Teddy Riley Reintroduces R&B Icons as “Guy 2.0” with Fresh New Lineup

Teddy Riley, the Grammy-winning producer and pioneering architect of the new jack swing sound, is officially reviving one of R&B’s most influential groups, but with a modern twist. According to You Know I Got Soul, Riley has announced the launch of Guy 2.0, a reimagined version of the legendary group Guy that will not feature its original members, Aaron Hall and Damion Hall. Instead, the updated trio will include Fred “Ljai” Robinson (formerly of Profyle), J Stylz (previously of BS2), and solo R&B artist Ray Lavender, who was once signed to Geffen Records.
The announcement came directly from the group’s social media pages, where Riley and the new members confirmed both the lineup and the group’s new direction. “Greetings IG! We are GUY 2.0!! Follow us on our mission!!” the post read, adding that fans can expect to see the revamped act perform live as part of the upcoming Teddy Riley Xperience. The move mirrors Riley’s earlier revival of his other acclaimed group, Blackstreet, which he reintroduced as BS2 about a decade ago.
Originally formed in 1987 by Riley, Aaron Hall, and Timmy Gatling (with Damion Hall later joining), Guy became a cornerstone of late-’80s and early-’90s R&B with classics like “Groove Me,” “Teddy’s Jam,” and “Let’s Chill.” Their first two albums went platinum, cementing the group’s role in shaping the new jack swing era, a fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and pop that transformed the genre. While the original lineup has reunited for tours and special performances over the years, Guy 2.0 marks a bold new chapter, blending the group’s rich legacy with a new generation of voices.










