Quick answer: Pretty Ricky was founded in 1997 in Miami by four members — Pleasure P, Spectacular, Baby Blue, and Slick’Em. The lineup changed several times through the 2000s, reunited as the original four starting in 2014–2015, and currently performs as a trio of Pleasure P, Spectacular, and Baby Blue after Slick’Em’s absence from the group since 2024.
| Name | Real Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pleasure P | Marcus Cooper | Lead vocals | Current (trio) |
| Spectacular | “Spectacular” Blue Smith | Rap | Current (trio) |
| Baby Blue | Diamond Smith | Rap | Current (trio) |
| Slick’Em | Corey Mathis | Rap | Absent since 2024 |
| Mowet | Carl Lovett | Vocals | Departed (2007–2009 era) |
| 4Play | Christopher Myers | Vocals | Departed (2007–2009 era) |
| Lingerie | Emanuel DeAnda | Vocals | Departed (2009–2014 era) |
The Founding Lineup (1997, Miami)
Pretty Ricky formed in Miami in 1997 around four members: Marcus “Pleasure P” Cooper on lead vocals, brothers Diamond “Baby Blue” Smith and “Spectacular” Blue Smith, and their cousin Corey “Slick’Em” Mathis. That lineup carried the group through its commercial peak in the mid-2000s — the Platinum single “Grind With Me,” the Gold-certified album Bluestars (2005), and the #1 album Late Night Special (2007).
2007: Pleasure P’s Exit and the Replacement Era
Pleasure P left the group in 2007 following a falling-out with manager Joseph Smith Sr., the father of Spectacular and Baby Blue. Pleasure P has said the conflict came down to wanting more personal independence within the group — his own finances, his own place to live — which Smith refused to grant. He’s since said going solo “was never my intentions,” framing the split as a byproduct of that management conflict rather than a choice to leave music.
With Pleasure P gone, the group brought in Carl “Mowet” Lovett and Christopher “4Play” Myers as replacement vocalists to keep touring and recording.
2009: Lingerie Steps In
In 2009, Emanuel “Lingerie” DeAnda replaced Christopher “4Play” Myers, continuing the post-Pleasure P lineup through the group’s self-titled Pretty Ricky album that year.
Pleasure P’s Solo Run
Away from the group, Pleasure P built a genuinely successful solo career under his own name, Marcus Cooper. His debut album, The Introduction of Marcus Cooper (2009), peaked at #10 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album. The single “Boyfriend #2” became his biggest solo hit, reaching #42 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2014–2015: The Reunion
Pretty Ricky’s original four members — Pleasure P, Spectacular, Baby Blue, and Slick’Em — began reuniting in 2014, announcing a tour and new material together. Their comeback single, “Puddles,” came out in February 2015, marking the first time that founding lineup had recorded together since the mid-2000s. (For the full history of every change, see Why Did Pretty Ricky Break Up?)
The Current Lineup (2026)
Pretty Ricky now performs as a trio of Pleasure P, Spectacular, and Baby Blue. Founding member Slick’Em has not performed with the group since around 2024. (For the full story of his absence, see What Happened to Slick’Em From Pretty Ricky?)
FAQ
How many members does Pretty Ricky have now?
Three — Pleasure P, Spectacular, and Baby Blue currently make up the active lineup.
Who are the original members of Pretty Ricky?
Pleasure P, Baby Blue, Spectacular, and Slick’Em founded the group in Miami in 1997.
Is Pleasure P still in Pretty Ricky?
Yes. He rejoined during the group’s 2014–2015 reunion and remains an active member.
What happened to Slick’Em?
He’s been absent from the group since around 2024. Read the full story here.
Sources: Wikipedia — Pretty Ricky, Wikipedia — Pleasure P, Atlanta Black Star
