Johnny Gill Tells Which New Edition Member Is Most Likely To…

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As the veteran crooner and New Edition count down to another appearance at ESSENCE Festival, held June 30-July 3 in New Orleans, we find out just how well he really know his bandmaters after all these years.

Bené Viera May, 12, 2016

After scoring his first No. 1 R&B hit in 20 years—”This One’s for Me and You” featuring New Edition—Johnny Gill is basking in the moment. Before he and his bandmates return to ESSENCE Festival, held June 30-July 3 in New Orleans, he played along with a fun little game we like to call “The New Edition Member Most Likely To…” His answers were both surprising and hilarious.

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Who is the New Edition member most likely to jump the turnstile in the NYC subway back in the day?

Hands down Bobby [Brown]. Hands down.
Who is most likely to be outside with a boombox trying to win back his girl?

I would say that would probably be Ronnie [DeVoe]. He’s always been the easygoing cat that’s kind of like, you know, mild-mannered. I believe he would own up, first of all, to whatever it is. He would be that guy that would do that out of all of us.

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Who is most likely to cry over a sad movie?
Shoot, I couldn’t see none of us on that one! We’d be over here looking at each other, “N—a, what’s wrong with you?” [Laughs]

Who is most likely to miss a step during “Mr. Telephone Man”?
Probably me or Mike [Bivins]. The rest of them always got it. Me or Mike could go either way. [Laughs]

Who is most likely to clap back to a rude fan on social media?
Yours truly, Johnny Gill. It ain’t no most likely, I’ve done it. And they all go, “Oh my God, is that him?” Every once in a blue moon somebody might say something a little twisted. I’m the holier-than-thou guy who wants nothing but peace and [to] talk about love. But I’m also the guy that will punch you straight in the mouth, or I’ll hurt your feelings. I have no guard or filter on my mouth once you step across the lines. I’m from D.C. I can hit you from all different angles.
Who is most likely to go skinny-dipping?

I’d give that to Rick [Bell]. I think Rick might try that one.
Who is most likely to have the wildest groupie tales?

I’d have to probably say Ralph [Tresvant]. It’d probably be between Ralph and Bobby.

Buy your tickets for the 2016 ESSENCE Festival here and make sure to check back for more updates!