hip-Hop Edition). His acting credits include roles in the Chocolate City films—specifically Chocolate City: Vegas Strip and Chocolate City: Live Tour. On stage, Taylor has performed in off-off Broadway productions such as David E. Talbert’s plays A Fool and His Money (2012) and Man of the House, sharing the stage with singer Monifah. He remains actively involved in Talbert’s theatrical projects.
Robert Curry took part in the Atlanta urban stage production Let It Burn (2016) and appeared in the 2017 play I Cheated, So What! alongside Ricco Barrino, Christopher Williams, and Jessica Reedy. Additionally, he portrayed "Tin Man" in a rendition of The Wiz presented by the New York Black Arts Festival.
Mike McCluney featured as an actor in the movie Conundrum: Secrets Among Friends, which starred Cameron Bright, Kristina DeBarge, and Jo Marie Payton.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Day26 (2008)
- Forever in a Day (2009)
- Day Ones (2024)
Awards and Nominations
- American Music Awards
- 2009, Favorite R&B/Hip-Hop Band, Duo, or Group (Nominee)
- BET Awards
- 2009, Best Group (Winner)
- 2008, Best Group (Nominee)
- Image Awards
- 2010, Outstanding Duo or Group (Nominee)
- Teen Choice Awards
- 2008, Choice Breakout Group (Nominee)
- Online Hip Hop Awards
- 2008, Digital Download of the Year (R&B) for "Got Me Going" (Winner)
- Urban Music Awards
- 2009, Best Music Video for "Imma Put It On Her" (Nominee)
- 2009, Best Male Act (Nominee)
External Links
- Articles with short description
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- American contemporary R&B musical groups
- Atlantic Records artists
- Bad Boy Records artists
- American boy bands
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- Warner Music Group artists
- Musical groups established in 2007
- Musical groups disbanded in 2012
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