3LW and the Turbulent Journey of A Girl Can Mack
In the early 2000s, the R&B landscape was defined by dynamic girl groups, and 3LW was poised for a major breakthrough. Following their debut, the group began preparing for their sophomore studio album, A Girl Can Mack. What started as a promising project eventually became a saga of internal conflict, lineup changes, and industry hurdles.
The Road to A Girl Can Mack
In February 2002, 3LW announced they had recorded 10 tracks for their upcoming second album. To build momentum, they released the single "I Do (Wanna Get Close To You)" on June 18. Produced by P. Diddy and featuring Loon, the track saw moderate success in the United States, peaking at number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 (the standard chart measuring the most popular songs in the US). However, the song found a larger audience in New Zealand, where it climbed to number 13.
By mid-July, the group was actively rehearsing for a concert special as part of the TEENick Summer Concerts series, signaling a high point in their promotional cycle.
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Internal Conflict and the Departure of Naughton
As the August release date for A Girl Can Mack approached, the group was struck by a sudden crisis: member Naughton left the group. The departure followed a reported altercation between Naughton and Kiely Williams involving a plate of KFC food. While Williams and Nadine Bailon initially denied the incident, Williams later admitted it happened, though she claimed the situation was more complex than a simple disagreement over food.
The narratives surrounding the split were conflicting. Naughton cited numerous disputes with the group's management—specifically Michelle Williams, Kiely's mother—and claimed she was forced out. Conversely, Williams and Bailon asserted that Naughton had been unhappy for some time and lacked the necessary ambition for the group's goals.
Transitioning to a Duo and Album Release
Following the split, Epic Records attempted to introduce Williams and Bailon to two potential replacements. However, the pair decided to continue as a duo, leading the press to jokingly refer to them as "2LW." Despite the change in lineup, the group decided to keep Naughton's vocals and image on the record to honor her contributions.
The album's release was delayed from September to October 22, 2002. This delay allowed the duo to return to the studio to record five new tracks, as several original songs had leaked online. On the final record, Naughton was only credited with lead vocals on two songs: "Funny" and "More Than Friends." Naughton alleged that management blocked her from appearing on other tracks, while Bailon claimed Naughton had simply avoided the studio during certain recording sessions.
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The Search for a New Member
The promotional cycle continued with the release of the second single, "Neva Get Enuf." When the song underperformed, the group held nationwide auditions to find a third member. In March 2003, Jessica Benson joined the group. Shortly after her arrival, 3LW released "I Need That (I Want That)" as the third single from A Girl Can Mack, though it failed to chart. With Benson on board, the group continued to promote the album through various tour dates.
Key Facts
- Album Title: A Girl Can Mack
- Release Date: October 22, 2002
- Highest Charting Single: "I Do (Wanna Get Close To You)" (No. 13 in New Zealand)
- Original Members: Naughton, Kiely Williams, and Nadine Bailon
- Replacement Member: Jessica Benson (joined March 2003)
- Label: Epic Records
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 2002 | 10 tracks recorded for the sophomore album |
| June 18, 2002 | Release of "I Do (Wanna Get Close To You)" |
| August 2002 | Naughton departs the group |
| October 22, 2002 | Official release of A Girl Can Mack |
| March 2003 | Jessica Benson joins as the third member |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Naughton leave 3LW?
Naughton cited conflicts with management, specifically Michelle Williams, and claimed she was forced out. Other members attributed her departure to a lack of ambition and a specific altercation involving KFC food.
How did the group handle Naughton's departure on the album?
The group kept Naughton's vocals and image on the album because she had participated significantly in the recording process, though she only received lead vocal credits on "Funny" and "More Than Friends."
Who replaced Naughton in the group?
After a period of performing as a duo, 3LW held nationwide auditions and selected Jessica Benson, who joined the group in March 2003.
Which single from A Girl Can Mack was the most successful?
"I Do (Wanna Get Close To You)" was the most successful single, peaking at number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 13 in New Zealand.
Why was the album release date pushed back?
The release was delayed from September to October 2002 to allow the group to record five new tracks after several intended songs leaked online.