Milestone: The R&B Supergroup That Vanished After One Song

In 1997, Milestone—a supergroup featuring Babyface, K-Ci, JoJo, and After 7—burst onto the scene with the soulful hit *“I Care About You”* from the *Soul Food* movie soundtrack. With powerhouse vocals, unmatched talent, and star power, they seemed destined to dominate R&B. But instead of becoming legends, Milestone disappeared after one song, leaving fans with unanswered questions. What happened to this dream collaboration? Was it doomed from the start? Here’s the story behind Milestone’s rise and mysterious fall.

The Promise of a Supergroup
Milestone had all the ingredients of an R&B powerhouse. Babyface was already an industry legend, crafting hits for Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, TLC, and countless others. K-Ci and JoJo had just split from Jodeci, riding high on their own success. After 7, featuring Babyface’s brothers Melvin and Kevon Edmonds, had their own string of smooth hits. When these giants joined forces for *“I Care About You,”* fans expected a cultural reset: a debut single leading to a full album, a world tour, and perhaps even decades of collaborations.

The song itself was a masterpiece. It showcased the emotional depth of R&B, blending smooth harmonies with raw, heartfelt lyrics. It was the centerpiece of the *Soul Food* soundtrack, capturing the essence of the movie’s themes of love, family, and resilience. Fans and critics alike were captivated, assuming this was just the beginning for Milestone. But instead of building momentum, the group vanished without explanation.

The Reality Behind Milestone
Despite their appearance as a supergroup, Milestone was never intended to be a real band. Insiders suggest the collaboration was a calculated marketing strategy rather than a genuine effort to launch a new act. Babyface, who owned the soundtrack and produced the movie, allegedly created Milestone to add emotional weight to the project. He assembled the group, wrote and produced *“I Care About You,”* and then moved on once the movie’s promotional cycle ended.

There were no plans for a follow-up single, album, or tour. Milestone wasn’t signed to a label as a group, and there was no long-term strategy in place. The name “Milestone” itself felt ironic—it promised longevity but delivered only a fleeting moment. While the song became a hit, charting on Billboard and receiving major radio play, the group itself dissolved as quickly as it had formed.

Behind-the-Scenes Tension
The dynamics within Milestone were complicated. Babyface, known for his perfectionism, reportedly ran the studio like a dictatorship. He controlled every detail, from lyrics to harmonies to final mixes, leaving little room for creative input from the other members. This approach clashed with the raw, unfiltered style of K-Ci and JoJo, who were used to expressing themselves freely in the studio. Kevon Edmonds, who had long lived in Babyface’s shadow, hoped Milestone would give him a chance to shine. Instead, Babyface remained front and center, dominating the credits and press photos while the rest of the group felt sidelined.

Adding to the tension were rumors of financial inequality. Babyface owned the publishing rights to *“I Care About You”* and the entire soundtrack. While the other members contributed vocals, they reportedly received only modest fees, with no songwriting or production credits. The revenue streams—from the song, soundtrack, and movie—flowed primarily to Babyface, leaving the rest of the group with little to show for their efforts.

The Quiet End
When the *Soul Food* promo cycle ended, Milestone simply faded away. There was no dramatic breakup, farewell interview, or reunion tour—just silence. Fans were left confused, wondering how a group with so much talent could vanish without explanation. The official story blamed scheduling conflicts and label issues, but the truth seems far simpler: Milestone wasn’t built to last. It was a temporary project designed to sell a soundtrack, not launch a career.

What Could Have Been
Milestone’s disappearance remains one of R&B’s biggest “what if” stories. They had the talent, the star power, and the moment. *“I Care About You”* is still considered one of the greatest slow jams of the decade, beloved for its emotional depth and timeless appeal. Yet the group itself is barely remembered. With no interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, or iconic performances to cement their legacy, Milestone became a forgotten artifact of industry politics and missed opportunity.

Where Are They Now?
After Milestone, K-Ci and JoJo found success as a duo with hits like *“All My Life.”* However, their journey was marred by health issues, addiction rumors, and canceled shows. Kevon Edmonds continued performing with After 7, especially after the passing of his brother Melvin in 2019, but the group never returned to mainstream success. Babyface, meanwhile, remained an unstoppable force in the music industry, winning Grammys, producing for Beyoncé and Ariana Grande, and launching new ventures. While the other members faded into the background, Babyface walked away with the credits, the catalog, and the checks.

The Legacy of Milestone
Milestone had the potential to redefine R&B supergroups, but instead, they became a fleeting moment in music history. Their story serves as a reminder of the industry’s focus on marketing over artistry. While *“I Care About You”* remains a beloved classic, the group itself was never meant to be more than a one-hit wonder. In the end, Milestone wasn’t built to grow—it was built to sell. And while Babyface cashed the checks, the rest of the group was left with memories of what could have been.