The group started in 1984 as The Gents and comprised Drakeford, Larry McCain, William McNeir, Ronald Scruggs, and Bernard Belle. During an anti-drug benefit, the group received a meeting with the producer Teddy Riley who renamed the group Today and melded them into the current lineup. Today -- Frederick Lee "Bubba" Drakeford, Larry Singletary, Wesley Adams, and Larry McCain -- were childhood friends from Englewood, NJ. Riley helped them receive a deal with MCA Records.