HI-FIVE (l-r): Marcus Sanders, Shannon Gill, Faruq Evans, Treston Irby, Billy Covington
When I caught up with the gentlemen of Hi-Five they were all coming together in New York to shoot their highly anticipated music video "Different Kiss", which is a single from their album titled The EP. In spite of the many changes and tragedies that have scarred the group, they have pressed on and upward and continue to be the heartbeat of success.
BLAQUELINE: Who are the current members of Hi-Five?
HI-FIVE: Marcus Sanders, Shannon Gill, Treston Irby. We are all original members and the two new members are Faruq Evans and Billy Covington.
Treston Irby further elaborated on the fact that fans should understand that the three original members have been part of Hi-Five since day one. From the days of "The Kissing Game."
BLAQUELINE: Sometimes changing members can be like a bad break-up, do you all still speak to any of the past members?
HI-FIVE: Not really. Tony Thompson passed away, but aside from that we do not speak to any of the former members.
BLAQUELINE: I hear the name Bronx Most Wanted surfacing. Tell me more about the company.
HI-FIVE (Treston Irby): It's an entertainment company that I started (Treston Irby) many years ago. I figured instead of going somewhere else why dont we keep everything in- house. It just did not feel right taking Hi-Five somewhere else. So I got with Marcus and we felt it was the best thing for us and we could have more control. To be honest, people were not trying to check for us, so when that happens you have to do things yourself. I believe in Hi-Five and the projects that we are doing. When people do not want to help, you have to get out there and do it yourself.
"Believe in yourself, when no one else does..."