In Essence facts for kids

In Essence (sometimes called I.E.) was a five-member Canadian R&B music group. They were from Toronto, Ontario. Their songs were played in both Canada and the United States. The group made music from 1993 to 2006. Their album, The Master Plan, won a big award in 2004 called the Juno Award.

The Story of In Essence

How the Group Started

The five members of In Essence met in Toronto in 1993. They were lead singer Dru, Pops, Smooth, Que, and Touch. In 2001, the group went on a trip to New York City. There, they met a famous DJ named Funkmaster Flex and his manager. Soon after, In Essence signed a deal with a music company called Franchise Entertainment.

First Songs and Albums

After signing their deal, In Essence released their first song, "You Will Never Find". This song became popular in the United States. It was even included on Funkmaster Flex's album, The Mix Tape, Vol. IV.

In Essence then signed another record deal with ViK. Recordings / BMG Canada. They released their first album, The Master Plan, in 2003. This album featured a special song called "Who We Are", which was sung without any instruments.

Winning Big Awards

In April 2004, In Essence won a major award! They received a Juno Award for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for their album, The Master Plan. The Juno Awards are like the Grammy Awards for Canadian music.

Later in June 2004, the group won another award. MuchMusic gave them an MMVA Award for Best R&B Video Of The Year for their song Friend of Mine. That same year, the group also won a SOCAN #1 Award for the same video. They also received two nominations for the Canadian Radio Music Awards.

What Happened Next

After In Essence stopped making music together, Dru, the lead singer, started a solo career. He released two of his own albums: The One in 2008 and On the Brink in 2011.

Music Albums

In Essence released these albums:

• New Invention (1995)
• The Master Plan (2003)