Ex Girlfriend (group)
| Company type | Vocal ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Monica Boyd, Julia Robertson, Stacy Francis, Tisha Hunter, Kimberly Davis (original lineup) |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York , United States |
| Products | Albums, singles |
Ex Girlfriend was a female vocal ensemble from the United States, comprising Monica Boyd, Julia Robertson, Stacy Francis, and Tisha Hunter. Initially formed in the mid-1980s under the name Petite, the original lineup included Kimberly Davis alongside Boyd, Robertson, and Hunter. Their first album, titled Teens, was released in 1986. Following Davis's departure, the group reemerged in 1989 as Ex Girlfriend based in Brooklyn, New York. Under the production of new jack swing specialists Full Force, they adopted the surname "X" to strengthen their branding.
The group achieved notable recognition in 1991 with their debut album X Marks the Spot, which featured hits such as "Why Can't You Come Home" and "You (You're the One for Me)". Their sophomore effort, It's a Woman Thang (1994), preceded their split in 1995 when members opted to embark on individual musical paths.
1984–1988: Formation and Petite era
In 1984, Kimberly Davis, Julia Robertson, Monica Boyd, and Tisha Hunter established the group Petite while studying at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. After signing with York's Records in Brooklyn in 1985, they issued the single "So Fine," which peaked at number 86 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Their debut album Teens (1986) did not achieve national chart success, prompting them to concentrate on session work and providing background vocals. Due to creative disagreements, Davis left and was succeeded by Kennethia "Kenne" Pierce in 1988. Pierce released the track "What Is He To You?" featuring Petite before her exit in 1989.
1989–1992: Transition to Ex Girlfriend and X Marks the Spot
In 1989, the male ensemble Full Force took notice of Petite and became their managers, signing them to Forceful Records, an imprint under Reprise Records. After recruiting Stacy Francis, they rebranded as Ex Girlfriend, adopting 'X' as a shared surname to embody a concept of "female militarism." The group contributed backing vocals to Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam's "Just Git It Together" (1989) and Jasmine Guy's single "Try Me" (1990).
Their debut single as Ex Girlfriend, "Why Can't You Come Home," was released mid-1991 and climbed into the top five on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. This success secured them appearances on television programs such as Soul Train. The album X Marks the Spot, released in October 1991, reached number thirty-nine on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The follow-up single "You (You're the One for Me)" attained number thirty-five on the R&B chart, whereas their final single from the album, "With All My Heart," did not enter the charts.
In October 1992, Ex Girlfriend contributed the song "Colorless Love" to the soundtrack of the drama film Zebrahead.
1994–1995: Release of It's a Woman Thang and breakup
Ahead of their second album, Ex Girlfriend released the single "X In Your Sex" in mid-1994. Their sophomore album, It's a Woman Thang, was issued in August 1994. The record failed to secure a position on music charts; similarly, its second single "You for Me" did not chart, leading to disappointing commercial results. Consequently, the group disbanded in 1995 as members pursued solo endeavors.
Reunion and subsequent activities
Following the group's dissolution, each member embarked on distinct individual careers. Francis landed prominent theatre roles, including performances in Mama, I Want To Sing! and the Broadway production of Footloose. Hunter lent her talents to background vocals and vocal arrangement for Yvette Michele's 1997 track "DJ Keep Playin' (Get Your Music On)". Meanwhile, Boyd shifted her professional focus to become a makeup artist.
Ex Girlfriend reunited briefly in July 2008. Hunter went on to release the single "Kick Out the Jams" in 2009. In 2011, Francis reached the finals on the inaugural season of The X Factor USA. Robertson issued collaborative singles including "Body Rush" (2016) featuring Norm Adams, followed by "Home Tonight" in 2017 and the festive tune "My Kinda Christmas" in 2018.
On May 5, 2023, Julia Robertson debuted her solo single "HEAT," co-written and produced by Erick "Mr. Major" Shervington. Her follow-up single, "Doin' It," was globally released on August 23, 2024. Presently, she is completing her first solo album titled “The Audio-Biography of Julia Robertson,” with Mr. Major managing all production aspects.
Albums
| Title | Album details | Highest chart position |
|---|---|---|
| US R&B | ||
| X Marks the Spot |
|
37 |
| It's a Woman Thang |
|
— |
Singles
| Title | Year | Chart rankings | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Hot 100 | US R&B | US Radio Airplay | |||
| "Why Can't You Come Home" | 1991 | 78 | 5 | 57 | X Marks the Spot |
| "You (You're the One for Me)" | 104 | 35 | — | ||
| "With All My Heart" | — | — | — | ||
| "Colorless Love" | 1992 | — | — | — | Zebrahead - OST |
| "X In Your Sex" | 1994 | — | 47 | — | It's a Woman Thang |
| "You for Me" | — | — | — | ||